Flying Experiences for an Ex-Fighter Pilot
Discussion
My Grandfather will be 80 in January, and has finally (after years of saying he never would) got the urge to go back up in a plane.
He flew Meteors, Javelins and Lightnings in the RAF (as well as a few others, but those were the main three) then moved on to being an airline pilot with BEA, covering all of Europe, eventually ending up on BA 737s.
We've been looking for something similar for him to try, but not found anything worthwhile. He trained on Harvards, but the ones at Blackbushe are apparently totally different.
Basically he'd like something fairly quick, something that can do some vague aerobatics and hopefully let him have the stick for a little while (even if just in level flight). All searches so far have drawn a blank. Help!
He flew Meteors, Javelins and Lightnings in the RAF (as well as a few others, but those were the main three) then moved on to being an airline pilot with BEA, covering all of Europe, eventually ending up on BA 737s.
We've been looking for something similar for him to try, but not found anything worthwhile. He trained on Harvards, but the ones at Blackbushe are apparently totally different.
Basically he'd like something fairly quick, something that can do some vague aerobatics and hopefully let him have the stick for a little while (even if just in level flight). All searches so far have drawn a blank. Help!
Crossflow Kid said:
Quick bit of rotary action?
Depending what you can rent the aerobatics/fairly quick bit might still apply.
My dad got a bit of that a couple of weeks ago. Used to fly gliders (instuctor), but had to give up due to old age. He collapsed in a field, luckily there were people about, he got a low-level flight in the air ambulance to the hospital. He'd recovered a bit so got to look at the scenery. When they flew over some rugby fields he thought they were low enough to be hit by the ball if anybody had skied one!Depending what you can rent the aerobatics/fairly quick bit might still apply.
Edited by Crossflow Kid on Thursday 2nd December 08:46
He's all right now, just a bit of low blood pressure. And yes, I have donated to the air ambulance.
I didn't know there were any Harvards based at Blackbushe.
There is a Harvard at Goodwood.
In what way were the ones he trained on different?
It's not really possible to get "paying" flights in UK warbirds although I know people have been able to wangle trips in two seat Hunters, Jet Provosts/Strikemasters etc.
There is a Harvard at Goodwood.
In what way were the ones he trained on different?
It's not really possible to get "paying" flights in UK warbirds although I know people have been able to wangle trips in two seat Hunters, Jet Provosts/Strikemasters etc.
Eric Mc said:
I didn't know there were any Harvards based at Blackbushe.
There is a Harvard at Goodwood.
In what way were the ones he trained on different?
It's not really possible to get "paying" flights in UK warbirds although I know people have been able to wangle trips in two seat Hunters, Jet Provosts/Strikemasters etc.
It was a few years when we first looked at Blackbushe. Apparently they were much later American versions, so nothing like he would have remembered.There is a Harvard at Goodwood.
In what way were the ones he trained on different?
It's not really possible to get "paying" flights in UK warbirds although I know people have been able to wangle trips in two seat Hunters, Jet Provosts/Strikemasters etc.
He's said what he really wants is a go in a EuroFighter Typhoon. I presume nowhere offers that at all?
Are those people in South Africa still flying Lightnings? (Not that he can get to South Africa as my Gran cannot fly any more).
Aizletree said:
Clicky!
Obviously he knows how to fly so the "trial lesson" may not be useful as such.
Two seater extra from cambridge airport. 40 mins for £160. Or give them a call and see if they could tailor a session to him, don't know how an 80 year old would fair with 40 minutes of aeros!
You beauty. Exactly the sort of thing I was looking for but couldn't find. Many thanks!Obviously he knows how to fly so the "trial lesson" may not be useful as such.
Two seater extra from cambridge airport. 40 mins for £160. Or give them a call and see if they could tailor a session to him, don't know how an 80 year old would fair with 40 minutes of aeros!
Still holding out hope for a jet though. Surely there must be an old Hawk or something somewhere?
HereBeMonsters said:
Aizletree said:
Clicky!
Obviously he knows how to fly so the "trial lesson" may not be useful as such.
Two seater extra from cambridge airport. 40 mins for £160. Or give them a call and see if they could tailor a session to him, don't know how an 80 year old would fair with 40 minutes of aeros!
You beauty. Exactly the sort of thing I was looking for but couldn't find. Many thanks!Obviously he knows how to fly so the "trial lesson" may not be useful as such.
Two seater extra from cambridge airport. 40 mins for £160. Or give them a call and see if they could tailor a session to him, don't know how an 80 year old would fair with 40 minutes of aeros!
Still holding out hope for a jet though. Surely there must be an old Hawk or something somewhere?
I believe there are a few Jet Provosts at North Weald (Just off the M11), don't know if it's worth contacting the flying club there to ask. I believe they are mostly group owned so there are a few pilots per plane. However with CAA regulations, somebody flying with a PPL cannot fly for hire or reward, but could take the passengers share, 50% max in a provost.
Edited for speeling and grammur
Edited by Aizletree on Thursday 2nd December 10:26
Delta Jets at Kemble:
www.deltajets.com/#
Obviously not cheap - but nothing to related to fast jets ever is!
www.deltajets.com/#
Obviously not cheap - but nothing to related to fast jets ever is!
HereBeMonsters said:
He's said what he really wants is a go in a EuroFighter Typhoon. I presume nowhere offers that at all?
Are those people in South Africa still
flying Lightnings? (Not that he can get to South Africa as my Gran cannot fly any more).
Thunder City closed it's doors recently, economic reasons & the loss of a Lightning not helping... Are those people in South Africa still
flying Lightnings? (Not that he can get to South Africa as my Gran cannot fly any more).
re: Typhoon, I'm sure if you can't get a ride in it Dodgy Dave can find one, no questions asked & sell you one...
Edited by Waynester on Thursday 2nd December 13:50
Try these lads, i believe they will take passengers.
http://www.theblades.biz/pages/home.php
http://www.theblades.biz/pages/home.php
Edited by steviejasp on Thursday 2nd December 16:19
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