What do you guys think? When you're talking about your airplane is it him, her, or it?
HE, definitely! But I'm quite sure I will be quite alone :) :) (and it's not solely because in Italian we do not have any neutral and it is a masculine word!!!!!) PS. looks like it could be interesting to understand the relationship to the plane, uh?!?!?
BTW, does anybody give him/her/it any nickname and/or talks to him/her/it?
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on June 20, 2006, 07:51:42 PM
in German a helicopter is a "he" (der Hubschrauber) and a plane is an "it" (das Flugzeug)
...so I usually stick with that out of habit. I am not sure what's right. But you can imagine if somebody calls his aircraft a "she", it kind of messes me up. It just doesn't sound right to me... call me strange....
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Gulfstream Driver on June 21, 2006, 10:12:09 PM
You're strange.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Plthijnx on June 21, 2006, 11:29:30 PM
ok look here. it's very simple. all aircraft are she's and here's why. if you don't treat them with respect, they'll crap on you. if you don't treat them nicely, they'll biatch at you. if you caress them and love them, they love you back. and GOD HELP YOU if you cross them near "that time of the year"!! (inspection time!)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on June 21, 2006, 11:57:03 PM
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Frank N. O. on June 22, 2006, 01:05:39 AM
In german the word for woman (Frau) is a female word but girl (Mädchen) is an "it" Näutrum I think it was called if I remember my german classes proporly. Interesting isn't it? :D In danish we just have two genders, although I think actually it's just him and it but I'm not sure. The word for mand and woman (mand & kvinde) are both he, as is the word for car (bil) but that changes again. Flying machine (flyvemaskine) is a he but all types are an it, (air)plane (fly), helicopter (helikopter), glider (svævefly) etc.
I don't have a plane but I'd say I call vehicles an it mostly, but I know that many vehicles usually have a kind of mechanical soul, the feel of operating them is more than the sum of their parts but I do know it's not a living being in that sense. I don't mind a nice nickname though, and I'd probably pick a female name since I do so love females. Celeste is a nice choice I think, I also that in mind for one of my own car-designs, it just sounds so elegant.
Frank
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on June 22, 2006, 04:35:39 PM
ok look here. it's very simple. all aircraft are she's and here's why. if you don't treat them with respect, they'll crap on you. if you don't treat them nicely, they'll biatch at you. if you caress them and love them, they love you back. and GOD HELP YOU if you cross them near "that time of the year"!! (inspection time!)
hmmm....
good point you made there my friend. I never looked at it like that. Makes sense.... |:)\
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on June 22, 2006, 09:28:23 PM
8) I've hugged'em, I've stroked"em, I've fondled'em, I've dreamed of'em, I've told lies about'em, I've told lies to'em, I've paid money for their time, I've even paid money just to see them, and I've sweated for them as well as been in a sweat for them...........I became verrry interested in them during my teens, Look under my bed and you'll find magazines about them.............I've found they are responsive to hours of tender loving care, I'm finding out that with appropriate maintenance, they stay beautiful and functional for a lifetime, I'm also finding that if you give them expensive accessories, they'll reward you with a higher level of functionality ::).......................
??? Quiz time; (answers and explanations below)
What was I thinking about?
(A) Females
(B) Airplanes
(C) Airplanes and Females
(D) Males
If you answered (A), go take a cold shower, then go to the nearest airport for a visit. :-\
If you answered (B), slap yourself while mumbling "thanks, I needed that", tell your instructor you've gotta go see someone of the opposite sex for a reality check, then go have a drink. :(
If you answered (C), don't do anything other than bask in everyone's admiration for agreeing with me. :-*
If you answered (D) and you're NOT female, go see 'Brokeback Mountain' or whatever then come on back to the airport---I don't really care what you do on your own time--just how safe you fly! |:)\
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on June 22, 2006, 10:27:12 PM
nice! I'd like to second that |:)\ |:)\ |:)\
You know what would be really cool?
A magazine with planes AND "chicks" who are holding guns... ;D ;D Let's combine all three passions previously discussed in this forum! ;)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on June 23, 2006, 01:50:52 AM
A magazine with planes AND "chicks" who are holding guns... ;D ;D Let's combine all three passions previously discussed in this forum! ;)
OH MY GAWD-------------LOLROFFLMASO----------(insert smiley gagging on drink running from nose)--------MIKE, your win this month's prize!!!
