Exactly a year ago, at this same table, on this same laptop,
I published my first post.
The passage of a year........
a year not so significant as some in the past, thank Heaven.
My writing style has changed a little, and I've modified the way I compose my posts. Blogging has forced me to focus on writing to avoid misunderstanding. I hope my writing and style have both improved.
As I figured at the start, I've blogged about my flying experiences, but not exclusively. The Aviation Industry exposes me to many interesting people and subjects, and I've enjoyed sharing some of those experiences with all of you. I've also had to do some research in order to publish some posts I knew little about, and that has been educational and satisfying.
But what I appreciate most of all is the support and constructive criticism I have received from fellow bloggers and passers-by. Many have become "virtual friends". What a wonderful community!
I've told many of the most important stories of my life in the past year.
I'm considering going back and re-publishing some of them for readers that have just found "Pitchpull", so they don't have to slog through the rest of the crap to find the "pearls". Of course, what I consider a pearl may be a lump of coal to others. For those folks, the archive awaits.
My sitemeter now says more than 40 folks per day are stopping by. That's a number I would not have expected if you had asked a year ago. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, for criticizing when I need it, and for helping keep me out of trouble.
Let's all look forward to the year ahead!
25 April 2006
Nearly Heaven
Coffee in hand, still trying to clear the morning cobwebs, I saw this very picture unfold in real time this morning, minus the surfer.
A pod of 12 or so dolphins were grazing in my front yard. Wonderful.
We are midway through our one-week stay in our little slice of paradise. Spring breakers all gone, traffic flows normally and there are no lines at our favorite eateries.
Construction is going on everywhere. Having seen how bad traffic is during Spring Break, or during the summer when vacationers are here, I can't imagine how bad it will be when they fill the condos that are now under construction here. They can't widen the roads enough to handle that number of cars.
The water is a magnet for humans. What was once a sleepy little place is undergoing a traumatic change, and from what I hear, it's happening near the coast almost everywhere. This, at a time when fewer insurance companies will consider writing a policy to cover hurricane damage. It will be interesting to see what happens when the political power that comes with the money involved here begins to flex it's muscle.
We're fortunate to be able to come at times we choose. The idea of coming during the "peak" season is less and less attractive.
20 April 2006
"The Sniffer" and "The Snatch"
What a title!
Bet this post doesn't go the way you imagine!
My Viet Nam Unit was one-of-a-kind.
I was in "The Aeroscout Company", Americal Division.
Our main mission was reconnaissance.
We accomplished our recon. mission by launching four helicopters:
An OH-6 Scout,
A UH1-C "Charley Model" Gunship,
An AH1-G Cobra Gunship,
and,
A UH1-H "Slick"
The little OH-6 Scout would fly low enough to part the tops of trees with his rotorwash and look underneath to see if any enemy activity was going on down there. I think the guys flying this mission had the most dangerous flying job in Viet Nam. No OH-6 in our unit accrued 300 total flight hours before being shot down during my year there.
I followed the Scout in the "Charley Model" Huey, flying 50 feet above and about 1/8th mile behind, to cover the OH-6 in case he began to receive fire.
This low altitude and airspeed also left me considerably exposed,
SO......
The "Snake", (Cobra), followed behind me at 1000' altitude and 1/2 mile behind in case I got shot at.
The "Slick" carried a squad of Infantry,
(we called our grunts "Animals"),
and followed along high enough to be out of the range of small arms fire.
One of the special missions our unit performed was "The Snatch".
If the little Scout saw a military-age male acting suspiciously in the area we were to recon, he would call for the Slick to land and the "Animals" would pick this suspect up for questioning.
Obviously, this was a dangerous mission......on more than one occasion we landed the Slick, only to find we had inserted our troops into a hornet's nest. We'd then use the two Gunships to provide fire and protection for the Slick as we extricated our "Animals" from harms way.
However, we were frequently successful at snatching suspicious young males who provided good information to our Division Intelligence folks.
We used this same basic team to do another type of recon mission: "The Sniffer".
The little Scout would pick up a specialty team with a special machine......
The Sniffer.
It fit in the rear of the OH-6, and had a sensor on a cord that was lowered 30 feet below the aircraft. We would then go out into bad-guy territory and fly just over the triple canopy jungle with the sensor just above the tops of the trees. We would start working a grid pattern downwind....the sensor would give you erroneous readings if it picked up the exhaust from the helicopters....and we would fly a grid that was designated by our Division Intel. people.
The Sniffer picked up human perspiration. If it sensed perspiration, the technician operating the machine would call out "HOT" over the radio, and the Co-Pilot in the Slick would make a mark on his map showing where that "Hot" reading was taken. We would fly along for several minutes with the technician saying "HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT"every two seconds, then we'd do a 180 degree turn, move 1000' upwind, and sweep another path......
"HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT"....
Keep in mind, the Scout and I are flying at near treetop level over triple-canopy jungle, in single engine helicopters, over what was probably a North Vietnamese Army Division.
My fear: What are we gonna do if the engine fails? This job was tense....gave me a "pucker factor" of 9 out of 10!
We flew Sniffer missions about once a week, but I don't remember ever being shot at during one of these flights.
The bad guys were moving their troops to attack us and didn't want us to know they were down there. Shooting at us would have unquestionably exposed them and their position.
By flying this mission weekly, we were able to plot the movement of large enemy units.
Imagine how you would feel, flying along hearing "HOT"...."HOT"...."HOT"..... over the radio, thinking of (thousands?) of men below you, and all the possibilities that COULD happen!
Bet this post doesn't go the way you imagine!
My Viet Nam Unit was one-of-a-kind.
I was in "The Aeroscout Company", Americal Division.
Our main mission was reconnaissance.
We accomplished our recon. mission by launching four helicopters:
and,
The little OH-6 Scout would fly low enough to part the tops of trees with his rotorwash and look underneath to see if any enemy activity was going on down there. I think the guys flying this mission had the most dangerous flying job in Viet Nam. No OH-6 in our unit accrued 300 total flight hours before being shot down during my year there.
I followed the Scout in the "Charley Model" Huey, flying 50 feet above and about 1/8th mile behind, to cover the OH-6 in case he began to receive fire.
This low altitude and airspeed also left me considerably exposed,
SO......
The "Snake", (Cobra), followed behind me at 1000' altitude and 1/2 mile behind in case I got shot at.
The "Slick" carried a squad of Infantry,
(we called our grunts "Animals"),
and followed along high enough to be out of the range of small arms fire.
One of the special missions our unit performed was "The Snatch".
If the little Scout saw a military-age male acting suspiciously in the area we were to recon, he would call for the Slick to land and the "Animals" would pick this suspect up for questioning.
Obviously, this was a dangerous mission......on more than one occasion we landed the Slick, only to find we had inserted our troops into a hornet's nest. We'd then use the two Gunships to provide fire and protection for the Slick as we extricated our "Animals" from harms way.
However, we were frequently successful at snatching suspicious young males who provided good information to our Division Intelligence folks.
