Comments on: Tell Us Your Favorite Airplane to Fly or Fly In?

By: Court

Court — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:19:57 +0000

Mine has to be the CRJ-700. Sounds hokey, I know, but that airplane was so well built, it was almost impossible not to form a connection. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy tooling around at 3,000 ft, but my favorite is to be in the thin air at FL390. And the CRJ-700 would get us there no problem. It was so great to be strapped into a jet with such performance, integrity, redundancy, and performance (yeah, it’s that great). I’ve spent many an occasion whispering “Thank You” to that airplane after a hairy flight.

By: Bob Dog

Bob Dog — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:08:23 +0000

The question creates a bubbling cauldron of memories. After my years (USAF) in some pretty neat stuff, I’d have to vote for my current ride, an Aviat Husky. Hands down the most FUN flying. Most memorable flight is probably the day Rob Holland and I flew back from lunch at Hampton, a small grass strip in coastal NH. Rob in his Ultimate 10-20 biplane, I in the “dog”. Rob was fresh from his 2nd place finish in the World Aerobatic Championships (in Radon, I believe). As we cruised homeward, Rob declared “I’m bored” and proceeded to execute an absolutely memorable demonstration. I can think of nothing more memorable than flying a fun aircraft with a private airshow at eye level on a CAFB day.

By: Carol Pilon

Carol Pilon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:58:06 +0000

Wow….
Well I’m fortunate enough to be a wingwalker. I have had the pleasure of walking on some of the most reknowed aircraft out there. The Waco Mystery ship and Jet Waco with Jimmy Franklin, a fleet of incredible Stearmans with Vic Norman’s team, my own beautiful Royal Rhapsody with rob Holland, Kirk Wicker and lately Bryan Regan. The list of aircraft and pilots is a long one. Although I’ve had all these incredible experiences, the one little airplane that got me hoocked was a non descript homebuilt, Piel Emeraude. It was the first airplane that I owned and the only one that I have ever flown. Sometimes the simplest things hold the most inspiration and joy.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:15:33 +0000

Geez….this is a tough one. My favorite plane to fly – most already know – is the T6. It’s fun, forgiving and forces a pilot to keep their skills sharp.
My favorite flight of all time would be my first warbird flight in 1988. I cut class to hang out at my local airport (Reid Hillview) because the Red Baron Stearman Squadron was there. At the end of the day I had the opportunity to fly with them! I’ve been hooked ever since.
My most amusing………
I don’t recall the year, but it was around ’96. It was the first POF Valle fly-in. I drove 18 hrs to get there and then worked the parking lot all day Saturday. I didn’t plan very well though – I was wearing shorts, a tank top and sandels! By the end of the day, I was dubbed ‘Rock Lobster’ by Steve Hinton. The next day, not being one to let on just how much pain I was in, I showed up in jeans and a t-shirt and real shoes. My ex and I were given the chance to fly in the Ford Tri-Motor. Steve told my ex that he’d signal him to close the door before take off. Now picture if you will……….
Steve is on his take-off roll with no signal given. A 40ish man hanging out the door getting wind blasted to unhook and close it. And trust me….it’s a BIG door!!!! He gets the door unlatched and the wind catches it. Score: Door 1, ex husband 0
He spent the entire flight half unconcious (at least he didn’t get air sick). Steve didn’t have a clue what happened until after the flight. In the years since, several of us have gotten a great laugh over that one.
Okay….I’m EVIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Brandon

Brandon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:32:18 +0000

In these times of dramatically increasing fuel prices it makes me recall my logbook entry when I first got my Luscombe. I commented that I did 20 touch and goes for under $5 of fuel!

Next would probably be flying a Stearman at dusk at the conclusion of a 100 degree Chino day. Finally cooling off, a little wind in the hair and a little flame out of the exhaust. Beats the heck out of motorcycles, that’s all I can say!

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:08:16 +0000

Ryan,
Thanks so much for this more extensive post. I love your question because it causes me to remember so many great experiences. Like, my initial solo in a glider. Flying a 747 sim on the old “checkerboard” approach to HKG. Riding in a Stearman with Susan Dacy. Flying traffic reporters around IND in a beat up Cutlass.

I guess my favorite flight is always the next one…..The anticipation can’t be beat!