Flying the Classics

[Da Judge]

How can I fly the classic aircraft/warbirds? I mean not to be in one when its flying, but to actually fly one.

[Woodlouse2002]

Steal/buy one.

[beefhole]

Steal/buy one.

Listed in the order of probability of success

[flyboy 28]

Assuming you're a bit on the younger side, go volunteer for a local aircraft preservation society. Spend lots of years there, then if you're lucky enough, and have the right flying certificate, you can.

That's just my guess though.

[FLYING_TRUCKER]

Hi Da Judge:  

Got a little experience in flying classic/warbirds and I am not sure this is the answer you are looking for.

I have flown many types such as the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, Harvard, Auster, Otter, T-33, Dak (C47), Canso (Catalina, PBY) and all are classics and could be considered warbirds as well.

I am well past a half century by close to several decades and like many of my peers it takes a long time to learn something.
I am one of those who always thought the grass looked greener on the other side but as year pass you by you learn different.  :)

It is the same with aircraft, yes the old "Otter and T-33" were the cat's ass at one time but as time goes on you find they are only stepping stones.

You jump into a nice little Cessna 150 and it will fly the same as anything else.  You push the wheel forward, the buildings get bigger,  pull it back and the buildings get smaller.  All aircraft pretty much fly the same way in that respect.

Oh the little Cessna 150 won't go quite as fast as some of those other types, won't have nearly as many guages and switches, won't burn as much fuel either, won't go quite as far on fuel or carry as many folks.
But, as you cruise merrily on your way from point "A" to "B" defying the elements and look out onto the horizon it won't look any different than if you were in any other aeroplane.  ;)

When you land and walk into the airport you will be given the same respect, treated equally as any other pilot whether he walks in with four stripes on his shoulders or not.

An aircraft is a tool, to be used for commerce or pleasure, some cost more to operate than others.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to fly any aircraft, classic/warbird, set your goals and hold on to your dream and as experience and time pass you by you will probably agree, yes they all do fly the same.  ;)

There is my long winded answer Da Judge.  :)

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

[beaky]

Join the EAA, and find a restoration project being done by a chapter near you. I wish I had the time to volunteer... there are always cool vintage resto. projects out there that can use inexperienced volunteers.

But of course you want to fly classics... yes, but the key to getting some dual in a classic or warbird is to insinuate yourself in the social circle of those who own and fly them. Getting involved in a restoration project, or volunteering at airshows or museums, etc. is probably the best way. Could take a long time, but I have found that like in most of life, when it comes to success in these kinds of things, just being there is 99% of it.

Other possibilities: find somebody who is doing taildragger checkouts in something older like a Champ or Cub, and take some dual in that. I can almost guarantee this school or owner will know somebody with something a little more exotic or whatever.

Or just hang around an airport where someone keeps a "classic" and offer your assistance with whatever in exchange for stick time. You might at least get a ride with some hands-on time, if not an actual lesson.

Be aware that many people will be reticent to allow even dual instruction in vintage birds due to insurance constraints... but don't be discouraged by that.

[ozzy72]

Or follow the Ozzy route and get the plans and build one

[beaky]

Or follow the Ozzy route and get the plans and build one

That only works for the certifiably insane; not for everyone.

How's Binky doing lately, anyway?

[C]

In the UK most tend to have a competition aerobatic background, followed by ex military (often with solo display experience in the military or test pilots), and then to a lesser extent, engineers and aircraft owners.

[ozzy72]

Binky isn't happening much at the moment due to the arrival of winter and the lack of heating in the garage!!! Piggin' freezin'
So I'll be working on instruments over the winter and probably doing a few minor construction jobs that I can do at home without making the wife angry

[an-225]

hmmm... Ozzy you say Binky needs parts. There is a Sukhoi trainer at my local airfield (YSBK, YSSY is my airport.) I could steal obtain some parts from it for Binky.  ;D.  Would make for an interesting "breed" of plane!