I was born in the wrong era !

[fleet16b]

Me in my 1940 Fleet Finch 16R biplane.
We both have minor roles in the upcoming movie " Amelia"

 

[scotrace]

Spectacular!!

 

[Cigarband]

Beautiful aircraft Sir, but I thought the PIC (pilot in command) always sat in the rear cockpit.[huh] All my Stearman pilot friends do.

 

[fleet16b]

Beautiful aircraft Sir, but I thought the PIC (pilot in command) always sat in the rear cockpit.[huh] All my Stearman pilot friends do.

Quite true on most vintage biplanes.
The Fleet biplanes were different in that PIC was in the front cockpit due to a more forward c of g
IMHO a much better and logical arrangement.

thanks for the kind comments

 

[Down2BDapper]

Very nice my friend. I can't wait to see that movie BTW.

 

[kampkatz]

Your fleet, as a rare bird, surely is hangar kept? Any full photos, perhaps in flight?

 

[Small Town Girl]

What great pictures!

 

[fleet16b]

Your fleet, as a rare bird, surely is hangar kept? Any full photos, perhaps in flight?

On the web, type in my airplane registration C-FDAF and you should find some pics of my yellow 1940 Fleet Finch 16r ( #4494 on sides)
Also on youtube type in "bipes" . A short film of me flying formation ,filmed from my friends red white and blue DeHavilland Tigermoth

Enjoy

Cam

 

[Cigarband]

If you ever feel like coming down to Lost Nation Airport in Willoughby Hills Ohio on a summer weekend and selling rides, let me know and we'll make you welcome. Check your Sectional, we're just a couple miles south of the North Coast of Ohio.

 

[Mahagonny Bill]

Fantastic! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Do you have a link where some of the full flight pics are? I did a GIS for C-FDAF and came up with some strange results

 

[fleet16b]

Fantastic! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Do you have a link where some of the full flight pics are? I did a GIS for C-FDAF and came up with some strange results

Just type in C-FDAF on google and you will see pics of my airplane or go to youtube and type in " bipes" to see film of me flying formation with a Tigermoth

 

[Kitty_Sheridan]

Lovely photos! Really nice.

I'm so worried about this film....I hope that they do her justice.

 

[Spitfire]

Soooooo nice!
The Sky is not the limit. The Ground is!

 

[Unlucky Berman]

Amazing bird and pics. :eusa_clap
Something I really would like to do is flying in one, even on the seat for the passenger (would be the better thing, 'cause I can fly as good as Dr. Jones Jr. in Temple of Doom ). Until that old PC games will have to do it, which are in their own a kind of vintage thing.

 

[fleet16b]

Here are a few pics a friend of my wife took for us.
Tried to look period in some

 

[kampkatz]

Thanks for the photos. You must feel like you're in paradise when you are flying your fleet. It brings out the envy in many of us single engine types.

 

[fleet16b]

Thanks for the photos. You must feel like you're in paradise when you are flying your fleet. It brings out the envy in many of us single engine types.

kampkatz

From as early as I remember, I wanted a Fleet Finch biplane. Have had that goal from about 5 years old.
My Dad flew them as an instructor in the RCAF during WW2. So I heard all his stories as I was growing up.
My Dad (90yr old) gets a big kick out of his kid, 69 years later flying the same aircraft as he did.
When I bought it and brought it back to Canada from the US, I cleared customs at his old Air Base.
Flying the same type he flew years ago to the same airport ...it was a magical moment to say the least. also I personal milestone for me.
Paradise ? ....yes.... Privilaged to have the opportunity ....most definitely
I think about on EVERY flight just hoew lucky I am to be able to do this.

Fleet16b

 

[Spitfire]

Great shots there, Cam - now you got to get that Irvin!!!!
By the way - like you flyingsuit under the jacket too - which is it?

 

[fleet16b]

Great shots there, Cam - now you got to get that Irvin!!!!
By the way - like you flyingsuit under the jacket too - which is it?

Soren

Thanks for the comments.
I just can't wait for my Irvin to arrive...weather is getting colder and by next month it will be perfect Irvin weather.
My flight suit in the pics is a modern USAF example, light weight for the warm months.( and fireproof)
However as it gets colder, I don an original 1936 pattern Sidcot Suit from my collection.
In my collection, I have two beige ones and one royal blue example.
The sidcots are fantastic and were very well designed for their purpose.
I still need a set of repro RAF gloves but the ones on Ebay are over $200 here for the straight zip type.
One the ELC B of B Irvin arrives, I plan on putting on all my flying kit and taking a few snaps for posting on the forum.

Cam

 

[Spitfire]

RAF straight zipper gloves, look here:

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/...?page=displayproduct&subcatid=148&prodid=1206

I've got a pair and they are very nice.
They are not lined - but if you buy them big enough, you can always wear a pair of silk/wool ones underneath.
I even belive that's how they were use back in 1940.