I received a text from a Flying friend, Jack Pettigrew, about a toy airlift & donations event to support Military troops this holiday season. I'm a proud Army brat who grew up in military communities. Even though I'm not in the military, that community will always be an extended family and hold a special spot in my heart! I jumped at the opportunity to rush to pick up some goodies for the kids and supplies for Veterans in the hospital.
Jack met me there and had a crew of his flying friends. I love chatting aviation with others who share the same enthusiasm. I ask all kinds of questions and want to hear about experiences to soak it in like a sponge. I always learn something new and now find opportunities with the flying I've done, to date, to inspire others to visit new FBOs. A few of us had a great chat about Tangier Island being a MUST visit. I flew there last month with my instructor. Click here to view that post:
The aviation community is a unique and special one. I love the new connections and sharing in the excitement of flying.
When I came to this event, I actually didn't have intentions to fly. That being said. I happened to snag my headset just before leaving. BOY, that was an excellent decision!! I was offered a brief flight in my first experimental and it was exhilarating! Andy is the owner of a Maj. Preddy, ace WWII pilot, RV-7 replica plane. It's exterior is painted with symbols that share the history of this ace pilot. The interior was SWEET! I loved the glass canopy top & seatbelt! It felt like being a Star Wars X-Wing pilot, yes I said it! This plane is so much faster than my trainer 152. To think I almost passed on a ride. Boy, thank goodness I came to my senses!!:-D After I climbed in the cockpit, I had to go up!
I was impressed with Andy. He was very focused, together, explained every detail of the preflight checklist/runup and shared his way of diagraming/noting aviations specs. I really enjoyed seeing his style of operation and was stoked he showed me how incredible the RV-7 flies! I've heard from other pilots to fly in various models, where opportunity presents. This experience opened up my mind to a whole different flying experience... One that's much faster than the 152!!;-)
I left the airport with a HUGE Cheshire Cat smile.. Still wearing it!
I encourage you to spread some holiday cheer by giving, where you can at events like this Toy airlift, or whatever resonates with you.
For my fellow Flying friends, what are your favorite holiday aviation related events?
Check out some action pictures from this Fun Filled Saturday at Chesterfield Executive Airport! Big shout to my friend Jack for spreading the word & sharing his enthusiasm for aviation. He's not 1 of the top 2 Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport holders for nothing!
ME FLYING & my FULL FORCE RV-7 Grin!!!!!! LOVING this flying experience! EEEEEE:-D
Here is my on the ground "RV Grin"! Virginia Aviator Stewart Purvis enlightened me with that phrase!:-) I climbed in the cockpit & was like HELLO, Let's DO THIS!!:-D
Pictures of KXSA Tappahnock FBOs great contributions to the toy Airlift! Love the picture with the Troops!
Me arriving to drop off gifts to the troops! Santa flew into the airport to see the kids. Awesome!!
Fun chatting flying with others who love it and share the enthusiasm to tell their aviation stories, tips, and passion!
Here's Andy's RV-7. NEAT!
Planes need to eat, too. Filler up!
Very cool of Andy to take me Up!
Dude, this interior was Rocking!
There goes the gifts! Happy I could contribute. It warmed my heart to do so. :-)
Learn more about Major Preddy, Ace WWII American Aviator: http://www.aviation-history.com/airmen/preddy.htm
Check out my previous Pilot Spotlight Interview post on Jack: http://aviatorslounge.blogspot.com/2014/03/meet-jack-pettigrew-adventurer-flying.html?m=1
Interested in sharing your Love at First Flight story? I want to share it!
Visit http://www.wingsconnect.com/ & click on TALK for details on being considered for the Spotlight interview!
Happy & Safe Flying, Always!