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: FlyingBlind on June 24, 2006, 01:23:24 PM
I call my parachute - Linda :) :-*
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: leiafee on June 30, 2006, 08:39:43 PM
I recently bought into a shared aircraft, and the point at which I knew I was sold was when I cauht myself starting o use 'her' instead of 'it.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: denny on July 05, 2006, 05:34:53 PM
Well, I am owned by an alpha male airplane, Fat Albert the Apache... And if I were to refer to his rotundness in the female gender he would likely foul a plug, swallow a valve, or something expensive...
denny and Fat Albert
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: madpilot44 on July 08, 2006, 12:33:49 AM
8) I've hugged'em, I've stroked"em, I've fondled'em, I've dreamed of'em, I've told lies about'em, I've told lies to'em, I've paid money for their time, I've even paid money just to see them, and I've sweated for them as well as been in a sweat for them...........I became verrry interested in them during my teens, Look under my bed and you'll find magazines about them.............I've found they are responsive to hours of tender loving care, I'm finding out that with appropriate maintenance, they stay beautiful and functional for a lifetime, I'm also finding that if you give them expensive accessories, they'll reward you with a higher level of functionality ::).......................
??? Quiz time; (answers and explanations below)
What was I thinking about?
(A) Females
(B) Airplanes
(C) Airplanes and Females
(D) Males
If you answered (A), go take a cold shower, then go to the nearest airport for a visit. :-\
If you answered (B), slap yourself while mumbling "thanks, I needed that", tell your instructor you've gotta go see someone of the opposite sex for a reality check, then go have a drink. :(
If you answered (C), don't do anything other than bask in everyone's admiration for agreeing with me. :-*
If you answered (D) and you're NOT female, go see 'Brokeback Mountain' or whatever then come on back to the airport---I don't really care what you do on your own time--just how safe you fly! |:)\
ROFL!!
Oh... you sure had me there for a while jaja. great one, and I agree with you |:)\
in spanish we don't have a neutral prefix, so GA aircraft have a female gender (la avioneta), and jets and bigger planes have a male gender (el avion). helicopters get a male preffix too (el helicoptero)... it depends how you name it... or is it her? ;D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on August 08, 2006, 09:06:23 PM
Tundra toy is definitly female. I even refer to her as my mistress. After all she takes all my money and free time, and gets very upset if I spend time with other toys. For example, I bought a snowmachine (snowmobile to you lower 48'ers) last year, and ended up selling it right away to pay for a $7,000 annual! 8)
Phil
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on August 08, 2006, 11:35:25 PM
Tundra toy is definitly female. I even refer to her as my mistress. After all she takes all my money and free time, and gets very upset if I spend time with other toys. For example, I bought a snowmachine (snowmobile to you lower 48'ers) last year, and ended up selling it right away to pay for a $7,000 annual! 8)
A $7,000 annual ??? :o :o for a Cessna 150 ???? Pfoah!!! Damn!!
That's it! I was going to buy a plane but now I am thinking . . . . . . boat! :)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on August 09, 2006, 01:18:26 AM
Yeah, she had terminal cancer (corrosion) in the right wing. Needed to have the entire wing rebuilt and the spar splice reinforcements replaced. A previous owner had already done major surgery on the left wing. Might have just dumped her for a younger model, but I'd already had her engine overhauled a couple years previous. She's definitly been a high maintenance bird, but what can I say...must be love. ::)
Phil
P.S. Don't tell her I've got a set of Bearhawk Patrol plans at home, she'd likely suck a valve if she knew! ;)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on August 09, 2006, 01:43:37 AM
Quote
A $7,000 annual ??? :o :o for a Cessna 150 ???? Pfoah!!! Damn!!
That's it! I was going to buy a plane but now I am thinking . . . . . . boat! :)
Quote
I've learned the hard way that both are holes in liquid (one air the other water) into which you shovel money! :'(
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on August 09, 2006, 05:02:14 AM
hmmm....
still thinking boat... ..always wanted one and I need to get away from aviation every now and then...need some balance. Plus I think I can maintain a boat for $7,000 a year or below...
@Jim: Isn't Mike Smith pretty happy with his boat?
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on August 09, 2006, 06:14:59 AM
Quote from: Mike link=topic=275.msg6145#msg6145 date=115509973
@Jim: Isn't Mike Smith pretty happy with his boat? [quote
Yes, as far as I know.................
