What a Great Day! Hunert-percenter
I finally flew our new plane (1975 Grumman AA5 Traveler) on Friday with my wife Dana in the right co-pilot seat. This was the first time I have flown without another pilot in the plane (even if only a passenger), since 2000. That's a nine year hiatus caused by multiple factors, but BMW and Buell motorcycles, and giant scale RC were predominant factors. I got the kids out of college, out of the house, built a new house at a fly-in community, and finally brought home the new plane last Saturday. I flew Thursday after my 5 hour checkout was completed with the instructor, but had by friend Lonny (CFI-I) with me as my first true passenger in my own plane. I have flown with him in his planes for the past 29 years, so it was time to return the favor. Lonny and I flew into Triple Tree for the Third Annual Fly-In on Thursday and it looked great. Way different from the 3D flight line back in May. Gotta say the place just keeps getting better and better.
I digress. Dana and I tried to fly to Triple Tree Aerodrome on Friday, but rain turned us around about 8 miles short. Not to worry, it was only 60 miles back home. Cloud cover was scattered once we turned around, so we climbed to 7500 feet where the outside temp was 55 degrees. We opened the canopy, just like the plane is designed, and flew with a cool breeze while sunshine poured in. Silky smooth and just weaving between the clouds that extended above our elevation. Brings to mind the memorable lines from the poem "High Flight."
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things....
Inbound to our local airport, Twin Lakes (where I live), my friend Jon with a Grumman Cheetah was airborne and we intercepted each other. Did some formation flying. That was a first for me. Our planes are very evenly matched and both are a joy to fly. About the only thing that flies better are the RV series of homebuilts.
Then, over to Fast Eddie's Bar (hangar) for social hour with the neighborhood pilots. Then out to dinner with 9 of us for a great time. The only down side is Dana had to go in to work at 11pm. BUT she was able to spend the afternoon flying with our new baby. What a great day!
Show us pics of your full-scale babies.
Doug
|