How to introduce kids to flying?

[GEG]

I have a 6 year old son.
I'm only a student pilot.
However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
and we didn't have much money as a family.

I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.

My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
syndrome.

I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
over time.

I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
but creating true excitement.
I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
other sources can be invaluable!

Are there books covering such methods?

Thanks to all in advance!

[Jim Burns]

My son is 10. He's more interested in video games than airplanes, so I get
him the occasional flying video game and let him fly MS Flight Simulator on
my PC with the yoke. I buy him cheap electric rc planes that if they break,
they don't break my heart or my temper. These he loves and plays with
without coaxing. We also fly model rockets.

We only live 60 miles from Oshkosh, so museums have always been my secret
weapon, he loves spending the day with dad at an aviation museum, and
because we are so close, we can go any time. We've been to several others
and he's always excited and happy to go.

I'm always eager to answer his questions about anything aviation related,
but I don't force too much upon him. When I was studying for my CFI
certificate, I used him as a student and he loved it. I'd ask him questions
and then explain the answers to him. He really enjoyed it when we did it
with other pilots kids as a small mach ground school class. He still think
going to the hanger to work on the Aztec is "boring" but as he gets older
and able to do more, I hope that changes. For now, I'm not pushing him.

I've never been able to instill true excitement by myself. What I can do is
expose him to things that he finds exciting. "Dad" is just too "common", he
can see and talk to me everyday. Your son may find flying more exciting if
one of your flying friends takes him for a few flights.

Jim

[Icebound]

"Jim Burns" > wrote in message
...
> My son is 10. He's more interested in video games than airplanes, so I get
> him the occasional flying video game and let him fly MS Flight Simulator
> on
> my PC with the yoke. I buy him cheap electric rc planes that if they
> break,
> they don't break my heart or my temper. These he loves and plays with
> without coaxing.


.... I also like the idea of encouraging his mechanical/technical aptitude by
helping him *build* the models from a kit. To start, simple rubber-powered
models that won't leave your backyard or an isolated corner of your favorite
park. Or even static models.

[Michelle P]

do not push it. If they show an interest then show them more. You could
start with something that most of us have in our houses, the TV. The
Military channel still has some good aviation programs. I agree models
are a good place to start. Good for building other skills as well.
patience, technical skills and accomplishment. Let him do the easy
stuff. HELP him with the harder stuff do not do it for him. Museums are
a good place to start as well. Once again if they show an interest show
them more.
For the first flight should it get that far keep it short. Take off fly
low let them see the ground. Stay in the air more more than 30 minutes.
Smooth easy maneuvers.
Have fun,
Michelle

GEG wrote:

> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[Montblack]

("Jim Burns" wrote)
> My son is 10. He's more interested in video games than airplanes, so I get
> him the occasional flying video game and let him fly MS Flight Simulator
> on
> my PC with the yoke.


This past year, video game sales out-grossed movie ticket sales for the
first time ever. (I don't think DVD sales were included. If they were, then
Hollywood has an even bigger problem on their hands!)

People are also spending entertainment dollars on Cable TV and high-speed
Internet connections instead of going to the movies.

I would have said video games are the future, but they're already here - in
a big, big way. Wow! (Spoken like a clueless 45 year old who couldn't name
the Top 10 selling video games if he tried)

Heck, other than Tomb Raider ...that's all I've got without hitting Google.
Wait. Madden Football. Grand Theft Auto. There's 3.


