Early morning fueling in Wik, Scotland. T-210 M, N761TD. Adrian and I tend the hose. Paris next.
Unique Mooney during the preflight-- the result of a NASA study into flush riveting, and the differences between what the designer envisions, and what can actually be produced. Mooney made ten of these, representing the best work they could do. Incredibly, the difference was almost unmeasurable. Incidentally, with 4 aboard, the CAFE efficiency of this airplane is better than most fuel-efficient cars. Capitalism searches out the darkest corners of human potential, and mainlines them.
> "Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"
And yes, the Mooney is a legendary bird, and deserves the rep.--as well as the rep as a tough bird to land well. Capitalism searches out the darkest corners of human potential, and mainlines them.
I only hope you have made it to Oshkosh at least once in your life. For folks who like airplanes, it really IS a view of heaven. "Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"
I live about 12 km. from Minnesota's most active sport airport--a big grass field used originally to train B-17 pilots for WW II. Last summer, I drove over on a spectacular day to watch some flying and wound up sitting in on a class for people building some very light high performance sailplanes. (Try a 12 meter wingspan glider weighing only 70 kg.) They were passing around parts made from carbon fiber that were so light, it was like the laws of gravity had been suspended. So yes indeed, seeing what the composite guys are making these days is always the highlight of these airshows. "Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"
Haven't been to Oshkosh since 2001. I have been four times--1978, 1985, 1996. The closest I came to building an airplane was after watching Dick Rutan fly a Long-Eze through an aerobatic pattern.
I am getting a bit old for this. The flight line from the warbirds to the ultralights is about 6 km and there are several thousand perfect airplanes you just have to look at carefully in between. Wears me out! And lately, it has been very hot. Not only is 7 hours in 37° heat a bit much, but such hot air screws up the low-level acrobatics. But I am certain I will go again. We'll see. "Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"
"Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"
