I stopped in on a cold November or December day, and the Zlin (behind the Tiger Moth starting) was flying. Owner taxied over and told me to get in. 2nd time ever in an airplane, had my ticket a year later. Must have been '97 or '98. Good times at Van Sant!
It's great seeing posts from such young pilots. One thing us old farts often discuss at Van Sant is the lack of young people coming out to fly, especially these vintage airplanes. Of course, by the time you can afford to own or rent these rare aircraft, there are usually a few years under your belt. I started flying at 14, in a Piper Colt. Started US Army flight school at 18 and I was flying helicopters in Vietnam when I was 20. My father started flying in the Stearman at 19 in 1942.
Actually, the runway was just graded and re-seeded this past winter. Though your description is accurate (part of the beauty and challenge of the airport), it is actually better than previously. Though elusive, it's a rush when together, your mains and tailwheel just kiss the sod at Van Sant.
I agree. Practicing soft field ldgs at van sant was a lot of fun, though I flew with a tricycle gear ( a cessna 152). If you are the fellow that owns the Stearman, then I saw you land. Nice landing, and nice vid.
haha lol. Also on final there were like four birds flying around right in our path. They scurried away though. On takeoff it is kind of annoying cuz the runway starts at the bottom of a hill, which is even more annoying considering its a grass field.
FAA : "Sir, you are three seconds over the 10 - hour allowance time for your 100 hour inspection, I'm afraid we're going to have to impound your liscense"
don't have my liscense yet though, I'm just a student.
Nice. I'm 13, started my training at 10. Do you have your instrument rating yet? Which airport do you operate out of? I fly from princeton airport, 39N.
Cool, I fly out of Robbinsville, N87, couple miles southeast of princeton. Started at 14, soloed at 16, PPL at 17. I'm training for my instrument...so you fly with RVFS? I did a couple lessons with them, but found out Robbinsville is closer and cheaper.
This is an awesome video of the sod airfield at Van Sant Airport and the fabulous vintage airplanes and gliders. It is almost like taking step back in time. Love the "Tiger Rag" music
The 'Zlin' behind the Tigermoth is actually a Dehavilland DHC-1 Chipmunk. The basic trainer replacement for the Tigermoth.
chuckp61 2 years ago
I stopped in on a cold November or December day, and the Zlin (behind the Tiger Moth starting) was flying. Owner taxied over and told me to get in. 2nd time ever in an airplane, had my ticket a year later. Must have been '97 or '98. Good times at Van Sant!
Mercrewser 2 years ago
It's great seeing posts from such young pilots. One thing us old farts often discuss at Van Sant is the lack of young people coming out to fly, especially these vintage airplanes. Of course, by the time you can afford to own or rent these rare aircraft, there are usually a few years under your belt. I started flying at 14, in a Piper Colt. Started US Army flight school at 18 and I was flying helicopters in Vietnam when I was 20. My father started flying in the Stearman at 19 in 1942.
atphelo20 2 years ago
If only my flight school allowed landings at grass airports...
By the way, is it 3 hours instruction I need for my tailwheel rating? I'm hoping to fly that Stearman on my birthday in a couple of days.
TonyAirlines 2 years ago
Actually, the runway was just graded and re-seeded this past winter. Though your description is accurate (part of the beauty and challenge of the airport), it is actually better than previously. Though elusive, it's a rush when together, your mains and tailwheel just kiss the sod at Van Sant.
atphelo20 2 years ago
I agree. Practicing soft field ldgs at van sant was a lot of fun, though I flew with a tricycle gear ( a cessna 152). If you are the fellow that owns the Stearman, then I saw you land. Nice landing, and nice vid.
venturi117 2 years ago
I flew there today, saw that guy with his Kaydet.
ALSO GET SOMEBODY TO BULLDOZE THAT RUNWAY IT IS LIKE TWO HILLS AND A VALLEY!!!
venturi117 2 years ago
Don't forget the road at the end.
TonyAirlines 2 years ago
haha lol. Also on final there were like four birds flying around right in our path. They scurried away though. On takeoff it is kind of annoying cuz the runway starts at the bottom of a hill, which is even more annoying considering its a grass field.
venturi117 2 years ago
More hobbs time trying to get up it! :D
TonyAirlines 2 years ago
lol.
FAA : "Sir, you are three seconds over the 10 - hour allowance time for your 100 hour inspection, I'm afraid we're going to have to impound your liscense"
don't have my liscense yet though, I'm just a student.
venturi117 2 years ago
Ah. I'm a new Private Pilot...actually, youngest licensed pilot in New Jersey, says the Lawrence Ledger.
Though, That title will be no more, since I turn 18 in 4 days.
TonyAirlines 2 years ago
Nice. I'm 13, started my training at 10. Do you have your instrument rating yet? Which airport do you operate out of? I fly from princeton airport, 39N.
venturi117 2 years ago
Cool, I fly out of Robbinsville, N87, couple miles southeast of princeton. Started at 14, soloed at 16, PPL at 17. I'm training for my instrument...so you fly with RVFS? I did a couple lessons with them, but found out Robbinsville is closer and cheaper.
TonyAirlines 2 years ago
I just flew there today. I saw that guy with his Kaydet landing.
venturi117 2 years ago
This is an awesome video of the sod airfield at Van Sant Airport and the fabulous vintage airplanes and gliders. It is almost like taking step back in time. Love the "Tiger Rag" music
Giselabeans 2 years ago