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Aviation is a HUGE subject, but luckily, information, pictures and links to just about any related topic is available on the World Wide Web. I have an interest in all things aviation, but, I tend to focus on 'General' or 'Light' aviation (ie. small aircraft) as I am the 'proud' owner of a UK Private Pilots License. I have no great flying ambitions, I just love to hire an aeroplane from my local airport and gently waft around above the English countryside, all on my own. I never go very far, or do very much, I just enjoy the view and the solitude (although I have had 7 hours Aerobatics instruction and flown 2 or 3 interesting types - not bad for a 103 hour 'Tyro'). My one dream would be to own a simple 'classic' lightplane, something like an 'Auster' perhaps, operating from a farm strip, and well away from controlled airspace - heaven. You never know .... maybe when I retire ? |
So, here is a small sample of various aviation links that I use. Many of them may only be of use to active private pilots, like the excellent Tom Dawes-Gamble Weather page, with TAF's, METAR's and SIGMET's for the UK, Europe and the world. This site has a great look-up & search facility with a TAF/METAR decoder, which converts the standard weather information format into readable English that even I can understand. Another great UK based aviation weather site is Aviators Weather at Aviators Network (UK), which also provides TAF's, METAR's & SIGMET's. For UK based information covering all aspects of aviation take a look at the web pages of PILOT magazine. Don't forget to buy the 'mag' either. I've bought every issue for the last 13 years, and I still look for the next issue a week before it's out; it's that good. Also, pay a visit to Charlie Alpha's Aviation Page. Amongst other things, you will find a large list of Email addresses of other UK Pilots (of all ratings and all levels of experience). So, if you fancy a chat with other like-minded aviators ......... you know where to go. Why not pay a visit to two of my local Flying Clubs, both are based at London Southend Airport. The first is WILLOWAIR, my current club, a small and friendly establishment, the other is SEAWING, where I learnt to fly. |
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Pages with a more American flavour include the mammoth site at Landings, with links and data on just about everything remotely related to aviation...... you'll be there for days. Get the lowdown on the latest ranges of aircraft from CESSNA and PIPER, and find more links to manufacturers, and airlines, at this Canadian aviation web site. Finally, Aviation Photos, Images and Art speaks for itself. |
Whilst on holiday recently, touring the wonderful island of Cuba, I noticed a small airfield across the way from one of our hotels. I took a walk over hoping to be able to take some pictures. |
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As I was 'milling' around the perimeter fence a crew member of a recently arrived Antonov An-2, realising what I was after, beckoned me onto the apron. He introduced me to the two Cuban pilots, who were only too keen to show me around their Soviet-built aerial workhorse. After much sign language and very little Spanish or English, I managed to explain that I was also a pilot from England. Without hesitation, they invited me back that afternoon to join them on a parachute drop, where they would let me 'have a go' (for a few Dollars, of course). |
The flight lasted for a little over an hour, and I had control for a full 30 minutes after the drop, decending from 2500 metres (over 8000 ft) to approximately 100 metres (300 ft) along the long Varadero coastline. The handling was 'HEAVY' to say the least. It was a marvelous experience with some lovely people, in a terrific country, with weather to match. The whole thing only cost me $20 (£13), and here are the photographs to prove it ....... |
To see more photographs, of rare and interesting commercial aircraft and airlines, check out this great site now .....
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Please Email me if any of the links above are dead.