Montblack
(Pong was 30 years ago. Guess I haven't kept up past Donkey Kong)

[Jim Burns]

Just this morning I had to tell my son that I wanted him to make a list of
things he liked to do OTHER than play video games, and that each day I was
going to make sure he did one or two of those things FIRST. It's getting
out of hand. He gets up at 5:30am to play video games before school, then
he takes a game boy to school so he can play there, he walks to my mom's
house after school and plays video games until we pick him up. When we get
home he plays them on the computer. I want him to find other things that he
likes before I have to unplug the games. Thankgod spring is coming so he
can play outside more. This summer he gets to help pick rocks on the
farm... bet they don't make a video game about that! :)
Jim

[jsmith]

Join a local EAA chapter.
Many have flyouts for breakfast/lunch/dinner/local flyins.
Pilots who both own and rent usually have empty seats.
Ask around who is going and who has a seat(s) available.
The chapter I am a member of has a standing flyout for lunch the third
Saturday of each month, weather permitting. We have a signup page on our
website. Some signup in advance, others just show up at the appointed time.
We have taken as many as twelve airplanes and 22 people on some of our
excursions. It gets real interesting at the small towered airports with
a restaurant. So many airplanes arriving at the same time can overwhelm
the normally laid back tower controller.

GEG wrote:
> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[Morgans]

"Jim Burns" >

> He still think
> going to the hanger to work on the Aztec is "boring" but as he gets older
> and able to do more, I hope that changes. For now, I'm not pushing him.
>
>
> Jim
--

IMHO, the key of getting him interested in working on stuff, is look at
what he is doing that he really likes, then see if something related to it,
or on it, can't be "improved" or "fixed." For example, if he likes riding
bikes, get him a generator, or speedometer, or siren, or ....., and then let
him install it, with your guidance, but not your muscles.

Once he starts using the tools, if he has the aptitude, he will want to
start fixing "everything."
--
Jim in NC

[Blueskies]

http://www.allaboardtoys.com/Jay_Jay_the_Jet_Plane/Default.asp?gtse=goog&gtkw=jay+jay+the+jet+plane

Jay Jay the Jet Plane.

Get involved with the local school and promote aviation, get his friends excited about it also. Every time you hear a
plane, look up (automatic, eh?)

Model rockets are pretty cool, make good noise and happen quickly. Keeps the attention.

Don't push, let him figure out that this is really the coolest thing there is...



"GEG" > wrote in message ...
>I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[Alan]

I apologize in advance, but I can't help myself. The Ed Norton
approach:

"Hellooooo, flying!"




On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 09:38:21 -0500, GEG >
wrote:

>I have a 6 year old son.
>I'm only a student pilot.
>However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
>completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
>and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
>I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
>In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
>My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
>syndrome.
>
>I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
>over time.
>
>I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
>to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
>but creating true excitement.
>I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
>other sources can be invaluable!
>
>Are there books covering such methods?
>
>Thanks to all in advance!

[Roger Long]

This is what it looks like when you do it right:)

http://www.baldeagleflyingclub.org/Potwbig.htm

--

Roger Long

[Margy Natalie]

Artie and Airplane is good too! http://www.artietheairplane.com

At 6 paper airplanes are fun, teach him how to fold and bend the wings to make it move in different directions. Balsa
gliders and rubberband balsa planes are also good. Developmentally most models wouldn't be appropriate. Depending on
where you live you take him for trips in the plane to cool places. Of course when we flew the kids to the aviation
museum the thing they talked about for weeks was "they just let us take a car to McDonalds". Oh well, neither one flies,
but the girl is a meterology major and promises personal briefings.


Blueskies wrote:

> http://www.allaboardtoys.com/Jay_Jay_the_Jet_Plane/Default.asp?gtse=goog&gtkw=jay+jay+the+jet+plane
>
> Jay Jay the Jet Plane.
>
> Get involved with the local school and promote aviation, get his friends excited about it also. Every time you hear a
> plane, look up (automatic, eh?)
>
> Model rockets are pretty cool, make good noise and happen quickly. Keeps the attention.
>
> Don't push, let him figure out that this is really the coolest thing there is...
>
> "GEG" > wrote in message ...
> >I have a 6 year old son.
> > I'm only a student pilot.
> > However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> > completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> > and we didn't have much money as a family.
> >
> > I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> > In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
> >
> > My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> > syndrome.
> >
> > I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> > over time.
> >
> > I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> > to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> > but creating true excitement.
> > I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> > other sources can be invaluable!
> >
> > Are there books covering such methods?
> >
> > Thanks to all in advance!

