Captain Biff Windsock
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Captain Biff Windsock
Look out for the Captain!
He's flying around the world in his beautifully restored 1944 bright red D17S Beechcraft Staggerwing.
Currently in Esperence,WA., on his way to Perth then Darwin, then the 'Nam.
Inspiration is a word that springs to mind.
I hope when I'm 75 years of age, I can walk, let alone fly a biplane.
His website is:-
Around the world in a Staggerwing | D-17S Beechcraft | Captain Biff Windsock | William M. Charney | Reno, NV
He's flying around the world in his beautifully restored 1944 bright red D17S Beechcraft Staggerwing.
Currently in Esperence,WA., on his way to Perth then Darwin, then the 'Nam.
Inspiration is a word that springs to mind.
I hope when I'm 75 years of age, I can walk, let alone fly a biplane.
His website is:-
Around the world in a Staggerwing | D-17S Beechcraft | Captain Biff Windsock | William M. Charney | Reno, NV
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth - Western Australia
Age: 75
Posts: 1,805
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Great story, and an inspiring old fella! Where is he landing in Perth, and is the good Capn' and his lovely piece of antique flying history, open to visitation by the public at any particular time?
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth - Western Australia
Age: 75
Posts: 1,805
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The good Captain is a little recalcitrant about his movements, and his travel journal is a week behind his movements. I note that he arrived in Perth yesterday afternoon - but without any fanfare or even notice from him that he'd arrived. I would have thought the media would have picked up on him by now.
I emailed him via his website to see if he's amenable to any contact or visitation by the general public, but I haven't got a reply, and there's no indication of how often he checks his emails. Neither is there any indication of how long he's staying in Perth. I get the impression he'll be gone very quickly, he seems pretty keen to keep moving.
I emailed him via his website to see if he's amenable to any contact or visitation by the general public, but I haven't got a reply, and there's no indication of how often he checks his emails. Neither is there any indication of how long he's staying in Perth. I get the impression he'll be gone very quickly, he seems pretty keen to keep moving.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth - Western Australia
Age: 75
Posts: 1,805
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There is no indication of Captain Biffs D17S aircraft registration on his website, but I would presume he's wearing U.S. registration? The one pictured for sale is perhaps VH-FNS?
Aircraft Hire - Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, de Havilland and more - Sydney, Australia
EDIT - Ooops, my error - the registration is there, I missed it, it's N16S ....
Aircraft N16S Photo by GeeDee9
It seemed a little at odds to have his plane for sale, at the same time as he has great plans for a round-the-world jaunt.
Aircraft Hire - Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, de Havilland and more - Sydney, Australia
EDIT - Ooops, my error - the registration is there, I missed it, it's N16S ....
Aircraft N16S Photo by GeeDee9
It seemed a little at odds to have his plane for sale, at the same time as he has great plans for a round-the-world jaunt.
Last edited by onetrack; 13th Feb 2010 at 06:50.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Perth - Western Australia
Age: 75
Posts: 1,805
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The good Cap'n Biff has eventually replied to my email to him, after 13 days (he's obviously a busy man) - and he has advised, that he'll be giving a short talk at the Royal Aero Club, "Old Timers Meeting" (along with other featured speakers), at noon tomorrow (26th Feb, 2010).
He has very kindly asked me to join them, and I am presuming that this is a "general public" invitation, although he hasn't specifically stated that.
His Beechcraft Staggerwing will be on display outside the Aero Club, along with Kevin Baileys Stinson Reliant. I'll be taking the camera ....
He has very kindly asked me to join them, and I am presuming that this is a "general public" invitation, although he hasn't specifically stated that.
His Beechcraft Staggerwing will be on display outside the Aero Club, along with Kevin Baileys Stinson Reliant. I'll be taking the camera ....
Just to update those of you who may have met Bill whilst he was Down Under, I had dinner with him last night in Cyprus. He got here in February and having had a break at home should be back on his travels next week.
He routed via Port Hedland - Bali (the longest sector, 7+ hours) - Malaysia - Thailand (where he was refused permission to enter 'Nam, maybe his 200 missions in F-100s may have had something to do with it?) - Burma, India, Oman - Bahrein - Jordan and so to Cyprus.
He plans on the Greek Islands next, then on to Italy and Spain wintering somewhere in Central Europe and then trans Atlantic next year. He is in as irrespressible good humour as ever and gave us a very entertaining presentation of his travels so far.
He routed via Port Hedland - Bali (the longest sector, 7+ hours) - Malaysia - Thailand (where he was refused permission to enter 'Nam, maybe his 200 missions in F-100s may have had something to do with it?) - Burma, India, Oman - Bahrein - Jordan and so to Cyprus.
He plans on the Greek Islands next, then on to Italy and Spain wintering somewhere in Central Europe and then trans Atlantic next year. He is in as irrespressible good humour as ever and gave us a very entertaining presentation of his travels so far.
