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Good bye for a while.

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Graeme Toft

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 123

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Hi Guys, I have unfortunately come to a cross roads  in my flying and have after much thought decided to sell my fox. I have been  unable to come to terms with the crash or for that matter get back into my  comfort zone. I have always had a passion for flying and to own my own  aircraft has been a dream come true but the enjoyment has now been  replaced by negative thoughts and  an idle aircraft. The pity is that I  know Im a good pilot and that the rebuild has resulted in a strong and reliable  aircraft. Its just the demon on my shoulder wont allow me to accept it. I will  miss the friendly banter and good natured shots across the bow that have  resulted from the many topics discussed and encourage you all to continue in  this manner. The list administrators should be proud of their flock and the  respect shown for each others opinions. Thanks Deke, your a good bloke  and even handed moderator. Thanks you also Mat for your tireless work and  for providing a resource that allows us all to tell lies about our flying  prowess and our beautiful birds. To all who help with encouragement and  parts during my rebuild, my sincere thanks because without you my fox would  still be sitting in the back paddock. I will drop in from time to time to see  whats being discussed and possibly just to say hi. I never thought I would say  it but, "Mat, please remove me from the list".  

  

 Cheers to all

 

Graeme 

   [quote][b]

pulsair(at)mindspring.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:10 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme,

 I wish you would reconsider. I was involved in a  pretty bad helicopter crash and I was the designated pilot in command. The last  thing I saw out of the corner of my eye as we rolled over was the other pilot  being ejected out of the aircraft. I thought that if I would go over and jump in  another aircraft I would be fine. I did that the same day. It didn't help. I  know about the demons and they seem like they will never go away. I remember  being on the pad at 2:00 in the morning on ice and just the slight move of the  collective would make the aircraft shift. I was going to give up flying. But  guess what, with time that feeling went away. Each time you fly you get a little  more confidence back. The crash was in 1981 and sometimes it feels like  yesterday. But today I enjoy flying more than I ever have. Don't give it up, it  will work out. Jeff Classic IV

 ---

eskflyer(at)lvcisp.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:51 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme

 We will all miss you and your humor . Come back  when you can and chat with us all. 

  

 Take care my friend 

 May the friendly skies find you once more flying  high.

 John Perry

   [quote][b]

helicop

Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 6
Location: Charleston, SC

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:57 pm Post subject: Re: Good bye for a while.

Graeme,



I have been around awhile, and I am old enough to be Jeff's great grandfather.  Although I have not experienced what you and Jeff have gone thru, I can only imagine what you are going thru. It may even get harder, before it gets easier, but you have a great group here to support you.  Even though I dont know you, I am sure the sound of a plane overheard still turns your head to see what it is, or someone that you know. I would encourage you to stay in the group, and let us all help you get thru this.  



There are several ways we can do this:



1. I could send you an mp3 file of me singing various selections. You would get so sick at your stomach, that you would promise God that you would go back flying if you could just stop that obnixious noise in your head.



2. I can have several severely ugly women come to your neighborhood and ask all the neighbors where that cute pilot fellow is, and they "haint leavin till he takes em a ride."



3. And last but not least, we will all swear that you quit aviation to take up a career doing James Brown Lives. 



I don't want to put pressure on you, but I think you may want to reconsider.  Just think of the high level background check to get a security clearance to be put back on the list.  Not to mention a new initiation fee, and back dues.  



Whatever your decision is, we sure hope that you will reconsider, and stay here and help the rest of us sort out life.  



Helicop

wingsdown(at)verizon.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007 10:18 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Sorry  to hear it. There is a poem. Cant remember the exact words. Something about once  having flown we will always cast our eyes upward for there we have been and  there we will always long to be. Hope you make the trip back my friend. Good  luck in what ever you fill you time with. 

  

 Best  wishes

  

 Rick (  no plane any more  ....I too look up a lot)

 [quote]   

   --

MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:12 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

 	  Quote: 	
		  ...I have unfortunately come to a cross roads in my flying and have 

after much thought decided to sell my fox. I have been unable to 

come to terms with the crash or for that matter get back into my 

comfort zone.


	


Graeme,



I, too, hope you will reconsider.  I can't believe how long it has 

taken to get myself back in order after my accident.  It has been 

over two years now and I still feel the emotional and physical 

effects every day.



That said, the support of family, friends, and many wonderful members 

of this list has been overwhelming.  I have gradually turned my 

despair into hope and have gathered the resolve to build another 

'fox.  Although I have faced some apprehension, I am back in the left 

seat and find that my passion for flying has not waned.



During my convalescence I worked on a short film documenting the 

first flight of my Kitfox and the 11 years of construction that led 

up to it.  While putting together the soundtrack for the movie I 

found what I have adopted as my personal theme song.  It's called 

"Faith of the Heart" by Diane Warren and includes some words that 

I've found very inspirational.  Here are a few of them:



   It's been a long road

   Getting from there to here

   It's been a long time

   But my time is finally near

   And I can feel a change in the wind right now

   :

   It's been a long night

   Trying to find my way

   Through the darkness

   Now I finally have my day

   But I will see my dream come alive at last

   I will touch the sky

   :

   I've known a wind so cold

   And seen the darkest days

   But now the winds I feel

   Are only winds of change

   I've been through the fire

   I've been through the rains

   But I've been fine

   :

   I've got faith of the heart

   Going where my heart will take me

   I've got faith to believe

   I can do anything

   I've got strength of the soul

   No one's gonna bend or break me

   I can reach any star

   I've got faith

   Faith of the heart



I hope you can rise above the demons and find your inspiration once again.



Mike G.

N728KF

Michel

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 966
Location: Norway

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 3:26 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

 	  Quote: 	
		   From: Michael Gibbs [MichaelGibbs(at)cox.net]

 I, too, hope you will reconsider.


	


I too wish you reconsider, Graeme. However I can only tell you what I have always told my dearest son: Don't ever listen to anyone else than the little voice inside you! Because that will be your companion for the rest of your life.



As many, I admire Mike for not giving up after his accident. But I would admire you just as much for doing that you feel is right.



Then someone said: Only fools never change their mind. You know you will always be welcomed on this list, as an active participant or a silent listener. Maybe one day a rookie will need your good advice.



Best regards,

Michel



do not archive

<pre><b><font size  color="#000000" face="courier new,courier">

_________________
Kitfox 3 - Jabiru 2200

fox5flyer(at)idealwifi.ne
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 5:42 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme, I'm very sorry to hear about your decision,  but I understand how you feel.  I'm sure that anyone who has experienced  what you have -- and survived -- tends to look at the rest of their life in a  different light.  I haven't experienced it myself so I can't say how I'd  react to it, but I may not be any different.  Perhaps it would be better to  just fold it up and park the airplane somewhere safe for awhile then just move on with your life.  Later, only  you'll know when, you can reassess how you feel about it then make a firm  decision.  Whatever you decide I wish you the best and when you check in  here occasionally, don't forget to say hello and let us know how things are  going down under.

 Best of luck to you,

 Deke Morisse

 List Admin

  

 ---

Mdkitfox(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 6:38 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme,

  

 Let me join in with the others and ask that you reconsider your  decision.  Your insights and discussions have proven to be  very valuable and who knows how many pilots are around today because you  have them thinking rather than reacting.  I can understand the  reluctance to get into the machine, that's normal human nature.  While  you might feel your doing the right thing, consider down the road how your  passion for flying and love of building will continue to haunt you.  I had  to stop flying airliners last October (age 60 rule), and that's all I ever  wanted to, Now, every time I look up and see an airliner, well, I wish it were  me flying it. On the flip side, believe me, when I say I wish I had a dime for  every time I scared, the you know what out of me, in my flying career.   

  

 Before you make the final decision, I would invite you to read the book  "Riding Rockets" by astronaut Mike Mullane.  He takes you with him in his  quest to be an astronaut and you get to enjoy every thrill and feel every fear  he had each time he got on aboard the Space Shuttle.  He is no different  than the rest of us. If any one claims to have never been fearful of the  machine, they're lying.  

  

 Respect for the aircraft, respect for the environment we fly in, and  knowing what we do is not an every day routine walk in the garden.   That's what makes for a safe pilot.  

  

 Please, stop, think and reconsider.  Aviation needs more people like  you!

  

 Rick  Weiss

Series V Speedster - N39RW

 DO NOT ARCHIVE

  

 PS - If you think it would help, why not hire a competent instructor to fly  right seat and take you through the equivalent of a commercial (or private)  check ride.   It would be a good confidence  builder!



AOL now offers free email to everyone.  Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.  [quote][b]

roncarolnikko(at)hotmail.
Guest

Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:28 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme I too lost my edge with the loss of my friend and neighbor this year. 

  Even now I need music in the cockpit if not company to help relax.   It is 

slowly getting better and I hope you find the same.  Check in from time to 

time and say high as I'm sure you are a valued friend to us all.

Ron NB Ore

 	  Quote: 	
		  From: "QSS" <msm(at)byterocky.net>

Reply-To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com

To: <kitfox-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: Good bye for a while.

Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:41:37 +1000

Graeme


	


_________________________________________________________________

Don’t miss your chance to WIN 10 hours of private jet travel from Microsoft®

avtar412

Joined: 15 Nov 2006
Posts: 22
Location: New Zealand

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 12:55 am Post subject: Re: Good bye for a while.

