Of course I can land in your front garden
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Flying is supposed to be FUN. You can be playful and enjoy stuff without being a reckless hooligan.
One reason I left flying for 12 years was everyone was so bloody po-faced and pompous about it. Now, flying from farm strips I see a completely different side of aviation and a group of pilots in mud-spattered wellies whose airmanship might bend the odd idiotic rule here or there, but is far higher in standard than most others.
QDM
One reason I left flying for 12 years was everyone was so bloody po-faced and pompous about it. Now, flying from farm strips I see a completely different side of aviation and a group of pilots in mud-spattered wellies whose airmanship might bend the odd idiotic rule here or there, but is far higher in standard than most others.
QDM
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Ah guys know this front garden very well as I ,ve walked it with a view to landing there myself and partaking of Hp,s ever present hospitality.I estimate it to be over 300 metres with clear approaches and a good surface!! so no problem for an auster!!.Pity the surface was much wetter than the surface of the strip very nearby from which this very experienced pilot had departed.What a lovely front garden in open country HP can sit in his lounge and fly his radio controlled model aeroplanes from this field tough old life eh HP!!.
Mess Your Passage
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so..........
Why is'nt there there an air park in the uk????
There is an obvious demand lets do it...!
Goggles on chocks away last one backs a homo....!
Why is'nt there there an air park in the uk????
There is an obvious demand lets do it...!
Goggles on chocks away last one backs a homo....!
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Shouldn't that be FIRST one back is a Homo??
A nice airpark in the south west please.
So I can go surfing when it isn't good enough to fly :o)
The perfect airfield?
Eggesford, with a Tracey Island style mechanical tarmac runway that would appear only when the ground was too wet...
Of course, then we'd need to buy Chivenor and St Mawgan so that we could fly to the beach. Sod it. We'll just buy a beach and land on that
A nice airpark in the south west please.
So I can go surfing when it isn't good enough to fly :o)
The perfect airfield?
Eggesford, with a Tracey Island style mechanical tarmac runway that would appear only when the ground was too wet...
Of course, then we'd need to buy Chivenor and St Mawgan so that we could fly to the beach. Sod it. We'll just buy a beach and land on that
Hairyplane are you a fisherman? The way you dangled the bait and let the pompous leap in was superb.
Perhaps they are all journalists, they sure didn't want to assess the facts, they might have got in the way of a sensational reaction!
Perhaps they are all journalists, they sure didn't want to assess the facts, they might have got in the way of a sensational reaction!
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I wasn’t going to – but what the heck….
I took up flying some 5 years ago and have, in the main, thoroughly enjoyed the experience (apart from an engine failure after take off in a PA38!!). What really puts me off is those ill informed, pompous and sanctimonious people who have posted negative responses to this thread. People making knee jerk judgements about safety and insurance issues while, I am sure, they secretly wish they had the skill, opportunity and friends with big enough gardens to do the same.
Club houses up and down the country are full of these people who have nothing better to do than complain about everything and everyone. Flying for me is fun, a hobby and something I have a passion for and I shall continue to enjoy it despite those who believe is should not be challenging too.
Our community is under threat from enough people from the outside without those on the inside adding a spurious and self-indulgent voice.
There, I’ve said my bit…..
I took up flying some 5 years ago and have, in the main, thoroughly enjoyed the experience (apart from an engine failure after take off in a PA38!!). What really puts me off is those ill informed, pompous and sanctimonious people who have posted negative responses to this thread. People making knee jerk judgements about safety and insurance issues while, I am sure, they secretly wish they had the skill, opportunity and friends with big enough gardens to do the same.
Club houses up and down the country are full of these people who have nothing better to do than complain about everything and everyone. Flying for me is fun, a hobby and something I have a passion for and I shall continue to enjoy it despite those who believe is should not be challenging too.
Our community is under threat from enough people from the outside without those on the inside adding a spurious and self-indulgent voice.
There, I’ve said my bit…..
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Spot on ajsh
I have been flying for about 5 years now. Mainly AA5's and Pa28's with a bit of aweful katana's thrown in. All at about £ 100 an hour. Business commitments meant a rather lean period this last 12/18 months with only an hour or two. So went looking for something different / fun whcich could not be found at Southamtpon at said £ 100 ph.
Had a flight in a citabria and an auster and loved it. Brought back the smile I'd lost since really training on a C150. Started looking at costs, heard about the pfa and realised you can have fun and for less than £ 100 ph. So just bought an Auster project and looking forward to fun frugal flying in a year / 18 months.
But when said friends at flying club heard and I would not be renewing £ 80 club fee. I was treated like John Prescott. How dare I go against the grain of flying at less than £ 100 pa form a lovely tarmac haven and a heated office. They wanted me out the door before I spread any infection. Money grabbing pompus twits.