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on August 09, 2006, 06:24:34 AM
Just got back from Salmon fishing in Seward, a friend of mine has a 40ft all wood converted commercial fishing boat there. There's a brass placard in the wheelhouse that reads "A boat is just a hole in the water lined with wood that you throw money into."
I told him a plane is just a hole in the sky that sucks up money! LOL Seriously though, I think how many 2 seat boats with a 500lb weight limit I could buy for what I've spent on my C150. Makes me want to cry. :P
And back to the original topic, boats are all definitly female.
Phil
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Bustnthru on August 10, 2006, 01:48:58 PM
female got to be, never seen the twinstar's cruves on a man.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mic on August 10, 2006, 05:27:44 PM
Well in french, it's he/it (no big difference in french language), so it's still difficult for me to use "she" in english as it must be isn't ?
But even if we say "he", we take care of it like a pretty woman !
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on August 10, 2006, 06:47:26 PM
But even if we say "he", we take care of it like a pretty woman !
MAINTAINENCE IS EVERYTHING with women as well as aircraft! |:)\ Doesn't matter if it's diamonds, anti-wrinkle face cream, radios, or motor oil-------buy the best you can afford and you will be rewarded with smooth performance, am I not right? 8)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on August 10, 2006, 07:04:09 PM
A magazine with planes AND "chicks" who are holding guns... ;D ;D Let's combine all three passions previously discussed in this forum! ;)
MIKE, where's that magazine you promised with a female pilot flying in formation with her Uzi on the glareshield---we are waiting >:(
Still working on it! ;D
BTW: are guns female too?? They have a lot of the same traits and also need lot of attention and TLC or they won't do what you want . . .
So, how about a blonde sitting on the wing of a, shall we say, SR-71 holding an AR-15? (with a Twin Star in the background since Bustnthru thinks they are curvy....)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on August 11, 2006, 12:54:45 AM
female got to be, never seen the twinstar's cruves on a man.
flies like a fat lady though .... :D :D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on August 11, 2006, 08:46:10 AM
OH NO, guns are male---it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason :-\ :o On second thought, my wife gave it to me, hmmmmmmmm................
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on August 13, 2006, 05:40:49 AM
Quote
it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason
I sure hope that's not true, I carry a Marlin 45-70 guide gun! :o
Phil
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: happylanding on August 13, 2006, 09:52:27 AM
OH NO, guns are male---it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason :-\ :o On second thought, my wife gave it to me, hmmmmmmmm................
HEHEHE! looks like a Freudian interpretation of firearms! :D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Plthijnx on August 26, 2006, 07:54:25 PM
OH NO, guns are male---it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason :-\ :o On second thought, my wife gave it to me, hmmmmmmmm................
HEHEHE! looks like a Freudian interpretation of firearms! :D
right! i used to own two colt pythons but i sold them because my g/f said i didn't need them! (she likes me being automatic!) ::)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Have Blue on September 05, 2006, 03:46:51 PM
Remington 1100 when I get the chance. :-X
Anyways, airplanes are "Birds," gender shmender.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: cj5_pilot on September 07, 2006, 02:17:20 AM
it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason
I sure hope that's not true, I carry a Marlin 45-70 guide gun! :o
Phil
You bought that just so you could pretend it was my .458 Lott :) (Don't get tundra and me started on firearms....we'll go on for hours...mention hunting and we REALLY will go on for hours....did I mention I just got back from a successful moose hunt?) Anyhow, we won't go in to how many large bore firearms I own...some guys gotta have the biggest motor, biggest plane, biggest 4-wheeler, fastest snowmachine, I go for really big guns :P
OK, Back on topic:
Airplanes and honestly all vehicles are female. Many a time I've patted a dash board or panel and said "Easy sweetheart, good girl". Remember if it's got t1ts or tires it's gonna give you trouble! (Strangley enough one of my sisters says "If it's got testicles or tires, it's gonna give you trouble"....hmm...go figure :P)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 07, 2006, 04:01:24 AM
it's been said that guys with big guns suffer from a lack of confidence in thier masculinity. I have a Colt Anaconda 44 magnum myself, hopefully not for the aforementioned reason
I sure hope that's not true, I carry a Marlin 45-70 guide gun! :o
Phil
