I generally try to stay away from the really incredibly fascinating 'here's what I did today' weblog thing, but I thought I'd introduce you to what will be an ongoing presence here at Eject! Eject! Eject! over the next five or six decades or so'
It was always my dream, from the age of 5, to fly fighter jets in defense of this country and then to take the next logical step and command the first Mars Mission. My left eye not being willing to fully cooperate in this venture (figures it was my left eye -' see how the left will do anything to crush an individual's dreams and keep us from military action at any cost?) I wandered around for many years, finally falling into show biz -' shiver! -' mostly due to my association with regular commenter and gatekeeper Great Hairy Silverback back in High School. Blame him.
I took a few rides in a Cessna after I got the Hard News. It felt like riding in an old taxi, it smelled like vomit, and it had a steering wheel and the throttle was round knob that one might mistake for a cigarette lighter.
Not impressed.
Many decades passed...
'Okay, less than two, but it felt longer.
Then, while living in LA, I saw an ad for a glider ride for two in a newspaper. How romantic! I drove the victim out to the glider port -' almost three hours -' and as the little planes came into sight, as we turned the last corner she said, 'You weren't planning on taking me up in one of those, were you?'
Matter of fact, I was -' BUT! Since you feel that way, I suppose I'll be forced -- forced, I say! -- to trade in this Romantic Ride for Two for the Top Gun Aerobatic Special.
And so, quite by accident, I found myself being strapped into a sharply reclining couch. There was a stick! There was a canopy! And best of all, there was no goddam propeller out in front of me to remind me that this wasn't my personal jet fighter.
Yes, for the first time in fifteen years, a dim smile lit my features.
I was, as was common in those days, making next to no money at all, and so I started working at Crystal Soaring as Line Boss, making about $40 a day, launching and recovering gliders, but mostly raking rocks for the Commandant in the 125 degree sun.
However, it is still possible to achieve a dream in this country if you are willing to do the work, and so I have this picture to show you:
(I took a picture of a picture; hence the date stamp and the flare)
It was taken shortly after I set the solo record for that flight school, being launched Alone into the Great Unknown on'wait for it'July 4th, 1991. That led to many adventures. I think every pilot should be required to start in gliders. You never develop any false ideas about pitch and power (because there is no power), you learn how to fly the wing, you spend your entire day in a sixty degree bank 2 knots above a stall, you get one chance at every landing (so don't f*ck it up, cadet!) and best of all, you learn that you don't need an engine to fly the airplane, a gut-level advantage for the power pilot who may suddenly experience unnatural quiet where the engine noise used to be.
We wore parachutes and flightsuits because we were often in them for 6-8 hours at a stretch, and sometimes five or six of us would be hooking the same thermal, circling within half a football field, so the chance of a midair was not trivial; and the odds went up if you were an idiot. We did not wear them to look "cool" or "sexy" or to get comments from weak-kneed supermodels like "My God, that is a handsome and daring Steeley-Eyed Missile Man!" It had nothing to do with that whatsoever.
The 'chute made a good cushion, that's all... honest!... and there were many times I could imagine wishing I was wearing one and exactly none where I could imagine wishing I wasn't. And it's the exact same flight suit I'm wearing on the right sidebar, thirteen years later. My theory is, the day you start buying bigger flightsuits is the day you start down a road that has no end.
This picture was taken during that amazing day I wrote about in COURAGE, by my friend Andy Holoubek in the twin Grob. Yes, that's me in that tiny bathtub-with-wings.
Anyway, once you fly a canopy, a stick, and carbon-fiber wings, there is no going back. I've been flying Katanas and Eclipses:
(This was taken by our friend Recovering Liberal -' That is her duck. It's been everywhere. Ask her.)
These are terrific trainers: stable, friendly, and a real pleasure to fly. But they are SLOW. And there's the side-by-side thing'wimpy. Real pilots fly the centerline.
So, about a year ago, I get a letter from a guy named Richard Riley. He read COURAGE, and wanted to know if I'd like to go for a ride in one of these:
Unfortunately, it was the one on the bottom, but I'm here to tell you folks, it's pretty damn close.
A year passes. Richard, now a very good friend, flew with me last Saturday to Denver to have a look at this:
It doesn't have any engine or instruments, which is the only reason I can afford it. Well, that's not the only reason. Believe it or not, the fellow who owned this offered to finance $9,000 for a complete stranger, without references or collateral, just on a handshake.
Yes, there are still people like that in the world. There is still hope for us all.
Fortunately, someone else was equally generous -' thank you, thank you, thank you, someone else! -' and after much Consultation and Pondering I decided to cave in to forty years of non-stop dreaming and I bought the airplane (technically, airplane parts) for my forty-fifth birthday, which is -' hey, today!
My business bank account reached seven figures for about a week there. When I say 'seven figures' I am including the two to the right of the decimal point.
It'll take the better part of a year for me to be able afford the engine and instruments, but there's a lot of work to do in the meantime. Get a good look at it, because there will be more than a few comparisons of the 'Old and Busted / New Hotness' variety. Until then, here is the obligatory experimental airplane picture, namely the delirious new owner making Vrroooom! Vrrooooooom!! noises:
Remember, the propeller is in the rear. I don't ever see it -' the view out the front, with the canopy and military-style side-stick, is close enough to pretend there is no propeller at all. Actually, I wanted to put a small jet in it. Many convinced me this was suicidal; my compromise is to install a system that plays an ear-piercing jet start-up whine in my headset whenever I start the prop.
