A link to a new article by Kathleen Bangs:
http://www.airportjournals.com/Displ...?varID=0507018
A link to a new article by Kathleen Bangs:
http://www.airportjournals.com/Displ...?varID=0507018
Just another thing for me to worry about.
thanks for the link ,Skatehappy.Great article and nice photos Kathleen
Great article! Thanks for the link, Skatehappy, and thanks to Kathleen for writing it. The pictures are super.
I guess flying through the air over the ice in a silk cloth wasn't enough for Alexei, now if he takes flying lessons he's really going to have his head in the clouds.
My dad was an Air Force pilot, killed in action in a Skymaster Cessna. Twenty years experience. So, I can safely say that I could cheerfully vomit just thinking about Yagudin piloting any single engine aircraft. Even with a parachute. Scratch that, especially with a parachute, since it provides such a feeling of false security. Couldn’t he just stay on the ground and play with matches? Run amok through the house with sharp pair of scissors? Have a staring contest with the sun? Dry his hair in the microwave? Poke a bear with a pointy stick? Chew on tin foil and rub his head with a cheesegrater?
Did it just HAVE to be a single engine aircraft?
I'm really sorry to hear about your dad icenine. :(
But for me, personally, life is too short. I would rather die being adventurous and doing what I love, than to be safe on the ground hiding under the bed in fear that "something" will happen to me "sometime".
The feeling of flying has got to be one of the most incredible amazing experiences, and I say he should go for it , do what his heart desires!
Icenine, I am so sorry that you lost your Dad the way you did.
As for Alexei, he is a risk taker. It is what took him from Russia to the U.S. to work with TT. He continues to challenge himself with these new endeavors. Let's hope he has good instructors, and good luck.
Sorry, folks. Bit of an overreaction. My grandmother (Dad's mom) died this week, and although she was quite elderly and it wasn't unexpected, it brought back a lot of memories of him for all of us. He was a phenomenal person. Thanks for the kind words.
As far as Yagudin goes, you could pretty much tell me he's planning a trip to Mt Rushmore to bungee jump out of Lincoln's left nostril, and I wouldn't bat an eye. In fact, I would actually pay to see that. His focus, reaction time, instincts and intelligence are all characteristics of a fine pilot. I just tend to react to the phrase "single engine aircraft" the way other people react to the words "Boo!" or "Surprise! You're about to be audited!", even on a good day.
And just for the record, I've been in more than one Cessna in my life. It is way, way too much fun. Oddly enough, my fear does not extend to my own safety. It's just when other people do it....
Icenine, I am so sorry for your losses. It doesn't matter how young or old they are, you still miss them so very much. My prayers are with you.
Icenine, just wanted to say I too am saddened by your loss. Like you I understand the special pain of losing a parent when you're young, as for me my father died my first week of Kindegarten when I was five years old. That made death seem real apparent, for too long a time. But he didn't die in an accident, he passed away still a young man because of a doctor's misdiagnosis.
That said, flying anything can be dangerous - anything can be dangerous - but driving down the highway is much more risky - literally you could fill jetliner after jetliner with how many people lose their lives on US highways in just months - maybe weeks.
There's a famous saying that aviation - like the sea - is very unforgiving of any carelessness, recklessness, or neglect. Quite true. Of course as a pilot I'm biased and am here to say that learning to fly was one of the single greatest experiences of my life - it's nothing less than a spiritual moment the first time you go airborne all by your lonesome. Aviation is an exciting and dynamic field. The airplane Alexei is going to fly now competes as the number one single-engine airplane in the world. It's not an experimental plane, it's not an ultralight. It's basically the Lexus version of small planes, and with it comes some of the most unique safety devices ever such as a whole-airframe parachute, in addition to many other features.
The bottom line, to quote FlightSafety International...'the best safety device in any aircraft is a well-trained pilot.' Alexei's a sharp guy, with quick reflexes and a good mind - and it's fascinating that he's never content to just 'be content' with all that he has accomplished - he's always looking to do more, try more, explore more. Isn't that what life is all about? A boat is always safer if it never leaves the harbor...but that's not really what boats are for.
Last edited by Zanzibar; 07-08-2005 at 06:37 PM.
I am sorry to hear about your dad too Zanzibar.
While we are all concerned for Alexei's health and safety, I think too many ppl are underestimating him. He is an incredibly intelligent man, and sure, he may love to push the envelope, but he's not stupid! I believe he will be one of their best students!
Alexei knows how many ppl love him, and would be devastated if something happened to him. He does not have a "death wish" ( more like a "live life" wish) and he would not take unneccessary risks. Ppl can be killed walking, driving, boating , mountain climbing, and yes, flying, but that doesn't mean we should crawl under our beds and fear excitement and adventure.
Some folks who are concerned about Alexei flying aren't worried about his reflexes, intelligence, or motivation, but his judgment. He has shown some poor judgment in the past--is he any wiser for it? Piloting an aircraft leaves only so much room for error.
We can get very philosophical. Is life about doing more, trying more, and exploring more? More, more, more experiences......?
At any rate, it is great that Alexei has the option to pick and choose. He said that at one time in early life his ambition was to drive a truck, so he's come a long way.
Thanks, Grgranny... you’re a sweetie.
Kathleen, I’m sure you know your Dad would be very proud of you. I’ve enjoyed your many articles and photography, and am thoroughly impressed by the intrepid reporter that you are. Thanks for the additional info on the plane. Good to know it is state of the art, and not constructed from balsa wood and duct tape.
I know Alexei is whip-smart, and I truly have no apprehensions about his abilities or judgement. Please understand, my meltdown was coming from a week that was rich in drama and poor in sleep. I had no business posting under those circumstances.
In skating related matters, of course, I reserve the right at all times to be completely unreasonable.
Thanks for the review of Cirrus planes, Kathleen, it sounds like the best plane he could start with. I hope he never gets the experimental plane bug (remember John Denver and the recent Wal-Mart heir)? And who could ever forget JFK,Jr.? I understand that people want to fly - my dad and brother were both small plane pilots (Cessna's). He will have excellent training...just hope he understands that he is not invincible.Originally Posted by Zanzibar
Some folks who are concerned about Alexei flying aren't worried about his reflexes, intelligence, or motivation, but his judgment. He has shown some poor judgment in the past--is he any wiser for it? Piloting an aircraft leaves only so much room for error.
We can get very philosophical. Is life about doing more, trying more, and exploring more? More, more, more experiences......?
At any rate, it is great that Alexei has the option to pick and choose. He said that at one time in early life his ambition was to drive a truck, so he's come a long way.
He is a guy with too much energy and time on his hands. He always does whatever he wants as we can see. I don't expect him to change in the near future if ever
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