Why Do You Fly?
Some more money for Capt PPRuNe
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Whirls,
Nice idea for a posting
I "got" into flying in the late 80's, when as a student, I was doing loads of parachuting at RAF Topcliffe in N Yorks. I loved jumping out of a/c (
) but loved the flight up to the altitude where one exited the a/c at, even more. A good whinge from the GF of the time spoilt things though, and I found it increasingly difficult to do the hobby I loved 
From that time I became incredibly attached to the thought of PPL flying and never let go since.
For me flying is the best challenge I have ever had, by far. I love the freedom that it brings as well as the satisfaction of truly being able to control your eventuality. I bet nobody dares to challenge my flying now???
Fuji 
Nice idea for a posting
I "got" into flying in the late 80's, when as a student, I was doing loads of parachuting at RAF Topcliffe in N Yorks. I loved jumping out of a/c (
) but loved the flight up to the altitude where one exited the a/c at, even more. A good whinge from the GF of the time spoilt things though, and I found it increasingly difficult to do the hobby I loved From that time I became incredibly attached to the thought of PPL flying and never let go since.
For me flying is the best challenge I have ever had, by far. I love the freedom that it brings as well as the satisfaction of truly being able to control your eventuality. I bet nobody dares to challenge my flying now???
Fuji
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Thinking about it, that 'magic moment' bit isn't really the motivation, but it removes all of the frustration of flying (weather, soggy runway, no free aeroplanes and all the rest) at a stroke. Had one last weekend - coming back to Goodwood from Bournemouth and ducking under Solent CTA at 1500 feet on a perfectly clear, calm summer evening, yachts out on the water, IoW off to my right... That's what I remember, not the 101 lessons I've cancelled this year
I guess there's got to be something about aeroplanes though, because I've got no interest in or desire to fly anything else. Couldn't afford helicopters anyway...
That's what I remember, not the 101 lessons I've cancelled this year I guess there's got to be something about aeroplanes though, because I've got no interest in or desire to fly anything else. Couldn't afford helicopters anyway...
The Original Whirly
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I've been thinking about this. It's really like an addiction with me.
Once I've been flying, I feel just fine. In fact, I think it's the feeling after flying that I really really like; having flown is in some ways even better than flying. And then, although I'm always happy to fly, I'm fine...for a week, maybe two. Then I start getting restless. Especially on sunny days. I start watching the weather forecast, finding reasons why I really really need to fly to keep current. I usually manage to go flying when that happens, and that starts the whole process all over again. But if I don't, the feeling lessens. In fact, after a whole month, I almost believe I'm cured, that I don't really care whether I fly or not.
But only almost. The slightest thing - the sight of an aircraft, passing an airfield, the smell of Avgas, most particularly the sound of a helicopter, brings it all back, and I just HAVE to fly again.
And then of course I'm hooked again and it starts all over.
Is it like that for anyone else?
Once I've been flying, I feel just fine. In fact, I think it's the feeling after flying that I really really like; having flown is in some ways even better than flying. And then, although I'm always happy to fly, I'm fine...for a week, maybe two. Then I start getting restless. Especially on sunny days. I start watching the weather forecast, finding reasons why I really really need to fly to keep current. I usually manage to go flying when that happens, and that starts the whole process all over again. But if I don't, the feeling lessens. In fact, after a whole month, I almost believe I'm cured, that I don't really care whether I fly or not.
But only almost. The slightest thing - the sight of an aircraft, passing an airfield, the smell of Avgas, most particularly the sound of a helicopter, brings it all back, and I just HAVE to fly again.
And then of course I'm hooked again and it starts all over.
Is it like that for anyone else?
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Pilots are lucky people. We are lucky because we are born with a little
whisper inside us that most people aren't endowed with. And sooner or later,
or as a child looking up at that long white line across the sky, or when the
urgencies of life has been taken care of and the first grey hairs start to
appear, this little whisper becomes a breeze, and then a gust of wind and we
take to the skies. Each in his own time, each in his own way, we all urge to
be free to roam the cloud laced heavens. Some of us are content to leave
the smell of fresh cut grass for a brief flight over the countryside,
vintage cloth covered wings shining like metal from the last rays of a dying
sun; others seek the flow of rising air to sustain their long and silent
wings, following the roll of hills. For many happiness is skimming a sea of
white fluff in a tin bubble while going from A to B, while a few find deep
contentment in aerial ballet, the sky the stage for perfect figures painted
by double wings and poweful engines. For others again satisfaction is
keeping those little white needles perfectly crossed, the knowledge of
being a professional among professionals. But in all of us there is that
little whisper, that makes us special and makes us want to share the same
blue sky.
