Bullying desguised (badly) as precaution

Jay said..
Stop the presses!

(Better yet, stop *me*, as I'm about to wander into the Valley of the
Shadow of Death...but here goes...)

Well, Sky, Oshkosh (OSH) -- the biggest fly-in/airshow in the world --
is always held the last week of July. On the Sunday before OSH, Mary
and I host a Fly-In Pool Party at our little Inn, where we provide our
guests with free food, beer, wine, soft drinks, and plenty of
hangar-flying. (Not unlike what you see here, just verbal instead of
written...) It's our way of saying "thanks!" for another good year.

You'd be more than welcome to join our little band of regulars, and a
growing number of "transients" who stop by every year on their way to
(and from) The Big One in Oshkosh. It's a fun way to spend a day!

Then, on Wednesday during the show, Montblack, Jim Burns and I host a
cookout/party at our campsite in the North 40 campground, next to our
aircraft. It's an annual thing, where folks from the aviation
newsgroups can meet and greet each other face to face. This year we
had 50+ (?) people on that little campsite, and consumed an AWFUL lot
of potato salad and beer!

I think you'd find the group to your liking, even though you'd
(naturally) receive some good-natured ribbing. :-)

Might be best to keep your identity quiet for a while...

;-)

And if you haven't found it yet, here is a picture webpage showing many
of the aviation newsgroup regulars and the planes they fly:

http://www.alexisparkinn.com/rec_aviation.htm

We call it the "Rogues Gallery" -- and I suspect you'd fit right in.

Finally, I urge you to get your ticket. There is simply nothing else
like it. Don't waste another minute on the ground, looking up!"


Jay: Its not really the first time that I talked about restarting the
training that I quit when I lived near FRG. And I do go up with my buddy
(you know, the tired old GPS story....)in the C-172 once in a while. I
even fly the plane sometimes after he has lifted off and is clear of
traffic.

In my shortlived life as a student pilot, I found flying the damned thing
to be the easiest part. Initially, I had alot of trouble taxi-ing, even
with the sit on the hands trick. Then, lining up the runway was tough.
And the radio chatter at FRG.... As they say in New Yawk, fuhgeddaboudit.
Trouble was, I'd take a lesson, then not have time for another week or two.
I decided I needed to devote some SERIOUS time to what really is a life or
death proposition. Then I got too busy making a living.

If I ever do come to OSH, I'd obviously have to conceal my true identity.
(I'm not sure I could do it with a straight face, though.) That business
about the land developer/pilot in NJ who crashed under mysterious
circumstances (some suspect sabotage) is a little disconcerting. And by
"good natured ribbing" I expect that include some broken ribs?

If I take the plunge, I will probably enroll in one of those accelerated
programs in New Mexico or Arizona, and then keep up training locally.
(But I would try to keep it quiet -- not buy a damned Mooney and haul ass
all over the place at all hours raising hell!).

I'm not sure yet. But ski season is here, so I must revert to my other
persona, Skilune.

Take care and fly safely.