Syrinx 13 Posted May 10, 2008 Anyone here have an interest in Civil Aviation as well as military ? Apart from flying yourselves, I mean...god I hate this word it's far too nerdy...planespotting. I'll admit it, I get across to Humberside airport when I can and regularly visit the AVP at Manchester. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silverbolt 104 Posted May 10, 2008 actualy i have the concept : "If isnt carry and shoot a least one 7,62mm isn't a plane" j/k! hehe yeah i'm fan of civil aviation, i regulary spot some planes in Brasilia int. near the Runaway start :) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Longestpants 1 Posted May 10, 2008 (edited) I love civil aviation. I live near to the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International, and the level of traffic has gotten to the point where I can identify a Cessna 172 by sound, and one of Borgess Hospital's helicopters by the shaking windows. Edited May 10, 2008 by Longestpants Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viggen 644 Posted May 10, 2008 Okay fine I'll bite. Civil Aviation is cool. My local airport, KORH, (which lost it's Delta Service in 2000) is quite the place to learn your general aviation business jets. R22s, Cessnas, Pipers, Beech all frequent. Plus we get the occasional C-130 and Civil Air Patrol C172 or 182 or Gippsland GA-8 Airvan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PIGHUNTA69 0 Posted May 11, 2008 Yeah i have to agree with NFG. No matter what, anytime i hear an airplane flying overhead i have to look up and see what type it is. But, in Hawaii we don't have to many different aircraft so i can tell alot of them by the sound they make and i look anyway. Also everytime i drive pass the airport i have to look just to see what planes are taking off. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
serverandenforcer 33 Posted May 12, 2008 I dunno. Maybe I don't have the same appreciation becaue I live in L.A., where I live next to two samll air parks (Whiteman and Van Nuys), have two large airports in the area (Burbank and LAX) and of course, live next to a hospital in which my house is directly underneath the path that the helos fly to land at (usually Firehawks - civilian version of a Blackhawk). Oh, and there is the regular appearance of the L.A.P.D. airship (a Eurocopter E-355N). Should I also mention the news copters that just hover around the area if something news worthy happenes... which is a lot. Whats really cool though is when we have fires in the summer and you see county and state water droppers fly in and dump their load, which consists of C-130s, Hueys, Firehawks, Orions, and that big yellow plane - last year I think they used a C-17 or a C-5 for one of the worst fires that we had). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Bongodriver 20 Posted May 12, 2008 Yeah, sad to say, I love aircraft, nail a pair of wings to a washing machine and I will spot it NFG, you will have to come down to my home airfield at Manston in Kent, got some interesting types in the hangar and an old PZL iskra (rare beastie) rotting on the apron, could even take you flying in the islander, just better clear this one up though, it's not because Nicky is the resident babe, anyone that ever makes it down to Manston can come for a flight with me :yes: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MigBuster 2,884 Posted May 12, 2008 Anyone here have an interest in Civil Aviation as well as military ? Apart from flying yourselves, I mean...god I hate this word it's far too nerdy...planespotting. I'll admit it, I get across to Humberside airport when I can and regularly visit the AVP at Manchester. Nah sorry - just a flying bus to go on holiday for me The only civvy jet that held any interest whatso ever was Concorde (RIP) - that looked and went like a certain prototype bomber except held rich people instead of bombs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MigBuster 2,884 Posted May 12, 2008 Yeah, sad to say, I love aircraft, nail a pair of wings to a washing machine and I will spot it NFG, you will have to come down to my home airfield at Manston in Kent, got some interesting types in the hangar and an old PZL iskra (rare beastie) rotting on the apron, could even take you flying in the islander, just better clear this one up though, it's not because Nicky is the resident babe, anyone that ever makes it down to Manston can come for a flight with me :yes: Yep we believe you Craig Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JediMaster 451 Posted May 12, 2008 I've never flown in a military plane, only civilian, and to a one they've all bored me. I've been in jets, props, and helos (both piston and turbine, and even one EC with a shrouded tail rotor), but I get more thrill from watching a Harrier or Hornet or Eagle landing at the base here! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Jimbib 746 Posted May 12, 2008 (edited) I am quite partial to GA and Civil aviation, I like to spot the aircraft coming into Heathrow as I live underneath the flight path. My brother is an airworthiness records officer for Virgin there also, so he gets to see some of the more interesting civvies that fly in and park up outside the hangar he's in. Like has already been said, if it's got wings and it'll move.... EDIT: Nicky and Craig, make sure you get onto ukar.co.uk, there's a great civvy photography section there. Edited May 12, 2008 by JimmyBib Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Canadair 16 Posted May 29, 2008 (edited) Yeah, sad to say, I love aircraft, nail a pair of wings to a washing machine and I will spot it NFG, you will have to come down to my home airfield at Manston in Kent, got some interesting types in the hangar and an old PZL iskra (rare