whisper inside us that most people aren't endowed with. And sooner or later,
or as a child looking up at that long white line across the sky, or when the
urgencies of life has been taken care of and the first grey hairs start to
appear, this little whisper becomes a breeze, and then a gust of wind and we
take to the skies. Each in his own time, each in his own way, we all urge to
be free to roam the cloud laced heavens. Some of us are content to leave
the smell of fresh cut grass for a brief flight over the countryside,
vintage cloth covered wings shining like metal from the last rays of a dying
sun; others seek the flow of rising air to sustain their long and silent
wings, following the roll of hills. For many happiness is skimming a sea of
white fluff in a tin bubble while going from A to B, while a few find deep
contentment in aerial ballet, the sky the stage for perfect figures painted
by double wings and poweful engines. For others again satisfaction is
keeping those little white needles perfectly crossed, the knowledge of
being a professional among professionals. But in all of us there is that
little whisper, that makes us special and makes us want to share the same
blue sky.
Join Date: Apr 2002
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it's all W.E. Johns fault...
I started reading those Biggles books when i was 9, soon building airfix models afterwards...
Then mum & dad decided to work as ex-pats in the middle east, flying as pax became second nature, exciting, thrilling,...
The stewardesses, trying their best to keep my little brother and myself 'entertained' during the long flights, opted to send us to the cockpit, (allthough i now think they just wanted to get rid of us for a while...) and there it must have happened...
The shere impression of that machine, all those gauges, and the frienly pilots trying to explain and answer all questions that spring to a 6 & 10 year old's mind.
The spits and hurricanes soon made place for DC9, Caravelle, 707, etc models.
By the age of 13 I had my subscription to Flight International, and learned a lot as the years passed by....
After secondary school I wanted to become an airline pilot, but my parents strongly suggested that I study for a 'decent' profession first. So I became an engineer and got a job straightaway in the Construction business. Years passed, but everytime an aircraft would fly by a construction site, I'd be looking up, wondering what it'd be like to be a pilot.
On my 30th birthday i decided: it's now or never... Just do it and find out what it's like, rather then regretting never having tried...
So here I am, 33 now, passed the ATPL writtens and just a few hours away from my CPL/IR SEL.
Next multiengine/multicrew. And then look out for opportunities towards a flying career.
Regards,
Belgian Chap
Then mum & dad decided to work as ex-pats in the middle east, flying as pax became second nature, exciting, thrilling,...
The stewardesses, trying their best to keep my little brother and myself 'entertained' during the long flights, opted to send us to the cockpit, (allthough i now think they just wanted to get rid of us for a while...) and there it must have happened...
The shere impression of that machine, all those gauges, and the frienly pilots trying to explain and answer all questions that spring to a 6 & 10 year old's mind.
The spits and hurricanes soon made place for DC9, Caravelle, 707, etc models.
By the age of 13 I had my subscription to Flight International, and learned a lot as the years passed by....
After secondary school I wanted to become an airline pilot, but my parents strongly suggested that I study for a 'decent' profession first. So I became an engineer and got a job straightaway in the Construction business. Years passed, but everytime an aircraft would fly by a construction site, I'd be looking up, wondering what it'd be like to be a pilot.
On my 30th birthday i decided: it's now or never... Just do it and find out what it's like, rather then regretting never having tried...
So here I am, 33 now, passed the ATPL writtens and just a few hours away from my CPL/IR SEL.
Next multiengine/multicrew. And then look out for opportunities towards a flying career.
Regards,
Belgian Chap
I'm another one who falls into both categories Whirl. I love taking a tired old bird and applying sufficient TLC to turn her slowly into a reasonable flying machine. I love the idea of building a kit like the new Spitfire Mk 26 but deep down I know I don't have the dedication for it. Fettling old aeroplanes is enough to satisfy the engineer in me.
