Simviation Forum - Flying the Classics

Nov 8^th, 2006 at 9:07pm

Da Judge Offline
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How can I fly the classic aircraft/warbirds? I mean not to be in one when its flying, but to actually fly one.

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Reply #1 - Nov 8^th, 2006 at 9:15pm

Woodlouse2002 Offline
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Cornwall, England

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Steal/buy one.

Woodlouse2002 PITA and BAR!!!!!!!!&&&&Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, immediately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the Act made in the first year of King George the First for preventing tumults and riotous assemblies. God Save the King.&&&&Viva la revolution!

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Reply #2 - Nov 8^th, 2006 at 9:25pm

beefhole Offline
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common' yigs!
Philadelphia

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Quote:

Steal/buy one.

Listed in the order of probability of success Wink

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Reply #3 - Nov 8^th, 2006 at 9:32pm

flyboy 28 Offline
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Jacksonville, FL

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Assuming you're a bit on the younger side, go volunteer for a local aircraft preservation society. Spend lots of years there, then if you're lucky enough, and have the right flying certificate, you can.

That's just my guess though. Wink

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Reply #4 - Nov 8^th, 2006 at 11:01pm

Flying Trucker Ex Member

Hi Da Judge:

Got a little experience in flying classic/warbirds and I am not sure this is the answer you are looking for.

I have flown many types such as the Tiger Moth, Chipmunk, Harvard, Auster, Otter, T-33, Dak (C47), Canso (Catalina, PBY) and all are classics and could be considered warbirds as well.

I am well past a half century by close to several decades and like many of my peers it takes a long time to learn something.
I am one of those who always thought the grass looked greener on the other side but as year pass you by you learn different.

It is the same with aircraft, yes the old "Otter and T-33" were the cat's ass at one time but as time goes on you find they are only stepping stones.

You jump into a nice little Cessna 150 and it will fly the same as anything else. You push the wheel forward, the buildings get bigger, pull it back and the buildings get smaller. All aircraft pretty much fly the same way in that respect.

Oh the little Cessna 150 won't go quite as fast as some of those other types, won't have nearly as many guages and switches, won't burn as much fuel either, won't go quite as far on fuel or carry as many folks.
But, as you cruise merrily on your way from point "A" to "B" defying the elements and look out onto the horizon it won't look any different than if you were in any other aeroplane. Wink

When you land and walk into the airport you will be given the same respect, treated equally as any other pilot whether he walks in with four stripes on his shoulders or not.

An aircraft is a tool, to be used for commerce or pleasure, some cost more to operate than others. There is nothing wrong with wanting to fly any aircraft, classic/warbird, set your goals and hold on to your dream and as experience and time pass you by you will probably agree, yes they all do fly the same. Wink

There is my long winded answer Da Judge.

Cheers...Happy Landings...Doug

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Reply #5 - Nov 9^th, 2006 at 2:46pm

beaky Offline
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Newark, NJ USA

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Join the EAA, and find a restoration project being done by a chapter near you. I wish I had the time to volunteer... there are always cool vintage resto. projects out there that can use inexperienced volunteers.

But of course you want to fly classics... yes, but the key to getting some dual in a classic or warbird is to insinuate yourself in the social circle of those who own and fly them. Getting involved in a restoration project, or volunteering at airshows or museums, etc. is probably the best way. Could take a long time, but I have found that like in most of life, when it comes to success in these kinds of things, just being there is 99% of it.

Other possibilities: find somebody who is doing taildragger checkouts in something older like a Champ or Cub, and take some dual in that. I can almost guarantee this school or owner will know somebody with something a little more exotic or whatever.

Or just hang around an airport where someone keeps a "classic" and offer your assistance with whatever in exchange for stick time. You might at least get a ride with some hands-on time, if not an actual lesson.

Be aware that many people will be reticent to allow even dual instruction in vintage birds due to insurance constraints... but don't be discouraged by that.

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Reply #6 - Nov 9^th, 2006 at 2:55pm

ozzy72 Offline
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Pretty scary huh?
Madsville

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Or follow the Ozzy route and get the plans and build one Wink

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #7 - Nov 9^th, 2006 at 4:43pm

beaky Offline
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Newark, NJ USA

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Quote:

Or follow the Ozzy route and get the plans and build one Wink

That only works for the certifiably insane; not for everyone. Wink

How's Binky doing lately, anyway?

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Reply #8 - Nov 9^th, 2006 at 5:13pm

C Offline
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Earth

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In the UK most tend to have a competition aerobatic background, followed by ex military (often with solo display experience in the military or test pilots), and then to a lesser extent, engineers and aircraft owners.

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Reply #9 - Nov 10^th, 2006 at 2:03am

ozzy72 Offline
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Pretty scary huh?
Madsville

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Binky isn't happening much at the moment due to the arrival of winter and the lack of heating in the garage!!! Piggin' freezin' Shocked

So I'll be working on instruments over the winter and probably doing a few minor construction jobs that I can do at home without making the wife angry Grin

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #10 - Nov 10^th, 2006 at 4:04am

an-225 Ex Member

hmmm... Ozzy you say Binky needs parts. There is a Sukhoi trainer at my local airfield (YSBK, YSSY is my airport.) I could ~~steal~~ obtain some parts from it for Binky. Grin

. Would make for an interesting "breed" of plane!

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