Calling all Pilots

I'm just curious about how many of you out there are not only Interceptor pilots but are licensed to fly aircraft, helicopters, balloons, orbiting or interplanetary spacecraft etc.? Professional? Amateur?

lane:

PS - The lines of my black 06 have always reminded me of something but I wasn't able to figure out what it was until yesterday, when my daughter-in-law said it looks like something Batman would ride. Angular, stealth-like. That's it!

I still haven't figured out what to name her, the bike that is...

 

Airplane, single-engine, land, instrument airplane. Haven't flown in years but I still have the ticket.

 

I'm a part time flight instructor and occasional small corporate pilot, nothing impressive. I primarily do transition training and proficiency for Cirrus aircraft right now, working for a fractional company.
I see a lot of parallels between airplanes and motorcycles, and a lot of the decision making I teach students for aviation applies equally well on the ground (mitigate risks, fly/ride as though everyone within a given radius wants to kill you, always have an out, etc).

 

I know of 2 more off the top of my head, but I'll let them post up for them selves. I don't drive 'em, I just ride in 'em for a living.

 

i love my vfr but its no batpod!
http://asapblogs.typepad.com/theslug/images/061907batpod1.jpg

 

I'm not a pilot but my job involves me pissing off pilots a great deal. Does that count for anything?

I plan to start on my Private Pilot License next summer.

KC-10 FE out...
lane: :usa2:

 

I fly Airbus's for a major US Carrier and a Cherokee 180 when I can save enough to afford the fuel (over $5/gallon). On my 3rd VFR.......been on VFR's since they were 1st introduced in '86.

 

I'm your Huckleberry...

Ex corporate pilot. Used to fly a Cessna 441 (unlike Drewl's 421's, it never breaks down) Conquest II.



We got downsized, so I ferry planes, do some "private transport" in a Cirrus locally and fly jump planes while I look for another corporate gig.

This is last weekend at about 11,000 feet over Texas.

 

There's just something unnatural about jumping out of a perfectly good airplane .....

 

I agree 100%. Despite having to wear a parachute, I have zero desire to jump myself.

I will, however, quickly change my stance in the event of an un-planned wing-separation, ball of fire or any combination thereof.

 

That's a beautiful 441! Always loved green with gold stripes...sort of like Steve Forbes "Capitalist Tool". Looks like it has dash 10 engines. Hope Cessna's aging aircraft mandatory inspection doesn't ground it. Last I heard, it takes a couple months to perform and cost well in excess of $100k to perform.

 

Cessna's aging aircraft...tell me about it. PISH.

 

Drewl,

I don't think this is the right place for this thread since it's a VFR website, but anyway.....after the top blew off an Aloha 737 a few years back(killling a flight attendant) the FAA started looking into the effects of corrosion and metal fatigue on older aircraft. They are now beginning to scrutinize general aviation planes like the 441. It requires removing the entire interior, the complete tail section, exposing the main wing spar, and probably the most expensive part... removing the wings de-ice boots and replacing them after inspecting the skin under them. Many 441 owners were caught completely unawares and are now facing a massive bill and months of down time. Look for a very complete article in 'Aviation International News" published sometime between April and June of this year. You can see the full article on line.

 

HEE. I was being sarcastic. Working with 2 421s on a regular basis, I am painfully aware of the issues with older airframes
Excellent answer, though. Thanks.

You will learn not to take anything I say seriously.

 

Ditto!!

Funny story ... My mother was taking her check ride many, MANY years ago (she took it in a BT-17 if that tells you anything). After the check ride her examiner (who eventually became my dad) told her that it was a good thing she didn't have to use her 'chute since she had it on inside out.

 

Riding and Flying

This is the kind of comment I was hoping for. One of my sons is a 'bus driver' (first officer on the Airbus A320) and doesn't get my VFR/Interceptor affliction, so I've been drawing parallels.

In spite of his disdain, however, he was able to explain to me today why my second love wouldn't start, even after trying to jumpstart it down the hill in front of the house, resulting in my having to push it back up after that, in the rain, before work... I had used the kill switch after my last ride for the first time ever.:frusty:

Now I'm doomed, he is never going to let me live that down. Anyone who knows pilots knows what I mean... And I mean this in the kindest possible way...

 

I got an old airplane to go with my old VFR - 1948 Cessna 170. Both run good though.

 

I've spent as many years on bikes as I have flying aircraft. As I tell my 80+ year old parents who still worry about me and my riding...To survive on a motorcycle, you have to approach it just like flying an airplane. You plan your ride, watch the weather, preflight your bike and never get on it when carrying emotional baggage. Alchohol doesn't mix any better with jet fuel than it does gasoline so politely turn down the offers from those that want to mix the two and ride. Bikes require far more continuous concentration than flying an airliner as well as a much finer tuned mind/motor skill set. Ask any pilot that rides a lot and he'll tell you that after a few hundred miles on a bike his landings in an aircraft will remarkably improve. Something to do with your depth perception and periferal vision being used more. Whatever it is with bikes and planes, there are a great deal of similarities and many professional pilots that I work with own bikes.

 

Not a pilot because I am color blind. I do, however enjoy the next best things (in the Army anyway):

I am paid extra to be a flight surgeon (I fly 4 hrs a month)
I get paid extra to jump out of planes (however, I would do it for free if they asked me to)

Typically I log time in and jump out of in CASA 212s, CH-47s, UH-60s, C-130s and C-17s.

 

Airplane, Single Engine, Land. Not current though. Just can't seem to find the time anymore to fly enough to stay both current and safe. I'll get back to it someday.