Graeme, I know the feeling. After a life in aviation both f/w and helicopter and walking away from a couple of wrecks there is times when I have thought like you. But it's funny, I think nothing a climbing into a big beast built by Mr Bell and flying 60 miles offshore, no different to driving to work, but the feelers are all out when flying my Fox?? Is it because I built it, no faith in my own ability but blind faith in some one else??

If you come up nth New Pymouth way, look me up and we'll go off together - over the flat country..John A.

kr2(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2007 3:38 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme,

  I don't know if I can encourage you to remain with your flying,but I can respect where you are coming from.I myself had almost a fatal crash in Alabama 10 yrs ago and ended up in a wheelchair for a yr,then had to learn how to walk again.I was flying an experimental homebuilt.I now am flying my kitfox4 and love it,but it took me about 8yrs before I could knock my demon down.I still get alitlle nervous before each flight so I tell myself to calm down and focus,preflight twice,and in my case check and recheck my fuel delivery system.I find that more I fly the more confidence I develop,theres always that little fellow on my shoulder though keeping me in check when I start getting to brave,this little fellow did not exist 10 yrs ago,I had no fear then,however I have learned to live with this little demon and sometimes come to appreciate him.

  

  Good luck in the future,and hope to see you in the skies soon.....

  

   Sincerely fellow Kitfoxer...N61AC

  

 

  

 [quote] ---

Graeme Toft

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 123

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 11:50 pm Post subject: Good bye for a while.

G'day Deke, thanks for the support with my  reluctant decision to sell the fox. The response from so many foxers was totally  unexpected but certainly in keeping with this great bunch of blokes. I have  decided to take your suggestion and fold her up for a while as I consider wether  Im completely nuts or just a bit of a wooze (Australian for Drama Queen). In the  mean time Im going to do bits a pieces to her to keep her in flying condition.  One of those jobs will be to take the Matco master brake cylinders apart as  they are starting to weep a little. A problem I have however is that because we  are on the bottom of the world, no one has ever heard of Matco. As such would it  be possible for you to do me big favour and locate the overhaul kit for the  master cylinders if I discover there needed when I pull them apart. I know you  are in the bush some where and may not be in a position to help but maybe  you know someone who can. Im only pre-empting an overhaul at this stage and  would give you the correct info for whats needed. Hows the snow situation.  Are you still digging yourself out or has the house disappeared forever. I  sometimes watch CNN and on the weather the other night they said storms were  creating problems across a wide area of the Mid USA.and I thought of you at the  time. No, Im not going to rub it in and tell you what the temp here is because  that would be cruel and not in the spirit of friendship so I'll just say Its  time to get up and put the air-conditioned on and get a cold beer.

  

 Cheers for now.

Graeme Toft

Ph: 07  49397011

Mob: 0411476527

 [quote]   ---

fox5flyer(at)idealwifi.ne
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:05 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

G'day Graeme.  You're welcome and I'm glad  you've reconsidered your decision.  At the very least give it some  time.

 As for Matco, you're right, I'm also in the bush in  northeast Michigan and might as well be on the other side of the world, but I'll  help where I can.  As I recall, Matco has been good to deal with and are  responsive to their customers.  I believe there are several models of their  brakes so getting the correct information will be vital in obtaining the correct  overhaul kit.  Perhaps someone else on the list can provide you with the  correct part numbers.

 Good luck.

 Deke

  

 Below are some links that might help for now.   The second one is Matco's site and it's a pretty good one.  They also list  their contact info.

  

 http://aircraftspruce.com/menus/search.php

 http://www.matcomfg.com/catalog/index.php?file=catalog&prod_pcategory=66053&clist=0,59990,65496,66053&uid=2192&gpoid=

 [quote]   ---

d(at)cfisher.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 3:16 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Graeme,

  

 Contact http://www.matcomfg.com/  , I just got  in master kits from them.  I think the cost is less than 10$ each and they  ship overnight.   If i call there i think it is George you need to  talk to and he is very well versed in Kitfox and Avids. 

  

 I usually do over phone but I am sure you could do  via email. 

  

  

 Dave

  

  

 [quote]   ---

kitfoxmike

Joined: 05 Dec 2006
Posts: 373

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 6:05 am Post subject: Re: Good bye for a while.

Watch out on those masters, if you put too much oil in them they will leak out the top.  I think about a half inch from the top is recommended.  Might want to try that first.  Take a piece of wire and remove the vent and stick it in there and determine the level.

d(at)cfisher.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 14, 2007 6:13 am Post subject: Good bye for a while.

Another thing too is make sure your calipers are actually sliding . If not 

your braking will not be right as only the piston side will be working and 

you will have to pump up the pedal to get it to work.



Dave

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