You bought that just so you could pretend it was my .458 Lott :) (Don't get tundra and me started on firearms....we'll go on for hours...mention hunting and we REALLY will go on for hours....did I mention I just got back from a successful moose hunt?) Anyhow, we won't go in to how many large bore firearms I own...some guys gotta have the biggest motor, biggest plane, biggest 4-wheeler, fastest snowmachine, I go for really big guns :P
OK, Back on topic:
Airplanes and honestly all vehicles are female. Many a time I've patted a dash board or panel and said "Easy sweetheart, good girl". Remember if it's got t1ts or tires it's gonna give you trouble! (Strangley enough one of my sisters says "If it's got testicles or tires, it's gonna give you trouble"....hmm...go figure :P)
HAHAAA--Testicles or tires!!! ;D But it reminds me of when I got to Alaska in 91 and felt I was prepared with my 44 and a bunch of maximum handloads with ball ammo--- I was told in short order that if I saw a threatening bear I should shoot once in the air to scare it off then shoot 4 rounds at it in hopes of getting a lucky shot, but be sure to save the last round for myself because by the time it got to me, it was really gonna be pissed and it was gonna hurt me a lot if I wasn't already dead! :o
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Baradium on September 07, 2006, 05:24:16 AM
But it reminds me of when I got to Alaska in 91 and felt I was prepared with my 44 and a bunch of maximum handloads with ball ammo--- I was told in short order that if I saw a threatening bear I should shoot once in the air to scare it off then shoot 4 rounds at it in hopes of getting a lucky shot, but be sure to save the last round for myself because by the time it got to me, it was really gonna be pissed and it was gonna hurt me a lot if I wasn't already dead! :o
I have a .44 with bear rounds, but I don't feel as prepared as I'd like. I just feel better than not having anything. ;)
I can only keep 5 rounds in the old model Blackhawk though for safety. So I don't have that last round to save. ;)
I'm planning on getting a new model at some point. I think the Alaska Pilot model lever action looks pretty darn cool too. Break down lever action that can be reassembled easily and shoots either 45-70 or .457 (like a magnum 45-70) or is chambered so it shoots Alaskan .50?
Bet it has some kick though...
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: happylanding on September 07, 2006, 06:56:24 AM
I was told in short order that if I saw a threatening bear I should shoot once in the air to scare it off then shoot 4 rounds at it in hopes of getting a lucky shot, but be sure to save the last round for myself because by the time it got to me, it was really gonna be pissed and it was gonna hurt me a lot if I wasn't already dead! :o
Hehe! Have you ever asked yourself why on hell it makes ages that wrapped animals of bears are sold, when bear is no sweet animal? :) Wonder if anybody ever saw a wrapped animal of a piranha......
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 07, 2006, 10:12:40 AM
I was told in short order that if I saw a threatening bear I should shoot once in the air to scare it off then shoot 4 rounds at it in hopes of getting a lucky shot, but be sure to save the last round for myself because by the time it got to me, it was really gonna be pissed and it was gonna hurt me a lot if I wasn't already dead! :o
Hehe! Have you ever asked yourself why on hell it makes ages that wrapped animals of bears are sold, when bear is no sweet animal? :) Wonder if anybody ever saw a wrapped animal of a piranha......
Never saw a stuffed piranha but my ex wife resembled one <big grin> ;D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: happylanding on September 07, 2006, 11:07:05 AM
That's the Merlin that the P-51 racer "Voodoo" puked up in '99. She raced with one of Strega's spare engines.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: BrianGMFS on September 14, 2006, 03:04:05 AM
I gotta get a picture of one of the planes based at KBTV where I work. Shirley has a beautifully restored Champ that has, shall we say.... a unique paint job. It's red and white with hearts all over it. And even the hearts are made of hearts.. the upholstery has hearts... there are teddy bears behind the seat.... we call it the Flying Valentine. Shirley's Significant other, Hobie is my company's director of safety and he will not fly it..... he'll ride in the back seat but that's it. Hobie flies more "Manly" planes like our King Airs of Citations... Hobie's a retired 747 captain so the Champ is definitely Shirley's plane.
Brian
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 24, 2006, 11:01:04 PM
Hmmmm.... male or female???
I can't believe this is even a question.
Of course, she is female! She is reliable, strong, dependable, and uncomplaining. She's happiest in the mountains, where others pale. She is my trusty steed, protecting me from the frightening ice, the severe storms, the turblulence and down air. She never flinches, or hesitates to go into the smoke.
