PROLOGUE- Voice: "Ron?"Voice: "RON, are you okay?"Me: MOAN~~Voice: "Flounder! Open you eyes, man!"Me: BRIGHT~Voice: "Flounder, it's the doctor. You're okay. It's over now, you can wake up."Me: "What day is it?"Doctor: "It's Wednesday, October 1st, 2003. Almost noon."Me: "2003?" 100 years. "Are you sure?"Doctor: "Sure I'm sure. You've had quite the trip this week! You rest and the Captain will see you in a bit."Me: "Captain? Where.....?" I drift back to sleep.
DREAM-The weather was garbage! Visibility was nothing, winds were heavy and gusting, rain had been pelting down for what seemed like hours. The airspeed indicator was dancing all over, the wings rocked but not in a gentle fashion. "How am I EVER going to land this thing?" I found myself asking. (pict_01) There was no response of course, I was alone. All I knew was that I had a mission to accomplish and it HAD to be done. I also had some strange memory of a guy named Bill Smith who had been ill...was on medication...was trying to fly while in a stupor...crashed...was in hospital...see his May PIREP. (This was nothing like that of course!)
THE FOG-It was actually September, 2003 but I was flying the October FOTM by Peter Stark which hadn't even been released yet! Was there something about a Star Trek Transporter and a shift in the Time-Space Continuum? I really can't remember the details but that WOULD explain some of the good doctor's comments.Actually, some weeks beforehand I had been able to log on and download Real-World Weather as Hurricane Isabelle was making landfall!Here's what I knew at that moment:
It was September 2003 but I was flying the October FOTM.
Seems that SOMEONE could have asked us to celebrate 100 years of aviation sooner. Was that Alastair's attempt in August with his "Classic Floatplane Tour of the Hawaiian Islands"?
I heard music...coming from the computer...from http://www.plr.org/
My last memory from the Flight Club was in sunny and warm Victoria, British Columbia...it was the 1930's, foggy and I was about....no wait, that was Casablanca in the 1930's and it was SHE getting onto the plane...no, wait! Victoria was her name, maybe...it was early morning, 6:55, and she and I were BOTH leaving Casablanca....well, I tried but no, it WAS Victoria, BC and I was the one leaving, ALONE! (Take note, no strange women in my stories) THE STORY- I fired up the engines of this old classic and ATC directed me out to the end of runway 27 for departure. (pict_02) After the westbound departure and clean-up I turned right, flew back over the airport and headed east. Into the future which rose before me like the rising sun!The Douglas DC-3 or C-47 or Gooney Bird or whichever other version you want to call it is, quite simply, the anchor of any "Classic Plane" list you want me to make. Sure, there were others before but this one has lasted! This aircraft has seen service, both commercial and military, the world over. It has been flown in some of the least hospitable conditions imaginable and has proven itself time and again to be a trustworthy "workhorse". That some of these great planes survive today is a testament not only to groups like MAAM but also to the original design teams and manufacturers. So, the first plane up in this FOTM is the FS Flight Club's venerable DC-3, which I landed in Billings, Montana at 11:40 AM.I don't even remember parking or looking around or anything like that. Suddenly, as though squeezed through a compressive time warp, I found myself dancing on the rudder pedals of a seriously powerful machine. The P-51 was rocketing down the runway! I was fearful of loosing control so I eased back on the stick but kept the plane low (pict_03) . Once cleared of airport property I began my climbing turn back to the east. Was I heading off on some great escort mission over Europe? Certainly I was heading in the right direction, but I wasn't coming upon any water. I had, frankly, little idea where I was going and there was no GPS in 1944!I hesitate to say that the P-51 marked a turning point for the Allied Forces in World War 2...but having a fighter with the speed and range capabilities found in the Mustang proved to be a great benefit for those big, vulnerable bombers as they made their relentless if not precise bombing raids. The Mustang saw service in both theatres of World War II and was even a hold-out into the jet age of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts! The design and airframe survives today in demonstration and racing versions...making the P-51 Mustang my number two choice, a "Classic Fighter."Since I seem to be moving forward in time now, I can only assume that my next plane will be an F-4 Phantom! Anticipation eats away at me as I bring the Mustang in for a fast but (Peter, note this) SMOOTH landing."Flog Shrimp Nine Six Clarence Dunaway Meatloaf."WHAT?"Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, you are cleared for IFR departure on runway 3-2."It was the Tower at Rapid City, South Dakota, clearing my airliner for takeoff. The panel indicates a "three-holer" with plenty of gas. The time was 12:53 but I had no idea of the date. Oh, what a headache I had! Where WAS I going?"Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, confirm last transmission."See what too much flying gets you? "Ummmm, right, errrr, ROGER, uhhhhh, One-Six-Niner-something cleared for takeoff. Thanks. ummmm, have a good flight...I mean day, have a good day. I'LL be flying now, not you, Roger. Ummmm, where are the throttles on this....Sir? What am I flying agin?""Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, your Boeing 727 is cleared for IMMEDIATE departure from runway 3-2." (pict_04) Third up on my list then is the 727 which entered commercial service in the 1960's sometime. In fact, this is the first commercial plane I ever remember flying on. I was about 5 years old when we took a Springtime trip to Alaska! Some 30 years later this plane was only recently retired from front-line service here in the U.S. Occasionally I'll still get to see these beauties in some private or cargo livery flying overhead.Now back to that dream I was telling you about. So there I was, flying the 727 into some SERIOUS clag! (For those who have read my "Round the World" story from a couple of years ago it may seem that 727s and I kind of follow the bad weather. I'm kind of feeling that way too now! Maybe I should hang this bird up for awhile? (http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/feature/globe.htm )I thought I was never going to break free of the storm...lower and lower I went, fighting all the way down. Better save flight now!Finally, and quite suddenly, I broke free of the clouds and there ahead (sorta) was Dare County Regional Airport. Actually, this was not looking good (pict_05) ! I fight to bring her down but I'm high and outside. Attempt one is no good.Attempt number two looks much better through the clouds....I get her down in one piece! But alas...despite all human efforts I was too fast and splashed off the end of the runway.Attempt number three looks better than number one did. I've decided that landing is not as tough as just getting lined up! Then, I am able to slam the plane down with TWO pictures to confirm my efforts (pict_ 06 and 07 ) Full spoilers, full reverse, full braking, drag my foot and even groan a little and I pull up, still on the pavement. WOW! (For those who want, I've included the WX file for you)From here I was going to just stroll or beam over to KFFA at Kill Devil Hills for the Club's celebration but as I dashed in from the storm I was met by the biggest, hairiest strongest Klingon I've ever seen! (I guess ANY Klingon would meet that criteria huh?) "Come with me." he said, leaving no room for questions. (pict_08) (I know, Worf was from a different series but I always preferred TNG anyway) "Mr. Data, 1903, warp 6. Engage!"Almost before I knew what was happening I found myself strapped to nothing less than a "contraption." Despite the rec's in the readme file, using virtual cockpit on a ZOOM OF 0.40 is THE BEST!! I had read in another review that this aircraft was nearly impossible to fly, so I was ready for the worst, (pict_09) but found that it was MUCH easier to fly than I had feared. So, this lack of reality actually made it kinda fun! (pict_10) I buzzed over my brother....I apparently tried to skydive according to some photos (pict_11) ...and after 12 minutes of flying around I came skidding down to land near (Peter note the theme in my life of not ON...) the runway. (pict_12) I also discovered that you can drag this thing along the ground enough to take off again, so I added it to my hanger! Click here for FS2002 weather file.
DEBRIEFING- "Counselor?""Well, he is a bit shaken, but seems to be telling the truth.""And you say you KNOW this man from Australia, this Peter Stark?""Yes sir.""But you've never MET him have you.""We've only talked, sir.""There are no phone bills on the record.""Captain, according to legends of the time, humans were able to establish voice-only communications over a link on their computers called "The Web", allowing them to talk.""Hmmmm, I see Mr. Data. So now, you want something from us?""Yes Captain. I'd like to go back home. Back to my own time, my own reality and, oh by the way, my own family.""Doctor?""Well, although he has been assimilated by some type of "Club Virus" I see no reason that he CAN'T return...though socially he may be in danger.""Socially?""Yes sir. You see, if he goes back to the real world, his 2003 world, having virtually traveled back 100 years...well, there is the risk that he could say something to someone about the experience and be....""And be what?""He may be considered a little weird, sir.""I see.""Sir? I'd just like to thank Peter for his EFFORTS to bring the past back to life. I'd like to congratulate him for his vision and imagination and I promise to limit my on-line flying to just once a week.""But you WILL still pretend to fly aircraft on your home computer?""Oh, yes sir.""You see Captain, we can't CURE him of that.""Hmmmmm, it does seem a bit odd doesn't it. Well, we certainly can't keep him in September when he needs to get caught up to October so very well then, back he goes.""We'll only have to hope that this Bill Smith fellow makes himself known. Then, in a relative sense, even this "Flounder" will seem quite normal.""Yes. Mr. Worf. Won't you and the good doctor please escort Mr. Flounder to the transporters so we can bring this story to an end?""Gladly sir."