To summary. grass roots / grass strip flying is the biggest smile factor out there. It's even kinder to your pocket. I now have only pitty for the rude, weekend, 2 miles of tarmac, spam can, le 2k drivers. That frequent such clubs.....
Note: Austers rule OK...
I have been flying for about 5 years now. Mainly AA5's and Pa28's with a bit of aweful katana's thrown in. All at about £ 100 an hour. Business commitments meant a rather lean period this last 12/18 months with only an hour or two. So went looking for something different / fun whcich could not be found at Southamtpon at said £ 100 ph.
Had a flight in a citabria and an auster and loved it. Brought back the smile I'd lost since really training on a C150. Started looking at costs, heard about the pfa and realised you can have fun and for less than £ 100 ph. So just bought an Auster project and looking forward to fun frugal flying in a year / 18 months.
But when said friends at flying club heard and I would not be renewing £ 80 club fee. I was treated like John Prescott. How dare I go against the grain of flying at less than £ 100 pa form a lovely tarmac haven and a heated office. They wanted me out the door before I spread any infection. Money grabbing pompus twits.
To summary. grass roots / grass strip flying is the biggest smile factor out there. It's even kinder to your pocket. I now have only pitty for the rude, weekend, 2 miles of tarmac, spam can, le 2k drivers. That frequent such clubs.....
Note: Austers rule OK...
Why do it if it's not fun?
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Rod, I think you've under-estimated the number of negative posters. For example, I would count the statement "I now have only pitty for the rude, weekend, 2 miles of tarmac, spam can, le 2k drivers" as extremely negative 
I've said this many times, and I still stick by it. One of the greatest thing about flying is the wide range of activities it encompasses. That includes everything from pottering around the circuit in a PA28, to aerobatics, to ballooning or gliding, to farm-strip flying, to serious IFR cross-countries to get to a business meeting, and probably a whole load of other stuff that doesn't immediately spring to mind. Personally, I will make time for anyone, especially if they are involved in aviation, but only if they will make time for me, and not "pity" me if I choose to enjoy my weekends by flying to 2 miles of tarmac at Le Touquet.
FFF
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I've said this many times, and I still stick by it. One of the greatest thing about flying is the wide range of activities it encompasses. That includes everything from pottering around the circuit in a PA28, to aerobatics, to ballooning or gliding, to farm-strip flying, to serious IFR cross-countries to get to a business meeting, and probably a whole load of other stuff that doesn't immediately spring to mind. Personally, I will make time for anyone, especially if they are involved in aviation, but only if they will make time for me, and not "pity" me if I choose to enjoy my weekends by flying to 2 miles of tarmac at Le Touquet.
FFF
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I wasn't having a dig at anyone FFF. I like you treat all with respect if I am given it.
I was shell shocked at the way I was treated for 'crossing the line' and flying more basic aircraft at a cheaper rate. It was like I'd just slept with their wives. I was an outcast. How can this be in the general interests of GA.
I was shell shocked at the way I was treated for 'crossing the line' and flying more basic aircraft at a cheaper rate. It was like I'd just slept with their wives. I was an outcast. How can this be in the general interests of GA.
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Oscar Deuce - find it difficult to comment on your last post, as I haven't met the wives concerned! 
In general, however, I'm all for the variety of flying that GA offers. Sometimes in bad wx (when do we get anything else?!), it's nice to have 2 miles of runway and all the nav aids you can poke a big stick at, a friendly scope dope to talk to and a reasonable certainty that the runway at your destination won't be waterlogged. On a nice day, when you haven't got a million and one things to contend with (and your pax is up for a laugh!), then strip flying is great fun!
If you really want different, then try sticking the fan on top, at the back, or even going without one altogether, if you wish!
Vie la difference as Wilbur Wright used to say!
In general, however, I'm all for the variety of flying that GA offers. Sometimes in bad wx (when do we get anything else?!), it's nice to have 2 miles of runway and all the nav aids you can poke a big stick at, a friendly scope dope to talk to
and a reasonable certainty that the runway at your destination won't be waterlogged. On a nice day, when you haven't got a million and one things to contend with (and your pax is up for a laugh!), then strip flying is great fun!If you really want different, then try sticking the fan on top, at the back, or even going without one altogether, if you wish!
Vie la difference as Wilbur Wright used to say!
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STOL
I invite everybody to read Surely Not's post - bang on the nail!
I wonder if any of the sad people who frantically contributed on page 1 - now waddling around with their pants down around their ankles looking really silly for posting such puerile drivel - have finalised their offical report on the Shuttle tragedy and sent it off to NASA for their final edit and publication?.
