...fifty years ago today, was a very special day for me. At age 16, I flew my first solo in a 90 hp Champion Tri-Traveler. Little did I realize as a boy growing up in Mobile, Alabama, that I would wander the earth and experience marvelous things in many different types of aircraft from the Corbin Baby Ace to the Boeing 747.

I look back and marvel at the good fortune that followed me all my life. When I really, truly needed a break, it always appeared in the form of a generous mentor.

I am so grateful to all those that helped me travel the road I chose. Most are gone and I can't thank them personally.

There are a few jerks out there in this business, but my experience is that it is populated with the finest, hardest working people on earth.

I will always be eternally grateful for the opportunities I was offered and the patient airmen who trained me to survive in many challenging situations. There are none finer.

So the 4th of July for me holds more than the ordinary reason to celebrate.

JD,
Thanks for sharing your memories of July 4th with us.

I once told the widow of a family friend that even though R C was not longer alive, that as long as good men gathered and spoke to those who had made a difference our our lives, RC would always be among and alive in us. Not a bad epitath, that!

Bravo Zulu, sir!

Happy 4th of July to both of you and all other patriotic Americans who understand what made this country the greatest in the world.

When I reach retirement age (God willing) I hope I share the same thoughts as you! Thankfully, So far I am off to a good start!

Happy 4th of July x 2!

Thanks, Aubs. I'd love to make a low one in your King Air. As I posted somewhere else, I can smell the African dust in the cockpit. I have so many, many fond memories of the African skies.

quote:

many different types of aircraft from the Corbin Baby Ace to the Boeing 747.

You have held my dream job, Captain. I dreamed of flying the really big iron, but my eyesight and lack of mathematical skills demanded I pursue another profession. How wonderful a feeling it must be to push those four throttles forward and feel the pow-pow-power of those massive fuelburners suckin' down the dinosaur squeezings-- at no cost to you. I can only imagine...

Every takeoff in the Whale was a rush. I was always amazed that they would let me have one to play with for my very own. I really miss flying. Most of all, I miss the people.