We used this same basic team to do another type of recon mission: "The Sniffer".
The little Scout would pick up a specialty team with a special machine......
The Sniffer.
It fit in the rear of the OH-6, and had a sensor on a cord that was lowered 30 feet below the aircraft. We would then go out into bad-guy territory and fly just over the triple canopy jungle with the sensor just above the tops of the trees. We would start working a grid pattern downwind....the sensor would give you erroneous readings if it picked up the exhaust from the helicopters....and we would fly a grid that was designated by our Division Intel. people.
The Sniffer picked up human perspiration. If it sensed perspiration, the technician operating the machine would call out "HOT" over the radio, and the Co-Pilot in the Slick would make a mark on his map showing where that "Hot" reading was taken. We would fly along for several minutes with the technician saying "HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT"every two seconds, then we'd do a 180 degree turn, move 1000' upwind, and sweep another path......
"HOT", "HOT", "HOT", "HOT"....
Keep in mind, the Scout and I are flying at near treetop level over triple-canopy jungle, in single engine helicopters, over what was probably a North Vietnamese Army Division.
My fear: What are we gonna do if the engine fails? This job was tense....gave me a "pucker factor" of 9 out of 10!
We flew Sniffer missions about once a week, but I don't remember ever being shot at during one of these flights.
The bad guys were moving their troops to attack us and didn't want us to know they were down there. Shooting at us would have unquestionably exposed them and their position.
By flying this mission weekly, we were able to plot the movement of large enemy units.
Imagine how you would feel, flying along hearing "HOT"...."HOT"...."HOT"..... over the radio, thinking of (thousands?) of men below you, and all the possibilities that COULD happen!
18 April 2006
Drive!
I'm on thin ice here........making bold, declarative statements,
but I'm doing so because I want your feedback........
How do you feel when you board an airliner?
I've been airborne more than two full years. I'm certainly not afraid of flying,
and I get to fly commercially two or three times a year.
But as I board I still wonder, "What sort of crew is at the controls of this machine?"
Flying an airliner is "safe as houses", whatever that means.
But you still read about the now-and-then stupid decision......
like the VERY seasoned KLM Captain at Tenerife that started his 747 on takeoff roll in thick fog while another 747 was taxiing on the same runway, resulting in the single worst aviation disaster in history.
I have survived flying helicopters 38 years, including acting as a target for one of those years, partly because I don't take risks while I'm at the controls.
My crews know this, and frequently commend me for it.
When I get aboard an airliner, I hope the folks at the controls have that same attitude toward risk-taking. I'd be very comfortable if they would invite me to come sit up front and observe.......maybe even take the controls and fly the airplane a little. I like to be in control.
Almost by definition, Pilots have to be conceited.....
taking the lives of others into their hands.
Drive........1
I like to drive. When I go somewhere in a car, I like to be the one behind the steering wheel.
I know my skills. I know I am in great health. When I'm at the wheel, I control the risks that are taken between Point A and Point B.
Control is the Big Kahuna........I don't like NOT being in control.
Drive.......2
Ambition.
Motivation.
The desire to make something happen.
I'm not easily bored.
When I begin to be bored, I try to make somethin' happen.
If I don't like what's goin' on around me, I try to change it.
Lotsa folks, including some of my loved ones, get irritated with me because I push. I admit I have a problem with being confident that I'm right, and sometimes what is right for me might not be right for someone else.
But I truly believe in the old Army adage: "Do something, even if it's wrong."
By putting a plan in motion, even if you fail, you learn something.......
what NOT to do next time.
And you know, there is GREAT value learning what doesn't work!
See......we're back to the control thing, aren't we?
By deciding on a plan and trying to make it work, you have control over your circumstances.
Would you call me a "Type A" personality?
Some do. I don't know.......I think I'm pretty laid back most of the time.
But I have never fully understood the "Type B's"......
those folks that mostly sit back and allow life to happen to them......
hoping that what comes their way is good......
being afraid to make a decision because it might fail........
accepting mental or physical abuse as if they deserve it, because it was what "life" handed them.
I've been discussing Co-Dependency with a friend.
I understand the concept, but the self-centered blockhead in me cannot figure out why anyone would allow life to pass by, taking actions that reinforce behaviors that make life worse for both.
Me, I'd be shouting, "I don't like the way this is turning out. Let's do something else!"
I know......it's 'way more complex than that.
So you see, I am trying to understand.
I know it is addictive behavior, and I think we all have some of that.
But.......wouldn't it be better to identify things in your life that are not making your life better, and try something else?
The one that best knows what is best for you, is YOU!
In other words, take control of the wheel of your life and DRIVE!
but I'm doing so because I want your feedback........
How do you feel when you board an airliner?
I've been airborne more than two full years. I'm certainly not afraid of flying,
and I get to fly commercially two or three times a year.
But as I board I still wonder, "What sort of crew is at the controls of this machine?"
Flying an airliner is "safe as houses", whatever that means.
But you still read about the now-and-then stupid decision......
like the VERY seasoned KLM Captain at Tenerife that started his 747 on takeoff roll in thick fog while another 747 was taxiing on the same runway, resulting in the single worst aviation disaster in history.
I have survived flying helicopters 38 years, including acting as a target for one of those years, partly because I don't take risks while I'm at the controls.
My crews know this, and frequently commend me for it.
When I get aboard an airliner, I hope the folks at the controls have that same attitude toward risk-taking. I'd be very comfortable if they would invite me to come sit up front and observe.......maybe even take the controls and fly the airplane a little. I like to be in control.
Almost by definition, Pilots have to be conceited.....
taking the lives of others into their hands.
Drive........1
I like to drive. When I go somewhere in a car, I like to be the one behind the steering wheel.
I know my skills. I know I am in great health. When I'm at the wheel, I control the risks that are taken between Point A and Point B.
Control is the Big Kahuna........I don't like NOT being in control.
Drive.......2
Ambition.
Motivation.
The desire to make something happen.
I'm not easily bored.
When I begin to be bored, I try to make somethin' happen.
If I don't like what's goin' on around me, I try to change it.
Lotsa folks, including some of my loved ones, get irritated with me because I push. I admit I have a problem with being confident that I'm right, and sometimes what is right for me might not be right for someone else.
But I truly believe in the old Army adage: "Do something, even if it's wrong."
By putting a plan in motion, even if you fail, you learn something.......
what NOT to do next time.
And you know, there is GREAT value learning what doesn't work!
See......we're back to the control thing, aren't we?
By deciding on a plan and trying to make it work, you have control over your circumstances.
Would you call me a "Type A" personality?
Some do. I don't know.......I think I'm pretty laid back most of the time.
But I have never fully understood the "Type B's"......
those folks that mostly sit back and allow life to happen to them......
hoping that what comes their way is good......
being afraid to make a decision because it might fail........
accepting mental or physical abuse as if they deserve it, because it was what "life" handed them.
I've been discussing Co-Dependency with a friend.
I understand the concept, but the self-centered blockhead in me cannot figure out why anyone would allow life to pass by, taking actions that reinforce behaviors that make life worse for both.
Me, I'd be shouting, "I don't like the way this is turning out. Let's do something else!"
I know......it's 'way more complex than that.
So you see, I am trying to understand.
I know it is addictive behavior, and I think we all have some of that.
But.......wouldn't it be better to identify things in your life that are not making your life better, and try something else?
The one that best knows what is best for you, is YOU!
In other words, take control of the wheel of your life and DRIVE!
17 April 2006
Talkin' 'Bout My Generation
Flush the toilet in our Master Bedroom.
As the water tank reaches the end of it's fill cycle
and the fill valve begins to close,
the toilet makes a sound EXACTLY like the distorted guitar chord that begins the tune "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles!
I'm SO proud of my talented house!
Now, that set me to thinking......
If you go back through the almost year of posts on this journal,
quite a few of the posts themselves are music related.
Many of the titles to posts.......
"Magic Carpet Ride"......
"Time in a Bottle",
are ripped from songs popular during the late '60's and early '70's.
Music is at the very core of the fabric of our lives.
In an early morning discussion today I found myself using Bob Seger's phrase, "I used her, she used me, and neither one cared.........we were gettin' our share."
And it was comfortable........it fit well into our discussion.
In another post on another blog I discussed how "Rhapsody In Blue" will stop me dead in my tracks.....it's too beautiful to let pass without devoting full attention to it.
I wonder........does everyone feel this way?
Did previous generations feel this way?
In closing, let me just say something I've wanted to use here for a long time:
"Ya can't always get what ya want,
But if you try sometimes, ya just might find.......
Ya get what ya need!"
So......NEVER QUIT TRYIN' !
As the water tank reaches the end of it's fill cycle
and the fill valve begins to close,
the toilet makes a sound EXACTLY like the distorted guitar chord that begins the tune "I Feel Fine" by The Beatles!
I'm SO proud of my talented house!
Now, that set me to thinking......
If you go back through the almost year of posts on this journal,
quite a few of the posts themselves are music related.
Many of the titles to posts.......
"Magic Carpet Ride"......
"Time in a Bottle",
are ripped from songs popular during the late '60's and early '70's.
Music is at the very core of the fabric of our lives.
In an early morning discussion today I found myself using Bob Seger's phrase, "I used her, she used me, and neither one cared.........we were gettin' our share."
And it was comfortable........it fit well into our discussion.
In another post on another blog I discussed how "Rhapsody In Blue" will stop me dead in my tracks.....it's too beautiful to let pass without devoting full attention to it.
I wonder........does everyone feel this way?
Did previous generations feel this way?
In closing, let me just say something I've wanted to use here for a long time:
"Ya can't always get what ya want,
But if you try sometimes, ya just might find.......
Ya get what ya need!"
So......NEVER QUIT TRYIN' !
16 April 2006
Horse Sense
Just started my shift....
I saw something on my way to work that I wanted to share.
I passed a pasture that had six horses standing in the corner.
Two of the horses were spectating, as the other four
had formed a square formation,
nose to tail-nose to tail, all around.
Each of the horses was nibbling on his teammates rump.......
obviously scratchin' an itch that needed scratchin'!
It looked highly satisfying for all concerned, but I wondered......
what's wrong with a hexagon, so that all six could share?
For me, seeing it on this wonderful day put a smile on my face.
Happy Easter, everyone!
I saw something on my way to work that I wanted to share.
I passed a pasture that had six horses standing in the corner.
Two of the horses were spectating, as the other four
had formed a square formation,
nose to tail-nose to tail, all around.
Each of the horses was nibbling on his teammates rump.......
obviously scratchin' an itch that needed scratchin'!
It looked highly satisfying for all concerned, but I wondered......
what's wrong with a hexagon, so that all six could share?
For me, seeing it on this wonderful day put a smile on my face.
Happy Easter, everyone!
14 April 2006
The Shroud
Good Friday.
Another great time to discuss Jesus Christ.
Lotsa documentaries and conversation lately about The Shroud of Turin.....
What's your opinion.....is that the image of Jesus in that cloth?
Let me quote the Gospel written by John, Chapter 19, verse 40:
(New Intl. translation)
"Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices,
in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."
"Strips"?
Now I'll ask again:
What's your opinion?
Another great time to discuss Jesus Christ.
Lotsa documentaries and conversation lately about The Shroud of Turin.....
What's your opinion.....is that the image of Jesus in that cloth?
Let me quote the Gospel written by John, Chapter 19, verse 40:
(New Intl. translation)
"Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices,
in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs."
"Strips"?
Now I'll ask again:
What's your opinion?
13 April 2006
Rotorcraft
Just 'cause it flies and has a rotor, doesn't mean it's a helicopter.
Yesterday, my student showed up for his helicopter lesson in his "Magni" Autogyro.
I was thrilled to get a chance to fly with him in this machine......
I have always wanted to fly one with someone I knew was not certifiably insane!
The aircraft I flew in is the same type you see here.
(Kind of a flying motorcycle!)
I had to buy a disposable camera to get a photo of the aircraft I rode in......
when the film is developed, I'll share that pic with you.
Sara Jean threw a fit when she found out,
but my attitude has always been that life is a series of calculated risks,
and this is just another of those "things I always wanted to do" that I can now check off my list!
11 April 2006
On Second Thought-
I just did something I've never done before.........
I took down a post I thought was timely and well written.
Those of you that saw the post before I put it in storage.......Good for you!
Someone with whom I have had a "virtual" relationship for a while......
someone I respect, emailed and cautioned me that under certain circumstances I could find myself in hot water from about six directions if I wasn't careful.
I published the post when I was angry about innocent kids being hurt because of the carelessness of their parents.
My friend pointed out that I could be in trouble with my company, or the parents involved, if the post became public knowledge.
In it, I had been judge, jury, and almost executioner.
Of course he's right.
Now, here's the deal........(being devious)......
Time is the thing here.
If I wait and let water flow beneath this bridge for about a month or two, it'll be more difficult to connect the story with the actual event.
My counselor agreed that everything I said was "spot on".
(Don'cha love an appreciative audience?)
I also love the fact that the guy was playing "point man" for me......coverin' my backside.
SO.........
I'll let that particular post simmer a while........
get better and better while it rests.....
and one night when I have writer's block........
BINGO!
I'll have a "spot on" rant to share with you!
Freedom of speech.
Ain't it wonderful?
I took down a post I thought was timely and well written.
Those of you that saw the post before I put it in storage.......Good for you!
Someone with whom I have had a "virtual" relationship for a while......
someone I respect, emailed and cautioned me that under certain circumstances I could find myself in hot water from about six directions if I wasn't careful.
I published the post when I was angry about innocent kids being hurt because of the carelessness of their parents.
My friend pointed out that I could be in trouble with my company, or the parents involved, if the post became public knowledge.
In it, I had been judge, jury, and almost executioner.
Of course he's right.
Now, here's the deal........(being devious)......
Time is the thing here.
