Never been in a propeller aircraft
Discussion
Talking to family the other day about visiting family and flying out to Germany and was reminded of flying with Virgin to Maastricht in a Viscount.
In those days it was from Gatwick north where the private aircraft were parked . We were transferred via bus to the aircraft and I remember the exclamations of many of the passengers on seeing a prop driven aircraft . This was in the late 80s.
Got me thinking that lots of people will probably never have been in a prop driven aircraft.
I've only flown in two types of jets , VC10 & Boeing 737 , but have been on 4 different Concord's.
3 different helicopters
5 different types of larger prop aircraft
and a Tiger Moth
Side by side open cockpit glider .
So who hasn't been in a prop job ?
In those days it was from Gatwick north where the private aircraft were parked . We were transferred via bus to the aircraft and I remember the exclamations of many of the passengers on seeing a prop driven aircraft . This was in the late 80s.
Got me thinking that lots of people will probably never have been in a prop driven aircraft.
I've only flown in two types of jets , VC10 & Boeing 737 , but have been on 4 different Concord's.
3 different helicopters
5 different types of larger prop aircraft
and a Tiger Moth
Side by side open cockpit glider .
So who hasn't been in a prop job ?
A bit harder to do than it used to be when Flybe was still going, but Loganair still have a big fleet of prop aircraft. It used to be normal on shuttle flights, I flew on BA's ATPs quite a few times, they're barely any slower and much more economic so if green laws come for domestic air travel I wouldn't be surprised if they appear again.
Loads around Africa. Also various light aircraft, jets, gliders, etc. My ‘worst’ ever flight was a turboprop from Schiphol to Metz, proper tumble dryer experience with several large sudden drops in altitude.
I’m yet to have flown in a helicopter which is odd given that was my intended career choice once upon a time.
I’m yet to have flown in a helicopter which is odd given that was my intended career choice once upon a time.
I once flew in an Viscount 800 series (BEA). Also a DC6 and a Canadair 4, (that is essentially a DC4 with RR Merlin engines).
Then, downsizing...... A couple of DeHavilland Dragon Rapides and a small selection of light aeroplanes.
Great news that props may be making a comeback. Might make flying a bit more of an occasion.
Then, downsizing...... A couple of DeHavilland Dragon Rapides and a small selection of light aeroplanes.
Great news that props may be making a comeback. Might make flying a bit more of an occasion.
Flybe and the Channel Islands airline use prop passenger aircraft.
They can't fly above the weather which is fun and the Channel Islands one I flew on can't land in fog, which is great for a small island.
We were delayed for 5 hours at Gatwick waiting for the fog in Guernsey to lift. Finally the pilot had had enough and said let's head over and see if we can land
When I were a nipper, BOAC to Holland around the 60s, from Heathrow. That was definitely a prop airliner.
They can't fly above the weather which is fun and the Channel Islands one I flew on can't land in fog, which is great for a small island.
We were delayed for 5 hours at Gatwick waiting for the fog in Guernsey to lift. Finally the pilot had had enough and said let's head over and see if we can land
When I were a nipper, BOAC to Holland around the 60s, from Heathrow. That was definitely a prop airliner.
First aircraft I flew in was with the air cadets, the Husky at Cambridge AEF. Then a Chipmunk after that.
A 1942 ish Piper Cub in the mid-80s, and various Hercs to Cyprus and Gibraltar.
Fokker F50s from Schipol to Norwich and Bordeaux.
A few small prop planes while going in and out of the bush for a couple of safaris.
Probably forgotten a couple.
A mate is restoring an ex-RAF Bulldog, might get a flight in that at some point.
A 1942 ish Piper Cub in the mid-80s, and various Hercs to Cyprus and Gibraltar.
Fokker F50s from Schipol to Norwich and Bordeaux.
A few small prop planes while going in and out of the bush for a couple of safaris.
Probably forgotten a couple.
A mate is restoring an ex-RAF Bulldog, might get a flight in that at some point.
About 25 years ago a friend of mine was going out with a girl who’s dad owned a company that maintained Tiger Moths.
We went to the annual gathering at Woburn, he took my friend up for a spin and then asked me if I wanted a go, did I??!! Got togged up in the full Biggles outfit and was up there for about half an hour.
It was amazing, would recommend it to anyone.
We went to the annual gathering at Woburn, he took my friend up for a spin and then asked me if I wanted a go, did I??!! Got togged up in the full Biggles outfit and was up there for about half an hour.
It was amazing, would recommend it to anyone.
cherryowen said:
Took the controls of a Piper PA-28 over South Shropshire for my 40th, but apart from that nope.
The first aircraft boarded was a DC-8 to Majorca at age 11.
A Bulldog and Grob years ago in the atc, also a ride in a C130. Sat in the back of a Piper for a pleasure ride that my 4yo daughter took the controls of. The first aircraft boarded was a DC-8 to Majorca at age 11.
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff