HEY YALL ! We ride Motorcycles, why wont you Fly

[T.P.]

who has never been in a plane but would like to ?   Who has never been in a plane and never will ?  Who loves to fly any chance they can.   

[Serk]

Who loves to fly any chance they can.   

*Raises his hand*

I _LOVE_ flying... I'll volunteer for any trip at work, partially 'cause I love travel, but also just for the plane ride...

The one to the west coast of Africa where I then got to fly in a chopper out to a rig off the coast was AWESOME...

Always wanted to be a pilot, just didn't happen... (Being 5'19" didn't help much on my chances for being a pilot either, of course...)

[Highlander]

I love to fly, in a plane or on the Valkyrie.  But, . . . .  I hate disrobing and walking barefoot to get on the plane.  The Valk has no such requirement.

[Mo Lee]

Funny this thread should start now but in the last 2 weeks both my Kids have gotten upset with me. One is in Germany and one is in Japan. They want us to come visit them overseas and I quickly reminded them I did not plan on flying again, don't get me wrong if sudden deployments were to arise they better get the plane started because I'm going after my Grandkids. During my Army career I flew many a mile and even took one trip around the world in ten days and I just don't want my luck to run out.   

[PharmBoy]

I once sold three motorcycles to help buy an airplane and this was before I got my license.  It only took 30 years to realize that something was missing and bought another motorcycle...JTL   

[ArmyValker]

I've flown many many helicopter missions when I was in Iraq. I loved every one. There's nothing like the rush of flying in a blackhawk with the doors open about 50 - 100ft above the ground.
As far as airplanes... I can do without that whole rigamarole... I like the flying part but the jumpin through hoops for 2 hours before the flight is the killer.

[Daniel Meyer]

*raises hand*

Licensed private pilot here. Can't afford it at the moment...but have high hopes of getting back to it.

[Big IV]

but I still love to fly. I fly every chance I can get, which isn't all that often.

[Willow]

I hate disrobing and walking barefoot to get on the plane. 

I'm sorry, but I've been plagued by a mental image that I do not need.     Somebody help me out here!   

[Hoser]

Had enough of flying when I was in the Navy. hoser

[Misfit]

What's cooler than airplanes and motorcycles??   Nuttin!

[Scott in Ok]

I hate disrobing and walking barefoot to get on the plane. 

Somebody help me out here!   

Here you go Willow.  I'm always glad to help out.



-Scott

[Cajunbone]

Absolutely LOVE to fly...got addicted while in the USN...flew on most of the transport things that the Navy had...COD...All helos to include the H-34...(yes I am that old)...and now that I am "retired" (read to stopped working in the Navy to working for the Navy) am getting ready to head out in two weeks to Lockport, La to complete a job for the USCG.  Can fall asleep before the flight takes off and wake up right before it lands...sweet....

[T.P.]

Looks like a pic from the back of a bus.      no armrests on the seats. 

[Willow]

Here you go Willow.  I'm always glad to help out.

-Scott

Thanks, Scott.   ???   I hope that wasn't too easy to find among your collection.    

[Scott in Ok]

Thanks, Scott.   ???   I hope that wasn't too easy to find among your collection.    

Don't mention it. Google can find just about anything.

-Scott

[ChromeDome]

My preffered method of transportation is my Valk but I have no problem flying and usually fall a sleep once in the air. Of course I now only fly when time and/or distance make flying my only option.

[Valker]

I hate commercial flying!! I love small planes. I have to fly sometimes just for the time/distance thing here in Texas. I commute to Houston a lot in the summer (700 miles) so the time is a hassle.

[R J]

Who loves to fly any chance they can.   

What time does ya want me at the airport, I is ready to go.

Did a lot of flying until the FAA thought I didn't need to be in the air endangering other planes & pilots,

I was a crop duster as a teen for my Uncle.

FAA doesn't like ya flying under bridges,

[John Schmidt]

I started in '64 then had to lay off for a few years...kids and money. I've been a member of AOPA for about 30 years now, even though I'm currently inactive as a pilot. Biggest reason for that is my wife is real bad with the motion sickness thing, can get sick in stop and go traffic if I'm not careful. My former wife of 31 yrs.(ended over 20 yrs. ago) was also a licensed pilot and we had many a good time taking vacations where we used a plane. When we flew I always carried a camera with a zoom lens and often a multiplier to really pull stuff in. Living in central Fla. I've had a number of chances to capture launches at the Cape. It really gets hectic in that area with all the traffic flying around doing the same thing I'm trying to do....get a good spot to capture the launch.

