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Today is the 1st anniversary of my 'Extra Special' 60th birthday pressie. An advanced aerobatic lesson in an Extra 300. I now have the original images on CD so thought I would post a selection as reminder of this wonderful day.

The pre-flight briefing was very thorough. This is me being shown round the aircraft. There were 2 instructors sharing 4 pupils. My instructor is Chris Carder, an ex-member of the Red Arrows.


While the aircraft is refuelled I'm being fitted with my parachute. This is the first time I'll have flown a light aircraft for something like 35 years. I've never been in anything like this before.


All aboard, strapped in & ready to go. That weather looks decidedly gloomy but I'm up for it.


Some time later. The return of our hero. I didn't disgrace myself by using my sick-bag. LOL


I wore this daft grin on my face for about a week afterwards.



An unforgettable present thanks to my dear daughter, brother & families - not forgetting the people at Ultimate High who made it all possible. They are a very professional outfit & put themselves out to make you feel special. It really was a wonderful experience that I shall remember for the rest of my life.

PS. Today is not my birthday. That's earlier in the year & we had to wait for a convenient date to suit all concerned.

That is the cheesy grins cheesy grin

your one lucky fellow:) with a great family thats for sure.

You lucky devil!

P.S. I didn't know you were like 60, after reading your posts I thought you were thirtyish.

You lucky devil!

P.S. I didn't know you were like 60, after reading your posts I thought you were thirtyish.

Thanks Stormtropper. You dont know how good that makes me feel.

I still think & act like a 16 year-old - unfortunately now trapped in a 60 year old body.

Well Done Doug

The main thing is you had fun and enjoyed it.

The next time you go...if you are the last group flying that day...it is also fun to join in the comradery with the instructors over a pint or two.....OR did you do that you devil LOL

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

Fantastic photo's Doug, an exciting flight, I bet.... ...!
(I remember your flight earlier last year).
I'm hoping my next one will be in the "Aerobat" version of my little Cessna 152.... ...!
Not quite a Vans RV 4, but near enough for my liking... ... ... ...!

Cheers Doug...!

Paul.

Fantastic photo's Doug, an exciting flight, I bet.... ...!
(I remember your flight earlier last year).

Thanks Paul. It was certainly exciting & enjoyable.

I'm hoping my next one will be in the "Aerobat" version of my little Cessna 152.... ...!
Not quite a Vans RV 4, but near enough for my liking... ... ... ...!

The Aerobat is a nice little plane. I'm sure it will suit you just fine.

I'm working on a trip in this little beauty for my next flight. Slightly different to the Extra.
http://www.simviation.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=photos;action=display;num=1081776044

Hi Doug...!
Thanks for the link...

http://freespace.virgin.net/shadow.owners/index.htm

What a shame the site is not kept up to date, a bit like my Shobdon aeroclub site.... ...!
Either the Web Masters are dis-interested, of the members don't pass information to the Web Masters for them to include on the Site.... ....!

The second-hand Streak Shadows seem quite reasonable, (new/kit ones are VERY dear, for sale in my Pilot magazines!).
A 1957 Auster Mk. 5A with a Lycoming motor, in my June issue of "Todays Pilot" says "

Looks like a bit of fun there... Not so Grumpy anymore...


~James

P.S-- Is that the same plane in your avvie?

Looks like a bit of fun there... Not so Grumpy anymore...


~James

P.S-- Is that the same plane in your avvie?

Thanks James. Grumpy is a state of mind. It doesn't mean I'm bad-tempered - although I can be if required.

Yes it's the same plane I use as my avatar. I didn't post the full sized pic as you've all seen it enough times by now.

Happy Birthday (belated)

You have got a good family around you.




Tony

Yes it's the same plane I use as my avatar. I didn't post the full sized pic as you've all seen it enough times by now.

Quite.

Whoa, looks like you had a fieldday! Hope you've enjoyed it.

the second time you impress us all by doing something for real, we only can do virtually ( Still not over the Murcielago!

[quote]Whoa, looks like you had a fieldday! Hope you've enjoyed it.

the second time you impress us all by doing something for real, we only can do virtually ( Still not over the Murcielago!