I've had enough of this.....

[The Hooded Claw]

... getting older malarkey. :(

Firstly I gotta say that your 30s are a kind of Limbo period in life, know what I mean? In your 20s everything can wait, in your 30s it doesn't quite seem to happen, so when the 40s kick in I see most people wanting to make up for lost time, including me!
I had a relatively fortunate late teens but believe me that this can put you into a false sense of security, which brings me onto the point of my post.

For some 6 years or so I've had a friend who flies microlights and I often go down and tinker with the little flying machine. Always in awe of just what distance these things can travel in such a short space of time I decide to meet up with a group and take some taster lessons.
Wind back to the present and keeping in mind that many of us have crossed forums and bantered both publicly and privately, I find I must be the most stagnant member here? Ok I've moved a lot in the last two years but now I've found the house I always wanted I find its time to get real and haul ass before my ass is too old to even haul into the toilet. (Shitting myself anymore is not an option).

So after many many months of deliberation and with my partners ever loving blessing I'm taking up microlighting (or 'microliting' as its known in the US). It was partly due to the 'Pie clan tour' that helped me make this decision so I thank them right next to my partners enthusiasm. I looked at motorbikes and other toys but when it came to it I just didn't see the buzz any more. So lessons start this winter and my first craft gets hangared Spring 08.

If you ever wondered why people do this I've attached a friends personal pictures (published so please don't plagiarize!) giving you an idea of just what's in the grasp of us mere mortals.
Hopefully I can provide and share pictures as impressive as these so you'll understand why I'm going for it and avoiding the rest home conversation of, "I wish I'd have tried that.....

Enjoy.

[Permagrin]

Congradulations. It's good to see someone start enjoying life more cuz once it's gone it's gone. Keep us up to date on how its going.

I had a friend where I used to live who had one of these and It was pretty fun flying in it with him. I never had the want to to actually start doing it myself, but it was fun being up there in one of those.

[The Hooded Claw]

Thanks Permagrin.

BTW, I enjoyed gazing at your garden landscape this morning. Just when I think my view is good enough, I see someone else's garden with a far better view!

Thanks again and like you I never thought about taking this up. I used to think it was dangerous but the fact is its safer than driving a car or using public transport. TBO, its the freedom I'm after along with covering large distances enjoying other countries.

THC.

[gorilla]

That looks SO awesome! Must be an awesome experience for sure.

Good luck, be safe, and have fun! I'm hoping for some pictures of your own.

,gorilla

[co-d]

thats crazy, i have never heard of those things. microlite?

can you do flips and barrel rolls in those things? i am very interested now. that looks like an awesome hobby to take up.

i dunno, as with age, i guess it depends on your current experience and your expectations of what you SHOULD have experienced. age is a funny thing. definitely not something you want to ignore, but not something to ponder too often. id say do what your body will let you do. my dad always complained about his back hurting from being in the fire service and that held him back YEars ago. nowadays (nearly 10 years later) he has taken up tennis in his 50's and stretches religiously. hes probably better than i was in my prime (i played #1 doubles in high school).

theres always room for improvement, however i know attitude is a big player. attitude is one of the biggest things that can either hold you back or pull you forward.

all in all, don't fly stoned. peace.

[CB]

hey THC,

good to see ya back and about :)

I planed to take to the skys on my 40th and start a new adventure but didnt make it.... 1 day before I turned I found myself at 15k feet looking out an open plane door :eek:

spent 3 days just jump'n nonstop and I'm scared to death of heights :rolleyes:

something about being free as I fell back to earth made me not scared... cant put it to words sorry...

The mini planes have always cought my eye but it's just not the same for me with my height issues. I feel safer jump'n from the plane than i do landing in one let along me landing it.

look forward to pics of your own once you get up there... be safe and have fun.

on a side note: freefalling is the ONLY time my back pain goes away :D

peace

:pass:

[budweisman]

Having a passion for something is key. Sound like this is something that has been brewing inside for a while and now you are letting it out. Really go for it Claw....no half assing it. I only remotely sort of know of this hobby but it looks very interesting so keep us up to date on how you get started, where to put it, does it require a license...sort of a FAQ....would love to follow along.

Peace and Luck.
BW

[Mr Burns]

That looks SO awesome! Must be an awesome experience for sure.

Good luck, be safe, and have fun! I'm hoping for some pictures of your own.

,gorilla

Cheers Rilla. I'll be adding pictures as it happens although I doubt I'll be having much time for lens action until one handed flying comes natural!

thats crazy, i have never heard of those things. microlite?

can you do flips and barrel rolls in those things?

all in all, don't fly stoned. peace.

No barrel rolls and flips with these co-d and as for flying stoned, only after some experience eh? ;)

hey THC,

good to see ya back and about :)

something about being free as I fell back to earth made me not scared... cant put it to words sorry...

peace

:pass:

I can understand that CB. I believe its a faith thing (without going all sandal assed) but it needs bringing out to be experienced. At 17 I lost control of a motorbike nearing 70mph and as I and the bike parted I knew the tree ahead had my name on it. I hit it, but I never screamed or even shit myself (yes really, clean pants all the way!) and I believe its that total loss off control that gives that feeling, except mine was because I was stoned and had AC/DC on a walkman and you chose to be in your position!

Sound like this is something that has been brewing inside for a while and now you are letting it out. Really go for it Claw....no half assing it. I only remotely sort of know of this hobby but it looks very interesting so keep us up to date on how you get started, where to put it, does it require a license...sort of a FAQ....would love to follow along.

Peace and Luck.
BW

BWman your absolutely correct, its been brewing for far too long which is why I've bitten the bullet.
If you want some back ground take a look at this link, and especially the 'flying microlight' link on the left. Even I didn't know hanglider wings came from a NASA programme!!

I'll keep you all updated and thank you for showing interest. If all goes well I'l be making a long haul trip within 18 months!

THC

[Dawg]

I have several "grass" runways for those near here...but never had the cahones to get up in one...I'll climb to the top of tree but get me up in a yugo with wings....i dunno...call me chicken.

but my gawd...those pictures tempt me man. mega "props" to you (in more ways than one lol)

(BTW I'm 30's and you just made me think twice about it. :)

[buzzmobile]

The secret to success is the following equation:

Landings = Takeoffs

Fly on!

:D

[The Hooded Claw]

(BTW I'm 30's and you just made me think twice about it. :)

Dawg I didn't intend to make age a depressing thought, but we must be aware that this is a one shot game and no matter how old we are, you have to grab life by the balls and do something. Think about something you have and do want to do and make plans NOW!

The secret to success is the following equation:

Landings = Takeoffs

Fly on!

:D

.. and making sure you go to the toilet before taking off! Its funny how when we get that euphoria from an experience that the bodies muscles relax (even if not aware!), so making the seat weight lighter before take off is a sure way to have a more comfortable landing!

Thanks Buzz. Especially for leaving out glided landings!

Craw.

[co-d]

No barrel rolls and flips with these co-d and as for flying stoned, only after some experience eh? ;)
THC



touche.. mr. burns, touche...

[The Hooded Claw]

touche.. mr. burns, touche...


There's always a first..,