The day started fairly good, I had to take a road trip across the state to attend a company meeting. Anytime I have to do that, I always pack a plane or two, the desolate areas I drive though have a few huge fields that at a moment's notice can be the perfect diversion. So I packed up a couple of planes, a handfull of battery packs and off I go. I stopped on the way over and took a flight, a great way to wake up and also to put myself into a good mood considering I was about to sit though a day's worth of boring meetings. The day went pretty much as I figured, I almost fell asleep listening to what I've already heard numerous times during my 18 years with the company. The meeting ended, I started the journey home. As sunset approached, I pulled over at one of those perfect fields and took to the air.......
The flight was fantastic. 10-12 mph winds and my plane loved it. All kinds of basic tricks and high speed passes. I decided to bring it down early for a fresh battery, but before I could do anything I hear it. An amazing howling and whirring jet sound rapidly approaching. The next thing I know there are two A-10 Warthogs flying 300 feet side by side at an altitude of maybe 600 ft. These guys were slow flying literally right over the top of me. I had just finished doing a few rolls, I looked up and the closest A-10 seemed like I could almost reach out and touch it. the Avon Park Bombing Range is in close proximity and having military jets cruising in and out of the area is common.
I stood there in awe and almost forgot that I had a plane still in the air. At that very moment I realized my plane was heading for a tree line, I yanked and banked with a couple of rolls and brought it back toward me. That's when the closest of the A-10's pilot actually wagged his wings in a show of approval! unreal! I followed them with my eyes for as long as I could watch, almost crashing twice just watching in awe how close and slow they just flew....... it was then I realized how lucky I was to be flying and experiencing the joy of this hobby. Not often do you get to see that kind of display and in such close proximity too. The only problem now is that I have this compelling urge to get an A-10 Warthog kit. I don't suppose any of you have felt that compelling urge before have you?
This day will be one that I won't forget, the day that by accident I shared the same basic airspace as a couple of A-10s and for a moment...... could dream. That's what life is all about. It's the experiences!
The flight was fantastic. 10-12 mph winds and my plane loved it. All kinds of basic tricks and high speed passes. I decided to bring it down early for a fresh battery, but before I could do anything I hear it. An amazing howling and whirring jet sound rapidly approaching. The next thing I know there are two A-10 Warthogs flying 300 feet side by side at an altitude of maybe 600 ft. These guys were slow flying literally right over the top of me. I had just finished doing a few rolls, I looked up and the closest A-10 seemed like I could almost reach out and touch it. the Avon Park Bombing Range is in close proximity and having military jets cruising in and out of the area is common.
I stood there in awe and almost forgot that I had a plane still in the air. At that very moment I realized my plane was heading for a tree line, I yanked and banked with a couple of rolls and brought it back toward me. That's when the closest of the A-10's pilot actually wagged his wings in a show of approval! unreal! I followed them with my eyes for as long as I could watch, almost crashing twice just watching in awe how close and slow they just flew....... it was then I realized how lucky I was to be flying and experiencing the joy of this hobby. Not often do you get to see that kind of display and in such close proximity too. The only problem now is that I have this compelling urge to get an A-10 Warthog kit. I don't suppose any of you have felt that compelling urge before have you?
This day will be one that I won't forget, the day that by accident I shared the same basic airspace as a couple of A-10s and for a moment...... could dream. That's what life is all about. It's the experiences!
for him outside, and that's when I heard it... The extremely loud roar of the C-5 Galaxy. I never thought this beast would get off the ground. It shook everything.
Those A10's are frickin awesome. 
The takeoff is simply awesome, nothing like a jet for the high speed thrills. I would love to pilot a stunt biplane like the Pitts Special or something like it. The close quarters manouvers with those is amazing.
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