I've talked to her, hugged her, patted her, and kissed her on the nose. She has always brought me home.
Of course, she's a woman. No question. No doubt.
Case closed.
8)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 25, 2006, 01:43:44 AM
RIGHT ON SOCCER MOM |:)\ |:)\ |:)\ WHERE were you when I needed moral support----no matter, you're here now!!!!! |:)\
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on September 27, 2006, 12:23:15 AM
Of course, she is female! She is reliable, strong, dependable, and uncomplaining. She's happiest in the mountains, where others pale. She is my trusty steed, protecting me from the frightening ice, the severe storms, the turblulence and down air. She never flinches, or hesitates to go into the smoke.
I've talked to her, hugged her, patted her, and kissed her on the nose. She has always brought me home.
Of course, she's a woman. No question. No doubt.
Case closed.
8)
Since you brought it up, SoccerMom...
I love my Panaca Jane but I would like to point out some very "UN-FEMALE CHARACTERISTICS" of her:
When you had your girl parked next to Jane I was totally checking her out! ....no peep from Jane.
Then I walked over AND TOUCHED your plane! ....Jane didn't mind.
I also talked about flying other ships in front of her and she was ok with it. Still always there for me, always dependable.
And remember when it rained in WMC? I went inside and let her out in the rain, not paying attention to her for three days. And when I came back, she still was the same old dependable Panaca Jane taking care of me.
I have even looked at magazines with other helicopters in them (some even stripped down for maintenance!!!) right in front of her..... she was ok with it. Performed as always....
AND she has never wanted to talk about her feelings since I've known her !!
;)
So? male or female? ;D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: switchtech on September 27, 2006, 12:57:03 AM
I love my Panaca Jane but I would like to point out some very "UN-FEMALE CHARACTERISTICS" of her:
When you had your girl parked next to Jane I was totally checking her out! ....no peep from Jane.
<Shorter Version>
So? male or female? ;D
Ah, you've just described a mother. Though that bit with the magazine and pictures.... I thought you just read that for the articles!
jbs
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 27, 2006, 03:10:55 AM
ZOUNDS AND GADZOOKS-----I just realized who Soccer mom is---I think! Were you the bag lady sleeping on the floor, wrapped in a parachute across from my desk at WMC last year? If so, good to see ya in the coop! Still dropping lawn darts on fires???
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Turbomallard on September 27, 2006, 12:33:31 PM
ZOUNDS AND GADZOOKS-----I just realized who Soccer mom is---I think! Were you the bag lady sleeping on the floor, wrapped in a parachute across from my desk at WMC last year? If so, good to see ya in the coop! Still dropping lawn darts on fires???
Dude... no matter who that was, you MUST tell us the story about that!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o
TM
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 27, 2006, 03:02:57 PM
ZOUNDS AND GADZOOKS-----I just realized who Soccer mom is---I think! Were you the bag lady sleeping on the floor, wrapped in a parachute across from my desk at WMC last year? If so, good to see ya in the coop! Still dropping lawn darts on fires???
Dude... no matter who that was, you MUST tell us the story about that!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o
TM
I'll wait for her response duck, she's a good sport and might enjoy explaining that! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 27, 2006, 08:12:43 PM
Uh, oh... am I in trouble here? Man. It's only been a couple of days, and already I need an alias! Some things never change, I guess!!
First off, Mikey, you never know what The Minivan and Panaca Jane discuss once we leave at dusk, and they have the ramp to themselves. Maybe Jane is just trying you out... to see how far you'll go with another airplane. Hmmmm. It does sound pretty un-female, though. I'm going to have to think on this one. Maybe there's another dimension here.....
As for me being the bag lady, well, I just got called that yesterday as I walked across the ramp in Boise. The parking guys had taken a vote, and all agreed that, indeed, I looked just like a bag lady. Wow! That sure makes a girl's day, I can tell you!! Almost as much fun as being mistaken for the janitor (Ely '06), OR a student pilot (North Las Vegas '06), or the SEAT clerk (Winnemucca '06). Gawwwd!! And people wonder why I keep upping my medication every season.
So... yeah, it's the Bag Lady / Soccer Mom / giant nylon pilot chrysalis. Yup!! Good to hear from you!
