What is it like?
07-15-2006 | 11:00 AM
#21
Just Plane Stupid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 463
Likes: 1
From: Captain
Originally Posted by jm_atc
After reading HeavyDriver's post, it got me thinking of my box throwing days for FedEx in SLC.
In SLC the FedEx ramp is located just right of the departure end of 16L.
When Delta was still flying the L-1011's, and FedEx had the occasional DC-10 in, I loved watching them try and climb out in hot and high conditions. I am sure it was how HeavyDriver describes it, because it looked tight from where I was. Once, I was sure an L-1011 was going to scrape the ALS trees off the end.
Ahhh, good times.
JM
In SLC the FedEx ramp is located just right of the departure end of 16L.
When Delta was still flying the L-1011's, and FedEx had the occasional DC-10 in, I loved watching them try and climb out in hot and high conditions. I am sure it was how HeavyDriver describes it, because it looked tight from where I was. Once, I was sure an L-1011 was going to scrape the ALS trees off the end.
Ahhh, good times.
JM
07-15-2006 | 03:15 PM
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: BE-20, RA390
Originally Posted by qaluunat
Hey, thanks for all the experiences so far guys. This is awesome, and I agree with what animals says, please keep them comin'. Just listening to the stories makes me want to do it more. When I fly the 172 I feel like the little kid who wants to be a star basketball player when he grows up. He plays by himself on an empty court, shoots, scores at the buzzer, wins the game, you know. I sit in the 172 and pretend I'm sitting in the captain seat of the 747, blizzard, and coming into land. Probably cheesy, but you got to start somewhere, eh? I also had one more question concerning this. When people ask you what you do for work, how do you feel when you tell them. I try to think of myself as a humble guy, but if someone who works graveyards at Wal-mart asks me, or whatnot, I don't think I could help but answer with a bit of pride that I fly a Boeing 747. How do people respond when you tell them? People think it's cool enough already that I can fly a 172.
While I don't fly a 747 (respect those who do), I can tell you how I feel.
The acceleration and climb of a corp. jet or a King Air is a tremendous rush. It is also a challenge knowing your airplane can accomplish great things, however all depending on your judgement and ability. I also feel a satisfaction when such high performance means I will see the sunshine when most people are in for a gloomy, rainy day.
As far as what others think:
I live in the mid-atlantic area of the country. One Saturday around 1pm, I ran into a friend in town. He asked what I was into and I told him I had been to Florida and back that morning. I said it casualy because it was really routine, but he was astonished. (I don't go around with a pilot-god complex, at least I hope I dont).
Please don't look down on a 172. I learned a lot in one, and have had the honor to fly almost 500 people on their first flight in one (first job was flying sceinc tours). They are great for what they are meant to be.
Last edited by GauleyPilot; 07-15-2006 at 03:23 PM.
07-15-2006 | 05:43 PM
#23
Thread Starter
On Reserve
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: DA40 Left seat
Oh, I hope you don't think I am putting the 172 down. Anything with wings that is capable of flying is awesome. It isn't quite as fast as a corporate jet, but I also enjoy the feeling of coming back from a nice x/c trip. I flew to the Grand Canyon one morning, and got back that afternoon. I had explored town a little bit, and caught the IMAX down there. Really cool by the way. When I got back my friends asked me if I wanted to do anything that day, and I said I had just returned from the Grand Canyon and was a bit tired. From where I fly out of it is at least a good 4-5 hour drive down there. Flying is so incredible. I love the view at 12,000 feet, and can't imagine the thrill you guys have at 30,000 feet, chillin' above the rain clouds.
07-15-2006 | 05:51 PM
#24
Just Plane Stupid
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 463
Likes: 1
From: Captain
[QUOTE=GauleyPilot]The acceleration and climb of a corp. jet or a King Air is a tremendous rush.
I remember my Learjet days...Flying an empty Lear 24 was a handful, but fun...The highest I ever got was 47,000 feet and change in a Lear 25D...It wouldn't go any higher because of the OAT...This was a time before the new airplanes that can see that altitude with a bit more of ease...I joke with my crews who never have flown the Learjet...I tell them an empty DC-10-30 with only 30,000lbs of gas onboard has the performance of a max gross weight 20 series Learjet.
I remember my Learjet days...Flying an empty Lear 24 was a handful, but fun...The highest I ever got was 47,000 feet and change in a Lear 25D...It wouldn't go any higher because of the OAT...This was a time before the new airplanes that can see that altitude with a bit more of ease...I joke with my crews who never have flown the Learjet...I tell them an empty DC-10-30 with only 30,000lbs of gas onboard has the performance of a max gross weight 20 series Learjet.