Fortunately those same old aeroplanes reward me with their behaviour: whether it's taming a taldragger on a narrow undulating grass strip in a gusting crosswind or sliding down from the calm evening sky in a high, sideslipping approach with an unsilenced Cirrus grumbling at tickover, just making enough noise to get the birds off the runway as you bring the tail around, straighten up and gently alight in a perfect 3 pointer (doesn't happen often I can assure you
).
Just hanging around at the airfield watching old aeroplanes potter around, talking to like minded people over a pint before going home, it's all part of the hobby called flying. Marvellous.
It was the hobby I always knew I'd have when I could afford it.
Fortunately those same old aeroplanes reward me with their behaviour: whether it's taming a taldragger on a narrow undulating grass strip in a gusting crosswind or sliding down from the calm evening sky in a high, sideslipping approach with an unsilenced Cirrus grumbling at tickover, just making enough noise to get the birds off the runway as you bring the tail around, straighten up and gently alight in a perfect 3 pointer (doesn't happen often I can assure you
).Just hanging around at the airfield watching old aeroplanes potter around, talking to like minded people over a pint before going home, it's all part of the hobby called flying. Marvellous.
It was the hobby I always knew I'd have when I could afford it.
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I've always loved anything to do with aviation, but strangely GA never got me excited until I began my PPL. As the realisation sank in that this flying lark really is something you never stop learning about I am now fascinated with every flying machine, large or small. When I see even the most common all garden C150 fly overhead I wonder who is (s)he? where is he going? where is (s)he from? how good is their flying!
For me flying is a fantastic combination of the physical and the mental. For the self-critical frustration of a missed waypoint, a heavy landing, or botched RT, there is the always the sheer joy of a flight plan that runs like clockwork, an absolute greaser, or delivering BA-pilot standard RT at a rarely-visited controlled airfield.
Oh yes, and I love gadgets too
For me flying is a fantastic combination of the physical and the mental. For the self-critical frustration of a missed waypoint, a heavy landing, or botched RT, there is the always the sheer joy of a flight plan that runs like clockwork, an absolute greaser, or delivering BA-pilot standard RT at a rarely-visited controlled airfield.
Oh yes, and I love gadgets too
Some more money for Capt PPRuNe
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I've been thinking about this. It's really like an addiction with me.
Once I've been flying, I feel just fine. In fact, I think it's the feeling after flying that I really really like; having flown is in some ways even better than flying. And then, although I'm always happy to fly, I'm fine...for a week, maybe two. Then I start getting restless. Especially on sunny days. I start watching the weather forecast, finding reasons why I really really need to fly to keep current.
Whirls
When I read what you had said it was so close to me that it felt like I was reading something I had written myself. The only difference with me is that once I go past a month the feeling becomes more one of resignation and that of "having to accept things" as opposed to looking for the slightest opportunety to go up. My friends at work must be sick of me looking out of the window and moaning that I want to be in the sky.
Not long ago I had a pig of a journey back from Menorca. I did wonder what had happened to my sensible side when we (I) decided that we would go there in KT. However within an hour or so of landing I was thinking about my next trip, the next day I spent a few hours planning it (an IFR trip up to East Midlands). Sadly I have not been up since because of the engine work that is being done at present.
Fujiflyer
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When I was little I fell in love with aeroplanes. Desperately wanted to fly but for several reasons couldn't. By the time I got to do it I wasn't in love with aeroplanes any more. Perhaps this is what you get for 25 years working with them.
I fly because I love being up there looking down. I often feel like I'm the only one up there, even when it's a busy day on the radio or in the ciruit. I'm forever telling passengers to look at a particular cloud formation, or the way the light is falling on a hill or whatever, and forever getting the feeling that they don't see what I'm seeing.
I fly because I love being up there looking down. I often feel like I'm the only one up there, even when it's a busy day on the radio or in the ciruit. I'm forever telling passengers to look at a particular cloud formation, or the way the light is falling on a hill or whatever, and forever getting the feeling that they don't see what I'm seeing.
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Why do I fly
because my life would not be so complete if I couldn't.
I love being up there and looking down, wow didn't know that house had a swimming pool!
Sure I can come - be there in an hour. But you live 3 hours away by car? Aah - I'll fly over pick, me up at Halfpenny Green if you want to see the aeroplane.
I love aerobatics and the fact that although I can not dance, I can make an aeroplane dance through the skies.
