Early morning refuel

This photo shows a Boeing B52 bomber as it flies in close formation with our aircraft (a Boeing KC135 tanker) and about to be refuelled. Taken over the Timor Sea, just north of Darwin in 1982, the photo shows the wrinkles in the leading edge of the bomber's wing. These corrugations were constantly changing as the wings flexed, the fuselage twisted and the engine pods bounced up and down. The entire aircraft was in constant motion as it "wobbled" along behind us, and this was in the calm air of a mild September morning - around 0715hrs. I'd hate to see what happens in turbulence - B52 crews are often in the air for 20 - 30 hours (this one landed after 31 hours airborne), so they certainly must have plenty of faith in their aircraft.

Incidentally, the B52 is still flying in reducing numbers, and the aircrews are nearly all younger than the aircraft!

Cessna scheme

I delivered this Cessna 172R Skyhawk from Independence, KS to Battle Creek, MI. when I worked for Western Michigan University. We flew down in the early morning with three ferry pilots in a Mooney Ovation and came home later that day in a loose gaggle. All the aircraft were delivered in plain white, and the ribbon scheme (my design too) was then added in vinyl over the next few weeks. A total of 42 C172s were on line, and over half of them eventually carried this scheme. The earlier ones were left in the "mission brown and fawn" scheme you can just see in the background. This wasn't a particularly attractive colour, or scheme, and made it a little difficult to eventually sell the aircraft when WMU upgraded to Cirrus SR22s.

Grumman Tiger

This is one of my favourite light aircraft. Quite unassuming and simple, the little Grumman AA5A is a wonderful little beastie! It flies very well, is quite quick and pretty economical when compared to similar aircraft, and if properly maintained will last for years with little additional expenditure. I used this aeroplane to train mission pilots in Michigan, Oaklahoma, California and British Columbia (and of course all parts in between). I have many fond memories of this little aeroplane and the people I flew with. this particular photo was taken in Washington state when a fellow pilot and I were giving air-experience rides at a "Young Disciple" youth camp. What a beautiful state that is.....

Daupine

Whilst living in the United States, I was fortunate enough to get a few flights in this medivac AS365N belonging to Air Care of West Michigan. One of two in their fleet, the Dauphine is French by design and provides a high level of sophistication and safety to what can sometimes be a difficult and dangerous job. I've always wanted to be involved in this kind of flying, and now I am - at least in fixed-wing aircraft, but I would still love to fly choppers!

Oldie but goodie!

Here's a photo (not taken by me) of a Cessna 177 Cardinal that I flew in the early 90's. I must say that it flew very nicely, looks fresh and modern, and would have been a great replacement for the C172. It is just a pity it developed that early, bad reputation, and cost too much to produce. From all the people I've spoken to that own one or have flown one - they love it...