DREAM-The weather was garbage! Visibility was nothing, winds were heavy and gusting, rain had been pelting down for what seemed like hours. The airspeed indicator was dancing all over, the wings rocked but not in a gentle fashion. "How am I EVER going to land this thing?" I found myself asking. (pict_01) There was no response of course, I was alone. All I knew was that I had a mission to accomplish and it HAD to be done. I also had some strange memory of a guy named Bill Smith who had been ill...was on medication...was trying to fly while in a stupor...crashed...was in hospital...see his May PIREP. (This was nothing like that of course!)
THE FOG-It was actually September, 2003 but I was flying the October FOTM by Peter Stark which hadn't even been released yet! Was there something about a Star Trek Transporter and a shift in the Time-Space Continuum? I really can't remember the details but that WOULD explain some of the good doctor's comments.Actually, some weeks beforehand I had been able to log on and download Real-World Weather as Hurricane Isabelle was making landfall!Here's what I knew at that moment:
It was September 2003 but I was flying the October FOTM.
Seems that SOMEONE could have asked us to celebrate 100 years of aviation sooner. Was that Alastair's attempt in August with his "Classic Floatplane Tour of the Hawaiian Islands"?
I heard music...coming from the computer...from http://www.plr.org/
My last memory from the Flight Club was in sunny and warm Victoria, British Columbia...it was the 1930's, foggy and I was about....no wait, that was Casablanca in the 1930's and it was SHE getting onto the plane...no, wait! Victoria was her name, maybe...it was early morning, 6:55, and she and I were BOTH leaving Casablanca....well, I tried but no, it WAS Victoria, BC and I was the one leaving, ALONE! (Take note, no strange women in my stories) THE STORY- I fired up the engines of this old classic and ATC directed me out to the end of runway 27 for departure. (pict_02) After the westbound departure and clean-up I turned right, flew back over the airport and headed east. Into the future which rose before me like the rising sun!The Douglas DC-3 or C-47 or Gooney Bird or whichever other version you want to call it is, quite simply, the anchor of any "Classic Plane" list you want me to make. Sure, there were others before but this one has lasted! This aircraft has seen service, both commercial and military, the world over. It has been flown in some of the least hospitable conditions imaginable and has proven itself time and again to be a trustworthy "workhorse". That some of these great planes survive today is a testament not only to groups like MAAM but also to the original design teams and manufacturers. So, the first plane up in this FOTM is the FS Flight Club's venerable DC-3, which I landed in Billings, Montana at 11:40 AM.I don't even remember parking or looking around or anything like that. Suddenly, as though squeezed through a compressive time warp, I found myself dancing on the rudder pedals of a seriously powerful machine. The P-51 was rocketing down the runway! I was fearful of loosing control so I eased back on the stick but kept the plane low (pict_03) . Once cleared of airport property I began my climbing turn back to the east. Was I heading off on some great escort mission over Europe? Certainly I was heading in the right direction, but I wasn't coming upon any water. I had, frankly, little idea where I was going and there was no GPS in 1944!I hesitate to say that the P-51 marked a turning point for the Allied Forces in World War 2...but having a fighter with the speed and range capabilities found in the Mustang proved to be a great benefit for those big, vulnerable bombers as they made their relentless if not precise bombing raids. The Mustang saw service in both theatres of World War II and was even a hold-out into the jet age of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts! The design and airframe survives today in demonstration and racing versions...making the P-51 Mustang my number two choice, a "Classic Fighter."Since I seem to be moving forward in time now, I can only assume that my next plane will be an F-4 Phantom! Anticipation eats away at me as I bring the Mustang in for a fast but (Peter, note this) SMOOTH landing."Flog Shrimp Nine Six Clarence Dunaway Meatloaf."WHAT?"Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, you are cleared for IFR departure on runway 3-2."It was the Tower at Rapid City, South Dakota, clearing my airliner for takeoff. The panel indicates a "three-holer" with plenty of gas. The time was 12:53 but I had no idea of the date. Oh, what a headache I had! Where WAS I going?"Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, confirm last transmission."See what too much flying gets you? "Ummmm, right, errrr, ROGER, uhhhhh, One-Six-Niner-something cleared for takeoff. Thanks. ummmm, have a good flight...I mean day, have a good day. I'LL be flying now, not you, Roger. Ummmm, where are the throttles on this....Sir? What am I flying agin?""Flag Ship One-Niner-Six-Niner, your Boeing 727 is cleared for IMMEDIATE departure from runway 3-2." (pict_04) Third up on my list then is the 727 which entered commercial service in the 1960's sometime. In fact, this is the first commercial plane I ever remember flying on. I was about 5 years old when we took a Springtime trip to Alaska! Some 30 years later this plane was only recently retired from front-line service here in the U.S. Occasionally I'll still get to see these beauties in some private or cargo livery flying overhead.Now back to that dream I was telling you about. So there I was, flying the 727 into some SERIOUS clag! (For those who have read my "Round the World" story from a couple of years ago it may seem that 727s and I kind of follow the bad weather. I'm kind of feeling that way too now! Maybe I should hang this bird up for awhile? (http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/feature/globe.htm )I thought I was never going to break free of the storm...lower and lower I went, fighting all the way down. Better save flight now!Finally, and quite suddenly, I broke free of the clouds and there ahead (sorta) was Dare County Regional Airport. Actually, this was not looking good (pict_05) ! I fight to bring her down but I'm high and outside. Attempt one is no good.Attempt number two looks much better through the clouds....I get her down in one piece! But alas...despite all human efforts I was too fast and splashed off the end of the runway.Attempt number three looks better than number one did. I've decided that landing is not as tough as just getting lined up! Then, I am able to slam the plane down with TWO pictures to confirm my efforts (pict_ 06 and 07 ) Full spoilers, full reverse, full braking, drag my foot and even groan a little and I pull up, still on the pavement. WOW! (For those who want, I've included the WX file for you)From here I was going to just stroll or beam over to KFFA at Kill Devil Hills for the Club's celebration but as I dashed in from the storm I was met by the biggest, hairiest strongest Klingon I've ever seen! (I guess ANY Klingon would meet that criteria huh?) "Come with me." he said, leaving no room for questions. (pict_08) (I know, Worf was from a different series but I always preferred TNG anyway) "Mr. Data, 1903, warp 6. Engage!"Almost before I knew what was happening I found myself strapped to nothing less than a "contraption." Despite the rec's in the readme file, using virtual cockpit on a ZOOM OF 0.40 is THE BEST!! I had read in another review that this aircraft was nearly impossible to fly, so I was ready for the worst, (pict_09) but found that it was MUCH easier to fly than I had feared. So, this lack of reality actually made it kinda fun! (pict_10) I buzzed over my brother....I apparently tried to skydive according to some photos (pict_11) ...and after 12 minutes of flying around I came skidding down to land near (Peter note the theme in my life of not ON...) the runway. (pict_12) I also discovered that you can drag this thing along the ground enough to take off again, so I added it to my hanger! Click here for FS2002 weather file.
DEBRIEFING- "Counselor?""Well, he is a bit shaken, but seems to be telling the truth.""And you say you KNOW this man from Australia, this Peter Stark?""Yes sir.""But you've never MET him have you.""We've only talked, sir.""There are no phone bills on the record.""Captain, according to legends of the time, humans were able to establish voice-only communications over a link on their computers called "The Web", allowing them to talk.""Hmmmm, I see Mr. Data. So now, you want something from us?""Yes Captain. I'd like to go back home. Back to my own time, my own reality and, oh by the way, my own family.""Doctor?""Well, although he has been assimilated by some type of "Club Virus" I see no reason that he CAN'T return...though socially he may be in danger.""Socially?""Yes sir. You see, if he goes back to the real world, his 2003 world, having virtually traveled back 100 years...well, there is the risk that he could say something to someone about the experience and be....""And be what?""He may be considered a little weird, sir.""I see.""Sir? I'd just like to thank Peter for his EFFORTS to bring the past back to life. I'd like to congratulate him for his vision and imagination and I promise to limit my on-line flying to just once a week.""But you WILL still pretend to fly aircraft on your home computer?""Oh, yes sir.""You see Captain, we can't CURE him of that.""Hmmmmm, it does seem a bit odd doesn't it. Well, we certainly can't keep him in September when he needs to get caught up to October so very well then, back he goes.""We'll only have to hope that this Bill Smith fellow makes himself known. Then, in a relative sense, even this "Flounder" will seem quite normal.""Yes. Mr. Worf. Won't you and the good doctor please escort Mr. Flounder to the transporters so we can bring this story to an end?""Gladly sir."