I am definetely not a gadget lover but do love tinkering on my aeroplane. I hear myself say, well actually I built it and shudder when asked if it was a kit. No, from a set of drawings. I don't think anything else I have ever done in my life is as meaningful as strapping on an aeroplane that I fashioned from 4130 tube, spruce, T6 aluminiun and Ceconite.
There are many days when I have absolutely no desire to fly, weather, inner conflict (okay hungover!), pressures of work, etc.
But on those days when I want to fly and they coincide with days I fly well - then I wouldn't swap that elation for all the tea in China!
Stik
I love being up there and looking down, wow didn't know that house had a swimming pool!
Sure I can come - be there in an hour. But you live 3 hours away by car? Aah - I'll fly over pick, me up at Halfpenny Green if you want to see the aeroplane.
I love aerobatics and the fact that although I can not dance, I can make an aeroplane dance through the skies.
I am definetely not a gadget lover but do love tinkering on my aeroplane. I hear myself say, well actually I built it and shudder when asked if it was a kit. No, from a set of drawings. I don't think anything else I have ever done in my life is as meaningful as strapping on an aeroplane that I fashioned from 4130 tube, spruce, T6 aluminiun and Ceconite.
There are many days when I have absolutely no desire to fly, weather, inner conflict (okay hungover!), pressures of work, etc.
But on those days when I want to fly and they coincide with days I fly well - then I wouldn't swap that elation for all the tea in China!
Stik
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Bloody hell - you PPL chaps have got more posts than the average Fleet street journo..
Good to hear though, as most of the heavy metal jocks can only winge about pay and flying at night (not me of course.)
Enjoy! (even at night.....)
Good to hear though, as most of the heavy metal jocks can only winge about pay and flying at night (not me of course.)
Enjoy! (even at night.....)
Reading Fuji's and stik's posts above brought it home to me. Yes I get cranky if I don't fly when I'm home.
Worse the crankyness can be minimised by going to the hangar and doing a bit of window polishing (try getting me to do that in LNS Towers) or checking the tyre pressures or cleaning the bugs/crap off the underside of the tail feathers that I forgot the last time I aviated.
I can't imagine (well OK I can but I don't like it) not having the freedom that flying brings me.
I think it was summed up by taking a girl from work,when I had an IMC and a fully kitted out Aerobat, flying one summer evening.
She'd never flown before (even in big tin tubes) and hadn't even been in a car with me before.
It was a lovely summer Suffolk evening as we climbed up though a thin layer of cloud to see the sun setting richly, making the clouds glow a deep wonderful pink. She actually gasped with the delight of it all and commented that she'd never seen me looking so relaxed yet so focused before (says a lot for my work life). It took someone else's observation to turn my sight back on myself to realise why I love flying so much. Oh yes and the fact I love throwing fivers on the fire!!!
Worse the crankyness can be minimised by going to the hangar and doing a bit of window polishing (try getting me to do that in LNS Towers) or checking the tyre pressures or cleaning the bugs/crap off the underside of the tail feathers that I forgot the last time I aviated.
I can't imagine (well OK I can but I don't like it
) not having the freedom that flying brings me.I think it was summed up by taking a girl from work,when I had an IMC and a fully kitted out Aerobat, flying one summer evening.
She'd never flown before (even in big tin tubes) and hadn't even been in a car with me before.
It was a lovely summer Suffolk evening as we climbed up though a thin layer of cloud to see the sun setting richly, making the clouds glow a deep wonderful pink. She actually gasped with the delight of it all and commented that she'd never seen me looking so relaxed yet so focused before (says a lot for my work life). It took someone else's observation to turn my sight back on myself to realise why I love flying so much. Oh yes and the fact I love throwing fivers on the fire!!!
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Even though I've only been flying a short while, and not even properly yet, I still love it.
I don't know what it is, but just being up high and away from everything is magical.
When it's a nice day and I cycle up to Clipgate, just arriving and seeing some of the aeroplanes parked in the hangar gives me that buzz that says "I might be going flying soon".
Also the feeling of jumping down from the aeroplane after a flight, when you can feel yourself smiling and you know you've just done something so magical you can't wait for the next time you can go flying.
tKF
Stik: quite glad you can't dance, as it's quite an amusing / scary picture
I don't know what it is, but just being up high and away from everything is magical.
