Buddy Rides

I think the most gratifying aspect of old airplanes is the opportunities we have to share them with others.  Thanksgiving day at Deer Pasture Airfield was a special time.  God blessed us with beautiful weather, a great time with extended family members enjoying food, and fun stories and spending time with each other.  And after the turkey and stuffing, after the games and laughs, the kitchen was cleared, photos were taken of all the families present... then it was time to go check out things at the Hangar.  My great nieces and great nephews were surprised when they realized I had already done the pre-flight inspection on the Taylorcraft.  At that point... there was nothing left to do but fly!

What a glorious day it was.  For the triplets, Justin, Kailyn, and Shilyn... it was their very first airplane rides.  For their big brother Colton, it was his first time at the controls... to fly himself.  For their Mom and Dad... it was a chance to re-live the memories of flying in the old days with Grandy (My Dad).  For me... I can hardly explain the feeling I had to see the expressions on their faces and to hear their stories at the end of the day.

I flew 12 sorties of Buddy rides... over 2.5 hours.  A light breeze... direct cross-wind.  So fun for me just to practice airwork and landing skills.  But the absolute best is sharing the blessing of flight!

The way God intended man to fly

This is absolutely the finest flying video I have seen.  Thanks to Taylorcraft flier, Jim Brewer, for sharing such wonderful scenes from the Great State of Alaska.  No more words necessary... just enjoy!

Guest Post - The Top 5 Advances in Avionics

Your Comments are Invited:

The following is a short article by Philip J. Reed, titled "The Top 5 Advances in Avionics".  I have agreed to post this article, although Barnstmr's Random Aeronautics neither endorses nor intends to promote Redstone College, Cirrus, Chelton Flight Systems, or any of the companies mentioned.  The topic is intriguing to me on several levels. Increasingly, these new avionics technologies are finding their way in general aviation and in antique airplanes. And so I believe it is pertinent to the readers of Barnstmr's Random Aeronautics who primarily have interests in vintage airplanes and general aviation.

I am requesting feedback from our readers.  Please click the "Post a Comment" link below and write to tell your experience with old airplanes and avionics equipment.  Please give your opinion on the following:

1. Have you seen, flown, maintained, or noticed any of these 5 types of avionics equipment in old airplanes? If so, tell us which ones and the type of airplanes.

2. Do you think these devices (portable or installed) take anything away from the "vintage" flying experience?

3. Have you experienced an event in which one of these devices improved (or might have improved) the operational safety of the aircraft or the intended flight mission?

4. Have you experienced an event in which one of these devices caused a problem?  (anonymous responses are recommended here).

5. Which of these devices would you consider a "must" for the old airplane of your choice?  Why?

Thanks for your participation in my poll.  TLB

 Click on Article to Enlarge Image

 

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