Flying an aircraft is a privilege. Owning and flying one's own airplane is privilege at another level and in that sense the Bazflyers are especially privileged.
Even after 46 years of flying aircraft the physics of controlled flight still never ceases to amaze. Then, as if this is not enough, there is that mixed emotion of freedom and responsibility as the takeoff surface falls behind and the machine is freed to do what it's designer envisaged.
Aircraft come in all shapes and sizes. Some are are designed to operate using just the minimum of takeoff and landing surface. Other designs can be thrown around in the sky to perform seemingly impossible aerobatic manoeuvres. Our special privilege is a single engine Piper Comanche affectionally referred to by its unique registration of BAZ.
The Comanche airplane was originally designed in the late '50's with aerodynamics optimised for speed and long distance travel, features which makes it a perfect aircraft for the Bazflyers. Presently, BAZ and its Bazflyer crew are once again staying on Norfolk Island while transiting the Tasman Sea to Australia. This is our ninth arrival in BAZ on Norfolk Island so it could be an understatement to say we are known to the airport staff.
Tomorrow, weather permitting, we will again take responsibility for our special privilege and fly BAZ over 970 kms of ocean for a few days stopover on Lord Howe Island. We expect this flight to take a little more than 3 hours. No spectacular mountain scenery or places to visit along the way, however, an ever changing vista of sky and cloud formations are always a feast for the eyes.
The view from 9000 feet
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