Due to age and associated health issues, I'll probably not be able to renew my medical certificate. So, any time I get a chance I'll go up with someone in a Light Sport type a/c. Eventually I want to get back at the controls, but it will have to be alone....kinda like the bike now. My wife can't ride with me on that anymore either due to her Parkinson's disease. I miss it...both her and the flying.

[Ms Old Skool]

O'K guys since you all love to fly I really need help. I'm terrified of flying. I fly only when I have too and so is the case this Sunday. Noah and I are going to Vegas. Steve loved to fly and seems like Noah does too but when I know I'm about to fly it's just doom doom until I get on the plan and try to settle myself down. I want over this feeling so that Noah and I can hop on a plan and go anywhere. So help me out here. Please..

[Valker]

O'K guys since you all love to fly I really need help. I'm terrified of flying. I fly only when I have too and so is the case this Sunday. Noah and I are going to Vegas. Steve loved to fly and seems like Noah does too but when I know I'm about to fly it's just doom doom until I get on the plan and try to settle myself down. I want over this feeling so that Noah and I can hop on a plan and go anywhere. So help me out here. Please..

Ever wonder why some folks order alcohol to drink on planes?

[Serk]

O'K guys since you all love to fly I really need help. I'm terrified of flying. I fly only when I have too and so is the case this Sunday. Noah and I are going to Vegas. Steve loved to fly and seems like Noah does too but when I know I'm about to fly it's just doom doom until I get on the plan and try to settle myself down. I want over this feeling so that Noah and I can hop on a plan and go anywhere. So help me out here. Please..

I'm sure you know the statistics that the drive to the airport is FAR FAR FAR more dangerous than the flight itself is, by many orders of magnitude...

But, think of it this way... Since we first gained consciousness, it's been a major dream of mankind to soar among the birds... For millenia that was just a dream, always out of the grasp of humans, destined to stay on the ground looking up at the birds in wonder.

You get to be one of the very few people, historically speaking, that gets to experience flight, that gets to break the infamous surly bonds of earth and soar among, nay, above the birds...

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up, the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, nor even eagle flew.
And while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space...
...put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

[John Schmidt]

This is by Leonardo da Vinci.

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

My wife is a white knuckle flier and it used to drive her nuts when she traveled with me by air. I'd either fall asleep before takeoff or shortly thereafter. Or, sometimes I would read during the entire flight. With each and every thermal bump or momentary turbulence(not the infamous non-existent airpockets), she would either grab me or the armrests with a vice-like grip, often waking me up. Upon arrival, I'm rested and she's wound up so tight she can't sleep for two days. Like the man said, it's more dangerous during the ride to the airport than the flight itself. Remember, planes are designed to fly....not crash. Even without an autopilot you can trim them to fly cross country pretty much hands-off. And, the pilots have to pass a physical every six months if I remember correctly. So relax and enjoy the view.

[Daniel Meyer]

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds...and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up, the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, nor even eagle flew.
And while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space...
...put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

With apologies to Serk the Serk, John Gillespie Magee, and pretty much everybody in this thread...but the above poem inspired this out of me a few years ago...in the yard of course...and always comes to mind...

Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of work
And danced in the yard to joyful noise
Fenceward I've run and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-warmed  toys—and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung
A disk flying in the sunlit air, hovering there
Chasing and bounding and eagerly flung
Again and again through the sparkling air
Up, up again to return it to me...and me to you
Snapped from the air with a fluid grace
Where never a disk nor ball ever escaped
And with boundless energy and saving grace
The playful joy to be found in this place

I put out my hand and touched the face of dog.

[Chrisj CMA]

O'K guys since you all love to fly I really need help. I'm terrified of flying. I fly only when I have too and so is the case this Sunday. Noah and I are going to Vegas. Steve loved to fly and seems like Noah does too but when I know I'm about to fly it's just doom doom until I get on the plan and try to settle myself down. I want over this feeling so that Noah and I can hop on a plan and go anywhere. So help me out here. Please..

Well, I hope the trip went well Ms Old Skool.........I have known others that had this fear, and I cannot say I know how you feel because I have spent a career in th military flying and I quite enjoy it.

I think one needs to isolate what is really the source of the fear.  In my experience its the lack of control....putting your life in the hands of the flight crew; many cannot do this easily

Or, is it fear of heights and of falling from said heights.  If thats the case, you are lucky because I think thats the easier one to overcome....statistically you are more likely to have a catastrophe in a car than any other means of transportation..........so you can rationalize yourself out of this fear if you try hard enough.

If all else fails.....convince yourself you are a daredevil and flying is your secret "dangerous" mission and it will simply add to the excitement........

Bottom line, FLY MORE and the fear will decrease

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I took my first airplane ride this year and if I have anything to do with it that will be my last " Been There , Done That " . I did'nt care for it at all.

