Christmas Day Flying
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Christmas Day Flying
I haven't managed it for nine years but this Christmas day the forecast looks like it might be a possibility!!
Anyone else intending to get airborne in the Christmas frost?
Last time I did (1995) I was speaking to Lyneham and when I called for a QSY it was granted. I stayed on frequency for about 30 seconds and I heard a quietly whispered transmission from the ATCO saying...."haven't you got a family to go to!"
I've never forgotten that for some reason but it did make me (and my wife) smile.
Happy Christmas one and all and I hope you all have a prosperous and (more importantly) safe 2005.
P.S If anyone wants to give me a Christmas pressie I would like it if Santa let me have a go in someones J3 next year.....
Anyone else intending to get airborne in the Christmas frost?
Last time I did (1995) I was speaking to Lyneham and when I called for a QSY it was granted. I stayed on frequency for about 30 seconds and I heard a quietly whispered transmission from the ATCO saying...."haven't you got a family to go to!"
I've never forgotten that for some reason but it did make me (and my wife) smile.
Happy Christmas one and all and I hope you all have a prosperous and (more importantly) safe 2005.
P.S If anyone wants to give me a Christmas pressie I would like it if Santa let me have a go in someones J3 next year.....
Last edited by Monocock; 23rd Dec 2004 at 18:41.
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There's two points of view here...
One says 'well, if the wx is good enough, what's the difference in flying on this day compared with any other'
The other point of view is, whatever one's religious standpoint, or none at all, it IS a special day of family celebration and light aircraft flying (which is seen by many people as not strictly necessary on this day) can be intrusive and gets the rest of us a bad name.
I know that the controllers etc will be working anyway; no doubt they'll handle all light a/c in a professional manner, but why not make their lives a little nicer on this day and not give them the workload? Take a hint from the voice you heard.
I've worked plenty of Christmasses and New Year nights, so I know what it's like!
Just a point of view...
Cheers,
The Odd One
One says 'well, if the wx is good enough, what's the difference in flying on this day compared with any other'
The other point of view is, whatever one's religious standpoint, or none at all, it IS a special day of family celebration and light aircraft flying (which is seen by many people as not strictly necessary on this day) can be intrusive and gets the rest of us a bad name.
I know that the controllers etc will be working anyway; no doubt they'll handle all light a/c in a professional manner, but why not make their lives a little nicer on this day and not give them the workload? Take a hint from the voice you heard.
I've worked plenty of Christmasses and New Year nights, so I know what it's like!
Just a point of view...
Cheers,
The Odd One
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I was thinking of flying...over rural Wales and Shropshire, non-radio, as it happens.
However, looking at the forecast for Wales, especially in the hills, I think reading a book on aviation may be the closest I'll get.
The idea of taking my life in my hands driving down a steeper than 1 in 4 hill in the snow, to drive to a closed airfield with no cleared runways, and clear all the snow off the aircraft, which lives outside...nah, just doesn't appeal really.
However, looking at the forecast for Wales, especially in the hills, I think reading a book on aviation may be the closest I'll get.
The idea of taking my life in my hands driving down a steeper than 1 in 4 hill in the snow, to drive to a closed airfield with no cleared runways, and clear all the snow off the aircraft, which lives outside...nah, just doesn't appeal really.
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If you do get flying on the Day, wish a merry Christmas to the duty Controllers around...even give LATCC a call on 121.5 (even for a "practice fix").
Mono, you could say hello to Heathrow, Gat, Luton, SS, Lynham, Bristol, Yeovil, Fairford etc etc from where you are.
Merry Christmas to all them, and to you all too.
DT
Mono, you could say hello to Heathrow, Gat, Luton, SS, Lynham, Bristol, Yeovil, Fairford etc etc from where you are.
Merry Christmas to all them, and to you all too.
DT
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The odd one…
There is no difference to flying on this day than on any other. However, it’s a great escape from a day that can be otherwise filled with false expectations. I’m not against Christmas but when you’re got a house full of people… family who you might only see once a year I can’t think of anything better then just ‘escaping’ for an hour or so and going for a quick flight.
As for being intrusive… I can’t agree with you there. Responsible flying is not intrusive. We all have the right to enjoy this ‘special’ day in whatever way we choose. If the weather permits, then I’m choosing to enjoy it at 2000’ over the skies of Lincolnshire!
As for not giving the controllers the workload… Is that really what they want? I can’t think of anything worse than being sat at work with nothing to do… Talk about making the day drag on for them.
Well Santa… all I want for Christmas is 15K viz! Thanks!!!
Merry Christmas to you all
Grob Driver
There is no difference to flying on this day than on any other. However, it’s a great escape from a day that can be otherwise filled with false expectations. I’m not against Christmas but when you’re got a house full of people… family who you might only see once a year I can’t think of anything better then just ‘escaping’ for an hour or so and going for a quick flight.
As for being intrusive… I can’t agree with you there. Responsible flying is not intrusive. We all have the right to enjoy this ‘special’ day in whatever way we choose. If the weather permits, then I’m choosing to enjoy it at 2000’ over the skies of Lincolnshire!
As for not giving the controllers the workload… Is that really what they want? I can’t think of anything worse than being sat at work with nothing to do… Talk about making the day drag on for them.
Well Santa… all I want for Christmas is 15K viz! Thanks!!!
Merry Christmas to you all
Grob Driver
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Mono
I ran this past Mrs Shaker, as I think it would be a marvellous log book entry.
She explained that I was free to enjoy the skies of a fine VFR Christmas Day, but that I would return to find the front door lock changed and my stuff on the front lawn.