beastie) rotting on the apron, could even take you flying in the islander, just better clear this one up though, it's not because Nicky is the resident babe, anyone that ever makes it down to Manston can come for a flight with me :yes: Are you allowed visitors on the Islander? I am not on the Canadair. I am trying this for a fellow combatacer, but it is more complicated than it seems. But yes add wing to washingmachine and I like to see it flying and landing. Still Airline Operations at time might be a little boring. One reason to go spot and fly Canadair water bombers. It flies low as a jetfighter, is big as a small turboprop, and saves the day, and you get to surf the waves. Yesterday I was as the hotel's where we are stationed swimming pool with some friends, and the afternoon collegues, back from their flight did a low pass on the hotel, which is very close to the runways. I t was amazing, the ground pounded, and I was so proud of my job. Those are some pictures taken last summer.. There we go Pick-up water going in Water drop Up Up and away Going home (btw. someone is making a firefighting campaign mod for sfp...) Edited May 29, 2008 by Canadair Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stick 773 Posted May 29, 2008 There was this one time when I was a kid when I got restless on the plane. Being in business class didnt make a difference to me, I was too young discern business from economy. All I wanted was a window to sit quiet for the 2hours and 30 minutes it takes to fly from Calcutta to Bombay. Flying SOL tickets(Staff on Leave) implies you are subject to load. All the windows were taken. Unnacceptable. As the old A300 turned steeply over Bombay and my father made the announcement for the cabin crew to return to their stations for landing, that yearning for a window could not be suppressed any more. I analysed the situation; the nearest hostess had buckled in and the little exit window was clear. The landing gear rumbled and I slipped out from under the seat belt( yeah I was a tiny kid) and darted like my life depended on it for the window. Pandemonium. Quite obviously nobody else was aware of my intentions. Passengers yelped.My mother made a grab for me and I feinted under her outstretched hands. I was in the aisle. A fellow pax grabbed my collar and yanked me toward him. I was in no mood to man-handled by a stranger. I bit his wrist like rabid mongrel, and freedom was mine again. Not for long. Ahead the two hostesses blocked my way. One of them even called me a little rascal. I took it as a compliment, and bolted toward economy.Through the curtain. Shocked the hostesses there, ran through the galley, and turned back toward busness on the other aisle. Coolly I walked back, smiled at the two hostesses who couldnt get at me because of the middle seats, and walked toward my destination. I looked back and sure enough the cavalry had decided to intercept me. The hostesses from economy were on my tail and two feet away. Two feet for a five year old is two miles. I screamed, "All I want is the window.Let Me BE!!!" I ran. At that exact moment the big airbus flared. Those chasing me were suitably unnerved and held on to the seats as the nose pitched up. And then I was there looking out at the lights of Dharavi, the worlds largest slum in all its grandeur and decrepitude at little past 11 in the night. I was content and allowed myself to be captured. I was snatched from the window and stuffed onto the lap of a hostess and a few moments later we touched down. My father almost refused to aknowledge anything to do with me as he had to personally pacify the man I had bitten. Turned out he was a politician. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Typhoid 231 Posted May 29, 2008 There was this one time when I was a kid when I got restless on the plane. Being in business class didnt make a difference to me, I was too young discern business from economy. All I wanted was a window to sit quiet for the 2hours and 30 minutes it takes to fly from Calcutta to Bombay.Flying SOL tickets(Staff on Leave) implies you are subject to load. All the windows were taken. Unnacceptable. As the old A300 turned steeply over Bombay and my father made the announcement for the cabin crew to return to their stations for landing, that yearning for a window could not be suppressed any more. I analysed the situation; the nearest hostess had buckled in and the little exit window was clear. The landing gear rumbled and I slipped out from under the seat belt( yeah I was a tiny kid) and darted like my life depended on it for the window. Pandemonium. Quite obviously nobody else was aware of my intentions. Passengers yelped.My mother made a grab for me and I feinted under her outstretched hands. I was in the aisle. A fellow pax grabbed my collar and yanked me toward him. I was in no mood to man-handled by a stranger. I bit his wrist like rabid mongrel, and freedom was mine again. Not for long. Ahead the two hostesses blocked my way. One of them even called me a little rascal. I took it as a compliment, and bolted toward economy.Through the curtain. Shocked the hostesses there, ran through the galley, and turned back toward busness on the other aisle. Coolly I walked back, smiled at the two hostesses who couldnt get at me because of the middle seats, and walked toward my destination. I looked back and sure enough the cavalry had decided to intercept me. The hostesses from economy were on my tail and two feet away. Two feet for a five year old is two miles. I screamed, "All I want is the window.Let Me BE!!!" I ran. At that exact moment the big airbus flared. Those chasing me were suitably unnerved and held on to the seats as the nose pitched up. And then I was there looking out at the lights of Dharavi, the worlds largest slum in all its grandeur and decrepitude at little past 11 in the night. I was content and allowed myself to be captured. I was snatched from the window and stuffed onto the lap of a hostess and a few moments later we touched down. My father almost refused to aknowledge anything to do with me as he had to personally pacify the man I had bitten. Turned out he was a politician. Great story!!! I can just picture that as you wrote it!