If I wait and let water flow beneath this bridge for about a month or two, it'll be more difficult to connect the story with the actual event.
My counselor agreed that everything I said was "spot on".
(Don'cha love an appreciative audience?)
I also love the fact that the guy was playing "point man" for me......coverin' my backside.
SO.........
I'll let that particular post simmer a while........
get better and better while it rests.....
and one night when I have writer's block........
BINGO!
I'll have a "spot on" rant to share with you!
Freedom of speech.
Ain't it wonderful?
09 April 2006
Why Don't Ya Come With Me Little Girl?
On a Magic Carpet Ride!
A Navy F18 takes us for a cool spin,
accompanied by John Kay and Steppenwolf....
(This song was popular during my tour in Viet Nam....
one of my faves!)
Volume WAY up!
( 3 1/2 minute video, so long download).
Thanks to Grouchymedia!
A Navy F18 takes us for a cool spin,
accompanied by John Kay and Steppenwolf....
(This song was popular during my tour in Viet Nam....
one of my faves!)
Volume WAY up!
( 3 1/2 minute video, so long download).
Thanks to Grouchymedia!
06 April 2006
A Smooth Segway.....
I've commented before that one of the neatest things about working in the Aviation industry is the people you get to rub elbows with.
I find people attracted to flying are more likely to be interesting than those that sit at home watching "As The Stomach Turns" on TV.
I also think folks that like helicopters take that thought one step farther.
Helicopter fliers, rightly or wrongly, are perceived to be just a little crazier than fixed-wing folks.
One of my students owns a business here in town, and wanted me to come look at an area where he hopes to land the helicopter once he has his license.
I surveyed his landing area and was surprised at how large it is... normally students seriously underestimate the area they will need to land safely, at least at first, when their skills are still developing.
He invited me into his business to meet his employees, and then we visited his office. Over in the corner of his office it sat...
calling to me...
the "Segway".
I've been fascinated with the Segway since I first saw reports about them. How hard would it be to ride? Would riding it be "instinctive"? How fast would it go?
Here was my chance to find out!
For those not familiar with this machine, here is a picture of one.
(You may remember seeing pictures of President Bush taking a tumble while riding one about two years ago.)
I can report that it wasn't as easy as I thought.
It has two speeds... a slower one for novices, and a "scoot" speed once you get acclimated. On the higher speed, you'd have to run at a pretty good clip to keep up with the Segway.
Basically, you lean forward to move forward... aft to move in reverse.
A twist grip on the left handlebar is twisted forward to turn left, rearward to turn right.
Starting out at the slower speed, I was amazed at how little pressure it took to get it to move.
You don't actually have to lean to put it in motion... simply put pressure on your toes and it will start moving forward. Similar to flying a helicopter, it almost moves just because you thought about moving!
Very slight aft pressure on the handlebars is all that is necessary to slow the Segway to a gentle stop. Panic stops can be accomplished by pulling the handlebars against your body.
I was reasonably comfortable with it after 5 minutes, so my student changed the skill level to the more expert, higher speed setting.
Wow... I immediately realized wearing a helmet would be a great idea on this thing!
Big Boys and expensive toys...
Aviation people are wonderful, and, like the Lamborghini Countach I got to test drive several years ago, frequently they own some pretty neat playthings.
It was great to have the chance to check "riding the Segway" off my list of things I wanted to do!
I find people attracted to flying are more likely to be interesting than those that sit at home watching "As The Stomach Turns" on TV.
I also think folks that like helicopters take that thought one step farther.
Helicopter fliers, rightly or wrongly, are perceived to be just a little crazier than fixed-wing folks.
One of my students owns a business here in town, and wanted me to come look at an area where he hopes to land the helicopter once he has his license.
I surveyed his landing area and was surprised at how large it is... normally students seriously underestimate the area they will need to land safely, at least at first, when their skills are still developing.
He invited me into his business to meet his employees, and then we visited his office. Over in the corner of his office it sat...
calling to me...
the "Segway".
I've been fascinated with the Segway since I first saw reports about them. How hard would it be to ride? Would riding it be "instinctive"? How fast would it go?
Here was my chance to find out!
For those not familiar with this machine, here is a picture of one.
(You may remember seeing pictures of President Bush taking a tumble while riding one about two years ago.)
I can report that it wasn't as easy as I thought.
It has two speeds... a slower one for novices, and a "scoot" speed once you get acclimated. On the higher speed, you'd have to run at a pretty good clip to keep up with the Segway.
Basically, you lean forward to move forward... aft to move in reverse.
A twist grip on the left handlebar is twisted forward to turn left, rearward to turn right.
Starting out at the slower speed, I was amazed at how little pressure it took to get it to move.
You don't actually have to lean to put it in motion... simply put pressure on your toes and it will start moving forward. Similar to flying a helicopter, it almost moves just because you thought about moving!
Very slight aft pressure on the handlebars is all that is necessary to slow the Segway to a gentle stop. Panic stops can be accomplished by pulling the handlebars against your body.
I was reasonably comfortable with it after 5 minutes, so my student changed the skill level to the more expert, higher speed setting.
Wow... I immediately realized wearing a helmet would be a great idea on this thing!
Big Boys and expensive toys...
Aviation people are wonderful, and, like the Lamborghini Countach I got to test drive several years ago, frequently they own some pretty neat playthings.
It was great to have the chance to check "riding the Segway" off my list of things I wanted to do!
04 April 2006
Bullet Hose
The "Charley Model" Huey Gunship I flew in Viet Nam was armed with two 9-shot rocket pods and two .30 calibre miniguns.
The miniguns were each capable of firing 3,000 rounds a minute.
Continuous firing at that rate would literally melt the barrels on the guns, so there was a relay in the system that would only allow the guns to fire for three seconds, then the "interrupter" would shut the guns down.
To fire again, you had to release the trigger, then pull it once again.
This system worked well to keep excited Gunship Co-Pilots from turning the six barrels into the consistency of cooked spaghetti.
Normally the Co-Pilot would fire the mini-guns,
the Aircraft Commander would fire the rockets......a nine-rocket pod mounted on each side of the aircraft, next to the the miniguns.
I found a video on the minigun here that illustrates their awesome power.
As you watch, keep in mind that between each of the red tracer rounds that you see are three "ball" rounds that you cannot see.
Therefore, what you see leaving the gun is only 1/4th the actually rounds striking the target.
Another thing.......no helicopter would actually fly down a target line like you see here.
The video demonstrates the lethality of the gun, but in the real world the pilot would use whatever means necessary to avoid being brought down by surface to air missiles or small arms fire.
These new weapons systems can be computer assisted, making the manually adjusted system in the old "Charley" look pretty inaccurate. Still, I wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving end of my attention in that old bird.
(Thanks to Compfused.com)
The miniguns were each capable of firing 3,000 rounds a minute.
Continuous firing at that rate would literally melt the barrels on the guns, so there was a relay in the system that would only allow the guns to fire for three seconds, then the "interrupter" would shut the guns down.
To fire again, you had to release the trigger, then pull it once again.
