At last, I have finally flown propeller
By Koalemos
@Asylum (47893)
Manchester, England
August 19, 2016 2:34pm CST
I enjoy flying and have no doubt flown a fair number of miles over the past 40 years or so. Despite the amount of flights that I have taken, I had never flown in a propeller aircraft.
This is something that I have always wanted to try, but even short hops from island to island have always turned out to be jet engined craft.
It came as quite a surprise to me to discover that my flight to and from Ronaldsway airport in the Isle of Man was propeller driven. You can certainly tell that you are not flying in a jet because the aircraft is pushed around by even minor turbulence.
What a fabulous way to start my weekend away.
Of course we landed here in the rain, which so far has not stopped.
22 people like this
19 responses
It's raining here too, it's pouring and I do not know when it's going to stop.
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
20 Aug 16
You can cross that off your bucket list now! My uncle had a small plane. "Clear the prop" he would sing out just before he started the engine. While in the air he once gave me a flying lesson and I flew the plane myself. I don't think it counts for much unless you land or take off. Hope the rain clears up and if you spot the king, take a picture!!
1 person likes this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
20 Aug 16
@Jeanniemaries I would certainly enjoy something like that, but even if the equivalent is available near my home my eyesight would probably disallow me.
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
20 Aug 16
@Asylum That could be your next adventure! Hire a small craft. I looked it up and over here I can hire a one hour discovery flight for $50 using a groupon. Or a two hour flight to Crystal River for ice cream for $100. Of course I have to drive an hour in the opposite direction to get to the little airport. I wonder if that price includes the cost of the ice cream?
1 person likes this
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
20 Aug 16
My sister was driving home past the fire, she lives in Yucaipa. She said it was a horrible sight. All black and orange spanning a huge area. She was talking to me at the time. Those California fires are pretty bad. My native state.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158725)
• Boise, Idaho
20 Aug 16
Interesting. I have always wanted to see the Isle of Man. Was it hilly and such? I would think that short distances would be flown in a propeller driven plane.
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@celticeagle (158725)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
@Asylum .....Oh, sounds like good exercise.
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@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
20 Aug 16
Oh my, that is a shame. I have taken a few prop planes and it is indeed a bit of an experience. I hope the weather clears up.
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@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
20 Aug 16
@BelleStarr Sadly it is also more expensive than a fairground ride.
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@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
20 Aug 16
@Asylum Yes there is definitely the sensation of being on a ride lol
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@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
26 Aug 16
I must admit I am not a fan of turboprop planes and much prefer the jet engine! I agree with you that the different times I have flown in a turboprop plane they have bounced all over the place! Glad you landed safely and now you have finally flown on one!
1 person likes this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
20 Aug 16
I know that a colleague ended up on a prop plane going on a short hop business trip for the company many years back She didn't find it fabulous, she was scared stiff. I think I might find it frightening but I can certainly see the appeal of the experience.
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@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
20 Aug 16
To me it was the best possible surprise I could have had and will certainly be the highlight of my trip.
I can understand people being a little concerned because these craft are certainly not as sturdy as the jet equivalents, but I loved it.
1 person likes this
@Ceerios (4698)
• Goodfellow, Texas
20 Aug 16
@Asylum - Koalemos - Prop aircraft are what I grew up with and are the only one I ever piloted myself. As to the plane you flew on that was buffeted around so much as not due to the propeller powering. It was mostly caused by the lesser turbulence at the really high altitudes flown in jet engine aircraft. Props don't works as well in the thin air up so high, but jets like it. -Gus-
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@Mike197602 (15487)
• United Kingdom
19 Aug 16
What type of plane was it?
It was probably a turboprop which is still really a sort of jet engine.
Hope you're having a good time on your holiday.
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