How does this make me feel? Well, 45 can start to feel old, but hey, for a guy who has his own airplane at 45 well, a guy like that would have to be considered ahead of the game, huh? HUH?
I'm glad we got that settled.
As I said, I try not to do the personal story thing too often, but I will share with you one final mawkish and maudlin sentiment, but only because it is true:
Two years ago, I can remember driving home at night thinking I was a man with a great future behind me. Somewhere, back there, I was sure that I had zigged when I should have zagged, and that I had missed the train. I'd been the boy genius who was going to do Big Things; now I was in my forties with not a damn thing to show for any of it.
That was before Eject! Eject! Eject!
Since then, I have received so many letters and kind comments that it leaves me speechless with gratitude. The idea that I might in some small way contribute to the defense of these ideals we hold so near to our hearts has lifted me up from that despair -' no other word for it '- and given me a pervasive sense of purpose and direction, not to mention overwhelming gratitude and a very deep and awesome pride.
Thank you all. You have saved my life. More than that, through your warm words and non-stop encouragement, you have given me back my voice '- which I had feared had gone and left me forever. For that I am eternally grateful.
So here's a final picture of the Mysterious Author, taken on his forty-fifth birthday, staring into the mirror of the future...(hmnnn, "mirror of the future"; better write that one down:)
How do I feel? Well, Lileks was kind enough to compare me to my all-time hero, Captain Kirk'so all I can do is quote the man.
I feel'young!
Welcome to the Eject! Eject! Eject! commenter community. Please read and understand the following:
1. This is not a public square. This is a dinner party on personal property. Good conversation is not only tolerated but celebrated here. But the host understands the difference between dissent and disrespect, even if you do not. Louts will be ignored until the bouncers can show them the door.
2. This is a voluntary online community. Your posting of any material, whether in comments or otherwise, grants to William A. Whittle, Aurora Aerospace, Inc. and their affiliates, a perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, sublicense, reproduce or incorporate into other material all or any portion of the material posted, for commercial or other use.
3. If a comment does find its way into a main page essay, print, or other media, every effort will be made to credit the individual making the comment. So chose your screen name accordingly, SLNTFRT33@yahoo.com!
Now let's see some distributed intelligence and basic human decency! Don't make me come down there every five minutes!
Comments
Excellent! I can't wait for the after action report from the first flight of the BillBird. Here's hoping your book makes it all possible.
Posted by: Neil | April 7, 2004 10:40 PM
Happy Birthday! (although the pictures indicate that it ought to be a very good one!)
Being selfish, I want to say "Be careful out there..." simply because I'd like to read a lot more of your stuff, and have come to have great respect for you and what is packed in your head.
The pictures, however, call out for "Drive crazy, take chances."
Or maybe,
"Take life in big bites. Moderation is for monks" RAH
Posted by: skeeter | April 7, 2004 11:02 PM
Haha, I'll bet that thing will turn heads taxiing out to the runway at the local airstrip. It's so much cooler to have something unconventional and awesome. Hell, everybody has a Cessna or Piper. Good luck getting it airborne!
Posted by: Shiva Archon | April 7, 2004 11:06 PM
Neil, I like the name that you gave to the plane, but I think he already chose one. Bill?
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 7, 2004 11:17 PM
Happy Birthday. Congratulations on the purchase of your plane. Enjoy them both.
Posted by: serenity | April 7, 2004 11:33 PM
Amen to what Serenity said.
That, and cool.
Leo
Posted by: Leo | April 7, 2004 11:39 PM
Bill,
I just want to thank you for communicating with exquisite eloquence so many thoughts that I've had but have never given words to, and those I'd yet to consider, but now embrace as my own. Your words have given me a tremendous amount of courage and confidence to continue believing that which I hold deep in my heart with greater conviction and unabashed boldness.
We live in an amazing country during an amazing time in history and it is people like you who make me so proud to be a fellow American. Thank you for shining a light in the darkness. I remain your faithful reader. Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Pam | April 7, 2004 11:39 PM
ahhhhh
How do you become a pilot?
Posted by: David | April 8, 2004 12:24 AM
David, I'm glad you asked that!
First, go and buy yourself a pair of Ruby slippers. Second, look in your local newspaper for "flying lessons" or better yet, go find your nearest small airport, talk to the first person you see, and tell them you are thinking about becoming a pilot and would like to know where you can get a demo ride (usually for less than $40). Third, walk into the flight school, click the ruby slippers three times, and say "I want to be a pilot! I want to be a pilot! I want be a pilot!"
Come to think of it, steps one and three are probably not necessary.
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 8, 2004 12:33 AM
Congratulations Bill!
Those things are pretty good performers. I too had dreams of being a hot-shot-fighter-jock. I first took the controls of a plane at age 9. Since I'd already read just about every fighter pilot autobiography ever written, it was as easy as falling off a log. Within a year though, I had my first pair of glasses - so much for the fighter pilot dream. I went on to solo in high school, and now I just go to fly-ins and shoot pictures. Every once in a while you come across a real gem, and if you were married, this picture would be appropriate to the acquisition of your new wings:
You bought a WHAT?
Best of luck, thumb on the sun, and Good Landings!