What's the forecast for Boxing Day?
I ran this past Mrs Shaker, as I think it would be a marvellous log book entry.
She explained that I was free to enjoy the skies of a fine VFR Christmas Day, but that I would return to find the front door lock changed and my stuff on the front lawn.
What's the forecast for Boxing Day?
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Am heading off to Seething later this morning to buy go-go juice for tomorrow and Sunday.
As I don't have a house full of people and the local pub does not open until 12H, I can think of no better place to be tomorrow morning than aerobatting over the beach at Southwold!
Sunday, I might pop up to Leics to see the boys and girls there!
Stik - bah humbug
As I don't have a house full of people and the local pub does not open until 12H, I can think of no better place to be tomorrow morning than aerobatting over the beach at Southwold!
Sunday, I might pop up to Leics to see the boys and girls there!
Stik - bah humbug
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you going to come and drop some flour with us on Sunday then Stik?
I may fly in the morning weather permitting, a lovely interlude before my massive Christmas dinner!!!
I may fly in the morning weather permitting, a lovely interlude before my massive Christmas dinner!!!
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The choice.....Pushing the aeroplane out of the hangar on a really crisp and quiet winters day, or spending it with a bunch of miserable gits getting fat, gathered around the TV watching endless repeats of "The Wizard of Oz"?
So yes, I'll be in the air. A small formation with fellow aviators in the morning, lunch round the fire at the club, then off again in the afternoon, 'visiting' some chums around the East..
What is Myrhhhh anyway?
So yes, I'll be in the air. A small formation with fellow aviators in the morning, lunch round the fire at the club, then off again in the afternoon, 'visiting' some chums around the East..
What is Myrhhhh anyway?
High Flying Bird
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What is Myrhhhh anyway?
I won't be flying on Christmas Day, but I would if I could. The only thing that's stopping me is a lack of confidence. As far as I know, my machine isn't booked. I just wanted to do some more flying with an experienced pilot RHS before I soloed the mighty beast.
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Myrrh? You mean you don't know??
So there you go......
Thought everyone knew that..........
Myrrh is a red-brown resinous material, the dried sap of the Commiphora myrrha tree, indigenous to Somalia. A number of other Commiphora or Balsamodendron saps are also known as myrrh, including that from Commiphora erythraea (sometimes called East Indian myrrh), Commiphora opobalsamum, and Balsamodendron kua.
Myrrh is a constituent of perfumes and incense, and was highly prized in ancient times. Myrrh was one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus in the story told in the Gospel of Matthew. Myrrh was used as an incense in funerals and cremations, a fact alluded to in the Christmas carol We Three Kings.
Myrrh is a constituent of perfumes and incense, and was highly prized in ancient times. Myrrh was one of the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus in the story told in the Gospel of Matthew. Myrrh was used as an incense in funerals and cremations, a fact alluded to in the Christmas carol We Three Kings.
Thought everyone knew that..........
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Squibbler,
Of course I knew, I spent years having it rammed down my throat in Religious Indoctrination classes at school (not literally!) .....I think 3 not so wise men bearing gifts of electrical goods would have been better!
Of course I knew, I spent years having it rammed down my throat in Religious Indoctrination classes at school (not literally!) .....I think 3 not so wise men bearing gifts of electrical goods would have been better!
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Can't see me getting airbourne tomorrow for most of the domestic reasons metioned previously. However, Boxing Day will be a different matter - medical reasons - aversion to Sales. Its also a good opportunity to provide the local population of foxes with some Close Air Support: 
For those of you intending to fly tomorrow - DON'T FORGET THE NOTAM OFFICE STAFF WILL BE AT WORK AS WELL.
Regards
bletcleytugie
For those of you intending to fly tomorrow - DON'T FORGET THE NOTAM OFFICE STAFF WILL BE AT WORK AS WELL.
Regards
bletcleytugie
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Xmas flying
Having worked some or part of 29 of the last 34 Christmases, weather permitting I may well take to the skies.
Mrs Cusco is on night-duty tonight and therefore will be kicking me out of bed at 7am so she can sleep till 1400: what better excuse than to aviate.
House empty till the mob arrives at 3pm.
Listen out on Safetycom stik, you may have a spectator.(I know, I know, you can't use safetycom for this purpose, so I won't.)
Odd one: don't be such a misery-guts
Safe yuletide flying.
Cusco
Mrs Cusco is on night-duty tonight and therefore will be kicking me out of bed at 7am so she can sleep till 1400: what better excuse than to aviate.
House empty till the mob arrives at 3pm.
Listen out on Safetycom stik, you may have a spectator.(I know, I know, you can't use safetycom for this purpose, so I won't.)
Odd one: don't be such a misery-guts
Safe yuletide flying.
Cusco
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Bar shaker asked: "What's the forecast for Boxing Day?"
......sounds like in your immediate area that you might still get a very frosty reception later in the day, with possible heavy showers of personal effects.....
......sounds like in your immediate area that you might still get a very frosty reception later in the day, with possible heavy showers of personal effects.....
niknak
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We don't often open on christmas day, but last year we did.
Whilst witing for the few movements we had scheduled, a voice out of the ether called for a radar service whilst en route from A to B.
"Haven't you got a Christmas present to play with?" said my ever so clever colleague.
"Yes, and this is it", came the reply.
Nuff said......
Whilst witing for the few movements we had scheduled, a voice out of the ether called for a radar service whilst en route from A to B.
"Haven't you got a Christmas present to play with?" said my ever so clever colleague.
"Yes, and this is it", came the reply.
Nuff said......