Pilots, the Nicest People?

[Lawreston]

While assisting in putting the KIWI main hangar back together after the pancake breakfast, and following a large gathering of EAA Young Eagles event, I saw an unfamiliar fellow walk past the open door. Later, while leaving the airport, I saw him sitting on the big rock at the entrance.

"Do you need a ride?" I called.
"I have a taxi coming. It's been about 20 minutes and they just said it'll be another 10 minutes."

"Cancel it; I'll give you a ride." During the 10 minute ride to his home I learned that he had just flown in from Portland, using his weekend of the five-way partnered Cirrus SR-22. He wanted to pay me the taxi fare for the ride. Not a chance! But it appears I'll be examining the workings of an SR-22 from the inside. Introductions aside, I went back to the airport. Today the following was in my e-mail box:

Hi Jerry,
I loved the photos on your website.
Thanks again for the ride.
Hope to see you around KIWI.
Lee XeXxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxx, Me.

(HR put the x marks in name and location)

 

[Lawreston]

. . . . . and speaking of other planes, one of the local guys just bought a Piper Arrow. After he returned from a check ride and the check pilot(my original CFI) had signed his LOG book he showed me the page. The previous entry was in 1977.
I rode with the check pilot, back to the tie-down spot. Lots of gauges/instruments; and never having sat in a Piper, that's different, looking down at the wings.

 

[John Baker]

. . . . . and speaking of other planes, one of the local guys just bought a Piper Arrow. After he returned from a check ride and the check pilot(my original CFI) had signed his LOG book he showed me the page. The previous entry was in 1977.
I rode with the check pilot, back to the tie-down spot. Lots of gauges/instruments; and never having sat in a Piper, that's different, looking down at the wings.

I've noticed that it is always quite a thrill for a high wing pilot who gets to actually sit in a low wing aircraft. There is just something special about real airplanes.

John