This system worked well to keep excited Gunship Co-Pilots from turning the six barrels into the consistency of cooked spaghetti.
Normally the Co-Pilot would fire the mini-guns,
the Aircraft Commander would fire the rockets......a nine-rocket pod mounted on each side of the aircraft, next to the the miniguns.
I found a video on the minigun here that illustrates their awesome power.
As you watch, keep in mind that between each of the red tracer rounds that you see are three "ball" rounds that you cannot see.
Therefore, what you see leaving the gun is only 1/4th the actually rounds striking the target.
Another thing.......no helicopter would actually fly down a target line like you see here.
The video demonstrates the lethality of the gun, but in the real world the pilot would use whatever means necessary to avoid being brought down by surface to air missiles or small arms fire.
These new weapons systems can be computer assisted, making the manually adjusted system in the old "Charley" look pretty inaccurate. Still, I wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving end of my attention in that old bird.
(Thanks to Compfused.com)
01 April 2006
My Apology:
Six months ago I complained that in my 20 years of flying sick people, I seem always to get stuck when we change our clocks.......working the extra unpaid hour in Autumn.......
but being off in the Spring when an 11 hour shift pays for 12 hours work, and I suggested a way we could avoid all the confusion.
GUESS WHO IS AT WORK TONIGHT, GETTIN' AN EXTRA HOUR'S PAY?
HOORAY!
I hope this becomes the new routine!
So I'll be home with an hour's less sleep,
trying to search out every @#*&% clock in the house/garage/cars
in order to add the extra hour.
Spring is busting out all over around Greybeard and family. Our plum tree in the back yard is really showing off this year.......
vivid purple blossoms.
I Hope your season is as nice.
(Don't forget your clocks tonight!)
but being off in the Spring when an 11 hour shift pays for 12 hours work, and I suggested a way we could avoid all the confusion.
GUESS WHO IS AT WORK TONIGHT, GETTIN' AN EXTRA HOUR'S PAY?
HOORAY!
I hope this becomes the new routine!
So I'll be home with an hour's less sleep,
trying to search out every @#*&% clock in the house/garage/cars
in order to add the extra hour.
Spring is busting out all over around Greybeard and family. Our plum tree in the back yard is really showing off this year.......
vivid purple blossoms.
I Hope your season is as nice.
(Don't forget your clocks tonight!)
30 March 2006
'Cause He's the Tax Man!
Someone kick my butt!
I hate this time of year.
I throw all my tax information into a box and wait until the last minute to sort it out and take it to my tax preparer.
Inevitably there is something missing and I have to scramble to find it.
Last year I waited until the 14th of April to begin my tax information gathering. I'm proud of myself this year for beginning before "the midnight hour."
I normally get a small refund, and so long as that is true
the 15th really isn't a deadline.
I've also heard there is less likelihood of being audited if you wait until the last minute.......
Yeah, that's the ticket! Less chance of being audited!
What's your excuse?
I hate this time of year.
I throw all my tax information into a box and wait until the last minute to sort it out and take it to my tax preparer.
Inevitably there is something missing and I have to scramble to find it.
Last year I waited until the 14th of April to begin my tax information gathering. I'm proud of myself this year for beginning before "the midnight hour."
I normally get a small refund, and so long as that is true
the 15th really isn't a deadline.
I've also heard there is less likelihood of being audited if you wait until the last minute.......
Yeah, that's the ticket! Less chance of being audited!
What's your excuse?
27 March 2006
Time In a Bottle
On my way to work Saturday night, the ceiling was overcast and gray except for a sliver of sky next to the horizon, perceivable as about an inch of blue.
As the Sun slowly made it's way Westward, it began to transform this piece of sky......
the color was like lava flowing down a volcano at first.....a brilliant red-orange.
Then the Sun itself popped from behind the overcast, and it was too brilliant to look at directly. But I knew I was in for something special once it began to hide behind the edge of the earth.
I also knew the beauty would be fleeting.
Sure enough, as it dipped below the horizon, the sky turned the color of lava once again, only this time the edges of cloud were tinged with a brilliant silvery-yellow hue.
Slowly the underside of the overcast was illuminated, and the entire sky above me turned the color of molten lava. As the Sun continued it's journey, that color changed to purple, then magenta, then reddish-gray, and finally the Sun gave up the stage and dusk prepared the world for the coming darkness.
This whole scenario unfolded in less than ten minutes.
If I could have stopped time.....
captured that moment so I could savor it fully, I would have.
I was in Baltimore, Maryland when I found out my Dad was dying.
The company had purchased a BK117 in Italy and had shipped it to Baltimore. I was there to inspect the aircraft, and finding it as advertised, with the help of a mechanic, mount the main and tail rotors on it and ferry it back to the Midwest.
As luck would have it, the trip took me right over the town where my Dad was hospitalized. I got to stop and see him.
In my 20 years of EMS flying, much medical information has found it's way into this thick skull. From what I had heard I knew Dad was in big trouble.
Dialogue with my sister, Mommanurse , filled in the blanks........
It was just a question of time.
Again, if I could have stopped time right then, I would have.
Dad had been a lifelong smoker. He resented our attempts to get him to quit.
Now his habit had caught up with him.......he tried to put on the "Brave face", but everyone could see through it........he was obviously frightened about what the future held for him. We were all frightened for him.
Over the next months, Sis and I took turns giving Mom as much relief as we could in taking care of Dad. It was a painful process to watch, knowing that he was in pain and uncomfortable, because we knew the next day would only be worse, and the next worse than that. He was on the downhill slide.
I didn't want Dad to die, but I didn't want him suffering, either.
Time, time, time........
It just marches along, oblivious to our wishes.
I'm not old, but I'm no longer young.
Very soon I will be old.
My memories are overwhelmingly good......
I've said before that my life has been blessed......
I've had a Guardian Angel on my shoulder watching out for me, guiding most of my decisions.
But as I age, I find it SO easy to be melancholy.
I see beauty in so many things......Sunsets and Sunrises, family, other relationships.
I'm upset that these moments of beauty slip away so quickly.
Jim Croce wrote "Time In a Bottle", and then his flame went out.
The lyrics to that song are worthy of your attention.
If they don't make you melancholy, you and I are not on the same planet.
Try as hard as we might, we cannot stop time.......the inevitable is just over the horizon.
I don't want to waste these moments........I want to enjoy them to the fullest.
Being melancholy is bittersweet.......
It comes only when we know we are experiencing something beautiful that we want not to end so quickly.
P.S.
I read this post to Sara Jean and she said, "Gosh Greybeard, you're gonna have everyone depressed and considering suicide!"
I think some men go through their own form of "Change of Life", and maybe that is what I am experiencing when I'm melancholy.
It was not my intent to depress you, but to share my thoughts and see if others have had similar experiences.
As the Sun slowly made it's way Westward, it began to transform this piece of sky......
the color was like lava flowing down a volcano at first.....a brilliant red-orange.
