new boy on the block

[Guest Billjim]

Hi reader of this.

 

Just thought I'd submit my 2 bobs worth re. Rec. Aviation as a matter of possible interest.

 

Got my PPL in 1964, then did it for a job for a few yrs mainly charter in N.T. and later some "executive" stuff. Had last flown around 20 yrs ago.

 

Wanting to get back to a bit of pleasure flying after 20 yrs of withdrawal symptoms, I went to renew my licence - as a PPL only. I passed the medical but CASA made it so expensive and drawn out due minor issues (If I need to get out & push then I'll glide) that to continue was virtually prohibitive. An unfortunately typical example of bureaucratic tin plating. All I wanted to do was fly OCTA now and then for old times sake & a bit of fun while I have time left to do so.

 

When I told the CEO I was going to have a look at "utralights", she wasn't too happy - watches too much T.V. & I think associated same with Icarus or similar. Anyway, being a Sensetive New Age Guy I told her she could flog the tractor if I didn't return and went anyway.

 

To the main point at last ......

 

Went for a fly in a Tecnam Super .. was ultra impressed. Real stick & rudder flying again, just like the days in the bush away from the b.s., and in an aircraft that is in every sense a great little safe fun machine - stable & forgiving enough to survive an old f..t like myself. And performs better than many GA aircraft anyway. I'm sure there are many other such a/c as good but that is the only one I have experienced. And I was equally impressed by the professional and friendly attitude of the instructor.

 

RA today has come of age, offers a great deal to those who would otherwise be denied the opportunity to experience the joys of "hands on" aviation and hopefully has a secure future.

 

Anyway, just thought I'd ramble on with thanks to admin. who helped me find my way around this forum - old dog, new tricks.

 

 

[BigPete]

ahhhhhhhhhh...... another lost soul returns from the GA wilderness and sees the shining, welcoming RAA light. Welcome Billjim.

 

regards

 

:big_grin::big_grin:

 

 

[slartibartfast]

Great tale Billjim. That's what it's all about.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

 

[farri]

Hi reader of this. All I wanted to do was fly OCTA now and then for old times sake & a bit of fun while I have time left to do so.

quote]

 

Hi BillJim and ,

 

An example of the principal reason why those of us who got the AUF/RAA up and running worked so hard to make it a success.

 

Cheers,

 

Frank.

[Yenn]

G'day Billjim and welcome.

 

I wonder how many of us started in GA, left it and then got into RAAus.

 

I left flying for a few years, then got back into GA, but it was too expensive to keep current. RAAus was my salvation.

 

 

[skydog]

Good stuff

 

Well done Biljim.

 

You wont regret a moment of it.

 

Did you go to Narrowmine the Mecca of ultralighting in the land of OZ?