Robert Browning

From Matronics

by Austin Tinckler

Robert Browning was the poet who wrote, in an ode to his wife, of his love and appreciation for her by penning the lines, "How do I love thee, let me count the ways."

Well, I must concur with the essence of the RV list and all the members and lurkers who have helped me get to where I am now (flying) by saying, my sentiments are the same as Brownings.

I have asked many a question, gotten immeasurable help, found friends, and had photos and gifts sent to me all because of voices in the ether who want to see another RV get in the air by whatever means — technical help, or a personal snapshot story of flying.

I must say, now and forever more, thank you all — and Matt for this list and the avenues of communication that he opened up for all of us. First timers especially and even repeaters whose memories need an input of electric jolt of recollection.

I really appreciate notes from all over the globe from listers whose names you may only see once, but have added something I keep in my "help" files, and whose input is still read and helpful today, after all the rivets, and painting, and assembly and inspections are done and you have a few hours on the airplane. Something, like a snag, or a concern, will still prompt a question, and there is an RVer somewhere who will answer the call.

When you get done, take off alone one evening near dark and head out away from zones and fly up to the base of the dark and watch the lights come on below. Turn on the strobes and instrument lights and marvel as the GPS clicks off the speed and distance to home and, starting your letdown, enjoy the beauty within and without as streets and cars define lines of light and color as cannot be seen by day and see a new beauty that flying gives by twilight.

Chances are you may be the only one in the area, and be cleared straight in, hopefully the VASI lights will tell you that you are on the glidepath, and flare over the darkness where grass and blacktop meet and you are rolling out with strobes lighting the grass every now and then and wigwag lights breaking the darkness on the runway.

What can ever compare with that ?

That, and the fact that you created this portrait.

The list helped me experience the magic all that much sooner. Please support Matt, and in the doing, support and keep in place all the listers of our special club.