Hey all you sentimental saps, Saturday was one of those days that stick with
you forever. The things the good old days are made of.It dawned clear blue and
calm air. I had an invite to attend a pancake breakfast from an old hang
gliding buddy that built and RV at a chapter SW of Philly. Taking off about 8
am the gps showed 47 miles to target (breakfast). The climb to 4500 was as
smooth as the proverbial babies bottom and not a bump all the way. Along the
way I noticed that there were actually airplanes around. The radio was full of
activity. Five or 6 of us in the pattern. Cool other people flying. On the ramp
it was about 3/4 full of planes of all types. They were flying young eagles and
there was a good line formed for the rides. I am certain that the kids had no
idea how beautiful of a day they were about to experience. The folks were all
friendly and there was a lot of talk and interest in building and flying. I met
and talked to a half dozen people on a whim. Some initiated the conversation
and some I started - really so nice to have so much like minded conversations.
The hangers were all open planes on display and even some general public just
there to watch. The activity was non stop. I only hung around for a little
over an hour before heading back home with a take off hugging the runway to the
end and then pulling up hard in front of the crowd. Pattern altitude in a few
seconds and I have to admit that I would have loved togo around for a low pass
but it was really just to busy. So I headed on course back home. Again I saw a
half dozen airplanes on the way back. The radio was alive with voices at home
too as it was our once a month young eagles day. I think there were about 6
planes flying the kids plus all the school planes were out and some other
normal transient traffic mixed inn. Wow , this is great other people flying, I
had gotten used to being one of a few in the air at a given time. Fueled up
again and one of my hanger mates daughters ask for a ride. So we saddled up and
right after take off I let her have the stick and she did a fine job holding
the KR on course and altitude. But alas 20 min of this was boring me and better
yet it was boring her.She told me she didn't mind steep turns and such, soooo,
game on, Steep climbing chandels into figure eights and a roller coaster over
the top that took both our headsets off. On the first rolled over chandel her
hand hit me in the chest but right away she yells into the headset " I only
freekout for a second, don't stop". We finished it up with a 200 mph pass and
around to a great landing. This kid is going to be a pilot. Back on the
ground, put the plane away with some intentions of getting some chores done.
Again the beauty of the day wins as they guys want to fly out to lunch. I took
right seat in a Mooney and we went to Sky Manor for lunch. Again airplanes all
over the sky and a sailplane mixed in for good measure. The traffic pattern was
full at Sky Manor and your head really had to be on the swivel. They were
flying young eagles there also and the place was packed. The hangers were open,
displays out, a sonex fly inn and plenty of spectators. It doesn't get any
better than this. We got back to base and I did get some of my chores done
and went home for supper. Still a beautiful and turning into a gorgeous
evening. To make a little punishment I rode bike back to the airport and took
another hour of flying in the setting sun and calm air. Just wasting fuel and
low passes at several friends houses.This was truly the day that are the good
old days- It is what makes me fall in love with my life all over again- Flying
- It's the Best.Anyone get a step closer while the rest of us were making com
trails????Thank God for the good old days,Joe Horton
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