Today is the 1st anniversary of my 'Extra Special' 60th birthday pressie. An advanced aerobatic lesson in an Extra 300. I now have the original images on CD so thought I would post a selection as reminder of this wonderful day.

The pre-flight briefing was very thorough. This is me being shown round the aircraft. There were 2 instructors sharing 4 pupils. My instructor is Chris Carder, an ex-member of the Red Arrows.


While the aircraft is refuelled I'm being fitted with my parachute. This is the first time I'll have flown a light aircraft for something like 35 years. I've never been in anything like this before.


All aboard, strapped in & ready to go. That weather looks decidedly gloomy but I'm up for it.


Some time later. The return of our hero. I didn't disgrace myself by using my sick-bag. LOL 8)


I wore this daft grin on my face for about a week afterwards.



An unforgettable present thanks to my dear daughter, brother & families - not forgetting the people at Ultimate High who made it all possible. They are a very professional outfit & put themselves out to make you feel special. It really was a wonderful experience that I shall remember for the rest of my life.

PS. Today is not my birthday. That's earlier in the year & we had to wait for a convenient date to suit all concerned.

your one lucky fellow:) with a great family thats for sure.

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Thanks Stormtropper. You dont know how good that makes me feel. 8)

I still think & act like a 16 year-old - unfortunately now trapped in a 60 year old body.

Fantastic photo's Doug, an exciting flight, I bet.... 8)...!
(I remember your flight earlier last year).
I'm hoping my next one will be in the "Aerobat" version of my little Cessna 152.... ...!
Not quite a Vans RV 4, but near enough for my liking... ... ... ...!

Cheers Doug...!

Paul.

Hi Doug...!
Thanks for the link...

http://freespace.virgin.net/shadow.owners/index.htm

What a shame the site is not kept up to date, a bit like my Shobdon aeroclub site.... ...!
Either the Web Masters are dis-interested, of the members don't pass information to the Web Masters for them to include on the Site.... ....!

The second-hand Streak Shadows seem quite reasonable, (new/kit ones are VERY dear, for sale in my Pilot magazines!).
A 1957 Auster Mk. 5A with a Lycoming motor, in my June issue of "Todays Pilot" says "£13.500 to you sir"...!...
LOL...!

Cheers Doug.... ...!

Paul.

If you manage to get a ride, let us know all about it, I like these little "cheap to fly" babies... ... ... ...!
They are very popular at my local airfield.. 8)...!

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Thanks James. Grumpy is a state of mind. It doesn't mean I'm bad-tempered - although I can be if required.

Yes it's the same plane I use as my avatar. I didn't post the full sized pic as you've all seen it enough times by now.

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Quite.

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Hehe. Age sometimes has its advantages. I've been waiting a lifetime for that trip.

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I think it was a combination of both. Note the lack of wrinkles on my face. Not bad for a 60 year-old. 8) Unfortunately this didn't last as long as the cheesy grin.