[Robert Chambers]

This worked for me.

While I was a student I took my daughter to the airport and we sat in
the planes and she "pretended to fly" - I did this to get her
comfortable in the cockpit. She was 4 or 5 at the time.

We would also watch the planes take off and land and occasionally we'd
be close enough to a taxiing plane to hear the noise etc.

When I passed my checkride I took her and my wife flying on a calm
afternoon somewhere for dinner and a very smooth night flight home.

My kids enjoy the more amusing aspects of flying more than my wife (who
thinks that a clearing turn to find traffic reported in the same general
area is done just to annoy her).

I just have to always remember that my wife's continued acceptance of my
flying is contingent on her not being turned off to it by bad experiences.

Get your kid a proper kids headset (pilot avionics make a decent one)
get them used to what they feel like...

I'm sure they will love it once you take them.

Robert

GEG wrote:
> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[Blueskies]

A little early right now, but EAA Young Eagles also...

Paper planes at the New AirZoo grand opening: http://www.airzoo.org/events.htm Local 2nd graders did the flying...




"Margy Natalie" > wrote in message ...
> Artie and Airplane is good too! http://www.artietheairplane.com
>
> At 6 paper airplanes are fun, teach him how to fold and bend the wings to make it move in different directions. Balsa
> gliders and rubberband balsa planes are also good. Developmentally most models wouldn't be appropriate. Depending on
> where you live you take him for trips in the plane to cool places. Of course when we flew the kids to the aviation
> museum the thing they talked about for weeks was "they just let us take a car to McDonalds". Oh well, neither one
> flies,
> but the girl is a meterology major and promises personal briefings.
>
>
> Blueskies wrote:
>
>> http://www.allaboardtoys.com/Jay_Jay_the_Jet_Plane/Default.asp?gtse=goog&gtkw=jay+jay+the+jet+plane
>>
>> Jay Jay the Jet Plane.
>>
>> Get involved with the local school and promote aviation, get his friends excited about it also. Every time you hear a
>> plane, look up (automatic, eh?)
>>
>> Model rockets are pretty cool, make good noise and happen quickly. Keeps the attention.
>>
>> Don't push, let him figure out that this is really the coolest thing there is...
>>
>> "GEG" > wrote in message ...
>> >I have a 6 year old son.
>> > I'm only a student pilot.
>> > However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
>> > completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
>> > and we didn't have much money as a family.
>> >
>> > I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
>> > In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>> >
>> > My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
>> > syndrome.
>> >
>> > I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
>> > over time.
>> >
>> > I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
>> > to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
>> > but creating true excitement.
>> > I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
>> > other sources can be invaluable!
>> >
>> > Are there books covering such methods?
>> >
>> > Thanks to all in advance!
>

[dave]

GEG,
When you finally take him up get child sized headsets for him. My
daughter was very uncomfortable with my DC10-20's. I bought the child
size head band for it and it made a huge difference for her on our
second flight together. It seems like a small point but avoiding
discomfort is a biggy.

My kids are 10 and 12 and although the headset helps, they don't beg to
go flying. I'll ask them from time to time, if they say yes great but
usually the answer is no. I never push it. I hope they enjoy it as
much as I do someday but I'm the only one in our entire extended family
that does so I'm not too hopeful.

Dave
68 7ECA

GEG wrote:
> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[Helen Woods]

I think your bigger concern ought to be your wife. One of the first
things I learned as a low time pp from my male colleagues was the high
AIDS epidemic amongst the men:

Aircraft
Induced
Divorce
Syndrome

Amongst most of the male pilots I know, unless they have a wife who
likes to fly with them, they eventually faced the "wife or the airplane"
ultimatum. While I'm not saying that you will ever find yourself in
this situation, you probably should deal with this problem now while you
are still taking lessons. Otherwise you are going to be facing an
uphill battle trying to get your son involved without your wife's
approval. Your son is too young to really appreciate aviation. Your
wife is not. If you can get her on board, you will find it much easier
to eventually get your son involved if both of his parents are
encouraging him.