Mike
Posted by: Mike | April 8, 2004 2:12 AM
Happy Birthday and Blue Skies
Posted by: Stephen Macklin | April 8, 2004 2:45 AM
Happy Birthday Bill! My eyes also made it impossible for me to try for a military pilot's seat, but your story is inspiring indeed. Hope your plane soars like an eagle.
Posted by: Mollbot | April 8, 2004 3:03 AM
Woot!
Happy birthday Bill!
Posted by: Pixy Misa | April 8, 2004 3:13 AM
Happy birthday. Congratulations on the bird. :o)
Don't ever be shy about posting the personal stories--you've deservedly made a lot of friends, people you've given a voice to and who wish you well.
Hell, I expect a blow-by-skinned-knuckles account of the building and testing of that thing.
I've built three composite aircraft...and still haven't worked out why.
Posted by: Keith | April 8, 2004 3:36 AM
Hey, happy birthday. Are you one of the gutless Little Green Football wingnutjobs repeatedly harassing a woman across the internet? Thought your name came up, although looks like you're going by Captain Kirk now. If you are one of the lgf sleazeballs, I just wanted to tell you how proud you make America that our military wannabees and rejects and those who support our military so vociferously without setting foot in a recruiting office have taken this opportunity to show their bravery, repeatedly harassing this woman long distance.
Heck, you ain't really one of the main players doing it, though, hopefully, are ya. Maybe you're just kind of winking at it, kinda supporting it instead of condemning it like most any real men would do. Shootfire, maybe you'd even like to step up to the plate and disavow and apologize here for the actions you've seen your scummy lgf stick buddies pull, eh ace? Whatdya say? Sound off like you got a pair.
You've really set a great example, fighter jock. Nice job. America's proud of you. Bet your mommy and daddy would be too, if they knew how brave and all their little sonny was in this matter.
By the way, General Yeager (sorry, I keep forgetting you really want to be called Captain Kirk), is that a uniform you're wearing with those really cool shades? Or just something you want people to think might be a uniform? It's brave to wear make believe uniforms, don't you think? We all think so too.
Check six. You're sure as hell showing it.
Posted by: The Red Baron | April 8, 2004 4:04 AM
I was sure I heard something there, for a minute....
Nah...just a roach scuttling across the floor.
Posted by: keith | April 8, 2004 4:09 AM
Good on ya', boy. You finally got that Motivation Lever jammed under that big fat Inspiration Ball and got it rolling. Now it's all about momentum -- keeping it moving, keeping it on course, and keeping up with it yourself. Only now you've got a support group behind you.
My Dad had a pilot's license once. But between his newly created family of walking money-pits, and his chronic workoholism, he never had the money or the time to pursue it. Now he has both, but now he can no longer pass the flight physical.
I always wanted to be a pilot myself (as you well know from our shared childhoods), but was (and still am) so prone to motion sickness that, to this day, it makes me queasy just watching my wife read in a moving car (hell, it's making my breakfast bubble just talking about it here). So I settled for the next best thing: air traffic control. That and "Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004."
So now you're living the high life FOR me -- for a LOT of people, I suspect. And I, for one, intend to be there the day your new wings take air for the first time. Just tell me when and where... as long as it's not too late on a Thursday, 'cause I'd have to be back in time to watch "Survivor"... and not on a Sunday afternoon, 'cause that's when NASCAR's racing... and I have to work on Monday, so...
GHS
Posted by: GreatHairySilverback | April 8, 2004 4:24 AM
What Pam said........Double Ditto!
Posted by: Rowd | April 8, 2004 4:35 AM
Oo, look! The "Red Baron" himself showed up while I was posting. Are you the REAL Red Baron, sir, or just a wannabe?
You know, for someone who's not even sure he's got the right guy, you sure spray that flamethrower around pretty indiscriminantly. Talk about making your point -- and yourself -- look idiotic.
"JUST IN CASE you're the guy who let his dog crap on my lawn the other day, here's a fistful of shit thrown at your front window!" Brilliant.
Well, just in case you're one of those morons who actually thinks that "...our military wannabees and rejects and those who support our military so vociferously without setting foot in a recruiting office..." shouldn't be ALLOWED to support our military or openly contest those who don't, then FO&D (and in case you can't figure it out, the D stands for "die"... the rest you'll just have to figure out on your own). If, however, you're NOT one of those, then you might want to consider proofreading your submissions before you post them, because that's how you came across.
And you thought BILL was "showing his six."
GHS
Posted by: GreatHairySilverback | April 8, 2004 5:45 AM
Feel young? You are young and getting younger every day.
We all start off with ideals, but cynicism creeps in with time. The more cynical, the older and more hopeless.
The fire in the heart -- that's what nourishes and propels us, so tend those fires for many more years to come and rejoice.
Happy birthday, Bill, and good on you. I scoff at 45 (maybe because I barely remember it ...)
Posted by: Debbye | April 8, 2004 5:56 AM
Hi Bill! First HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Second this is scary. I wanted to be the first Polack on Mars! I guess that we'd be on the same crew! AFOQT 90 PILOT 95 NAV Maj Wrinkle (may he fly in peace) said I WAS going to UPT in the middle of the Vietnam wind down. Then the big red DAMNED stamp from the hospital at Scott; "Not qualified for flight!" A blessing in disguise, spent 11 years in a depot fixing broke tankers. Traveled 75% around the world, and still get to fly spam cans. And there are airplanes on the hangar floor out my office door. No wonder I like your writing we're kindred spirits! Third I’ll be 49 Monday! Aries rule. May your completion and EXP certificate happen quickly!
