Roosters and checkered shoes: Reasons we sometimes don’t fly
Jennifer Lea Reynolds
jensunshine3@gmail.com
Let’s face it, we often head to the flying field, and despite the fact that we have fully charged LiPo batteries and newly covered airplanes, we do anything but fly. No, it’s not because of an unexpected torrential downpour, but rather a case of what I call the “Hey-would-ya-look-at-thats.”
Hey-would-ya-look-at-thats are moments that take us away from our flying intentions, no matter how set we initially were on getting in some low passes and stall turns. Some would say that it’s the same thing as an excuse, which it sort of is, except in this case, we have truly legitimate reasons not to fly that transcend sudden bursts of fatigue or choosing club doughnuts over stall turns.
Regardless of how late we stayed up getting our gear together, or how loaded with aircraft our cars are, there are times when we get to the field and hey-would-ya-look-at-that. We don’t fly, and for good reason. Here’s a look at some instances that often seem to stop even the most determined pilots.
Strange Animals
A few months ago at my local flying club in New Hampshire, flights abruptly ceased upon the discovery of roosters meandering around our cars and airplanes. The thought of them poking at a wing or at our ankles while attempting a deadstick landing (knowing full well they were likely more scared of us and that such a thing probably wouldn’t happen anyway), was enough to keep us behind the safety fencing.
We were content to observe and discuss their appearance as if we’d suddenly become astute local biologists. Where did they come from? How come we never saw them before? Wait, are they roosters or chickens? Can someone Google this? Can someone pass the doughnuts while we discuss it? Roosters … what’s the world coming to and why must they impede our ability to fly?
What do we have here? It’s a bird, it’s a plane ... it’s a bit of both, and we’re distracted from flying.
Besides, there are serious rooster discussions unfolding, so enough said.
He Hasn’t Been Around
A few months ago, a car pulled up carrying a passenger who had been hospitalized and not seen at my field for quite some time. Hey-would-ya-look-at-that! It’s longtime member Bill Copp!
All flying immediately ceased. Conversations about windsocks and roosters meant nothing anymore. It was great to see Bill step out of his vehicle and sit with us at the picnic table, where we discussed his health progress, told him about the roosters, and extended well wishes his way.
Such hey-would-ya-look-at-that moments are a good thing. Seeing someone after a long absence is always exciting.
Sneakers That Mesmerize
Sometimes the things taking us away from flying are so silly and obscure, it borders on pure nonsense. Consider these comfortable-looking, checkered numbers from a club member who will remain anonymous. Standing out among traditional white sneakers and tan loafers, they were deemed “wild” by others who poked gentle fun at them.
Did they somehow unfold so one could play a spontaneous game of checkers? If you stared at it long enough, would the squares morph together and form some image of the Queen of England or Barry Manilow or something?
Ah, all in good fun. It’s great to indulge in some innocent hey-would-ya-look-at-that giggles every so often.
Similar to hey-would-ya-look-at-thats are hey-did-ya-hear-about situations.
Out of Control Windsock
A classic given reason to not fly often begins with a long stare at the windsock’s persistent outward angle, lips pursed in frustration over the fact that it’s been that way for the past 20 minutes. Hey-would-ya-look-at-that ... the windsock’s been crazy since I got here. Translation: it’s too windy to fly.
There is no question. Nothing comes out of the car and if we did have an airplane set up, it’s quickly disassembled. We’re simply not going to risk a battered airplane (or worse) just to satisfy our urge to fly. Oh well ...
Hey-would-ya-look-at-that, though. At least someone brought some doughnuts to the field. Swapping the rush of flight for a sugar rush is often the only appropriate thing to do when it’s too windy to fly.
In these cases, not flying is all about exchanging news.
We talk about members who purchased new airplanes or those who ventured to the “dark side,” becoming involved more with RC cars than helicopters. Sometimes there is talk of health setbacks such as hey-did-ya-hear-about George’s surgery, or about love life developments.
Your Columnist Got Married!
Speaking of the latter, I’m happy to announce my own news. Hey-did-ya-hear-about how Jen got married in July? Yes indeed, I’m married to my good friend and a fellow flier, hence the different author name and email address for my column.
Sure, we don’t always take to the skies, although we stuff our cars to the gills and practically dream about it all night. But at least we were out there and had every intention to fly. Sometimes, that ends up being just what we needed anyway.