And, by the way, I took the loyal, true, trusty White Minivan back to her stable yesterday. Always a bittersweet flight... the last one of the fire season. She's back in the caring hands of all the great mechanics we have, soon to be doing some other job, full of PhDs and researchers, instead of smokejumpers. I gave her a big hug on the nose and a kiss goodbye and then had to run quick before the mechancs called 9-1-1 for the funny farm wagon to come fetch me.
Okay.. back to reality here. I'm in the SLC terminal headed home, and I can tell you, this airline stuff isn't what it used to be. I never knew lip balm could be viewed as a lethal weapon. Crazy!!
P.S. Do you know what DELTA really stands for? "Deliver Everybody's Luggage to Atlanta".................
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Baradium on September 27, 2006, 08:27:47 PM
Uh, oh... am I in trouble here? Man. It's only been a couple of days, and already I need an alias! Some things never change, I guess!!
First off, Mikey, you never know what The Minivan and Panaca Jane discuss once we leave at dusk, and they have the ramp to themselves. Maybe Jane is just trying you out... to see how far you'll go with another airplane. Hmmmm. It does sound pretty un-female, though. I'm going to have to think on this one. Maybe there's another dimension here.....
As for me being the bag lady, well, I just got called that yesterday as I walked across the ramp in Boise. The parking guys had taken a vote, and all agreed that, indeed, I looked just like a bag lady. Wow! That sure makes a girl's day, I can tell you!! Almost as much fun as being mistaken for the janitor (Ely '06), OR a student pilot (North Las Vegas '06), or the SEAT clerk (Winnemucca '06). Gawwwd!! And people wonder why I keep upping my medication every season.
So... yeah, it's the Bag Lady / Soccer Mom / giant nylon pilot chrysalis. Yup!! Good to hear from you!
And, by the way, I took the loyal, true, trusty White Minivan back to her stable yesterday. Always a bittersweet flight... the last one of the fire season. She's back in the caring hands of all the great mechanics we have, soon to be doing some other job, full of PhDs and researchers, instead of smokejumpers. I gave her a big hug on the nose and a kiss goodbye and then had to run quick before the mechancs called 9-1-1 for the funny farm wagon to come fetch me.
Ironic since they are all over the news about this fire in California now. ;)
I always thought it'd be a cool job to fly smoke jumpers or fire bombers, but how do you get previous experience doing that?
Quote
Okay.. back to reality here. I'm in the SLC terminal headed home, and I can tell you, this airline stuff isn't what it used to be. I never knew lip balm could be viewed as a lethal weapon. Crazy!!
That's the reason I decided that from now on I'm going in uniform when I jumpseat... it's worth the constant "where do we get our bags?" and "is there food on my flight?" questions. ;)
Quote
P.S. Do you know what DELTA really stands for? "Deliver Everybody's Luggage to Atlanta".................
HAHAHA!
There used to be a joke in the old days: "You may go to heaven or you may go to hell, but you'll have to change planes in Atlanta."
Really though, I do think Delta has really good service. Even if you do have to go from Dallas to Seattle through Atlanta... ;)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: fireflyr on September 27, 2006, 11:43:45 PM
Uh, oh... am I in trouble here? Man. It's only been a couple of days, and already I need an alias! Some things never change, I guess!!
First off, Mikey, you never know what The Minivan and Panaca Jane discuss once we leave at dusk, and they have the ramp to themselves. Maybe Jane is just trying you out... to see how far you'll go with another airplane. Hmmmm. It does sound pretty un-female, though. I'm going to have to think on this one. Maybe there's another dimension here.....
As for me being the bag lady, well, I just got called that yesterday as I walked across the ramp in Boise. The parking guys had taken a vote, and all agreed that, indeed, I looked just like a bag lady. Wow! That sure makes a girl's day, I can tell you!! Almost as much fun as being mistaken for the janitor (Ely '06), OR a student pilot (North Las Vegas '06), or the SEAT clerk (Winnemucca '06). Gawwwd!! And people wonder why I keep upping my medication every season.
So... yeah, it's the Bag Lady / Soccer Mom / giant nylon pilot chrysalis. Yup!! Good to hear from you!
And, by the way, I took the loyal, true, trusty White Minivan back to her stable yesterday. Always a bittersweet flight... the last one of the fire season. She's back in the caring hands of all the great mechanics we have, soon to be doing some other job, full of PhDs and researchers, instead of smokejumpers. I gave her a big hug on the nose and a kiss goodbye and then had to run quick before the mechancs called 9-1-1 for the funny farm wagon to come fetch me.