Then the Sun itself popped from behind the overcast, and it was too brilliant to look at directly. But I knew I was in for something special once it began to hide behind the edge of the earth.
I also knew the beauty would be fleeting.
Sure enough, as it dipped below the horizon, the sky turned the color of lava once again, only this time the edges of cloud were tinged with a brilliant silvery-yellow hue.
Slowly the underside of the overcast was illuminated, and the entire sky above me turned the color of molten lava. As the Sun continued it's journey, that color changed to purple, then magenta, then reddish-gray, and finally the Sun gave up the stage and dusk prepared the world for the coming darkness.
This whole scenario unfolded in less than ten minutes.
If I could have stopped time.....
captured that moment so I could savor it fully, I would have.
I was in Baltimore, Maryland when I found out my Dad was dying.
The company had purchased a BK117 in Italy and had shipped it to Baltimore. I was there to inspect the aircraft, and finding it as advertised, with the help of a mechanic, mount the main and tail rotors on it and ferry it back to the Midwest.
As luck would have it, the trip took me right over the town where my Dad was hospitalized. I got to stop and see him.
In my 20 years of EMS flying, much medical information has found it's way into this thick skull. From what I had heard I knew Dad was in big trouble.
Dialogue with my sister, Mommanurse , filled in the blanks........
It was just a question of time.
Again, if I could have stopped time right then, I would have.
Dad had been a lifelong smoker. He resented our attempts to get him to quit.
Now his habit had caught up with him.......he tried to put on the "Brave face", but everyone could see through it........he was obviously frightened about what the future held for him. We were all frightened for him.
Over the next months, Sis and I took turns giving Mom as much relief as we could in taking care of Dad. It was a painful process to watch, knowing that he was in pain and uncomfortable, because we knew the next day would only be worse, and the next worse than that. He was on the downhill slide.
I didn't want Dad to die, but I didn't want him suffering, either.
Time, time, time........
It just marches along, oblivious to our wishes.
I'm not old, but I'm no longer young.
Very soon I will be old.
My memories are overwhelmingly good......
I've said before that my life has been blessed......
I've had a Guardian Angel on my shoulder watching out for me, guiding most of my decisions.
But as I age, I find it SO easy to be melancholy.
I see beauty in so many things......Sunsets and Sunrises, family, other relationships.
I'm upset that these moments of beauty slip away so quickly.
Jim Croce wrote "Time In a Bottle", and then his flame went out.
The lyrics to that song are worthy of your attention.
If they don't make you melancholy, you and I are not on the same planet.
Try as hard as we might, we cannot stop time.......the inevitable is just over the horizon.
I don't want to waste these moments........I want to enjoy them to the fullest.
Being melancholy is bittersweet.......
It comes only when we know we are experiencing something beautiful that we want not to end so quickly.
P.S.
I read this post to Sara Jean and she said, "Gosh Greybeard, you're gonna have everyone depressed and considering suicide!"
I think some men go through their own form of "Change of Life", and maybe that is what I am experiencing when I'm melancholy.
It was not my intent to depress you, but to share my thoughts and see if others have had similar experiences.
24 March 2006
Wop, Wop, Wop......
Our EMS company gives out helicopter lapel pins as an advertising promo.
Some years ago my Mom was wearing one I had given her as she stood in line at a grocery store. The guy in line behind her noticed the pin and asked her about it. When she told him what I did for a living, he asked her how I became a helicopter pilot.
She told him I was Army trained and a Viet Nam veteran, and he said "I was a grunt. You tell him the sound of that Huey headed our way to pull us out of the field was the most wonderful sound in the world!"
And what a sound!
Distinctive.
Loud.
In some ways, like a heartbeat.
I have 3,000 hours beneath the rotor of various models of the UH-1.
The rotor on the UH-1H model Huey was 48 feet 3 inches in diameter.
Each time that two-bladed rotor swung around, 24 feet of it was takin' a huge bite out of the air.
The red-line on the airspeed indicator was 120 knots/138 miles per hour. The rotor itself was turning at over 400 miles per hour at the tip. When it came around on the advancing side, it was going fast enough under some conditions to begin to build up a pressure wave, associated with the speed of sound.
That's what gave the Huey it's distinctive sound signature.
One of the reasons helicopters are not so noisy today is that rotor diameter has been reduced, lessening the speed at the tip. Most manufacturers are making multi-bladed systems, which decrease the amount of work the individual blade needs to do, therefore lowering sound levels.
When you hear a helicopter flying by, in most cases the loudest noise you hear is the tail rotor. It turns at 6-7 times the R.P.M. of the main rotor, and makes a high-pitched hum.
The main rotor is generally the second loudest thing on the helicopter. In most machines it is a lower pitch buzzing sound.
On top of all this you add the noise of the engine. In the case of a turbine, it is barely noticeable on top of rotor noise. In helicopters powered with reciprocating engines you can identify the engine sound, but it generally is not objectionable..........more like the sound of your neighbor mowing his lawn at a distance.
I was always aware of the noise footprint of the Huey. It was such a noisy machine, when I flew over cities or late at night, I tried to fly at altititudes that would dissipate the noise.
When I hear one now.......no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'll stop to watch it pass.....
everything comes to a stop until the aircraft is out of sight and out of earshot.
The Old Huey is a sweetheart, and I'll love her 'til my dying day.
Some years ago my Mom was wearing one I had given her as she stood in line at a grocery store. The guy in line behind her noticed the pin and asked her about it. When she told him what I did for a living, he asked her how I became a helicopter pilot.
She told him I was Army trained and a Viet Nam veteran, and he said "I was a grunt. You tell him the sound of that Huey headed our way to pull us out of the field was the most wonderful sound in the world!"
And what a sound!
Distinctive.
Loud.
In some ways, like a heartbeat.
I have 3,000 hours beneath the rotor of various models of the UH-1.
The rotor on the UH-1H model Huey was 48 feet 3 inches in diameter.
Each time that two-bladed rotor swung around, 24 feet of it was takin' a huge bite out of the air.
The red-line on the airspeed indicator was 120 knots/138 miles per hour. The rotor itself was turning at over 400 miles per hour at the tip. When it came around on the advancing side, it was going fast enough under some conditions to begin to build up a pressure wave, associated with the speed of sound.
That's what gave the Huey it's distinctive sound signature.
One of the reasons helicopters are not so noisy today is that rotor diameter has been reduced, lessening the speed at the tip. Most manufacturers are making multi-bladed systems, which decrease the amount of work the individual blade needs to do, therefore lowering sound levels.
When you hear a helicopter flying by, in most cases the loudest noise you hear is the tail rotor. It turns at 6-7 times the R.P.M. of the main rotor, and makes a high-pitched hum.
The main rotor is generally the second loudest thing on the helicopter. In most machines it is a lower pitch buzzing sound.
On top of all this you add the noise of the engine. In the case of a turbine, it is barely noticeable on top of rotor noise. In helicopters powered with reciprocating engines you can identify the engine sound, but it generally is not objectionable..........more like the sound of your neighbor mowing his lawn at a distance.