If you'd like some advice on helping the wife learn to appreciate your
flying, drop a post. Us women folk tend to be attracted to different
aspects of aviation than men and often have different fears and concerns
and ways of getting over those fears and concerns. I'm sure the women
on this list as well as the husbands with flying wives would be happy to
share some tried and true advice to help you teach your wife to
appreciate flying.

Helen

[Jose]

> If you'd like some advice on helping the wife learn to appreciate your flying, drop a post. Us women folk tend to be

I'm always intersted. :)

Jose

--
Nothing is more powerful than a commercial interest.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[CryptWolf]

"GEG" > wrote in message
...
> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.

Up until I started flying lessons, the only airplane ride I ever had
was when I was maybe 7 or 8. It was in a C-172 and we all got airsick
from the rollercoaster ride that day. I never got to do much with
the R/C models my dad had for a while. I just added 2 more flight
sims to my collection. I've estimated that I have somewhere around
3000- 4000 hours with sims. It didn't help much with real planes
but I did at least understand how the controls worked. I'm currently
working on my commercial and multi-engine and then CFI so I can
pass on the fun. I'm 41 now :)

Last summer, I managed to do an XC to where my sister lives
and gave my nephew, who is around 10, a short ride.
My sister wouldn't go because of a scare from a commercial jet
flight, but my nephew has his older sister convinced she needs
to go next time. I did a nice greaser with a 10 knot direct
crosswind that day. Interestingly enough in a C-172N.

The tough part is I rent and scheduling the airplane and getting
nice weather rarely happen at the same time. So rides are kind
of a rare thing at this point.

When you get your private, take him for a ride. Sometimes
it is the little things that spark an interest. Let him do the
rest on his own.

[Wizard of Draws]

On 2/28/05 9:38 AM, in article , "GEG"
> wrote:

> I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

My grandson is just over 1 year and already points at every plane in the
sky, while going "oooh, oooh."
He has to touch everything with wheels that he can get his hands on. He
insists on sitting on the motorcycle in the garage.
It's going to be very hard for me to be patient and wait a few more years
for him to fly with me.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

[A Lieberman]

On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 20:47:39 -0500, Wizard of Draws wrote:

> It's going to be very hard for me to be patient and wait a few more years
> for him to fly with me.

Why wait Jeff?

I took my nephew up at the young age of 1 1/2 and my niece went up on the
next flight because my nephew went up. Now, I have to plan my visits to
allow for "flying time".

Also, I use the plane to teach them things like counting, how many wings,
how many tires, and so fourth. My nephew knows all the exterior moving
parts, though getting him to say aileron is interesting to hear!

I try to time it so he sees me come into land, and then take off as well.
He knows what runup means, taxing and even knows the colors to the taxiway
vs the runway.

I keep the talk to a simple term so he can understand what I am looking at
even if he don't understand why I am looking at things.

He also understand the danger of the propeller, knows to look where he is
walking around the plane (flaps on a low wing are hell on foreheads!)

You should see him pull or put the chocks under the nose wheel with him
doing the limbo act under the fuselage.

His first cross country, he and my niece was outstanding. Took in the
ride, like a champ. Though I doubt he has a full appreciation of the
priviledge of flying, I do believe he knows it's something different then
what his friends experience. My niece on the other hand sees it as another
form of transportation. She got in the rear seat, and had her eyes closed
for most of the trip.

My poor sister and brother in law..... they are Jay Jay the jet out.....

Allen

[W P Dixon]

"Helen Woods" > wrote in message
...
:
>
> Aircraft
> Induced
> Divorce
> Syndrome
>
Yep!
I have gone through the AIDS thing three times, and just as a mech that
worked all the time on them , and traveled all over the land. Airplanes have
not been good for a marriage that is for sure,...oh well just took number 4
to find the right one.
Patrick

[Wizard of Draws]

On 2/28/05 9:16 PM, in article , "A
Lieberman" > wrote:

> On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 20:47:39 -0500, Wizard of Draws wrote:
>
>> It's going to be very hard for me to be patient and wait a few more years
>> for him to fly with me.
>
> Why wait Jeff?
>
> I took my nephew up at the young age of 1 1/2 and my niece went up on the
> next flight because my nephew went up. Now, I have to plan my visits to
> allow for "flying time".
>
> Also, I use the plane to teach them things like counting, how many wings,
> how many tires, and so fourth. My nephew knows all the exterior moving
> parts, though getting him to say aileron is interesting to hear!
>
> I try to time it so he sees me come into land, and then take off as well.
> He knows what runup means, taxing and even knows the colors to the taxiway
> vs the runway.
>
> I keep the talk to a simple term so he can understand what I am looking at
> even if he don't understand why I am looking at things.
>
> He also understand the danger of the propeller, knows to look where he is
> walking around the plane (flaps on a low wing are hell on foreheads!)
>
> You should see him pull or put the chocks under the nose wheel with him
> doing the limbo act under the fuselage.
>
> His first cross country, he and my niece was outstanding. Took in the
> ride, like a champ. Though I doubt he has a full appreciation of the
> priviledge of flying, I do believe he knows it's something different then
> what his friends experience. My niece on the other hand sees it as another
> form of transportation. She got in the rear seat, and had her eyes closed
> for most of the trip.
>
> My poor sister and brother in law..... they are Jay Jay the jet out.....
>
> Allen

I wanted to wait at least until he was able to talk and appreciate that this
is something different. I don't think he'd be scared, but I plan on a lot
more trips to the airport to whet the appetite. Mommy's not *real*
enthusiastic as it is. She, along with grandma, nearly had a heart attack
when I took him for a spin on the motorcycle in the cul-de-sac out front.
Needless to say, he didn't want to get off.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

[Gord Beaman]

"Roger Long" > wrote:

>This is what it looks like when you do it right:)
>
>http://www.baldeagleflyingclub.org/Potwbig.htm

Isn't that a great shot?...pure joy very evident isn't it?...nice
going dad!...he'll remember you with pleasant thoughts (and
that's about all we can ask I guess...
--

-Gord.
(use gordon in email)

[Gig 601XL Builder]

First, finish your training. Then take your wife flying a few times. Once
she is more comfortable with it she won't transmit her fear to your child.

In the mean time just take him to the airport and let him see the planes up
close and see them land and take off.





"GEG" > wrote in message
...
>I have a 6 year old son.
> I'm only a student pilot.
> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>
> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>
> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
> syndrome.
>
> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
> over time.
>
> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
> but creating true excitement.
> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
> other sources can be invaluable!
>
> Are there books covering such methods?
>
> Thanks to all in advance!

[T. & D. Gregor, Sr.]

Hi Gary & Gig:

Here's how we approached it, when the grandsons were in town for a
recent visit.

Tom G, Sr.


On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:30:54 -0600, "Gig 601XL Builder"
<wr.giacona@coxDOTnet> wrote:

>First, finish your training. Then take your wife flying a few times. Once
>she is more comfortable with it she won't transmit her fear to your child.
>
>In the mean time just take him to the airport and let him see the planes up
>close and see them land and take off.
>
>
>
>
>
>"GEG" > wrote in message
...
>>I have a 6 year old son.
>> I'm only a student pilot.
>> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
>> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
>> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>>
>> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
>> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>>
>> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
>> syndrome.
>>
>> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
>> over time.
>>
>> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
>> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
>> but creating true excitement.
>> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
>> other sources can be invaluable!
>>
>> Are there books covering such methods?
>>
>> Thanks to all in advance!
>
>

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

Name: T. & D. Gregor, Sr.
E-Mail:
Web-Site: http://www.scenery.org
"The Scenery Hall of Fame"
Subscribe to our Newsletter:


_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

[T. & D. Gregor, Sr.]