Posted by: Majortomski | April 8, 2004 7:14 AM
Ye gods.
I share a birthday with Bill Whittle.
I am in Awe.
Posted by: Dave | April 8, 2004 7:18 AM
I remember like yesterday going solo the first time. I was working at Army Aviation Test Development (in helicopter crash investigation) and I occasionally flew as a passenger in helicopters -- Hueys, BlackHawks, and Cobras. I fell in love with flying. So I went to the local airport and signed up. I wanted it all -- flight suit, the stick in my hands, nothing beyond the canopy but stars.
There were lots of pilots whose remains I sorted through, along with bits and pieces of rotor blades and metal fragments. They flew, and they loved what they did, and I honored their memory by trying to figure out ways to keep the next helicopter from going down.
I'm not a pilot. I'm terrible -- I spend too much time in my own head, writing a new story. If I'd continued flying I'd have ended up as fragments of flesh and metal in some field.
So, Bill, I wish you the happiest birthday with the deepest respect. You are both a writer and a pilot, and you do both with superlative skill.
The writing part I know about because I read it here. The flying part -- well, you're still alive.
Happy birthday, dear Bill. Punch a hole in sky.
Posted by: Bonnie | April 8, 2004 7:29 AM
Happy birthday, Mr. Whittle! Mine's in 12 days, and I'm shocked to find out that I'm older than you are; you sound like you've lived a couple of lifetimes already (I mean that in a good way, Bill; don't hurt me).
Now the plane: as my sons would say, MAJOR COOLNESS!!! Have fun and keep us updated on how things are going! (Do I detect a note of jealousy here? Nah, nothing to see here, move along . . .)
Posted by: Steve S | April 8, 2004 8:24 AM
Happy Birthday, Bill! Congratulations on the new wings.
I'm drinking a toast to you and all your victories tonight.
Posted by: Linda | April 8, 2004 8:55 AM
Red Baron is referring to the fact that I left a comment on a blog belonging to Kathryn Cramer.
When the four American were murdered, burned and hung like meat on a bridge, Kathryn was compassionate and respectful enough to Google their names. One of these names matched that of a particularly vile neo-Nazi, so Katheryn, in her compassionate progressivism, began to tar the recently mutilated victim as a Nazi.
Of course, it wasn't the same person, but what the hell, huh Kathryn? Why bother to do a little fact-checking when you have a chance to attack a dead and mutilated fellow American?
Now Red Baron is upset that I had the temerity to write this:
As a person here once -- and who will not be back -- the reason I'm posting a 'derogatory comment' is because defaming a dead and mutilated American in the hope that he MIGHT be a virulent Nazi in order to make political hay is not merely disingenous; it is disgusting. It is repellent. It is, frankly, beyond the pale, and this is not something people of concience can tolerate from morally bankcrupt individuals without a response.
Of course, Red Baron leaves out these little details, insisteing that I am "harrasing women over the internet." That's right, Baron, I just pick 'em out at random!
By the way, I signed my own name, as I always do. I do not and have not refer to myself as "Captain Kirk," although I think it would be fair for Richard Simmons to do so if the only company he ever kept was yours.
And as far as the recruitment office slander goes, I stepped in not once but three times.
What do we know about YOU, you gutless turd?
Thanks to the rest of you! We judge ourselves by the inverse quality of our enemies. If I am making spineless traitors like Kathryn and 'Red Baron' feel all funny in the pants then I am doing something worthwhile.
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 8, 2004 9:40 AM
Happy Birthday Bill! Very cool present. Be safe!
Posted by: cj | April 8, 2004 9:43 AM
I am looking forward to seeing pictures of you flying that thing real soon so I can wish I had one. (another of many things on my wish list)
Maybe I'll give up on my idea of restoring a classic muscle car and put my dreaming energy into aircraft.
Posted by: Davidd | April 8, 2004 10:01 AM
"Red Baron" is probably one of those Big Name Netizens (TM) you see projectile-vomiting all over alt.fan.furry and the like:
1) 14-year old Beavis/Butthead posting on Mommy and Daddy's account.
2) 34-year old, living in Mommy's basement ("MOOOMMM! I need to 'borrow' more money!"), otherwise as (1).
3) Trust Fund Kiddie who's too chicken/lazy to go around sacking cities with the other anti-globo activists.
4) Welfare Bum and Proud of It with a 56k modem and a constant rabid-piranha attack mode towards all the stupid suckers dumb enough to actually have jobs SO I CAN MOOCH OFF YOU ALL MY LIFE HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! (Like the most infamous troll on the aforementioned alt.fan.furry -- 50% of total posts on the newsgroup.)
Posted by: Ken | April 8, 2004 10:09 AM
Bill-
Happy Birthday, and dang, I wish I had the time and money to be a pilot.
Posted by: The Applicant | April 8, 2004 11:27 AM
Happy Birthday Bill!
As you know, 45 is my favorite number, and therefore, uh....well...uh....I guess the number 45 doesn't really mean anything mystical.
Happiness and joy unto you anyway!
There is something about guys born in the month of April though.
Chicks dig us. ;)
Posted by: geekWithA.45 | April 8, 2004 11:30 AM
ooo! Looky! I found a picture of The Red Baron!
Waitaminute..... he.... he lives under a bridge!
And he's got a Volkswagon!
Why am I not surprised?
Mike
Posted by: mike | April 8, 2004 11:35 AM
Happy Birthday Bill!