I was always aware of the noise footprint of the Huey. It was such a noisy machine, when I flew over cities or late at night, I tried to fly at altititudes that would dissipate the noise.
When I hear one now.......no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'll stop to watch it pass.....
everything comes to a stop until the aircraft is out of sight and out of earshot.
The Old Huey is a sweetheart, and I'll love her 'til my dying day.
22 March 2006
Galveston Wrap-Up
Just a few quick thoughts on the fishing trip:
The round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines cost $187.
A one-way drive down would have taken 13 hours.
On the Interstate, I normally average 60 m.p.h., considering rest stops, gas stops, etc.. Our car gets 27 m.p.g. at this rate.
By my figures, that means the trip would have been something near 1560 miles, and if I had driven, I would have used 58 gallons of petrol. At an average $2.50 per gallon, cost of gasoline alone would have been $140+.
The flight was an extraordinary bargain.
Southwest Airlines has the security check downpat.
I showed up with my "online boarding pass" in hand, so I was able to walk directly to my gate. Going through security took all of 15 minutes.
I've flown a couple other airlines in the past year, and none of them come close.
Southwest used to be known for having "peanut fares" because they were one of the first lines to discontinue serving meals on their flights........
they give you snacks only.
On the package of peanuts they gave me was this warning:
"Warning: Machinery used to package this product may have come in contact with peanuts."
(I'm sure!)
Old friendships are special.
I've had only passing contact with the three High School classmates that were on this fishing attempt, and we were back perfectly comfortable with one another in less than an hour. The comfort level was such that we are planning a bigger/better "Fiasco" in the future.
Galveston is nicer than I expected. I've spent a lot of time on the Florida Gulf Coast lately, and it is very, very commercial there. Galveston is more "Ma and Pa" than that.........less stressful.
The beaches are not as pretty, but the comfort level may be a fair tradeoff.
Being near water.....anything larger than a puddle, is relaxing.
A friendly dog is a wonderful thing, even if he slobbers.
I've fully adopted the saying, "fishing was good, catching.....not so good."
We all commented before the trip that getting line wet was the goal..........if we caught fish, that would be a plus.
Starting off with that attitude was a good thing........
ounce per dollar spent, that one fish was unbelievably expensive!
I'm still conflicted about catching/killing my own food.
I felt sorry for that beautiful Speckled Trout when we put him in the box. Seems mighty stupid, since I ate a great fresh Red Snapper dinner at the restaurant that evening!
Returning from my vacation, I need a vacation.
It was good I had a one day cushion before I had to go back to work.
You don't forget how to play Euchre, even after 30 years.
And finally:
Being away from your home and wife makes you appreciate them both all the more.
I recommend the short separation.........your routine sure seems like a wonderful thing when it is interrupted for a short while!
Thanks for your comments, Pitchpullers.
I appreciate your kind thoughts.
The round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines cost $187.
A one-way drive down would have taken 13 hours.
On the Interstate, I normally average 60 m.p.h., considering rest stops, gas stops, etc.. Our car gets 27 m.p.g. at this rate.
By my figures, that means the trip would have been something near 1560 miles, and if I had driven, I would have used 58 gallons of petrol. At an average $2.50 per gallon, cost of gasoline alone would have been $140+.
The flight was an extraordinary bargain.
Southwest Airlines has the security check downpat.
I showed up with my "online boarding pass" in hand, so I was able to walk directly to my gate. Going through security took all of 15 minutes.
I've flown a couple other airlines in the past year, and none of them come close.
Southwest used to be known for having "peanut fares" because they were one of the first lines to discontinue serving meals on their flights........
they give you snacks only.
On the package of peanuts they gave me was this warning:
"Warning: Machinery used to package this product may have come in contact with peanuts."
(I'm sure!)
Old friendships are special.
I've had only passing contact with the three High School classmates that were on this fishing attempt, and we were back perfectly comfortable with one another in less than an hour. The comfort level was such that we are planning a bigger/better "Fiasco" in the future.
Galveston is nicer than I expected. I've spent a lot of time on the Florida Gulf Coast lately, and it is very, very commercial there. Galveston is more "Ma and Pa" than that.........less stressful.
The beaches are not as pretty, but the comfort level may be a fair tradeoff.
Being near water.....anything larger than a puddle, is relaxing.
A friendly dog is a wonderful thing, even if he slobbers.
I've fully adopted the saying, "fishing was good, catching.....not so good."
We all commented before the trip that getting line wet was the goal..........if we caught fish, that would be a plus.
Starting off with that attitude was a good thing........
ounce per dollar spent, that one fish was unbelievably expensive!
I'm still conflicted about catching/killing my own food.
I felt sorry for that beautiful Speckled Trout when we put him in the box. Seems mighty stupid, since I ate a great fresh Red Snapper dinner at the restaurant that evening!
Returning from my vacation, I need a vacation.
It was good I had a one day cushion before I had to go back to work.
You don't forget how to play Euchre, even after 30 years.
And finally:
Being away from your home and wife makes you appreciate them both all the more.
I recommend the short separation.........your routine sure seems like a wonderful thing when it is interrupted for a short while!
Thanks for your comments, Pitchpullers.
I appreciate your kind thoughts.
19 March 2006
That's Why They Call It "Fishing"
A quickie update on our adventures.......
Friday:
Not a nibble.
We spent 3 hours on the water in the morning, and a little over two in the afternoon, tempting fish to no avail.
We're told that's why they call it "fishing", not "catching".
Saturday:
Cloudy weather......forecast winds of 10-15 knots.
John caught one Speckled Trout about 16 inches long.
The wind picked up and put white-caps on all the waves.
We Northerners weren't too concerned, but Captain Tom was fidgety. He convinced us to put the equipment away.
As we were headed for home, the wind increased to 25 knots. Swells were 4 feet or so.
We pounded along for half an hour getting soaked by the spray.
A lure somehow found a way to hook itself to John's sweatshirt. I tried to detach it, but the ride was too rough, and Cap'n Tom sure as heck wasn't gonna stop to remove it under those conditions!
We were glad to make it back to protected waters.
No mas!
Thank goodness the restaurants serve fresh seafood dinners, because we're not doin' a very good job of putting the goods on the table ourselves.
One thing I can enjoy that the other guys don't give a whit about: There are plenty of helicopters flying around. Petroleum helicopters has a base here serving oil rigs just over the horizon with a Bell 407.
Yesterday we saw a BK117 headed Northeast up Galveston Island, then a short time later we watched a Bell 47 (the helicopter in the M.A.S.H. TV series) struggling against the wind Northeast bound, then return Southwest bound half an hour or so later. I don't often see a 47 fly these days, so it was a good memory prod.
Forecast today is for winds of 15-25 knots with small craft warnings. We are considering a trip to NASA to tour their facility.
I'll update you later.
Thanks for stopping by.
Friday:
Not a nibble.
We spent 3 hours on the water in the morning, and a little over two in the afternoon, tempting fish to no avail.
We're told that's why they call it "fishing", not "catching".
