PILOON
Super Star Member
Between my aviation debut and tractors I had an avionics facility, followed by becoming a FBO then becoming a Cessna dealer. Had both Canada and US mechanic tickets and flew about 4000 hrs always under a private pilot ticket even though my AC was full IFR.I flew the T-28 B and C models in Navy flight training.
Wright R-1820 (1350HP - 3 blade prop)..... the best sound, and a wonderful throb when taxiing.
Absolutely a blast to fly.....and they paid me to do it!
The C model was the carrier version, and I did landings and take offs aboard the USS Lexington.
That was truly the cat's axx for a nearly fearless 20 year old.
After 39 years of being paid to fly, my flying life is now behind me also.
I play with my tractors now......for no pay,....... and I enjoy TBN every single day!
Crossed Canada and flew over 3/4 of US states. YUL to FLA many a time.
Oh many a good memory. A dream was to have a PA18 on floats at my water font.
Actually had (briefly) a PA12/180hp on floats (minor damage) that I purchased for $4k.
Within 2 weeks a knock at my door announced he was there to purchase my PA12!
When he plunked $10k in cash I declared it 'SOLD'.
Not bad a short term investment!
But things sure have changed.
Back 'in the days' I'd hear 20-30 AC overhead daily going north to fish or hunt.
Now only a rare one and more often a military chopper..
Fuel costs, AWD's etc. sure have taken their toll.
A Cessna that burns 12 gal/hr. or a Beaver @ 22 gals sure has diminished flying.
All to say an overhead AC is still music to my ears!