The Private Forum - in my view - is starting to get boring, principally because it seems to attract too many dull, boring f@rties with nothing of interest to say and yet who are quick to criticise and quite content to base their stupid arguments on assumption and value jugements.
Can I appeal to you interesting guys who have responded positively and intelligently to my thread to come up with some topics for lively debate? Hurrah for guys like you!
It is you guys that will keep this forum alive. I have to say, I don't visit it often these days - you'll find me mainly on the History and Nostalgia Forum.
For the record - The Auster pilot is highly skilled, current and operates his aircraft in the way it was intended. It isn't 'the 4x4 shopping car' that never goes off road.
I think that this event was highly amusing and reflects a spirit that regrettably seems to be dying off (or in the case of our dreary page 1 posters - has already turned its toes up.)
HP
I wonder if any of the sad people who frantically contributed on page 1 - now waddling around with their pants down around their ankles looking really silly for posting such puerile drivel - have finalised their offical report on the Shuttle tragedy and sent it off to NASA for their final edit and publication?.
The Private Forum - in my view - is starting to get boring, principally because it seems to attract too many dull, boring f@rties with nothing of interest to say and yet who are quick to criticise and quite content to base their stupid arguments on assumption and value jugements.
Can I appeal to you interesting guys who have responded positively and intelligently to my thread to come up with some topics for lively debate? Hurrah for guys like you!
It is you guys that will keep this forum alive. I have to say, I don't visit it often these days - you'll find me mainly on the History and Nostalgia Forum.
For the record - The Auster pilot is highly skilled, current and operates his aircraft in the way it was intended. It isn't 'the 4x4 shopping car' that never goes off road.
I think that this event was highly amusing and reflects a spirit that regrettably seems to be dying off (or in the case of our dreary page 1 posters - has already turned its toes up.)
HP
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Hi Rod1
When are you going to get your neighbour to chop down those apple trees and fill in the pond?
I reckon we could get in and out of there with a bit of practise
Rattus
When are you going to get your neighbour to chop down those apple trees and fill in the pond?
I reckon we could get in and out of there with a bit of practise
Rattus
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STOL
Just a question for those who denegrated. When did YOU last have your STOL abilities actually maesured on the runway. ry it, it may surprise you. After measuring compare the the POH. If you like you can follow me in and out of some very short strips. I make sure that the approach and departure lanes are as clear as can be but regularly fly a "spam can" into <300m. If it is legal and does not upset the local residents then it should be encouraged.
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Hi Hairyplane.
Thought I'd chip in with my 20 lira worth (about £0.0000000001p in proper money)
I agree with you about how stuffy and self-righteous this forum has become. There were lots of negative comments on the breakfast patrol thread recently, obviously from those who have never tried it. Same thing is happening here.. Probably the same pilots who I regularly witness landing over halfway into a 900m grass strip, purely because they are used to landing at 1500 metres of tarmac......Wait till they have to land in a short field for real, with no engine! You only get one chance....
So come on guys and gals, live and let live, and if people want to try oddball things (not that landing an Auster in a garden is oddball), let 'em do it without receiving a slagging!
Better not tell 'em about my plans to fly an aeroplane underwater!
Thought I'd chip in with my 20 lira worth (about £0.0000000001p in proper money)
I agree with you about how stuffy and self-righteous this forum has become. There were lots of negative comments on the breakfast patrol thread recently, obviously from those who have never tried it. Same thing is happening here.. Probably the same pilots who I regularly witness landing over halfway into a 900m grass strip, purely because they are used to landing at 1500 metres of tarmac......Wait till they have to land in a short field for real, with no engine! You only get one chance....
So come on guys and gals, live and let live, and if people want to try oddball things (not that landing an Auster in a garden is oddball), let 'em do it without receiving a slagging!
Better not tell 'em about my plans to fly an aeroplane underwater!
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The Empire Strikes Back
This has indeed been an interesting thread, and I am now even more convinced with my original comments.
By the way, did you really read them?
How do you land an aircraft, as the result of a dare, a statement still not yet refuted by the original poster, and then have to wonder how to get it out.
Will the frost harden the ground or must it be the coming of spring and the ground dries naturally?
But lets move on, we are not going to agree on the above question.
Where have I shown I am not a fun loving pilot with the ability to land an aircraft in less than 200 metres, and a spamcan at that.
Let me comment on some of the interesting posts I have read these last 3 pages.
First of all I have maintained a PPL for more than 33 years, flown Cessnas from 152 upto 182TR (turbocharged retractable Skylane), Pipers PA28-140 through -161, -181, Arrows,-235 and PA32RT-300T (turbocharged retractable Cherokee 6 with a T-tail), and it was, and is fun all the way.
I practice STOL abilities at EVERY takeoff and landing, as most of my destinations are islands in the Malacca Straits and South China Sea.