Saturday:
Cloudy weather......forecast winds of 10-15 knots.
John caught one Speckled Trout about 16 inches long.
The wind picked up and put white-caps on all the waves.
We Northerners weren't too concerned, but Captain Tom was fidgety. He convinced us to put the equipment away.
As we were headed for home, the wind increased to 25 knots. Swells were 4 feet or so.
We pounded along for half an hour getting soaked by the spray.
A lure somehow found a way to hook itself to John's sweatshirt. I tried to detach it, but the ride was too rough, and Cap'n Tom sure as heck wasn't gonna stop to remove it under those conditions!
We were glad to make it back to protected waters.
No mas!
Thank goodness the restaurants serve fresh seafood dinners, because we're not doin' a very good job of putting the goods on the table ourselves.
One thing I can enjoy that the other guys don't give a whit about: There are plenty of helicopters flying around. Petroleum helicopters has a base here serving oil rigs just over the horizon with a Bell 407.
Yesterday we saw a BK117 headed Northeast up Galveston Island, then a short time later we watched a Bell 47 (the helicopter in the M.A.S.H. TV series) struggling against the wind Northeast bound, then return Southwest bound half an hour or so later. I don't often see a 47 fly these days, so it was a good memory prod.
Forecast today is for winds of 15-25 knots with small craft warnings. We are considering a trip to NASA to tour their facility.
I'll update you later.
Thanks for stopping by.
15 March 2006
The Grand Galveston Fishing Fiasco
I've been fishing three times in all my life.
I've never been able to figure out what the attraction is.
Most of the time, it looks like a great excuse
to drink beer and take a nap.
It's time to devote serious study to the subject.
I'm leaving this morning to meet several High School
classmates in Galveston, Texas.
We are going out in a good-size boat to drink beer, feed bait to the fish, and probably nap.
(One classmate has even threatened to smoke a cigar or two.)
We hope this will be the first of many "G.G.F.F.'s".
No way to know what the computer situation will be once the study begins, but if something blogworthy happens, I'll try to keep you updated.
In the meantime, as Mike Myers would say.........
"Discuss among yourselves!"
I've never been able to figure out what the attraction is.
Most of the time, it looks like a great excuse
to drink beer and take a nap.
It's time to devote serious study to the subject.
I'm leaving this morning to meet several High School
classmates in Galveston, Texas.
We are going out in a good-size boat to drink beer, feed bait to the fish, and probably nap.
(One classmate has even threatened to smoke a cigar or two.)
We hope this will be the first of many "G.G.F.F.'s".
No way to know what the computer situation will be once the study begins, but if something blogworthy happens, I'll try to keep you updated.
In the meantime, as Mike Myers would say.........
"Discuss among yourselves!"
14 March 2006
Aviation Surprises
In order for an aircraft to fly in the U.S., it must at least be inspected annually to insure it is "airworthy". Aircraft flown commercially undergo a much more rigorous inspection process.
Obviously this is a good thing for many reasons. It not only keeps aircraft from falling out of the sky at alarming rates......the system fosters confidence in the flying fleet within the aviation community, and more importantly, in the civilian community as well.
If a problem is found in a certain make and model of aircraft, the FAA considers whether this problem is an isolated incident, or if there is a likelihood it is a problem that will crop up in more of this same type aircraft.
The R22 I use to train students has a rotor blade made of aluminum (Aviatrix....that's aluminium), and stainless steel. In very damp climates, particularly those close to salt water, many R22's have been found to have what is called "dissimilar metal" corrosion. Different metals, when damp, begin to act as a battery, and the electrolysis process eats into the joint where they meet, weakening it. The FAA rightfully issued a service bulletin for the problem.
The Robinson factory agreed to replace the rotors on those machines still under warranty, and will pro-rate the replacement of all rotors, depending on their total time.
The trainer I use is hangared continually and is not subject to a great deal of moisture.
Still, I'm glad to put on new rotor blades, because the aircraft could be sold to a new owner that lives in say, Miami, Florida, where the problem could be serious. This helicopter is new enough that the blades will be replaced free of charge. Replacement will take about 3 weeks.
We started the process last week by cutting off the rotor blades. We measured two feet out from the main rotor hub and took a saws-all to these $10,000 rotor blades. We then sent the rotor cuff and blade root to the factory where they will inspect the blade spindle for damage, and finding it undamaged, will fit the new rotor to our old spindles.
Taking a saw to what appears to be a perfectly good rotor blade is an emotional experience.
Add to that the fact that it grounds the trainer for at least 3 weeks, and you begin to see the economic impact that is caused in this little segment of the aviation industry.
Think of the impact of a major change to a large number of aircraft........rudder improvements to the Boeing 737, for instance, and you can see why aviation will always be an expensive, risky business in which to make a living.
I've got four students sitting on their hands, wondering how much proficiency they will lose while this aircraft is grounded.
But we'll all be more comfortable knowing the rotor over our head is likely to remain in one piece, thanks to a diligent inspection process.
Obviously this is a good thing for many reasons. It not only keeps aircraft from falling out of the sky at alarming rates......the system fosters confidence in the flying fleet within the aviation community, and more importantly, in the civilian community as well.
If a problem is found in a certain make and model of aircraft, the FAA considers whether this problem is an isolated incident, or if there is a likelihood it is a problem that will crop up in more of this same type aircraft.
The R22 I use to train students has a rotor blade made of aluminum (Aviatrix....that's aluminium), and stainless steel. In very damp climates, particularly those close to salt water, many R22's have been found to have what is called "dissimilar metal" corrosion. Different metals, when damp, begin to act as a battery, and the electrolysis process eats into the joint where they meet, weakening it. The FAA rightfully issued a service bulletin for the problem.
The Robinson factory agreed to replace the rotors on those machines still under warranty, and will pro-rate the replacement of all rotors, depending on their total time.
The trainer I use is hangared continually and is not subject to a great deal of moisture.
Still, I'm glad to put on new rotor blades, because the aircraft could be sold to a new owner that lives in say, Miami, Florida, where the problem could be serious. This helicopter is new enough that the blades will be replaced free of charge. Replacement will take about 3 weeks.
We started the process last week by cutting off the rotor blades. We measured two feet out from the main rotor hub and took a saws-all to these $10,000 rotor blades. We then sent the rotor cuff and blade root to the factory where they will inspect the blade spindle for damage, and finding it undamaged, will fit the new rotor to our old spindles.
Taking a saw to what appears to be a perfectly good rotor blade is an emotional experience.
Add to that the fact that it grounds the trainer for at least 3 weeks, and you begin to see the economic impact that is caused in this little segment of the aviation industry.
Think of the impact of a major change to a large number of aircraft........rudder improvements to the Boeing 737, for instance, and you can see why aviation will always be an expensive, risky business in which to make a living.
I've got four students sitting on their hands, wondering how much proficiency they will lose while this aircraft is grounded.
But we'll all be more comfortable knowing the rotor over our head is likely to remain in one piece, thanks to a diligent inspection process.
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