Okay.. back to reality here. I'm in the SLC terminal headed home, and I can tell you, this airline stuff isn't what it used to be. I never knew lip balm could be viewed as a lethal weapon. Crazy!!
P.S. Do you know what DELTA really stands for? "Deliver Everybody's Luggage to Atlanta".................
BWAAAHAHAAA! ;D ;D Good to hear it's you and you're doing well! Really, the only reason you got the "bag lady" label was because of the grocery sacks of food you had to carry around with you (Ah the jumper-plane drivers life--no car to get to town) and of course, sleeping in a cardboard box, wrapped in a parachute is something we all do but usually most folks do that after a jug of really cheap wine and a day of panhandling!
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Frank N. O. on September 28, 2006, 12:18:02 AM
Wow you guys/gals really seem like you have a good time, darn me for being born on the wrong side of the pond :(
Just to clarify, Soccermom is a female pilot flying with smoke-jumpers? And is it that plane in the avatar, a Twin Otter?
In any case welcome from me to the new member of the coop |:)\
Frank
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 28, 2006, 01:14:02 AM
Wow, this is fun. More fun than trying to get untangled from that darned parachute when they yell "Fire Call!" HA.
This is a great forum here. Nice people and so funny! That's awesome.
Yes, there's nothing quite as glamorous as 5 months of eating stale food off your lap with a plastic fork, in a 110-degree hangar, with 15 other sweaty people. It's so... CHIC. I overheard one of the jumpers telling another co-worker, when he was about to get laid off this week, that he and his wife "are going to make sure we eat dinner out in the back yard every night, on the ground, with a headlamp, and maybe I can put some dirt in her food just to make it more real." I guess he's trying to SHARE. How sweet.
Yes, I am (at least I think I am) a female pilot flying a smokejumper contract in the western U.S. I have the fine fortune of flying a Twin Otter, and I'm sure you figured out by now, I love the old girl. Mike named her "The White Minivan" this year, and me "The Soccer Mom", because we each cruise around the mountains and drop off our respective children (crewmembers) at "day camp" (the fires). The jumpers loved the moniker so much that every time we were being picked up by a white government truck, they'd yell "Hey, look! Another Twin Otter!!"
I told Mike he has NO idea what he started!!!
Thanks to all of you for welcoming me here..... that's so sweet. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
The Soccer Mom********
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 28, 2006, 01:22:51 AM
Sorry Fank, I didn't answer your question. The plane in the little photo is a Twin Otter (deHavilland DHC-6), though it isn't MY airplane. It's the only photo I could find that was small enough to squeeze in here.
As for being on the "wrong" side of the pond, I'd say we're all living large if our chicken coop here even COMES with a pond! WOW. I KNEW aviation would pay off some day.
Maybe now I can move up to a bigger cardboard box.
I KNEW it would pay... I KNEW it!
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on September 28, 2006, 01:24:06 AM
First off, Mikey, you never know what The Minivan and Panaca Jane discuss once we leave at dusk, and they have the ramp to themselves. Maybe Jane is just trying you out... to see how far you'll go with another airplane. Hmmmm. It does sound pretty un-female, though. I'm going to have to think on this one. Maybe there's another dimension here.....
uh-oh! creeepy! :o That would make a vicious beeeyatch. I don't think of her that way. I am sure however that those aircraft talk to eachother when they sit out there all night. We always have our aircraft come up with the same squawks at the same time almost like they came up with it together..... ;D
Also: Let me point out that I called your ship "THE COOLEST MINIVAN EVER"! not just another minivan.... waaaaaaaaay more horsepower than a standard van (although not much faster . . . hehe hehe :D ) Which makes you the coolest soccermom ever!!!
;)
and ofcourse you and fireflyer just HAD to know eachother..... aviation is a small world, huh?!
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: cj5_pilot on September 28, 2006, 01:58:48 AM
The plane in the little photo is a Twin Otter (deHavilland DHC-6), though it isn't MY airplane. It's the only photo I could find that was small enough to squeeze in here.
If ya got a photo you like of your plane, post it. I can resize it and either email ya or repost it for you to save to correct size if you'd like.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 28, 2006, 02:09:29 AM
Aviation is a very small world. Part of why it's so enjoyable, is getting to see and work with some of the nicest people I've ever met. It's great!
