Glad I found you...

[invert29]

Hi Everyone,

I am really glad I found this board. I have been going to other boards but the more the merrier! I am a big fan of Capt. Ray's book and look forward to pouring through these pages as I prepare for my Thursday night flight. Southwest 1927 OAK to LAX D7:00pm A8:15pm...Ray, you flying that one? :fly I know, it is a very short flight but still not too fun. We are flying to go on a cruise though and that is helping me to look past it a little.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello!

Chris

[Passenger Mark]

Hey Chris!

Welcome aboard, glad you found us!

:welcome

That is a quick, but beautiful flight. The ocean to the west, and the mountains to the east. Gorgeous!

Be sure to keep us updated, and again... welcome!

Mark

[invert29]

What? There is stuff out the window?:wired

I can usually only look out and feel comfortable during the last 5 minutes in the final descent.

Anyway, thanks again. I look forward to spending more time here.

[StPeteMark]

Welcome, Chris!

Let's bring the band back again!
:band

Join in anytime!

StPeteMark :airplane

[invert29]

Hey Mark,

Are you THE CaliforniaMark from the "other" forum? If so, I used to love reading your flight reports...they were always inspirational.

If not...nevermind:lol

[xiknal]

...oh, yeah, that's he! He is notorious around these parts! :rotflmao

You might want to read his testimonial on the main page if you haven't done so. It really is an inspiring story, and Mark is an inspired storyteller.

Now, when I hated to fly, it was always those LAST FIVE MINUTES that I hated the most. :shocked I didn't like being "low and slow"; it made me feel so vulnerable.:cry . And I figured that since the crash (the one that was, of course, certain and foreordained) had not happened yet on this flight, that it was sure to happen during approach or landing. Many fearful fliers hate takeoff; I didn't.

If we could somehow pool all our specific fears in one place, we could probably reason/cajole/magically zap each other out of ALL of them...:rotflmao

Welcome!!

Barb

[invert29]

I like the way you said "when" I hated to fly. Does that mean you enjoy it now? If so, I hope to be there someday!

I will definitely read the testimonials.

It really shows the irrationality of it all when you talk to other FofF'ers and realize that we all have our own little superstitions and fears. I think you are right, we need to combine all the fear/irrationality so we can see all of it for what it really is.

But, until that happens I will keep :boxer 'ing through it!

[spleisher]

You should read Barb's Testimonial. It will explain how she "was" afraid to fly but now is not. Bottom line... used to be terrified to fly .. now she is an aerobatics instructor. Pretty fascinating story!!

[WillFlyToDisney2]

Welcome to the board!

Yep, that is our infamous Mark! His flight reports are over on the "trip reports" forum if you care to re-read them. The Christmas ones were the BEST!

Have fun on that cruise. Sounds like a blast. Where are you cruising to??

Kelley

[invert29]

We are going to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo. It is going to be a great way to sepnd Thanksgiving.

My wife compromised with me so we are flying there and driving back. We only did that so I could fully relax on the ship and not think about the return flight. We are flying on Christams day as well and will have to fly back from that one so I am not getting out of too much.

[Passenger Mark]

Great trip!!!

Can I come???? ha ha

----------------------------------------------

So I am infamous huh???

Is this my wanted poster????

http://www.philasug.org/wanted.gif

[invert29]

Mark,

We could try to stow you in our luggage but that would mean leaving some of the alcohol behind :shocked We will be flying into Vegas for Christmas though if you are around there then!

Anyway, thanks again for the warm welcome. I have been away from the boards for a couple of months and didn't realize there was so much...how should I say it..."drama" going on out there. :rolleyes

Chris

[Debbielevis2]

Hey, Chris!

Welcome to the Board. As you read through, you'll start seeing the same names and "faces".

Kinda nutsy in here, but if it's support and a sense of commaderie you're looking for, you're in the right place!

I've read Ray's book, along with most everyone else here, and it'll become your Flying Bible!

:grouphug
Thanks for joinin' us, Chris!

Debbie

[Jeff California]

Howdy Chris.

:welcome

Jeff

[beaugest]

Hey Chris, sounds like a great trip. Personally, if I'm going to fly I'm glad when I have the extra motivation of flying to a cool place. Welcome...Monica

[Chelle]

Hi Chris, welcome! :welcome

[invert29]

Monica,

It definitely makes it easier knowing that I will be going somewhere fun and that it is only a one way flight.

Amazingly, I am somewhat OK about it. I think my mind is really trying to bring me back into old habits but I keep saying to myself that it doesn't seem that bad (and actually believing it!!! :think ). This will be my first flight since April and before that it was a couple of years and a couple of last minute cancellations. I am expecting a lot of flying next year and am hoping that some of these smaller trips will help get me ready for a trip back east in the spring.

Now, if I could just get off the board for a few minutes and get some work done between now and Thursday!

[CaptainStark]

Chris,

Not me. I go out Saturday morning. Plus, I am an A.M. guy. When the sun goes down, I need to be looking for a pillow! I landed in Burbank last week in the dark (right after sunset) and it was so wierd. I do lots of takeoffs in the dark but rarely land in the dark. It reminded me of the sim where it's always dark or foggy.

Enjoy the flight and the cruise. Oh, and please tell everyone you know about this awesome site. We're trying to get the word out to more folks like you!

Ray:ray