It's incredible to think that the aeroplane is barely a century old, there are even people still living that remember the very first real flights, and yet, what we have achieved hardly bears thinking about. The Wright brothers first powered flight was less than the length of a Jumbo jet. Now, we are building space stations and making regular flights to maintain them. Flying in a large jet has become so routine that we don't think twice about popping off for a couple of weeks across vast oceans. The latest achievement by Swiss pilot Yves Rossy who has just successfully completed a flight across the English channel with just a pair of wings and four micro jets is remarkable.
This may be the most extreme example, but FLYING IS NOW OPEN TO EVERYONE - sport aviation is a rapidly growing branch of aviation and is bringing the possibility of flying within the means of us all.
One reason for the rapid advancement of the sport is the availability of modern materials which have essential properties of light weight and strength. Early pioneers had to make do with less-than-perfect wood and doped canvas, but now we have carbon fibre, glass fibre, aluminium, polymer cloth all help to build aircraft with the optimum power to weight ratios. Engine advancements also contribute with modern lightweight efficient and reliable units delivering amazing power for their size. Modern electronics also aid us in the safe operation of aircraft with high quality radios and navigation equipment, in particular the now ubiquitous GPS.
Sport aviation is growing in popularity. Paragliders, even motorised that you can take with you in the boot of a small car. Aerobatic aircraft that perform stunts previously thought impossible, like tail slides and safe spins. Microlights, which put the operation of a small aircraft into the hands of the average person and kit built planes allowing the owner, with patience and determination to acquire a possession like no other.
The way many people afford to fly, is by joint ownership. Joining a syndicate and perhaps paying on a per flying hour basis. Having several shares in a plane helps to cover the overall expenses. If you just want to try flying or fly very occasionally, there are many companies offering trial flights, or experience days, from a romantic evening sunset champagne balloon flight to an exhilarating session in an aerobatic ex-warbird.
The very latest offering by a company called Space adventures is literally out-of-this-world with the possibility of taking a trip as a civilian into space. OK, it comes at a premium price, but it has now happened. A civilian, game developer Richard Garriott has just recently paid for a trip to the international space station, at a reported cost of more than $30 million. If you are not yet ready to go into space for financial or other reasons, you can try a zero gravity flight or spaceflight training in a buoyancy tank, or go for a sub orbital flight for a mere $102,000.
Paul Adams
My new site is all about flying experience. Flying has always been my passion. I intend to source the best in modern sport aviation, along with links for experience days, as well as holiday destinations for pilots.
As I am based in the UK, most of it will relate to the UK and Europe, but, in this age of flight, I will include links of interest in the US and elsewhere. (for example the spaceflight). Check out my site now and please let me know if you have any suggestions or requests and it would be great to hear about your flying experiences too.
