JR grows wings!

[Rick Martin]

Many of you may know JR Brown here on the forum. JR hangars here in Wauchula with Dave Seace, Greg Spicola, Bart Hutchison and myself.

JR purchased a used Soma a long while back and like most who own Somas, he had very little to go on as far as other stock machines to look at, or any kind of dealer support. As JR and the hangar crew went through his machine to make sure it was airworthy we just found one thing after another and another and ............well many of you know the rest of the story.

JR has been ready to fly for a long time now but has been held up by his machine not being really "right". It was OK, and he, Greg and Dave had flown the pattern in it but many little things left him with a sense of insecurity.

Anyway, yesterday was the breakthrough for JR. We finally got the machine flying really well and boy did he fly that thing.

Of all the people I've seen train here at Wauchula, JR, by far has been the most patient, persistent and methodical. Boy, did we have a blast!

JR doesn't have his radio/helmet combo working correctly yet, so at first ,while he did a few patterns and touch and go's, I just stayed in the area above him directing traffic and announcing his intentions. Then he was ready to get out of the pattern and we just had a blast. We flew all day long (in four 30 minute sessions) and he was great. All his landings and take offs were smooth and controlled. In fact, everything he did was smooth and controlled.

Anyway, for those of you who know JR, I just wanted to pass the word. A long and persistent process has paid off again.

 

[StanFoster]

Hey...JR is lucky to have such a fine group as you...Bart...Dave and Greg. You guys look like you have the most fun flying as any group I have seen. Its always a pleasure to see you guys flying and having fun while I am walking alongside that nice Wauchula runway...


Stan

 

[Steve McGowan]

Great

Great

Glad to hear Ya got goin JR...

It'll be fun to fly with Ya....

Steve

 

[scottessex]

WooHoo! Way to go JR!!! Congrats!!

 

[JRB549]

I can say this, every newbie should be so lucky to have a group of friends that I have. First hanger mates but then mentors, lifeguards, teachers, and finally friends for life.

I find myself indeaded for so much to these guys, with only the responce "dont worrie about it, it's nothing but a thang. just be safe".

Yesterday seemed so far away, I begain to question wheather "GOD" was telling me something, like take up rollerblading or something but time was the only thing I had and it has paid off. The dream of a lifetime.

 

[Timchick]

Congratulations JR. It's been a long time coming but worth it. Can't wait to fly with you at Bensen Days 2008.

 

[barnstorm2]

Congratulations!!!

Just in time for Mentone!!

Get a radio working soon!

 

[Joe Pires]

Way to go JR!!!

 

[Fl90]

Glad you got it worked out JR, sorry I missed it. I've had a LOT of personal issues this weekend. I hope to fly with you soon.

Phil.

 

[Jimmy]

Congratulations JR !

 

[Ron E]

I know that had to be a lot of fun for you. I'm glad you're making it happen now. Good luck with all your future flights in your customized Soma.

 

[JRB549]

Trainning paid off again! Sunday was so hot at Wauchula. Rick and I decided to cool off with a flight before an approching storm was due in, after my left down wind turn I pull back on power for crusie when a nasty vibration in the whole plane caught me by suprise. I knew it wasent going to fall out of the sky, so I turned it back to the runway, landed fine and found one shock mounts for my muffler had broken before takeoff and due to pulling power back was when you could really feel it. So now I'm really flyin with and without problems that I handeled in flight. It's all goooooood flyin GYROS

 

[Resasi]

Sounds as though it's been good for all of you. Getting into the air after the long slog must have been immensely gratifying, and for the group,seeing the new 'chick' getting airborne and doing well. Having instructed I always found my 'first solos' were a high point in the process. Concern then huge happiness for them as they discovered the wonder of flight on their own.
Congratulations.