Something not everyone knows about me is that I’ve lived about half my 37 years deeply regretting that I never had my chance to join the RCAF and follow in the footsteps of my late Grandfather (Arthur Browne DFC), a Lancaster pilot in WWII. It wasn’t because I lacked the talent or the ability; it was just bad timing and a VERY limited number of positions to do this job in Canada at the time. Fly Day’s at HFM, more than anything else have been one of the very few things that remove that regret and make me feel like an 18 year old (again) finally getting the chance to live out a dream. I get to fly out there with a good friend in a beautiful vintage warbird, meet a number of amazing, talented people, sit in on briefings, learn the ropes and then hit the sky!! How does volunteering my time, sharing photos, buying oil, filling a gas tank or donating money to the upkeep of an aircraft come close to what I get in return?
I’d like to thank everyone at the Heritage Flight Museum for being as welcoming, as they always are when we visit. Whether it’s flying from their home in Bellingham or one of their many events including the one in my backyard, the Abbotsford International Airshow, they always carry themselves with the utmost professionalism and class. They do an incredible job representing both themselves and the city of Bellingham, WA wherever they go. It’s been a truly great ride and an honor getting to know them! Until next time, I’ll just keep looking at the photos.