The Fascination of Flying: Explore Rotary and Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Ever wondered how the choice between flying a rotary aircraft or a fixed wing aircraft comes to be? For many aviation enthusiasts like myself, the allure of the sky is simply irresistible. At the end of the day, the opportunity to fly at all is a significant joy in life. If I could, I would relish in the challenge of flying everything that takes topper in the air, but reality intervenes! So, any time I get to fly, be it through thrilling flight simulator games or real-life adventure, is a monumental privilege.
These flight simulators, with their intricate missions like landing on an aircraft carrier, provide a taste of the real thing. Although the option to become a professional aviator is a distant dream, every moment I'm up in the air, whether in a simulated environment or a real aircraft, is cherished.
Choosing Between Rotary and Fixed Wing: Personal Preferences
Reflecting on my aspirations, I've come to a realization that the choice between a rotary aircraft and a fixed wing aircraft isn't a matter of preference alone. Learning to fly a fixed wing aircraft is akin to riding a bicycle, a straightforward endeavor that quickly becomes muscle memory. On the other hand, mastering a helicopter feels more like juggling a unicycle and riding all at once. This complexity and added danger and cost make the decision a serious one.
Currently, I have the opportunity to pilot a Vans RV 9A, a single-engine aircraft that I absolutely adore. Compared to Cessnas, Pipers, and Mooney that I've flown before, the RV 9A offers a unique experience. It's a comfortable aircraft to fly, and with two partners sharing the costs, it makes regular flights a satisfying hobby. My primary goal is to enjoy the exhilaration of flight without the fear of being shot at—a realistic and cherished objective for any aviator.
Experiencing Open Cockpit Vs Quicksilver Aircraft
The RV 9A, with its open cockpit, is a unique experience. The sensation of flying in the open air can be thrilling but can also be a bit unsettling. Imagine flying in a Quicksilver ultralight with a full frame, ailerons, and floats. It's a dream machine, and ideally, it would be even more refined. The Rotax 2-cycle engine, while powerful, can be a source of anxiety for me, and the metal wings of the RV 9A give me a sense of stability and realism.
I must mention the experience of flying in a Quicksilver ultralight with its full frame, ailerons, Rudder, and floats. Landing on the water and taking off, a surreal and exciting skill, is no doubt the epitome of aviation fun! This experience is truly something to savor.
From Simulation to Real Flight: Vietnam Experience
The path to my current flying adventures began with flight simulators. They serve as a gateway to the world of aviation and offer a taste of the real, thrilling missions. However, it's the real experience that brings tears to my eyes. One such experience comes from my time in Vietnam. Initially, I didn't have much time in an Helicopter, but the Huey's I experienced in training were not memorable.
My transformation into a helicopter pilot came with the Navy's decision to form a small group that volunteered to fly Huey's. They were known for their reliability and fun to fly. With minimal training, I was shipped off to Vietnam to play a combat role in Naval Aviation that hadn't been done since the Korean War. The time in Vietnam was nothing short of exhilarating. The training and the missions took me places I never thought possible at such a critical time in my life.
Conclusion: Passion for Aviation and Realistic Learning
Whether through simulations, a Vans RV 9A, or the exhilaration of flying in Vietnam, the journey of an aviator is laden with adventure and challenge. From the thrill of flying a helicopter to the satisfaction of pilot a small aircraft, the allure of aviation remains a powerful draw. The key is finding the right balance between the pursuit of realistic aviation experience and the joy of simply being up in the sky.