Do You Like To Fly?

by Englishman 40 Replies latest jw friends

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  HappyDad

  I loved flying so much that in 1997 I took lessons and got my private pilot license. Flew Cessna 152 and 172.

  Had a few scary moments but for the most part, it was very wonderful feeling being up a few thousand feet enjoying the countryside. I took many many pictures while flying.

  While still a student pilot, I did a solo cross country flight. For those who don't know, cross country flight in private pilot lingo means a minimum distance of 60 miles for each leg of the flight. (I think that figure is correct) And I got lost in Ohio! It was embarrasing to have to radio Cleveland Center and explain my situation in a voice several octaves higher than normal. They found me on radar and sent me on my way. Needless to say, I never got lost again.

  Then there was the time on a take-off when taking my test with the FAA examiner, a flock of mourning doves flew right into the plane and propeller. That plane turned into a big food processor. The examiner just laughed and said we were lucky it wasn't a flock of crows.

  Don't fly the small planes anymore though! The rental rate that used to be $39.00 to $47.00 an hour is now up over $80.00 an hour for a 152 and over $100.00 an hour for a 172. It was fun while it lasted.

  HappyDad
• 

  Simon

  love the in-flight meal -YUM

  erm ... not sure about that !

  Last time I came back from Canada I picked up a box of Tim Hortons donuts and had plenty of jealous "why didn't we think of that" looks
• 

  Doubtfully Yours

  Love it! Love it!! Love it!!!

  The take off is my favorite part!

  DY
• 

  EvilForce

  International flying still has a bit of sophistication and excitment. Domestic US flying is like a flying bus service.
  I wouldn't mind sitting next to you Simon w/ donuts....I seem to get stuck next to the family bringing on McDonalds and greasy, smelly burgers. UGH.
  But as for "flying" itself....I simply tolerate it. Don't like it necessarily, but am not afraid. I hate the hassles on the ground more than anything, so would rather drive if 5 hours or less rather than fly.
• 

  upside/down

  I read once... that at any given moment there are approximately 1 million people in the air...

  And to think the majority of mankinds history it was the ULTIMATE goal to achieve flight.

  We live better than King's used to (most of "us" anyway)

  u/d (of the flying is so bitchin class)
• 

  aniron

  Yes, but my arms get tired after a while. (can't beat the old ones)
• 

  Englishman

  Just found a site that deals exclusively with airline meals!

  http://www.airlinemeals.net/indexMeals.html

  I checked out the last airline we flew with, First Choice, and the pic was spot on!

  Englishman.
• 

  Rod P

  Depends if a long or short trip.

  First time in a jumbo jet scared the hell out of me. Afterwards, became pretty tolerable, even enjoyable if get a window seat. Loved flying over the Grand Canyon to and from Disneyland, California. Trip to Bermuda was great.

  If the trip is short, like Vancouver to Victoria or Calgary to Lethbridge then you get stuck in one of those flying lawn mowers. Guy in front of me got sick and had to use a barf bag as we were shot up and down on the air currents. Almost got me sick too! Not a good experience.

  Tried a helicopter off a mountain once. Whooeee! Last time I do that!!! How in hell do those guys fly off a cliff hanging on to a pole and gliding around 1500 feet off the ground. Makes my stomache flip just thinking about it. I can hardly stand sitting on a ski hill chair lift, especially coming down. My hands stick like glue to the safety bar, and my knuckles are very white. My wife sat beside me, looking around at the panoramic view. She was telling me to look at this and look at that. I told her "Don't bother me, I'm concentrating!"

  Rod P.
• 

  Gerard

  THIS is flying:

  
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  Abaddon

  You don't need to flap your arms... you just need to miss the ground...

  I love flying.

  I especially love telling people who the life-jackets under the seats are there to make you feel good, as no jet passenger plane has ditched in deep water with any survivors.

  It's like those dumb-ass searches. Nail scissors taken away to make you feel better and sake from nasty Muslims terrorists, and sharp pencils allowed on board, when a sharp pencil is far more lethal than nail scissors. Good thing AL-Quaida haven't figured that one out, LOL!