Mike J in the US

Sat Apr 09, 2005 10:57 pm

Just a quick note for our friends in England that Mike J has safely arrived in the midwest US. Next week we are off to Lakeland for the Sun N Fun airshow. I was shocked to learn this evening that Mr. Mike has never been to Florida. Quite amazing really, as I thought all Brits had been to Florida. Hell, it's the only place in America where you can get a decent curry. Just look around anywhere in mid to southern Florida and you can spot the British...shorts with black socks and dress shoes...cameras around their necks...funny hats...flesh turned pink from seeing the sun for the first time in years...yeah, spotting Brits in Florida is no sport at all.

More reports to follow throughout the week. Mike's brought a camera lens the size of a bazooka, which I doubt we'll get in the Sea Fury, but stay tuned for more updates.

Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:09 pm

I just got back from Rome a couple of hours ago, looking forward to meeting yall at Sun N Fun.

Website · Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:37 am

Hi Steve

Is that a weapon of mass photography Mike has with him or is he just pleased to see you

Please say hello.

Regards
John P

Sun Apr 10, 2005 3:53 pm

Mike, I hear that Patty failed to reintroduce you to your breakfast in the L39. 1-0 for Blighty there!

Have a great time, I look forward to seeing the photos. Try to teach patty how to use his camera whilst you're over there.

Rob

Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:26 pm

Mike
glad to see you arrived in one piece and you've survived the Patterson induction.
I see you left drinking Guinness at O'Dowd's until after the flying.
Post some pictures please.
Cheers
Andy

Sun Apr 10, 2005 11:56 pm

(See next post)

Last edited by srpatterson on Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:07 am, edited 1 time in total.

Mon Apr 11, 2005 12:06 am

I had a fun morning today, Steve's L-39 needed ferrying from Lee's Summit to Olatha and he needed some ballast in the back........

Followed by a visit to the excellent Airline History Museum in Kansas City this afternoon

Connie cockpit

The Connie (the last airworthy one now in the US

) was flying crew training trips yesterday.

Off to Florida in the Sea Fury on Tuesday (weather permitting) for Sun 'n' Fun. Look forward to meeting some of you there.

Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:05 pm

Mucho jealous.................why the serious look in photo #2 is it anything to do with the mischevious grin on Steves face in photo #3?

Mon Apr 11, 2005 3:56 pm

Cool - an L-39 with *three* nose legs!

That's a particularly swish looking jet too.

Mon Apr 11, 2005 6:29 pm

Today we visited Bob Williams at East Kansas City Airport (Green Valley), who, strangely enough, also needed some ballast in the front seat of his very nice PT-22, N47012.

Bob had spent 3 years restoring this to stock condition, giving it its first flight after rebuild last summer.

Thanks Bob for a very nice flight!

Tue Apr 12, 2005 12:50 am

must be horrible being used as ballast.

any chance of me being so badly abused..............................please???

Tue Apr 12, 2005 4:32 am

An offer to clean the glass or wash the plane sometimes does the trick Jeffrey!

Website · Tue Apr 12, 2005 5:49 am

James

Wot wood ya know. Ya were to Buzzy Tacken Pitchas wilst over blokes was washen hairyplanes

JP

Tue Apr 12, 2005 7:05 am

Nice pics, especially the ones from the Airline Museum, not seen anything from there before.. well enjoy the rest of your holiday - I'll carry on with mine then laying slabs and gravel!

Neil.

Tue Apr 12, 2005 10:38 am

Well, Steve's now on his way to Florida in the Sea Fury, where I meet up with him tomorrow. We launched him off from Lee's Summit about an hour ago.

Sun 'n' Fun for the next few days!