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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Bruce Shipp on August 17, 2009, 09:31:27 PM

Title: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Bruce Shipp on August 17, 2009, 09:31:27 PM

Please indulge a proud father...

I had hoped this would be the summer I got back to flying stunt on a regular basis after a major job change several years ago.  I even got as far as having the airplane on its back with all the power train out and getting a good once over after several years of inactivity.  Then in July, my youngest son, Alex told me he was ready to get after a task he had put off for several years.  Yesterday morning he completed that task by soling our C170B.
First Takeoff
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m169/fourshipp/Alex%20Solo/DSC00364.jpg)


found his way back!
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m169/fourshipp/Alex%20Solo/DSC00367.jpg)




Great Student...proud instructor
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m169/fourshipp/Alex%20Solo/DSC00372.jpg)

(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m169/fourshipp/Alex%20Solo/DSC00374.jpg)

Alex has never shown a great interest in serious control line flying but he can fly the hinges off a 3D RC ship. I know that many here have publicly scoffed at that type of flying, but the kid sure understands what the rudder, elevator and ailerons make an airplane do.  That ability showed in spades in the 170.  I rarely had to tell him something twice and often didn't have to tell him the first time.  He just saw it and fixed it!  I wish I had been as good at 19 as he is.


Thanks for letting me brag.

Bruce

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Alan Hahn on August 17, 2009, 09:57:32 PM

Well congratulations.  #^

I remember soloing for my High School graduation present from my Dad (he was my flight instructor).

I have to say we are never as good as we were back when we were 18-19! (even when we were 18-19!).

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Frank Sheridan on August 17, 2009, 10:22:17 PM

Taildraggers - Fly'em til you ty'em (down, that is).

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: billbyles on August 18, 2009, 12:19:35 AM

Hi Bruce,

Congratulations to your son!  Is he going to be ready to step into the F-15 that you flew for Uncle Sam one of these days?  Man, that C-170B is sure pretty.  Is that strip on your property?

I look forward to having you get back to C/L stunt...however, this time my Southwick Lark is not for sale (nor was it the last time!)

Let me know if you get out here to Ontario Airport again and this time I'll buy you breakfast.

Bill Byles

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Chuck Feldman on August 18, 2009, 05:29:40 AM

 ;D     A great story.  Thanks for sharing it with us. Congratulations to both of you.

Chuck

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Bruce Shipp on August 18, 2009, 06:50:47 AM

Thanks, Bill.  No-Alex has no desire to fly for a living (smarter than his dad, he is).  He is a sophomore chemistry major at Univ of N Texas in Denton. 

He soloed at Wichita Valley airport here in town - nice grass runways.  At 1800 feet we are a bit short at home.

Title: Re: How I Spent My Summer (Off Topic)
Post by: Bruce Shipp on August 18, 2009, 06:52:05 AM

Alan and Chuck,

Thanks, and you're welcome.