Sons Of Liberty (Pt. 1)
Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2007 2:06 pmWell...after having fun in the south of France going VFR crazy in my Stationair, I felt it was the need to fly home, mainly because the landing fees are eating my bank account. ;D
Forgot to take screenies of the early part of the flight...so here are some later ones instead :P
Flying high over Paris
Nearing the channel coast
Croeso Y Faes Awyr Rhyngwladol Caerdydd (Ahh, home sweet home)
At this point, just as I was taxiing to my spot infront of BAMC (British Airways Maintenence Cardiff)... a "Non ATC regular" shall I say...came on the radio and asked me something...well...lets jsut say I don't get asked it everyday.
(Recorded Transcript from the tower at Cardiff)
Voice - Pilot of Cessna 206 Stationair II, we have heard of your immaculate flying skills and are fully aware that you are shall we say "comfortable" when flying at extremely low altitudes. We are also aware that you own a full licence for helicopter flying..."
Me - "Woah woah woah, what do you mean..."we?" "
Voice - "Never mind the questions son. Listen in...and listen in carefully. A few hours ago, a large rebel force calling themselves "Sons Of Liberty" stormed the Alaskan shoreline and have rapidly moved through the state heading for the Canadian Border. The Airforce is down on pilots, and as a "non-official" option, we are recruiting civil aviation pilots to assist in the matter.
Me - "Uhh...ok..."
Voice - "A U.S transport plane is heading for Cardiff International at this very moment. On board is an EH101 Merlin, registration ZJ122...that is your aircraft for the entire operation...I expect to see you on board!"
Me - "Are you kidding me?!.......Hello?...Answer me dammit!...."
Sure enough, the C5 turned up at Cardiff. As I climbed on board, sure enough, there was the Merlin, and as I travelled to the front of the aircraft, I noticed a lot of anxious looking faces. Clearly, whoever contacted me from the tower, is pulling GA pilots from all over the place. Doesn't really make the picture look good if there is a shortage of combat pilots and all I'm seeing is scared GA pilots not knowing what the hell they've let themselves in for.
Within 12 hours, I was flying over the U.S/Canadian border...could well be the last time I see a peaceful view out of the window.
C + C welcome...part 2 to come soon. I've got ideas running all over the place in the noodle, so be patient ;)
Black Sheep 8-)
Forgot to take screenies of the early part of the flight...so here are some later ones instead :P
Flying high over Paris
Nearing the channel coast
Croeso Y Faes Awyr Rhyngwladol Caerdydd (Ahh, home sweet home)
At this point, just as I was taxiing to my spot infront of BAMC (British Airways Maintenence Cardiff)... a "Non ATC regular" shall I say...came on the radio and asked me something...well...lets jsut say I don't get asked it everyday.
(Recorded Transcript from the tower at Cardiff)
Voice - Pilot of Cessna 206 Stationair II, we have heard of your immaculate flying skills and are fully aware that you are shall we say "comfortable" when flying at extremely low altitudes. We are also aware that you own a full licence for helicopter flying..."
Me - "Woah woah woah, what do you mean..."we?" "
Voice - "Never mind the questions son. Listen in...and listen in carefully. A few hours ago, a large rebel force calling themselves "Sons Of Liberty" stormed the Alaskan shoreline and have rapidly moved through the state heading for the Canadian Border. The Airforce is down on pilots, and as a "non-official" option, we are recruiting civil aviation pilots to assist in the matter.
Me - "Uhh...ok..."
Voice - "A U.S transport plane is heading for Cardiff International at this very moment. On board is an EH101 Merlin, registration ZJ122...that is your aircraft for the entire operation...I expect to see you on board!"
Me - "Are you kidding me?!.......Hello?...Answer me dammit!...."
Sure enough, the C5 turned up at Cardiff. As I climbed on board, sure enough, there was the Merlin, and as I travelled to the front of the aircraft, I noticed a lot of anxious looking faces. Clearly, whoever contacted me from the tower, is pulling GA pilots from all over the place. Doesn't really make the picture look good if there is a shortage of combat pilots and all I'm seeing is scared GA pilots not knowing what the hell they've let themselves in for.
Within 12 hours, I was flying over the U.S/Canadian border...could well be the last time I see a peaceful view out of the window.
C + C welcome...part 2 to come soon. I've got ideas running all over the place in the noodle, so be patient ;)
Black Sheep 8-)