Hi Gary & Gig:

Here's how we approached it, when the grandsons were in town for a
recent visit.

Opps... I forgot the link:

http://users.erols.com/tdg/images/touch_&_goes_with_the_grandson.jpg

Tom G, Sr.


On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 15:30:54 -0600, "Gig 601XL Builder"
<wr.giacona@coxDOTnet> wrote:

>First, finish your training. Then take your wife flying a few times. Once
>she is more comfortable with it she won't transmit her fear to your child.
>
>In the mean time just take him to the airport and let him see the planes up
>close and see them land and take off.
>
>
>
>
>
>"GEG" > wrote in message
...
>>I have a 6 year old son.
>> I'm only a student pilot.
>> However, in my youth, I thought flying was totally cool - yet
>> completely out of my domain. I lived in a very rural area
>> and we didn't have much money as a family.
>>
>> I really wish I had been exposed to it earlier.
>> In fact, I wish I would have made a career out of it.
>>
>> My wife is a little "weary" of flying, having the "nervous wife/mom"
>> syndrome.
>>
>> I'd like to introduce aviation (not just flying) to my son
>> over time.
>>
>> I'm wondering if anyone has resources or recommendations of how
>> to do this effectively without being overbearing, being realistic,
>> but creating true excitement.
>> I mean, I have some idea, but still, input and perspective from
>> other sources can be invaluable!
>>
>> Are there books covering such methods?
>>
>> Thanks to all in advance!
>
>

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

Name: T. & D. Gregor, Sr.
E-Mail:
Web-Site: http://www.scenery.org
"The Scenery Hall of Fame"
Subscribe to our Newsletter:


_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

[Flyin'[email protected]]

I was waiting for someone to post that link. I knew it was only a matter
of time.

:-)

> Hi Gary & Gig:>
> Here's how we approached it, when the grandsons were in town for a
> recent visit.
>
> Opps... I forgot the link:
>
> http://users.erols.com/tdg/images/touch_&_goes_with_the_grandson.jpg

--
Mike Flyin'8
PP-ASEL
Temecula, CA
http://flying.4alexanders.com

[[email protected]]

Dear Geg,

This is a bittersweet story about a family with at least three
generations or aviators.

My husband Tom and my stepson Jay both shared a love of flying. Tom's
dad was an airplane mechanic with 6 kids and he lived and worked all
over the State of Maine starting out with a Gipsy Moth and rebuilding,
repairing, restoring planes until he died in 1971. Tom grew up loving
planes. As a kid of 5 or 6 years old there isn't a life much better
than being on Moosehead Lake in Maine and your dad owning a Taylorcraft
on floats trying to make a living out of being a mechanic. Bud (AKA
Andre Aubin) could and would fix anything that ran on gas. Besides
planes, he'd work on boats, cars, trucks, (built a big water tank so he
could fix radiators for the big logging equipment working in the woods
that needed radiator work to help bring in a few extra bucks). Tom
grew up all around airplanes, took them up as a hobby recovering,
putting in bigger engines but never got his A&P so we always hire an
expert to assist in the work.

Tom would take all the boys in his Champs and Cubs, one, two, or three
at a time. They would do rollercoaster rides and wing overs, and the
boys would laugh and giggle and have all kinds of fun. Toms says
that's the way that got potty trained. They couldn't go to the airport
with daddy until they were big boys, cause daddy couldn't take a bunch
of diapers and stuff and I guess that's all the incentive he would
need.

Jay became a real expert and by the age of 5 could tell you all the
facts and figures about the Champ or Cub or whatever taildragger his
dad had (and was probably selling at the time). Someone would ask
about the plane and Jay would start telling them everything. Even some
stuff that might hurt the sale. So Tom had to explain to him that some
stuff was just on an as need to know basis.


