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the joy of flying
I've not only flown planes, I've even jumped out of them. There may be a relationship between those two activities, but I'll leave that one alone. One of my greatest pleasures is to get behind the yoke or stick of old vintage aircraft. I've had the joy of being at the controls of both a B-17 Flying Fortress and flying aerobatic maneuvers in an AT-6 Harvard, both WWII aircraft. I also had the pleasure of a ride in a beautiful 1927 open cockpit biplane, a truly incredible experience. If you're interested in flying, or a seasoned pilot, you might find these accounts entertaining reading.
Since I was a kid, I've marvelled at the flying skills of airshow performer Bud Granley, a Pacific Northwest favorite who specializes in the AT-6 Harvard, a WWII training aircraft. So when I got to take one of these rare beauties into the sky for an hour of aerobatic maneuvers, it was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life.
I got to fulfil a lifelong dream when I took the controls of a B-17G Flying Fortress, the "Nine-O-Nine," over the skies of Seattle. The aircraft type featured in the movie "Memphis Belle," fewer than 10 of these magnificent planes are still flying.
Reliving the days of those daredevil barnstormers, Spy and Zhredder got to ride in an open cockpit 1927 Travelair. With the wind screaming directly at your face, and visibility in every direction with nothing around you except your seatbelts, this was truly an aviation hilight.
Winning a short flight in a Piper Cherokee at an airshow, I got bitten by the flying bug. Here's the account of that first flight.