Posted by: Galen | April 8, 2004 11:55 AM
Ah, Bill, congratulations on birthday and airplane! I guess when you were hanging out with the XCOR gang you Got Religion? Please keep us up to date on plane progress.
P.S. SpaceShipOne flew today. First flight of a licensed, piloted reusable space craft. Never let go of your dreams. ;->
Posted by: Aleta Jackson | April 8, 2004 12:04 PM
geekWithA.45 says There is something about guys born in the month of April though.
Chicks dig us. ;)
Thanks, Geek. You made me splatter the monitor.
Actually, personal experience confirms that idea (c:
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 8, 2004 12:07 PM
Happy Birthday Bill---enjoy your gift to yourself!! It's a wonderful present!!
Posted by: dam babe | April 8, 2004 2:09 PM
Happy Birthday, Bill! It's good to see you get a new toy that gives you the kind of lift (pun intended) that reading your stuff brings the rest of us.
Posted by: Happy Bob | April 8, 2004 2:22 PM
I mowed lawns for my first flying lessons.
At Camp Parks in 1952, scored highest on written but lowest on eye exam of any applicant to that station - was offered observer position but no thanks.
I did contribute to Voyager, and Rutan's next ventures, a solo round the world unrefuled jet and the just licensed Space Ship One, the first privately licensed space ship, ensure that California's high tech is not dead yet.
Fly your dream! And happy landings.
Posted by: Walter Wallis | April 8, 2004 3:23 PM
Recovering Lib, it's true, April born guys are incredibly sexy. My birthday was Monday, and my wife and daughter adore me. Of course, wife's birthday is Saturday so it works both ways.
(Don't worry, once we of the Aries Conspiracy take over, you'll be one of the favored few.)
Bill now has a pilot's license and an airplane. He only lacks one thing - a call sign. It must be ironic, slightly embarrassing and must be given to him by someone else.
I've been calling him Turbo (after his desire for a jet, no matter how impractical; and the inventor of the jet engine, Sir Frank Whittle) for about a year. Let's see if that sticks.
Posted by: Richard Riley | April 8, 2004 4:20 PM
LOL! Turbo, hunh?
Hmmm... my problem is that I work at a company that publishes dog magazines. When I hear the name Turbo, I think "Jack Russell Terrier."
Happy belated birthday, Richard! And I look forward to the culmination of the Aries Conspiracy (c:
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 8, 2004 4:32 PM
Jack Russell terriers are supposed to be the absolutely brightest dogs on the planet, right?
Tur-BO! Tur-BO! Tur-BO!
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 8, 2004 4:36 PM
And I just discovered from my friend and colleague (and fellow April 7th-er) Kevin that Turbo was a main character in "Breakin'" and even better -- "Breakin' 2 -- ELECTRIC BUGALOO
Being named after anyone or anything in 'ELECTRIC BUGALOO' fills me with unimaginable joy...
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 8, 2004 4:41 PM
Mr. Whittle: Happy birthday. Many more, equally happy ones. Thank you for your gifts to us, over the time you have been posting on this weblog.
Now go grab some sky.
Posted by: Dave P. | April 8, 2004 4:46 PM
Today is Kim's son&heir's birthday. He turned 15.
Man, you're old. Well, that's what Wendy said when I turned 45.
Happy Birthday
Posted by: Mrs. du Toit | April 8, 2004 5:17 PM
Oh, I forgot. You don't look anything like that picture.
To your female readership (and you know who you are) who has the hots for Bill: he's much much more handsome (and cuter) than that picture.
Posted by: Mrs. du Toit | April 8, 2004 5:18 PM
Two words for Bill:
Kick Ass
Two words for Red Baron:
Ass Kicked
Posted by: krakatoa | April 8, 2004 6:21 PM
Happy burpdays and many smores, Bill. Dang, you oughta post an 8x10 glossy somewhere in here. You wouldn't have a gay younger brother would'ya (say, 35 or so...). The group is in agreement; that's one hot machine!
Oh, and the planes were nice, too;)
Posted by: russ v | April 8, 2004 6:39 PM
Happy Birthday, Bill. It's heartening to know that someone as wise and skilled as you is older than I, at least.
Congratulations on the (mostly) aircraft.
Here's an idea: Publish your book. It'll pay for the powerplant and avionics, I'd bet.
Posted by: Kevin Baker | April 8, 2004 7:05 PM
Bill,
Happy Birthday! I love your writing. Keep up the good work.
BTW I had about 400 hours in gliders before I ever used a throttle. Also towed advertisements (banners) up here in Myrtle Beach, SC for several years in the mid 80s.
Haven't flown much recently - wife and kids spend all my money.
Hope you enjoy your new toy.
Posted by: aileron | April 8, 2004 7:20 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Ith | April 8, 2004 7:48 PM
Mrs. du Toit says he's much much more handsome (and cuter) than that picture.
Agreed (c:
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 8, 2004 7:50 PM
Happy birthday; and thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: J.R. | April 8, 2004 8:24 PM
Happy Birthday, Bill..
....from one April spawn to another, even!
But, I'm a year and three days ahead of you, (5 Apr 58) so you'll have to bear with me while I hoist a Geritol Toast in your honor, sir.
May the number of your landings always equal the number of your takeoffs.
Jim
Sloop New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim | April 8, 2004 9:11 PM
Fair skies and following winds.