I guess Jay got more of it into his blood than the other two boys
because in high school he decided to join the Marines and get into
aviation. He started out as a mechanic and excelled in that. Just
being average wasn't good enough, he would always strive to be the
best. So he went to college so he could fly for the Marines.

Jay also got his private pilot license, A&P, rotoary, instrument,
commercial ratings, as well as becoming an instructor in Yuma AZ at the
Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactial Squadron-1. He just told us he was
going to school in Yuma, didn't tell us he was going to be an
instructor at the Top Gun School for all branches of the service for
Chinook helicopters. I'd have things I didn't understand about flying
and he'd have a way of explaing it simply so that I could comprehend.

He was in Japan for 7 or 8 years, and twice someone visited him to try
to get him to fly Marine One for the president. He said he had signed
up for that committement and then the committment in Yuma and then
could fly the president. I tried explaining to him that the President
of the United States was the most powerful man in the world and he was
blowing him off??? But he had given his word and was going to stand by
it. Just have so much love and respect for him.

Unforunately Jay's helicopter was one of the first to go down in the
War in Iraq. There were 4 Americans and 8 British aboard. It was at
the very beginning of the war. If you put his name Major Jay T Aubin
into the internet you will get days and days worth of info, thoughts,
prayers. I gave up flying for a year after that happened. Didn't
trust myself. I suppose there was no way to stop Jay from flying even
if I had wanted to. But you just have to let your kids have some
freedom to spread their wings and fly if that's what they want to do.
I imagine he was one of the best pilots in the country. I'll miss him
until we get to meet again one day. Now he's with me on every flight I
take watching over me making sure I don't mess up. I'm just thankful
that there are many brave men and willing to sacrifce so much so that I
can be free enough to fly any time, just about anywhere I want. I
guess there are a lot of countries where a woman can't drive, go out
alone, own property, or a whole lot of other things; but because of Jay
and others like him I can own my own grass strip/farm, own an airplane,
and fly just about any old time. God bless America.

Besides working on airplanes. Tom and the boys were crazy about fixing
up trucks and going to mud runs. They won a lot trophies with cut down
VW bugs and FORD 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive trucks. Right before Jay went
into the Marines they were having a mud run and we had a 1972 high boy
FORD pick up with a little 302, rickety wooden body on the back. It
was our only form of transportation and had over 100,000 miles on it
and was being held together mostly by prayer. Jay wanted to run it in
the mud. Tom agreed cause it was probably going to be the last time
before he'd get to do it before leaving Maine for a while. Tom said
don't beat on it cause the engines already got a little rap in it and
it will blow up or fall apart. Well Jay drove as far as he could in 2,
downshifted to granny gear and went a little further and quit. Well
just "babying the old farm truck and letting the kid drive" he got the
blue ribbon and first place trophy. We still have that blue ribbon
here with his graduation tassle. He was so proud he took the truck to
school the next day without washing the mud off except the windshield
so he could see, with the trophy and blue ribbon on it.

Just spending time with your kids is so important. Must be a lot
harder nowadays with all the other distractions. But Tom and his boys
would always be working on something a plane or a truck, dune buggy,
snowmobile, a mini-stock race car, just something "guys do with their
dads". I fit right in as a stepmom because I loved trucks and cars.
Unforunately I only had a few teenage years with the boys before we all
seemed to end up in different parts of the world. So enjoy your
children while they are small. They might inherit some of your likes
or develop their own, and you might try some of the things they like.
Just stay as close as posible for as long as possible. God bless
America. Pray for one another. Carol, the Homesick Angel. Semper
Fidelis to God and Country.

[W P Dixon]

Semper Fi Carol and may the Good Lord bless your family and the Corps.

Patrick
USMC HMLA-167, HMM-261REIN
I was a mech in Yuma.

[[email protected]]

Dear Patrick,
He blesses and keeps me daily. I need constant maintenance, much like
those old choppers. Carol, Homesick Angel.