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Syrinx 13 Posted May 30, 2008 NFG, you will have to come down to my home airfield at Manston in Kent, got some interesting types in the hangar and an old PZL iskra (rare beastie) rotting on the apron, could even take you flying in the islander I missed this earlier. Craig when I'm next in Kent I'll let you know because my brother lives in Strood, near Rochester. Would love to take a ride in an Islander one day if possible. I'll hold you to that ! Before anyone starts, purely for aviation related reasons ! Nearest I've ever got to the sharp end is row 11 on a 737. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stick 773 Posted May 30, 2008 "Before anyone starts, purely for aviation related reasons ! " Ill start... Mr Brierley, if Im in England in December( ha! the weather'll be awful I'm guessing) you may acquaint me with your flying machine. How far is Kent from London?( that will beat having to escort my grandfather while he goes to get himself a new pair of shoes made from Foster and Son;that man is so colonial its boring!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Bongodriver 20 Posted May 30, 2008 I missed this earlier. Craig when I'm next in Kent I'll let you know because my brother lives in Strood, near Rochester. Would love to take a ride in an Islander one day if possible. I'll hold you to that ! Before anyone starts, purely for aviation related reasons ! How could you miss it, no one else did Ill start... Mr Brierley, if Im in England in December( ha! the weather'll be awful I'm guessing) you may acquaint me with your flying machine. How far is Kent from London?( that will beat having to escort my grandfather while he goes to get himself a new pair of shoes made from Foster and Son;that man is so colonial its boring!) Yes, the weather can get a little limiting on flying prospects in Dec, and it's close to my birthday, the prospects of finding me sober will be the other challenge, Kent is the south east county closest to france, parts of it merge into London, not a difficult journey to get to the airfield from londinium. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PaperArtillery 0 Posted May 30, 2008 I'm a fan of civil, too; I'm working on my private pilot's license now, and taking ground school for the FAA tests. I live about 10 miles from a small regional airport, so when I'm in the area I make sure to see what's parked and/or taking off/inbound. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Dave 2,322 Posted May 31, 2008 I love Civil Aviation and I am using my GI Bill to get my chopper license. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Longestpants 1 Posted May 31, 2008 There was this one time when I was a kid when I got restless on the plane. Being in business class didnt make a difference to me, I was too young discern business from economy. All I wanted was a window to sit quiet for the 2hours and 30 minutes it takes to fly from Calcutta to Bombay.Flying SOL tickets(Staff on Leave) implies you are subject to load. All the windows were taken. Unnacceptable. As the old A300 turned steeply over Bombay and my father made the announcement for the cabin crew to return to their stations for landing, that yearning for a window could not be suppressed any more. I analysed the situation; the nearest hostess had buckled in and the little exit window was clear. The landing gear rumbled and I slipped out from under the seat belt( yeah I was a tiny kid) and darted like my life depended on it for the window. Pandemonium. Quite obviously nobody else was aware of my intentions. Passengers yelped.My mother made a grab for me and I feinted under her outstretched hands. I was in the aisle. A fellow pax grabbed my collar and yanked me toward him. I was in no mood to man-handled by a stranger. I bit his wrist like rabid mongrel, and freedom was mine again. Not for long. Ahead the two hostesses blocked my way. One of them even called me a little rascal. I took it as a compliment, and bolted toward economy.Through the curtain. Shocked the hostesses there, ran through the galley, and turned back toward busness on the other aisle. Coolly I walked back, smiled at the two hostesses who couldnt get at me because of the middle seats, and walked toward my destination. I looked back and sure enough the cavalry had decided to intercept me. The hostesses from economy were on my tail and two feet away. Two feet for a five year old is two miles. I screamed, "All I want is the window.Let Me BE!!!" I ran. At that exact moment the big airbus flared. Those chasing me were suitably unnerved and held on to the seats as the nose pitched up. And then I was there looking out at the lights of Dharavi, the worlds largest slum in all its grandeur and decrepitude at little past 11 in the night. I was content and allowed myself to be captured. I was snatched from the window and stuffed onto the lap of a hostess and a few moments later we touched down. My father almost refused to aknowledge anything to do with me as he had to personally pacify the man I had bitten. Turned out he was a politician. :rofl: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sparkomatic 7 Posted May 31, 2008 Dave, that is awesome news, good luck! I love Civil Aviation and I am using my GI Bill to get my chopper license. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites