My Dad was a decorated Spitfire pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. He received the distinguished Flying Cross, and became an Ace. I guess I got my love of aviation from him: on Halloween, 1968, I received my solo certificate & wings, flying a Cessna 150 from the old Burnside-Ott Aviation Training Center, in Opa-Locka, Florida, near Miami. My Dad didn't stop flying after the war. In the 60's he leased a fast little airplane known as a Mooney, through his company. He, my Mom, I, and our little fox terrier "Booze" would combine business & pleasure, flying around the country. We would rent a car, and my Mom & I would see the sights while my Dad went to his appointments. At the time he was a film distributor to TV stations. Good times. Good memories. How I miss them! And my parents.
A very interesting post. I too am a pilot, although mostly inactive now. I used to hang out at the small airport near home and watch the small planes coming and going. One day a pilot asked If I wanted to go up with him and I was hooked. I learned to fly in his Cessna 172. If I fly now, it’s in an ultralight. They are inexpensive and just for fun. I love leaving the earth behind fir a little while.