Approaches to these strips are always over water and invariably involve heading changes right upto short finals, when the strip finally comes into view.
Planning is essential for this type of flying, through the approach to touchdown for there is rarely an overshoot available, you have to be committed and get it right.
A poster suggested that secretly I wish I "had the skill, opportunity and friends with big enough gardens to do the same"
is he suggesting envy?
For the record, my front garden is 299 metres long and 76 metres wide, and would handle all those Austers and spamcans, however the neighbours will get p*ss*d off, so we won't be trying.
Being long in the tooth and a bit of an old f@rt I haven't yet managed how to post a pic, but I'll try and do one of those yahoo photopage thingies and post it here.
I should have mentioned that the house is in Johannesburg, and I only get back every 6 to 8 weeks for a long weekend, its just a few minutes from Grand Central.
Otherwise I work and play in KL, flying around the Petronas Twin Towers on my way to an island paradise, well someones got to do it.
And our weather is always 32 degrees C .
Flying is for fun, and it will be fun if you plan to keep it that way
Lets go fly
Sultan Ismail
This has indeed been an interesting thread, and I am now even more convinced with my original comments.
By the way, did you really read them?
How do you land an aircraft, as the result of a dare, a statement still not yet refuted by the original poster, and then have to wonder how to get it out.
Will the frost harden the ground or must it be the coming of spring and the ground dries naturally?
But lets move on, we are not going to agree on the above question.
Where have I shown I am not a fun loving pilot with the ability to land an aircraft in less than 200 metres, and a spamcan at that.
Let me comment on some of the interesting posts I have read these last 3 pages.
First of all I have maintained a PPL for more than 33 years, flown Cessnas from 152 upto 182TR (turbocharged retractable Skylane), Pipers PA28-140 through -161, -181, Arrows,-235 and PA32RT-300T (turbocharged retractable Cherokee 6 with a T-tail), and it was, and is fun all the way.
I practice STOL abilities at EVERY takeoff and landing, as most of my destinations are islands in the Malacca Straits and South China Sea.
Approaches to these strips are always over water and invariably involve heading changes right upto short finals, when the strip finally comes into view.
Planning is essential for this type of flying, through the approach to touchdown for there is rarely an overshoot available, you have to be committed and get it right.
A poster suggested that secretly I wish I "had the skill, opportunity and friends with big enough gardens to do the same"
is he suggesting envy?
For the record, my front garden is 299 metres long and 76 metres wide, and would handle all those Austers and spamcans, however the neighbours will get p*ss*d off, so we won't be trying.
Being long in the tooth and a bit of an old f@rt I haven't yet managed how to post a pic, but I'll try and do one of those yahoo photopage thingies and post it here.
I should have mentioned that the house is in Johannesburg, and I only get back every 6 to 8 weeks for a long weekend, its just a few minutes from Grand Central.
Otherwise I work and play in KL, flying around the Petronas Twin Towers on my way to an island paradise, well someones got to do it.
And our weather is always 32 degrees C .
Flying is for fun, and it will be fun if you plan to keep it that way
Lets go fly
Sultan Ismail
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Sultans a Swinger
Hi Sultan,
Thanks for your interesting post - thats the sort of thing we want to read. Tell us more about your flying. It will fit well into this 'STOL' thread.
You have to agree that your initial post was totally negative and based on assumptions and value judgement .
A lively debate in consideration of the facts is one thing but jumping in to condemn is something quite different.
This is a classic illustration of what has been going wrong with the Private Pilots Forum.
A new PPL posts an innocent question. Does he get a helpful response? No - just some tw@t questioning the standards of his initial training. Other holier than thou tw@ts then jump aboard and steer the thread in a direction that the originator didn't want. Net result? 'I can't be bothered to read this drivel. I can't be bothered to post a reply'.
So Sultan, pull your pants up, you are forgiven - but only if you tell us more! I for one am very interested in what you are doing out there.
HP
Thanks for your interesting post - thats the sort of thing we want to read. Tell us more about your flying. It will fit well into this 'STOL' thread.
You have to agree that your initial post was totally negative and based on assumptions and value judgement .
A lively debate in consideration of the facts is one thing but jumping in to condemn is something quite different.
This is a classic illustration of what has been going wrong with the Private Pilots Forum.
A new PPL posts an innocent question. Does he get a helpful response? No - just some tw@t questioning the standards of his initial training. Other holier than thou tw@ts then jump aboard and steer the thread in a direction that the originator didn't want. Net result? 'I can't be bothered to read this drivel. I can't be bothered to post a reply'.
So Sultan, pull your pants up, you are forgiven - but only if you tell us more! I for one am very interested in what you are doing out there.
HP