Posted by: Samuel Tai | April 8, 2004 10:00 PM
Bill: There is no gift that I could give to you that would repay the gift of your words over the past year. Sooo...a toast! (Raise your glasses)
May you find the hand of GOd as you fly through the heavens
May you find the heart of gold to share here on earth
And may your words continue to find their marks in the hearts of your readers.
Humbly--
Fletch
Posted by: Russ Fletcher | April 8, 2004 10:32 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BILL!!
Congratulations on the purchase of your new project plane. Hey, every man has to have a hobby...some are just more expensive than others!
Posted by: cas | April 9, 2004 5:14 AM
One often wonders if the "magic fix" to politicians with their rabid anti-general aviation agenda is simply to get them up there in a Cessna or Piper and let them take the controls for a few minutes. A buddy who is a pilot tells me the very first question he usually gets after taking someone up for the first time is:
"So, how much are flying lessons?"
Can it really be that easy?
Posted by: Bob | April 9, 2004 6:35 AM
Happy Birthday. Ya know, if you put one of those new-fangled aero-diesels in your ship, you can run it on kerosene. I love the smell of kerosene in the morning...
Posted by: Dave VanderMolen | April 9, 2004 7:35 AM
Happy B-Day, Bill, and congrats on the purchase, she looks awesome!
OK, I'm not officially green with envy but, then again, if I have to be envious of anybody, I'm quite pleased that the object of my envy is you.
Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
Posted by: Emperor Misha I | April 9, 2004 7:38 AM
OK,I'll ask the inevitable silly question. Does it have an ejection seat?
Posted by: Neil | April 9, 2004 9:50 AM
Dear Neil.
It does! Here are the instructions:
1. Release harness.
2. Release canopy.
3. Roll inverted.
4. Push hard on stick.
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 9, 2004 10:01 AM
Well Bill, again you lead me (if only by 21 days), but then, I happily follow great leaders. Belated B'day wishes, and Clear Skies!
Sapper Mike
Posted by: Sapper Mike | April 9, 2004 10:05 AM
Recovering Lib, you don't work at Fancy Publications, do you?
Posted by: Richard R | April 9, 2004 10:15 AM
Ummm... that's classified information, Richard.
The bigger issue, which everyone has ignored [sniff], is my ducks' travel adventures. Sam recently returned from posing in Berlin and D.C. His patriotic plumage looks particularly striking next to a bust of Abe Lincoln, lemme tell ya.
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 9, 2004 12:10 PM
Oh cripes....according to Mike's link/photo, Bill's Red Baron troll looks IDENTICAL to the "Troll Under The Bridge" in the Fremont neighborhood in Seattle.
I know it well. I used to live in that neighborhood. And just like Red Baron, that thing is a hideous eye sore and completely disgusting. Perfect likeness.
Posted by: serenity | April 9, 2004 3:55 PM
Nice pic, Bill. Anyone tell you that you look like a brown-eyed Henry Fonda (other than me)? I'm thinking Tom Joad from "Grapes of Wrath".
Think of all those sillyass movie studio execs who have passed you over for all these years.
--Dave
Posted by: VRWC Man | April 9, 2004 3:58 PM
Happy b-day & congrats on the new toy!
Posted by: Cybrludite | April 9, 2004 6:39 PM
Jim,
The number of his landings will always be equal to the number of his takeoffs. It's the nature of the final landing that's the key.
Posted by: Arnold | April 9, 2004 7:34 PM
Happy Birthday, Bill.
Posted by: addison | April 9, 2004 10:05 PM
Happy birthday. She's a beauty. And thankfully I don't get the same guilt reflex from my hard-on over another man's airplane that I would if she were your wife.
But...umm...did you say $9000? Seriously? Because if a beautiful aircraft like that can be had for $9000 (even if you _do_ have to buy and install the engine and instruments seperately), then...well, I have difficulty imagining a better use to which the next $9000 to pass through my own hands could be put. :)
And no...you haven't contributed in "some small way"...you've had much the same effect on me (and I imagine many others, but I can only speak for myself) as you describe your commenters having on you. False modesty may be an important part of your personality...but try not to forget that it's false, OK? :)
Posted by: Matt | April 10, 2004 12:57 AM
Dear Matt,
As much as I'd like to tell you that a little humility is all a marketing ploy, the fact remains that the response I get never ceases to amaze me and frankly, blow me away.
The aircraft did indeed cost more than $9000; that was just what the very kind man was willing to finance, minus the downpayment. If you are serious about buying an experimental pusher canard aircraft, e-mail me and I'll put you in touch with my drug dealer aircraft broker.
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 10, 2004 2:45 AM
As we say in Korean:
Saeng-il ch'uk-ha heyo!
(literally, "life-day congratulations!")
Happy Birthday!
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Kim | April 10, 2004 8:19 AM
As long as yer first long transcontinental flight is to Dallas...
We have two small airstrips close to our house -- from the one in Plano, you could WALK to our house.
Not that you'd need to.
Now get to work. Our house has been Whittle-less for too long already.
Posted by: Kim du Toit | April 10, 2004 11:56 AM
First, Happy Birthday. You should have a pretty good time with the new airplane.
Second, if you keep up at this rate, you might wangle a jet hop at some point. One can never tell what might happen - but this blog gets a LOT of visibility.
