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50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:11 pm
by 1177
After five lessons my old instructor kicked me out on my own. 50 years ago today...

- 50Years.jpg (143.93 KiB) Viewed 7513 times
Re: 50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:02 pm
by 6183
50 years of flying is a special achievement, Congratulations!
Re: 50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2023 12:11 pm
by 2066
Apology for butting in...

but, here we go. Agree -- 50 years flying is a meaningful accomplishment. Congrats!...to all who've made it and to those on the way! Others are welcome to share their story, I'm sure.

- SOLO CHAMP 08 06 1969 50 P.jpg (35.71 KiB) Viewed 7449 times
I recall vividly just how much lighter that Champ was when Mr. Smith hopped out

. After all of those years what a privilege it was to have him complete my Flight Review 51 years later & would have made the next one in '22 had we not experienced scheduling conflicts. Quite a ride & an incredible privilege to (still!) fly, I know we all agree.
The greatest part is the wonderful friendships made along the way. Mac
Re: 50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:02 pm
by V529
Cool post!
I got "signed" off in June of 1978. I kept up with my first instructor up until a few years ago. He passed away recently in his 90's. A great guy and I'm fortunate to have learned from "a good one".
Happy New Year!
Re: 50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2024 10:41 pm
by 4004
Went to airport in July 1946 with 7:50 in logbook, instructor (WWII) said, "once around the pattern to get the 8hr, required then, and afterwards give me 3TO/ldgs to full stops". "Oh yeah, be careful, you won't have my weight up front". When I returned, he said let's see your hand, black with sweat from rubber on the J-3 Cub stick.
Along the way as civilian Tech Rep on heavy military radar, was in Casablanca Morrocco ( "play it again, Sam", Bogart for the old timers) for a month to get a visa to get to assignment in Tripoli Libya, I rented a J-3 and toured Casablanca.
Later, after family emergency, required relocating to Kaiserslautern, Germany, became friends with German car dealership who owned a J-3 at a grass strip nearby, who said, just keep gas in it and fly it all you want to.
Been a great 77.5 years, turned 95 Dec 26 but see sun setting in west. Flying kept me from getting ulcers during the years at Cape Canaveral, I would go flying to relax from stress due to 24/7 availability.
"Big Edd"
Re: 50 Years of Freedom
Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2024 10:23 pm
by 2066
4004 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 10:41 pm
Went to airport in July 1946 with 7:50 in logbook, instructor (WWII) said, "once around the pattern to get the 8hr, required then, and afterwards give me 3TO/ldgs to full stops". "Oh yeah, be careful, you won't have my weight up front". When I returned, he said let's see your hand, black with sweat from rubber on the J-3 Cub stick.
Along the way as civilian Tech Rep on heavy military radar, was in Casablanca Morrocco ( "play it again, Sam", Bogart for the old timers) for a month to get a visa to get to assignment in Tripoli Libya, I rented a J-3 and toured Casablanca.
Later, after family emergency, required relocating to Kaiserslautern, Germany, became friends with German car dealership who owned a J-3 at a grass strip nearby, who said, just keep gas in it and fly it all you want to.
Been a great 77.5 years, turned 95 Dec 26 but see sun setting in west. Flying kept me from getting ulcers during the years at Cape Canaveral, I would go flying to relax from stress due to 24/7 availability.
"Big Edd"
Truly an interesting and inspiring sentimental journey, Edd! I'd hoped that you'd wade in here with us youngsters!

That you're so regularly a helpful(!) friend 24/7 to us here over the years is fact. That you've contributed at the Cape and, literally, around the world similarly is legendary. Outstanding service, to Country as well as to flight-afflicted friends and no doubt many more. You're admired and much appreciated, old friend. May that sun showing in the west be yet a very distant blip on the radar screen! Always a special ride-along seat for you here! Thanks for sharing!
Mac