[Valker]

ChrisJ,
It's the claustrophobic cabin and seats to me...

[sheets]

I'll take the little planes any day over the big ones.  Kid #1 is a private pilot and a commercial pilot.  I prefer bust'n scud with him any day of the week in a small plane as compared to flying commercially.  Low and slow (sometimes zipping around in a RV) is where its at for me.  Ymmv, sheets

[Probie (Scooter57)]

Never flown a commercial airline...been on a couple military planes when I was in ROTC in High School. I've been in 3 or 4 different small planes, had a friend in Vero Beach who's parents owned one and he had his license, told me any time I wanted to go to the Bahama's to get two other people and split the cost three ways along with paying his way. Never went and I sure do wish I had...too late now.

[BF]

To me, riding a motorcycle is the closest thing to flying without having to leave the ground.  And I'm not all that exicited about leaving the ground.   

[X Ring]

I can't stand flying.  Spending several hours in a cramped seat.  Can't stretch out and get comfortable.  Sinuses messed up by the very dry air.  No thank you.  I'll ride (preferred) or drive thank you very much. 

[Valker]

They frown on trying to carry on board the planes also......

[TomT]

I LOVE to fly!! But gave it up and sold my plane to buy my Valk! Here are a few pics of my Falcon XP. Everyone used to say it looked like I was flying backwards! LOL




I still miss flying though, and look up at the sky every morning when I get out of work to see what the clouds are doing!

[Skeeter (Va)]

This is by Leonardo da Vinci.

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

My wife is a white knuckle flier and it used to drive her nuts when she traveled with me by air. I'd either fall asleep before takeoff or shortly thereafter. Or, sometimes I would read during the entire flight. With each and every thermal bump or momentary turbulence(not the infamous non-existent airpockets), she would either grab me or the armrests with a vice-like grip, often waking me up. Upon arrival, I'm rested and she's wound up so tight she can't sleep for two days. Like the man said, it's more dangerous during the ride to the airport than the flight itself. Remember, planes are designed to fly....not crash. Even without an autopilot you can trim them to fly cross country pretty much hands-off. And, the pilots have to pass a physical every six months if I remember correctly. So relax and enjoy the view.

A PHYSICAL...FAA ORAL (CAN BE BY A DESIGNATED CHIEF PILOT ECT) AND A COMPLETE FLIGHT CHECK EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR THE CAPTAIN AND ANNUALLY FOR THE CO-PILOT...I've taken about 56 physicals over the years of commercial flying......

[Stanley Steamer]

I LOVE to fly!! But gave it up and sold my plane to buy my Valk! Here are a few pics of my Falcon XP. Everyone used to say it looked like I was flying backwards! LOL[/color]

other little "planes" like in the background of your pic??....Some have the hang glider type wings and some have a parachute.....one of the retired firefighters here in Athens used to sell that type....I always wondered how much $$ and how high they'd fly?

[Duffy]

I love flying. 

I used to take flying lessons and flew solo 3 times in the late ninties. It is an expensive hobbie, but worth every nickel.

A former employer had a Lear 24  (jet that sat 6, I think)- that was awesome to ride in! Valk rider Smiling Jack is one of the pilots still today for that company. The Lear is long gone, I think they have a Citation and another plane now.

If I had it to do over, a pilot is at the top of my list. 

[TomT]

other little "planes" like in the background of your pic??....Some have the hang glider type wings and some have a parachute.....one of the retired firefighters here in Athens used to sell that type....I always wondered how much $$ and how high they'd fly?

The ones with the "hang glider" type wings are called trikes or weight shift aircraft and can fly however high you want to fly, up to about 10,000 feet (if you have big enough gonads to fly that high) and cost anywhere from about $2,000 for a used one on up to $25,000 or more for a new one.
As a matter of fact, I have a little single seat that Joanne was taking lessons for, (but never soloed in) for sale. I'm just getting it cleaned up and getting it ready to put on the market. Probably ask about $3,000 for it. Ummmm, but you would probably be to heavy for it! I think max pilot weight for it was about 200 lbs.
Later,
Tom

[Black Pearl's Captain]

(if you have big enough gonads to fly that high)
Later,
Tom

gonads to fly a trike? Not! It takes gonads to fly an ultralight with wings made of Saran Wrap!!

Nice little soaring machine Tom.

Raymond

[Skeeter (Va)]

I LOVE to fly!! But gave it up and sold my plane to buy my Valk! Here are a few pics of my Falcon XP. Everyone used to say it looked like I was flying backwards! LOL




I still miss flying though, and look up at the sky every morning when I get out of work to see what the clouds are doing!

That is one, beyond awesome bird.!!