Third, I'll let you in on a secret - the jets are overrated. I've got time in about 30 different aircraft types (going through the Naval Test Pilot School does that sort of thing), and from a FLYING standpoint, 4th generation aircraft are nice, but there are better planes out there. With jets, you wind up reefing the airplane into a turn and w-a-i-t-i-n-g to complete the turn. Slower airplanes can maneuver on a dime. The airplanes that impressed me were:
F-18: Comfortable, great control system, gobs of power. Range is inadequate, and the sensors weren't anything to write home about in the air-to-air mode, but very nice.
Embraer Tucano: Sweet machine. Lots of excess power, impeccable flying qualities.
Canadair CT-114 Tutor: Did my final examination in this airplane. Enormous excess power - you can SUSTAIN 3.8 Gs, and limit load is 7.5. And the flight control system is a marvel - but approach with a light touch, as it's under 3 lbs per G.
Pitts Special S2A: The Great Snarling Beast. An AC Cobra with two wings. You name it, a Pitts can do it. And if you can't name it, a Pitts can do that, too. Surprisingly comfortable cockpit - and you can fit it into a two-car garage.
So don't get up in arms if you haven't gotten any jet time. It's like warbird time - I've flown a P-51, too, and it's a pig. Educational, but a pig. I tip my hat to anyone who flew those things into combat.
Posted by: Mike McDaniel | April 10, 2004 6:24 PM
Congrats on getting the parts to what looks like a Long EZ. I started building one of those when I was married the first time. Had most of the fuselage built and my first wife and I parted ways when she hit 30. Life went into the dumpster for a while and so did the airplane.
I look at pictures of myself going voom voom in the mostly built fuselage and I see a really happy person. hehe..Didnt have one clue she was getting ready to leave me. Hope your plane makes you as happy as mine was making me.
10 years later I am married again with 3 absolutely marvelous children....and a wife who keeps me trying hard to match her. Love every minute of it and guess what a couple of years ago she told me she thought me getting another airplane would be super fine. Weeeeeee....waiting to get the kids farther through school and the house farther towards finished then Bada Bing Bada Boom Im gonna get a Kitfox. Perfect for down South...low landing speeds STOL. hehehe...I cant wait.
Pierre
Posted by: Pierre | April 10, 2004 7:30 PM
Bill honey, you don't look a day over 30.
(Hey! I'm not sucking up, dammit--I'm totally honest here!)
Happy Birthday, and Congrats on the new toy! And to think, some kids just get dinky little models to play with... ;-)
--TwoDragons
Posted by: Denita TwoDragons | April 10, 2004 9:35 PM
Happy birthday, Bill, and happy flying.
Posted by: Paul Stinchfield | April 11, 2004 8:23 AM
Hey, happy birthday- sometimes you just gotta give yourself your own present, huh?
I knew we shouldn't have let ya sit in the cockpit of the EZ-Rocket, even if it doesn't go "vroom" at all. You just couldn't resist.
Sorta related, check out the article in the May issue of Popular Science, p 92- we're lucky to get press that good!
-Rocketplumber
Posted by: Doug Jones | April 11, 2004 2:11 PM
Happy birthday, Bill, and thanks for an interesting read.
Just for a bit of reality and a few chuckles, look again at Middle Age Crazy. Ann Margaret alone is worth the price of admission, and the lesson of "living larger at age 40" worth an occasional reminder - no matter your age.
On parachute from glider, it's too bad Gerry Powers is no longer with us, for his story of how he safely left the cockpit of his glider-with-small-motor would be of interest.
fmisch
Posted by: fmisch | April 11, 2004 2:21 PM
Congrats on EZ. Don't forget to check the fuel valve operation. How tall are you and how well do you fit in the "flight deck"(I'm guessing you won't need a seat cushion behind your back to reach the pedals).
Posted by: Horst Graben | April 11, 2004 3:05 PM
Propeller? Aw come on, sticking a small turbojet in there wouldn't be THAT hard. Just think of the trick intake ducts you could rig up under the wings! Plenty of places have servicable engines for sale at about what you'd pay for a putt-putt. Damn the sparkplugs and full afterburn ahead!
(and failing that, at least stick a turbo piston in it. That's almost a turbine.)
Oh, and damn you for posting that F-16 photo. Now I have to go hide in a corner for several hours and convince myself that quitting my job and joining the ANG just so I can press that nifty START 1 switch is a bad.. ur.. bad... Aw damnit.
Posted by: Mr. Lion | April 11, 2004 8:39 PM
Looks like someone spammed you with Vogon poetry here...bad Vogon poetry at that...
--TwoDragons
Posted by: Denita TwoDragons | April 12, 2004 12:52 PM
Hee!
I wasn't gonna say anything, but since you opened the door, Denita, I'll admit to finding it amusingly ironic that this particular spam struck after Bill admitted to getting older...
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 12, 2004 1:00 PM
Bill, in light of the ejection seat comment, just remember: "crewcanopycordsmaskharnesscrouchdivepull" (the T-34 also didn't have an ejection seat). ;)
Posted by: stract | April 12, 2004 4:39 PM
I really don't see why "boys and their toys" is usually spat with such contempt. The lust for toys (or drive to manipulate objects and the environment if you wanna get all primatological about it) catapulted humanity out of the savannah and into outer space, and I think that is just fucking awesome. Other species should be so lucky.
And Denita's right. For 45 you're positively baby-faced, Bill.
Posted by: LabRat | April 12, 2004 4:46 PM
LabRat says The lust for toys (or drive to manipulate objects and the environment if you wanna get all primatological about it) catapulted humanity out of the savannah and into outer space, and I think that is just fucking awesome.
