Not too long ago, I read an account of an ultra-light aircraft developed for use over the jungles of Africa. It uses two overhead mounted engines and has an open cockpit with seats for two, fore and aft. Because it's primary mission was low level photography, it is called the Aircam.
Today I learned that they are still being made in this country. I met a pair of pilots (who possess multi-engine and amphibious ratings) who were on their way to Maine from Virginia in a pair of these strange looking aircraft.
It has long been my policy to ask for a flight if conditions are right, and so after a short flight along the beach in my own plane, I sought out the pilots as they fueled their craft and did so. As they were facing a rather strong headwind on their way to Massachusetts for an overnight stay, and since they had now lashed gas cans in the passengers seat, it was decided that my ride would come on their return, in the middle of the month.
So I have a mission to try to seek out a fresh water landing spot for the occasion. I watched them take off, clad in thermal jumpsuits, on their way across Long Island Sound and Connecticut for their next stop, and was very glad that at least one of them was my age or older.
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10 comments:
I truly hope that the details work out for this flight. I know it will be a thrill to add another aircraft. :)
interesting aircraft.
Hope this dream comes true.
You must be one damn-fine smooth talker in getting airplane rides and getting to go on the bridges of cruising ships and all this stuff you seem to have garnered - only through the the expense of apparent, vocal mastery - in your lifetime. I'm impressed!
In the case of the bridge, and Bethany getting to blow the whistle of the ship, it was largely talking and maybe the fact that the Captain was buying a place in Uruguay and Bethany was seen drinking the national drink of that country from the bridge, which likely intrigued the captain.
In the case of the flights, the request is ALWAYS couched in terms of offering to share the cost of the flight...NOT a freebee. Although it often devolves to the cost of a cup of coffee, the offer of more is made in good faith.
The post 9-11 ride in an airline simulator in Beijing was due to an internet friendship. I guess I just figure the worst that can happen is they say no. Otherwise, some fine adventures can unfold.
No sense in wasting a potentially good moment in time, don't disagree there.
However, I am quite sure that you're attempt to nullify your silver tongued ability will remain futile.
One thing that both sparks my admiration and appalls me at the same moment is Fin's aplomb, he is able to ask for and receive some wonderful life experiences simply by asking.
The appall comes from my upbringing in a "don't-be-pushy it's-impolite-to-impose" type of household. The admiration is won because he is so often successful and he has taught me that it is okay to ask for things you want and that often if you ask nicely things do go well.
Who else got to see the engine room?
And you got to blow the whistle WITHOUT asking!
See? My point EXACTLY!!
I truly hope that the details work out for this flight. I know it will be a thrill to add another aircraft. :)
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