Sunshine state of mind

The trip to Florida in mid-March covered diverse Air & Space venues, from the Kennedy Space Center to the Florida Air Museum. The journey circled central and southern Florida, encompassing attractions like the Space coast, Key West, and St. Petersburg. Notably, the trip showcased classic aircraft and the historic Space Shuttle Atlantis. Overall, a fantastic and educational vacation.

A Linden Excursion

The airfield near the coulee, unmarked on the map, took Stu Simpson and his friends on a nostalgic flight to Linden. Welcomed with warmth and generosity, they enjoyed a pancake breakfast and participated in the town's festivities. Departing with fond memories, they left Linden where time seemed to stand still.

A Ticket To Adventure

The writer, Stu Simpson, shares his passion for ultralight airplanes, highlighting their affordability and the joy of flying. He reflects on his experiences with different ultralights, from adventurous trips to building his own plane. He particularly loves his current plane, the Green Giant, for its capabilities and the sense of adventure it provides.

A Treasure Map of the Sky

A pilot's log book is a unique record of training, experiences, and memories. It serves as a judgment of flying expertise and treasure trove of past adventures. The log contains detailed flight records, training experiences, and significant milestones, helping the pilot relive cherished memories and lessons learned. Each entry carries the essence of the pilot's journey, forming a personal treasure chest of flying experiences.

A Wild Ride On The Wind

Stu Simpson, the flight lead, encountered unexpected challenges during a flight with his fellow pilots. After enduring a sudden, powerful wind and navigating through a rogue cold front, they ultimately landed safely. Despite the ordeal, Stu maintains it wasn't his fault. He reflects on the experience with a sense of pride and camaraderie.

About Time

The importance of time in aviation cannot be overstated. It dictates landing, measures a pilot's experience, and influences aircraft maintenance. For the author, time is a precious gift, best enjoyed slowly. Flying at 80 mph allows for appreciation of the scenery and the aircraft's nuances, making every moment aloft truly valuable.

Adventures To Remember

Stu Simpson reflects on the challenges of flying in November and recounts a recent aerial adventure. The story involves a rough landing, a scenic aerial photoshoot, and radio communication mishaps. Despite the November fog, he looks forward to future flights and adventures.

Air Adventure Tour 2005

The Air Adventure Tour took a gypsy-like approach this year, flying without a ground crew or schedule. With challenges including engine trouble, scuddy weather, and fuel concerns, the tour navigated through various destinations in Alberta. Despite the obstacles, the journey offered a freeing experience, solidifying trust in their aircraft and creating lasting memories.

An Airshow Adventure

The author recounts a nostalgic adventure with friends, flying to an airshow in their small planes. They feel like barnstormers from the 30s, enjoying VIP treatment, and participating in the airshow. Despite initial skepticism, they impress the crowd and enjoy the experience, feeling treated like royalty. The adventure concludes with them enjoying the airshow from the shade of their planes.

An Angel

The forecast promised perfect flying conditions, but reality turned out differently. Despite unexpected weather, the pilots embarked on an exhilarating flight, soaring above the clouds and enjoying stunning views. Concerned about worsening conditions, they safely returned home, reminiscing about their extraordinary adventure.