When it's a nice day and I cycle up to Clipgate, just arriving and seeing some of the aeroplanes parked in the hangar gives me that buzz that says "I might be going flying soon".
Also the feeling of jumping down from the aeroplane after a flight, when you can feel yourself smiling and you know you've just done something so magical you can't wait for the next time you can go flying.
tKF
Stik: quite glad you can't dance, as it's quite an amusing / scary picture
Last edited by TheKentishFledgling; 4th Aug 2002 at 13:58.
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A little over a year ago, I was participating in one of those much-loved "how to manage people" training courses, which covered the technique of "coaching". I got teamed with the course instructor, as part of the "how to do it bit". She asked, "What do you think you will do when you retire?" and I said, "I would like to get my PPL back". She replied, "did you know your face lit up when you said that?" Then she asked "what do you like about it?"
Which brings us back to Whirly's question.
I said it was the "precision", and being able to do something not many others can do. But it's also a bit more than that. Its being "professional" at something, not in the monetary sense, but in the sense of competency. Putting an aeroplane where it's supposed to be, at the right place and the right time, in the right configuration. Doing it with consummate skill and grace. And then there's the sheer joy of not being ground-bound.
So, rather than wait until I retired (not so long now), I figured it would be much more sensible to do it straight away. Now, a little over a year later, with PPL in hand I am trying to do all those things with consummate skill and grace - and its bl**dy difficult!
But it's enormous fun trying.
Which brings us back to Whirly's question.
I said it was the "precision", and being able to do something not many others can do. But it's also a bit more than that. Its being "professional" at something, not in the monetary sense, but in the sense of competency. Putting an aeroplane where it's supposed to be, at the right place and the right time, in the right configuration. Doing it with consummate skill and grace. And then there's the sheer joy of not being ground-bound.
So, rather than wait until I retired (not so long now), I figured it would be much more sensible to do it straight away. Now, a little over a year later, with PPL in hand I am trying to do all those things with consummate skill and grace - and its bl**dy difficult!
But it's enormous fun trying.
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I've been interested in all things aviation since I can remember. Before finishing school I applied to an airline and got as far as the last hurdle, including medical, but didn't make it. Did about 5 hours in a C150. After that, went to uni, got a degree, got a job and forgot about flying for a few years.
Then last year, at 28 years of age, I rented "The Right Stuff". Wow, that movie inspired me. I was determined to get back in the sky. I dug out my old log book to see how many hours I actually had and guess what I found? £200! I still can't remember putting it in there. But I knew it was a sign. It paid for my first few lessons and now 18 months (and about €5000 ) later, I'm just waiting for the weather to clear long enough to do my QXC and then the flight test.
I don't think a movie has ever had such an effect on me.
Carlito
Then last year, at 28 years of age, I rented "The Right Stuff". Wow, that movie inspired me. I was determined to get back in the sky. I dug out my old log book to see how many hours I actually had and guess what I found? £200! I still can't remember putting it in there. But I knew it was a sign. It paid for my first few lessons and now 18 months (and about €5000 ) later, I'm just waiting for the weather to clear long enough to do my QXC and then the flight test.
I don't think a movie has ever had such an effect on me.
Carlito
stiletto psychopath mk4
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Techie stuff leaves me pretty cold (though having flown a plane with GPS for the first time recently, I can see that I could be converted!).
I do get a buzz of achievement on the occasions (still all too rare) when the aviation, navigation, and communication all seem to come together in perfect harmony.
But the main reason I fly is the same reason I dive: the ability to move in three dimensions and to have the privilege of seeing things that most other people never will. I never knew rainbows were circular when seen from the air. Ground-bound folks only get half the picture...
I do get a buzz of achievement on the occasions (still all too rare
) when the aviation, navigation, and communication all seem to come together in perfect harmony.But the main reason I fly is the same reason I dive: the ability to move in three dimensions and to have the privilege of seeing things that most other people never will. I never knew rainbows were circular when seen from the air. Ground-bound folks only get half the picture...
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A bit of both, I like the techie stuff, I like the idea you can build something in you garage more high tech than the gear from the factory, but I also like that 60 year old designs are still amazing fun Cubs, Austers, moths etc, but most of all I like flying because it's like 3D motorcycling with out the speed cameras.
CC
CC