000D16 | 00383F | 383C2D | 4678A9 | 5A615A | A3A468 | BBBECD | E9E7EA |
On our approach to land at Dunkerswell airfield in Devon, we had flown down from a grass airstrip in Somerset to refuel.
I had become friendly with a former RAF pilot who owned this historic Auster. It was built in the lat 1930's and saw service during the 2nd World War. Mike the owner and his partner had brought this wonderful old aircraft, after retiring from British Airways where he flew after leaving the RAF, and restored it to its current airworthy condition. I was only visiting to look at the Auster and a few other aircraft kept at the airfield but as it needed fuel Mike asked me if I would like to accompany him, and I jumped at the opportunity. This was doubly a pleasure as not only had I never had the experience of flying in a light aircraft, but also it was multiplied with the fact that my dear departed Father had flown in an Auster while he was in the RAF during the 2nd World War. Even more amazing during the flight back to Somerset Mike gave me the opportunity to fly the aircraft for a while, something I was absolutely blown away by.
I have a few more shots taken that day to come but thought this would fit well with the prompt, Elevated
SPOTLIGHT IMAGES AT:
http://dougp.aminus3.com/featured/
Please excuse me if I don't get to comment people's images some days but I've had to return to a work life rather than become a pensioner as I had planned due cost of living and the tax man wanting a lump of my pension. I am making an effort to return to AM3 after a bit of an absence, it's really nice to see photo's from all contributors and I will try to comment when I can. If I offer criticism I do so only to help and I do not wish to cause offence. My photography tends to be from my travels, as well as my passion which is wildlife and landscape. I hope you enjoy what you see.
Thanks for your comments I'm really grateful for them and welcome constructive feedback.
@Jypyä Pop: It's a bit misleading unfortunately, we do have a few forests but this is a very rural area
@Marjolein: Thank you. It was a fantastic day and experience in an incredible aircraft
@Jason Kravitz: The main framework of the aircraft is steel tube but a cloth is laid over it and soaked in dope which tightens it up. It was a real thrill to know I was flying in an aircraft that he could have flown in Jason.
@Brian: Thanks Brian, it was amazing and quite emotional too.
@Harry: Thanks Harry, it is a closed cockpit but the pilot allowed me to take the window down to get some shots, a bit chilly though.
@Elaine Hancock: Thanks Elaine, it was something I could never have dreamed of, but so special.
@Joyce: Thank you Joyce I liked having the wing in the shot, Devon has some wonderful hills and is a pretty county