by gryshnak » Fri Dec 16, 2005 4:35 am
Civil Airlines: Rarely.
Military: Sometimes, but just because it's military doesn't mean I'll fly it. Some military hardware leaves me cold.
GA: Sometimes. A plane needs to have something different about it before I'll find it interesting and worth my time flying.
Helicopters: Occasionally. I'm no expert but I can get them back on the ground in one piece (usually!)
Vintage Aircraft: How do you define vintage? I like flying Spitfires as much as anyone, but to me Vintage is a Sopwith Camel.
I choose what to fly by what mood I'm in, what the plane looks like, and whether it has some outstanding attribute - fly faster, land slower, turn tighter, etc. Makes no difference to me whether it's a prop or a jet (or a glider). I like flying the little BD-5J because I can throw it around the sky, and it fits under just about every bridge in the world. I also enjoy doing hops in the Fieseler Storch because it can take off and land in the width of the runway instead of the length! This morning I was flying a T-38 Talon, last night it was a Spitfire.
My two biggest criteria: it has to be fun to fly, and it has to look good. Otherwise I won't bother.
Gryshnak