As usual, well said! And I'm stoked to see someone else use "awesome" in conversation. That's just rad.
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 12, 2004 5:26 PM
Catapulted out of the savannah and into space...
LabRat, as soon as I get an engine and instruments on this thing I'm going to fly up there and take you for a ride all around that radioactive wasteland of yours. Prepare to load a few G's, baby!
Awesome!
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 12, 2004 7:23 PM
Bill: That would be... well, awesome, except you better start filing permits now, otherwise Kirtland AFB will shoot you down for entering Los Alamos Airspace.
Recovering Liberal: Even better, I have a friend who regularly uses "rad" in daily conversation. I have yet to run across anyone who's kept "gnarly" or "tubular".
Posted by: LabRat | April 12, 2004 11:10 PM
Ummm... I use "rad" and "gnarly" all the time, along with "bitchen."
Blame my childhood in Surf City USA. I try to sound like an adult most of the time, but it doesn't always work -- especially if I'm, like, totally stoked about something ;^)
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 12, 2004 11:49 PM
Congratulations on acquiring the Long-EZ. I've always been impressed by how economical they are to own. Not only does the typical O-235 or O-320 sip fuel, but the Long-EZ airframes are incredibly cheap on the used market.
If you hadn't taken the plunge yet, I would have suggested an RV3. They go for around $15-20k ready to fly, and they're a lot more maneuverable than a Long-EZ. I know it's a safety feature, but I hate not being able to stall the EZ. Sometimes you just want to spin, dammit!! :)
--Ron
Posted by: Ron | April 13, 2004 2:34 AM
Happy Birthday and congrats for getting just what you wanted for a gift.
Posted by: notGeorge | April 13, 2004 1:26 PM
Nice start, now you've gone through the first happiest day of plane ownership. Hopefully the second happiest day doesn't come anytime soon, and you remain airplane impoverished. Look forward to the refurb photos.
Since you like the Katanas you should check out the DA-40. Of all the newer aircraft I've demoed it was the most fun to fly, I just don't think I could get the wife to look past the stick.
PS I picked up my airplane on the day they were looking for JFK jr, it sure made the wife nervous, but all in all I had fun with that little 172 andsold it to a local flight club so I can go fly it every once in the while to say hello.
Posted by: DVerespey | April 13, 2004 2:04 PM
Just a happy little note for anyone who might be headed for the Sun n' Fun fly-in this coming week, down here in sunny Lakeland, FL -- Bill and I will be prowling the experimentals and bumming ultralight flights on at least this Friday the 16th, and possibly Saturday the 17th as well. It would be cool to bump into someone with a familiar alias.
Ciao.
GHS
Posted by: GreatHairySilverback | April 13, 2004 2:33 PM
Holy crap...I just found my new start page.
Yes, you do have to try a D-Star, and if you're ever around DC/Northern Va. you've got a free ride coming.
Posted by: Midair | April 13, 2004 3:21 PM
LabRat -
I'm at Kirtland right now, I'll make sure to tell my gunners that Bill's plane is off limits. Of course, you know how gunners are...I'll have to get them started now on IFF silhouettes of his plane.
Posted by: stract | April 13, 2004 7:03 PM
To David, up higher on the page who asks how to be a pilot:
Check out the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Assoc. (AOPA) at www.aopa.org, and link to "Be a Pilot" - they have lots of great information!
Go for it!
Posted by: Midair | April 14, 2004 5:19 AM
Bill, Happy Birthday. I can see you now, in the cockpit, with a huge grin on your mug as you turn and burn, yank and bank. I am jealous beyond words. No smokin' holes in the ground, 'kay? You mean too much to too many...
Posted by: capt_smythe | April 14, 2004 12:33 PM
Gosh, you could have written my story!!
Had my license since 1978. Had the bad luck to need a kidney transplant and the FAA pulled my medical. At 52 I crave to be flying again. Go for it and savor every hour on the Hobbs.
Philip
Posted by: Philip Wright | April 15, 2004 2:01 AM
To those who mentioned it, I have many hours in the DiamondStar. It is an incredible joy to fly; the best-behaved airplane I have ever flown, by far.
To Labrat and Stract: The Long is almost all composites, and has the Radar Cross Section of a piece of chewing gum. I could be in and out of there without a sound. Maybe I have already! Maybe I have, many times!! Look to the skies on a dark, moonless night!
Thanks again to all. Best. Birthday. EVER.
(Where have you gone, Rachel Lucas? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you...)
Posted by: Bill Whittle | April 15, 2004 4:07 AM
Woo woo woo
What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Rachel dear has left and gone away.
Hey hey hey
hey hey hey
Posted by: A Recovering Liberal | April 15, 2004 7:04 AM
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, BILL!
GOD bless you and here's a wish for many more! Your writings are like having a birthday everyday. Thank you for that...and keep it up if you will.
Hope your tour of wisdom is going well and that it may some day carry you to my family's neck of the woods. I've already informed my wife that we will be setting that day aside without qualification.
k
Posted by: energyforcapital | April 15, 2004 7:21 PM
Bill, don't forget, I have access to NVGs, so dark, moonless nights aren't going to hide you! ;) (oh, and we have FLIR, too, so even if the goggles can't pick you up, the FLIR will!)
Posted by: stract | April 16, 2004 2:56 PM