![]() |
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 5:23:55 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 6:58:59 PM UTC-4, Neal Alders wrote: First time on this group. Hello all! My story is truly nothing fantastic in the grand scheme of things, but today was a red-letter day for me. Today is a few weeks shy of my 32nd anniversary in aviation, specifically soaring. June 18, 1988, I was 12 ½ years old and went for my first ride in a 2-33 with one of the regulars at Valley Soaring. Today, May 31, 2020, I went up in a 2-33 again, after nearly 21 years out of a Schweizer, and 15 years since I flew any sailplane (5 flights in 2005 in an L-23), at Treasure Coast Soaring. I introduced myself to the CFI-G as I boarded and advised him, I am a semi-experienced sailplane pilot, but have effectively been out of it for over 2 decades. We hooked up behind Bob Youngblood in his yellow 180 hp Pawnee (My Favorite) and Tom told me to go ahead and fly. Took off, moved into a reasonably stable high tow (NOT my favorite!) released in some lift, managed a few hundred foot climb, flew around a bit, had another few hundred foot climb, entered the pattern and managed a nice landing and roll up to the requested stopping point. My instructor flattered me and considered that my club check out. Apparently, even after 4 ½ years in an Airbus, I still know how to use my feet! I was quite pleased with myself! After a nearly 60-day break from any flying from this Covid induced hysteria, getting back in the air was a much-needed distraction. 32 years ago, UH, and the Valley Soaring crew took me in as a 12 ½ year old junior. I went to UH’s house on the weekends in the winters, ate well, raced RC cars, learned the art of dope and fabric, sheet metal, composite, and steel tube repair and how to fabricate, design, engineer darn near anything. I also learned how to be who I am today. Yes, UH, it is your fault! It is because I was given the opportunity to learn so many different things from so many amazingly talented people that I am who I am today. 32 years ago, I was an annoying, over enthusiastic kid who talked too much. Today, I am an Airbus 320 Captain for a major airline with bright yellow airplanes, who still talks too much. I owe it all to my family. All my family. Blood and otherwise. I could not have done any of it without all of you. Thanks, UH and CDM, and everyone else at Valley Soaring. Today’s story? I am a glider pilot again. Finally. And I couldn’t be happier. Thank you. MS I remember Neal waiting to be old enough to solo while his older sister had the keys to the 1-26 and flew all over. Finally the day came and he soloed, soon having the keys to Aunt Dianne's 1-26. He flew his first contest in that as a guest because he wasn't old enough to get the required private pilot certificate yet. Neal got his PP glider on his 16th birthday, issued by an FAA inspector that did the check ride on a Sunday on his own time. Earlier that day he did his first airplane solo in our Super Cub. He didn't want to do it in Dad's Cardinal. Later, with help, he restored a J3. Then he went off to fly sky divers and build time to go to the airlines. Maybe one of these days we'll get him back as an active glider pilot. One of our success stories. UH I think he has the bug once again, I was laughing during the tow because I knew what Tommy was going to say, " the guy can fly"! Never question Tommy, with a PHD from MIT and Cambridge, who wants to argue. Bob |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
You flatter me sir. Thank you! Makes me feel better after an afternoon of pulling 50 amp 6-3 wire for my RV hookup. Getting old SUCKS!
|
#3
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Yes, but it sure beats the alternative...
On 6/5/2020 5:41 PM, Neal Alders wrote: You flatter me sir. Thank you! Makes me feel better after an afternoon of pulling 50 amp 6-3 wire for my RV hookup. Getting old SUCKS! -- Dan, 5J |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Very true.
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
When you stop getting older, you start to stink and then they bury you.
However, it is also worth remembering that it is never too late to have a happy childhood. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
![]()
Funny story about the time I sold my DG-101 but before I located my current glider. The scene is set with me now without a sailplane with a contest coming up.
It turned out that a good friend had just bought a nearly brand new DG-303 (like 10 hours on it) and had his current DG-300 for sale. So, being a standup guy, he offered my using his old DG-300. Great! Then before the contest time he sells the DG-300. What now? I timedly asked if I could borrow his DG-303. Remember this was a basically brand new glider and my friend HAD NEVER FLOWN IT! But "stand up guy says yes. Great! One caviet, "Whatever you do DON'T LAND IT OUT!" "OK, sure, no problem" I say and off I go to the contest. The contest arrives and I am flying the practice day. What happens? I land out of course. Nice plowed farm's field, nice farmer and nice family (two young boys asking 100's of questions and the wife offering me home made cookies). Obligatory group picture later they depart. Everything is fine except that I can't seem to get the winglets off to put the glider away. My retrieve guy shows up and we struggle and struggle. I know we are doing everything right. 2 hours later its getting dark. Now what? Can't put the wings in the trailer with the winglets still attached as the top of the wings face outward. Drive 2h with the top up? Not likely. We decide to flip the wings left and right in the trailer so the winglets face inward. That might work? Then, just as we are moving the wings into the trailer, the winglets fall off in our hands. WHAT? Took me another two days to tell my friend about all these happenings all the while he is repeatedly texting me with, "How did it fly? Great? Wonderful? Huh? Huh? Hello?" [crickets]. On the phone his first question is, "Do I still have gear doors?" The next day as I rig the ship I am trying to decide winglets or no winglets. Went with the winglets, never had an issue again, and never did figure out exactly what was going on. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
OT 4 airport round robin - time lapsed / real time with ATC COMS -video | A Lieberma[_2_] | Owning | 0 | August 30th 09 12:26 AM |
OT 4 airport round robin - time lapsed / real time with ATC COMS -video | [email protected] | Instrument Flight Rules | 0 | August 30th 09 12:26 AM |
4 airport round robin - time lapsed / real time with ATC COMS - video | [email protected] | Piloting | 0 | August 30th 09 12:25 AM |
First Time Buyer - High Time Turbo Arrow | [email protected] | Owning | 21 | July 6th 04 07:30 PM |
they took me back in time and the nsa or japan wired my head and now they know the idea came from me so if your back in time and wounder what happen they change tim liverance history for good. I work at rts wright industries and it a time travel trap | tim liverance | Military Aviation | 0 | August 18th 03 12:18 AM |