stiknruda
14th Oct 2007, 16:46
Is there such a thing as a bad day's flying?
This morning I was asked to ferry a large single Piper to a strip about 30 miles away, show the aeroplane to two different prospective buyers and possibly take them flying.
The weather really wasn't v nice: v hazy = legal, safe but not a whole bunch of fun.
One of the prospects (err.. suspects) phoned me at breakfast and told me that he expected me to be on the ground a whole 2 hours before I was due. And a whole two hours before the TAF predicted decent weather.
The other phoned and told me that he had to be away from the field by 13H. I said that the other guy wanted me there asap. Upon hearing that he was not the only person looking at the a/c, he muttered about "Dutch Auctions", told me he wasn't coming out to play, then hung-up.
My enthusiasm to conduct the flight was waning fast!
Eventually the vis improved so I got airborne and wound my way down south. It really wasn't much fun.
I landed, refuelled and waited for the prospects. They arrived, I showed them the aeroplane and they enthusiastically accepted the offer of a flight.
Strapped them in, briefed them and then went to start. The starter motor would not engage. I tried several times before finally accepting defeat. The prospect "stormed-off" accusing me of wasting his time. I phoned the owner, he was unwilling to drive the 80 mile round trip to collect me but would try a contact at the local flying club who might be able to fly down, pick me up and deposit me at my strip.
My enthusiasm had hit empty and I was not best pleased! The engineer then phoned to say that he'd take me back tomorrow morning by car, fix it and I could fly it back!
I could hear an airctaft approaching this very quiet, rural field. It landed and I recognised it. It was a 172 that lives on a strip 2 miles from me. Three guys got out and walked over to where I was.
"Hello Stik, what you doing here?"
"Oh, a/c's gone tech and I'm waiting to see is going to happen.!
"Well, there are only 2 of us going back in the Cessna, if you like we can give you a lift."
"That would be great, why only two of you going back?". My relieft was palpable!!
"Because X has come to collect his Mustang which is in the hangar here. Quick cup of tea and we're off."
So after pushing the P51D out and a swift cuppa, we were heading out to the Cessna and X said, "Stik, do you want a ride in the Mustang?"
I would have been quite delighted at a ride home in the baggage compartment of the Cessna - now I'm offered a ride in a P51.
All I will say is that it was awesome! We looped, rolled and Cubaned on a warm autumn day. First time I've ever been pleased that "my" aircraft has gone sick!!
Stik - lucky boy!
This morning I was asked to ferry a large single Piper to a strip about 30 miles away, show the aeroplane to two different prospective buyers and possibly take them flying.
The weather really wasn't v nice: v hazy = legal, safe but not a whole bunch of fun.
One of the prospects (err.. suspects) phoned me at breakfast and told me that he expected me to be on the ground a whole 2 hours before I was due. And a whole two hours before the TAF predicted decent weather.
The other phoned and told me that he had to be away from the field by 13H. I said that the other guy wanted me there asap. Upon hearing that he was not the only person looking at the a/c, he muttered about "Dutch Auctions", told me he wasn't coming out to play, then hung-up.
My enthusiasm to conduct the flight was waning fast!
Eventually the vis improved so I got airborne and wound my way down south. It really wasn't much fun.
I landed, refuelled and waited for the prospects. They arrived, I showed them the aeroplane and they enthusiastically accepted the offer of a flight.
Strapped them in, briefed them and then went to start. The starter motor would not engage. I tried several times before finally accepting defeat. The prospect "stormed-off" accusing me of wasting his time. I phoned the owner, he was unwilling to drive the 80 mile round trip to collect me but would try a contact at the local flying club who might be able to fly down, pick me up and deposit me at my strip.
My enthusiasm had hit empty and I was not best pleased! The engineer then phoned to say that he'd take me back tomorrow morning by car, fix it and I could fly it back!
I could hear an airctaft approaching this very quiet, rural field. It landed and I recognised it. It was a 172 that lives on a strip 2 miles from me. Three guys got out and walked over to where I was.
"Hello Stik, what you doing here?"
"Oh, a/c's gone tech and I'm waiting to see is going to happen.!
"Well, there are only 2 of us going back in the Cessna, if you like we can give you a lift."
"That would be great, why only two of you going back?". My relieft was palpable!!
"Because X has come to collect his Mustang which is in the hangar here. Quick cup of tea and we're off."
So after pushing the P51D out and a swift cuppa, we were heading out to the Cessna and X said, "Stik, do you want a ride in the Mustang?"
I would have been quite delighted at a ride home in the baggage compartment of the Cessna - now I'm offered a ride in a P51.
All I will say is that it was awesome! We looped, rolled and Cubaned on a warm autumn day. First time I've ever been pleased that "my" aircraft has gone sick!!
Stik - lucky boy!