How many aircraft modelers here are/were pilots?

I've been up twice (yes only two!) In a 172. First time as a passenger and the second in the pilots seat.

I miss it! There's nothing like dropping a couple hundred feet in just as many seconds lol. Never felt anything like it since.

I regret not pursuing more of such adventures.

I started flying in 1975 in the front seat of a Ryan PT-22 owned by a friend. Had my first formal flying lesson in December 1976 in a Cessna 150. I earned my Private Pilot Certificate in July 1987, 44 years from the time my dad earned his wings and commission in the USAAC. I flew for a few years until the money ran out, mostly 150/152's. Over the years I've flown in lots of vintage airplanes from Mustangs to Fords to a variety of Spam Cans. I have a little tail-wheel time, maybe five hours in a Champ and a J-3. For my 69th birthday I flew in the front seat of a T-6 at Warbird Adventures. A few years ago I flew in the navigator's seat on CAF's B-29 FiFi. At Oshkosh two years ago I flew in a Bell 47 helicopter. I'll fly in pretty much anything that doesn't have a pressurized cabin. Maybe 12 years ago I piloted a Vultee BT-13 like what my dad used to instruct in at Enid AAF. The picture is from my flight with Warbird Adventures, 6500 feet over Lake Wales, FL

Greg, Steve, and Ashley,

Thanks for chiming in!

My curiousity is now sated. I was nearly sure there would be at least a few of you who are pilots and enjoy modeling aircraft. I'm pleasantly surprised at how quickly you all have replied.

I admit I'm not as quick as I used to be so the 150 is most likely the best aircraft for me to learn on. I'm not sure if I'll actually keep going (I can't really afford the $150/hour) to get my PPL but, when I can afford to fly, ... it's fun!

I've been flying since 1970, professionally since '75. I hold an ATP, worked 27 years for a regional airline, flew the Canadair RJs, Metroliner and the SAAB 340. Now I teach in simulators and fly contract in the Phenom 300. For about 10 years, I was a tour captain for the EAA on the Ford Trimotor, and still fly for them at the museum in Oshkosh in the Travelair 4000 and New Swallow biplanes. I also own a Christen Eagle and a Decathlon, so I get to pull a few Gs every now and again.

I hold a Private Pilot and an A&P. I owned a Cessna 150 years ago, before I got married and bought a house.

1943Mike

Fermis,

Congrats on getting back into it!

If I actually continue my lessons (in the flying kite .. Cessna 150) I'll be happy to just putz around as a VFR guy strictly for occasional enjoyment of getting up in the air.

If I win lotto in the next year or two (before my age affects my reflexes, mental acuity, etc.) I'd probably get a Cirrus sr22T ... LOL! Or, time permitting, if I were to get a multi-engine rating (and my IFR along with it) I'd go for a Beech Baron or, maybe, a low hour Cessna 310 - love both those aircraft.

1943Mike

My curiousity stems from my starting (at age 76) to learn how to fly.

I'm with Fermis! Good for you, sir!

I started in '72. (that's 1972, not at age 72 )

Commercial Pilot MSEL, Instrument and CFI. (these credentials are nothing compared to many folk here. A lot of experienced pilotz hang out on FSM). And current beats ragged old licenses any day, IMO. And I isn't.

I'm all done. I lost my edge and after a domestic reorganization 10 yrs back, I can't afford it anyway. But that's ok, had a ball in the day.

I try to say I don't miss it, but for example when Fermis mentioned flying a Banana to the Nats a few weeks back, I gotta admit my blood got to circulating a little bit.

Mustang1989,

Interesting that you worked on the 1H's. My CFI's husband (the owner of the business and also a CFI) was a 1D pilot during the Vietnam War. He's also flown many different kinds of fixed wing aircraft.

In the hangar office area there's a picture of the kinds of Huey's he flew. I photographed part of the picture since I want to build my Kitty Hawk 1/48 UH-1D for him. There was a lot of reflection on the glass over the picture but you can still see what they looked like.

Fermis,

Congrats on getting back into it!

If I actually continue my lessons (in the flying kite .. Cessna 150) I'll be happy to just putz around as a VFR guy strictly for occasional enjoyment of getting up in the air.

If I win lotto in the next year or two (before my age affects my reflexes, mental acuity, etc.) I'd probably get a Cirrus sr22T ... LOL! Or, time permitting, if I were to get a multi-engine rating (and my IFR along with it) I'd go for a Beech Baron or, maybe, a low hour Cessna 310 - love both those aircraft.

Retired USCG pilot; Commerical Single and Multi-engine Land, Instrument

Never a pilot (although I did get some controls time a couple of times) but was a crew chief on the UH-1H Huey for over 8 years. Hands down the best job I ever had.

This is a photo/ article that got printed in the Stars and Stripes paper back in 1990.

1943Mike

Again, just curious. Nothing to do with modeling. My curiousity stems from my starting (at age 76) to learn how to fly.

 

Holy smokes! Better late, than never!

I started at 23 (in 98). Got my PPL, flew a little here and there. Went several years without flying at all (life). Got back to it in the summer of 07. By Spring of 08, I had my instrument ticket, as well as multi and commercial/multi. Basically, the minimum to get a job. The market tanked, big time. It was a very bad time, no jobs...anywhere...couldn't even get a job at McD's. Being good at hunting got me through the winter! I started building models again, to keep me from turning to bad things. Several years passed, without any flying.

Got back to it about 2 years ago. Very comprehensive flight review and IPC. They were both like doing a complete checkride again. I needed that! I also got current for multi-engine again, and have been flying missions for Wings of Mercy (in a 310). Haven't had a single mission yet, that didn't involve at least some IMC. I love every minute of it!

 I've actually got a plane on the schedule for tomorrow, just to go drill a hole through the sky!