And yes, you DID call her the "coolest minivan ever" -- she and I are both still beaming over that one. I'm sure she'll tell all the other Otters in the hangar tonight. And, well, we all know it's hard to be cool AND a bag lady at the same time, but I promise I'll work on it! ::) I do wish she went as fast as a minivan.... or even a lawnboy. I'd settle for that, yeah...
Keep the rubber side down!
The Mom-ski
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Mike on September 28, 2006, 09:07:26 PM
So...uhm.... this might be a pretty stupid question but: Keep the rubber side down??
Is that a Twin Otter Saying referring to the fueltanks right underneath your @$$ ?? Chuck would probably know.... ???
Hey! I can see a strip there.....
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Ted_Stryker on September 28, 2006, 09:15:08 PM
I was curious about that too, Mike :)
I've always heard it as "keep the dirty side down", or BSUOAI (Blue Side Up On Attitude Indicator) ;D
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 28, 2006, 09:36:04 PM
Oh, Herro!
No, it just means with ANY LUCK AT ALL, you should land on the TIRES... not anything else....
I used to hear "Keep the Greasy Side Down", too.
I guess your Cutie Jane doesn't HAVE rubber on her skids, so it wouldn't make an ounce of sense to you. Sorry!! There I go again... living in the narrow world of the stuck-wing folks.
Cheers!!!!
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on September 29, 2006, 05:23:11 AM
Quote
Keep the rubber side down!
What if you're on floats? or skis? ???
sorry, had to say it. ;D
I'd heard both greasy side down, and rubber side down before, but it was in reference to cars. :P
My favorite: "Ailerons - they make the world go `round".
Phil
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 30, 2006, 02:00:12 AM
I wish I was on floats. Or skis. Haven't ever tried skis, but floats was the most fun I've ever had in an airplane. It was great! I may have to "justify" spending some of that elusive $$ and go get current this winter somewhere.
I remember studying books, etc., and worrying about how I would ever recall any of that info, when I suddenly realized that a much more urgent learning curve was right in front of me... trying to walk down the wet, bobbing docks that were covered with GOOSE POOP. And, I do mean COVERED. That was by far the most "dangerous" part of the flying syllabus!!!
:o :o :o
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: cj5_pilot on September 30, 2006, 02:13:23 AM
There's and outfit in Moose Pass, Alaska, that is supposed to be good float instructors. However, "winter" in Alaska means ski's not floats ;)
Now I've seen a Twin Otter on floats but not on Skis ;D
What do you fly when not flying the 'Otter?
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: TheSoccerMom on September 30, 2006, 02:57:06 AM
Hiya, I've been in the T. Otter most of the last decade... used to fly other stuff but have recently just been in the Minivan model. Have been on this specific smokejumper contract for fires for past 6 years... and do some scientific research flying during the off-season. This is the first time I've really been home since early May. I almost forgot where to turn in to the driveway. ha!!!! ;D ;D ;D
I may hit you up for more info on places to fly up there.. I've only done a little flying in AK, but it was by far the most fun, and the coolest place I've been!! It's one of my fantasy day-dreams... just flitting off to wherever, and renting planes, and flying around. It's better than a lot of daydreams. :) :)
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Baradium on September 30, 2006, 08:08:02 AM
There's and outfit in Moose Pass, Alaska, that is supposed to be good float instructors. However, "winter" in Alaska means ski's not floats ;)
Now I've seen a Twin Otter on floats but not on Skis ;D
What do you fly when not flying the 'Otter?
Once I figure out how to get money to grow... planting it doesn't seem to work ??? ... I'll be interested in info about that. Aparently there isn't anyone who does float instruction in Fairbanks without you providing an aircraft so I'd need to travel and I'd like to get my float rating at some point.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: YawningMan on October 02, 2006, 07:02:01 PM
As far as gender goes for me, it depends on the specific vehicle. Firearms are much different to me. Shotguns and pistols are a bit alien, but rifles have become an extension of my body. In that respect, it would be hard to give a rifle one gender or another.
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: tundra_flier on October 02, 2006, 10:11:20 PM
As far as gender goes for me, it depends on the specific vehicle. Firearms are much different to me. Shotguns and pistols are a bit alien, but rifles have become an extension of my body. In that respect, it would be hard to give a rifle one gender or another.
Well, I got in touch with my feminine side once...it slapped me. :-[
Title: Re: Male or Female?
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 02, 2006, 10:49:01 PM
