Introduction:

I have been flying for BA for sometime now. Although of course Bear Air started operations many years ago, well before I can remember.

Their first aircraft were known as flying boats. That is, they were boats to which wings had been added. Personally I would not have wanted to fly one, heavy landings are one thing, wet landings are not for me even if you can go fishing at the same time.

As a kid I adored balloons, seeing them sore off into the sky was great excitement for me, when I was a little older I used to take days off of school, catch a bus to the local airport and watch the aircraft come and go, Parents put me through flying school, started at the beginning of the month and finished fully trained at the end, when they awarded me a set of wings. That helped me a great deal, at least I managed to get my feet off the ground after that.

Then I started off flying the usual thing, pedal craft. You know, the faster you can get the passengers to pedal the better. That way you stand more chance at arriving at your destination plus of course it was a lot cheaper as fuel did not have to be uplifted for the engine. Mostly holiday makers on the flights anyway, so we called it in flight entertainment and they thought it was all part of the fun. Gave a prize to the passenger still pedalling at the end of the flight.

Progressed to heavy aircraft a few years ago, by that I mean the type that is more like a sardine can with engines than a boat with wings. Mind you, Bear Air did put me on freight only services for a while because they were fed up with complaints about my landings. Unfortunately, a load of china got broken, so I was returned to passenger flights where they have plastic cups. A shame flying is much easier without passengers to have to consider.

These new aircraft are wonderful things you know, computer controlled from start to finish mainly. You can take over, which I often do, to reduce the boredom and do a few loop the loops. Airlines only have pilots to keep the passengers happy.

Flying is fantastic, winging through the clouds, finding all that clear air turbulence and having to stop the cabin service until just before landing, that can be quite exciting. Forgetting to uplift enough fuel to complete the return journey, and making an unscheduled stop somewhere interesting so fill up the tanks. Then adding an overnight stay because the crew are out of hours.

Sometimes the passengers get a bit fractious, but if they want to get home, they have to live with it don’t they?

Summer 2008

Spent most of the summer working on holiday flights, this can get a bit tedious at times. After all nowadays it is basically telling the on board computers to do something and away you go. Just have to make sure you head for the right destination.

Had the balloon out a few times, really love that. One does have to be a bit careful, ATC at the local airport get just a little annoyed if you get in the way of a flight path.

Autumn 2008

Have had a bit of a disaster, managed to crash the helicopter a couple of times. Didn’t do it much good, but have used a combination of sticky tape and super glue and patched it up.

I have also been helping Smalvis with the Dameon Affair, which appears on The Bear Club web site.

www.thebearclub.co.uk

Not to mention Wall and Patio tunnels, more about these later.

Winter 2008

Been a very interesting winter, first I was able to join Mom, Dad and Freddie on holiday in Taba. Oh you should have seen Freddie’s face when I arrived!

Back home for Christmas and I helped Santa Clause deliver presents, so have included the story here.

From Santa Claus’s Log:

The fog was thick and gloomy, it came from nowhere, to see anything beyond an outstretched hand was almost impossible. From way above Santa Claus looked down at the thick murky blanket and scratched his beard, oh dear, he thought, things are getting difficult.

Even with his advanced navigation system it was going to be really hard getting his work done this Christmas. To make things worse his reindeers were not feeling well, they had all suffered bad colds and Prancer, the most powerful, had stayed behind because of a horrendous headache. Never known anything like this, most unfortunate combination of circumstances thought Santa Clause, again scratching his beard. The sleigh landed in a field, Santa Claus did not have much option as the

reindeers were clearly unable to carry on flying and descended before he realised what was happening. Indeed it appeared to be an odd sort of field, a wide concrete road of sorts ran through it, with several large buildings and a tower in the distance, many lights stood all around, blinkered in the murky conditions. Have to do thought Santa, putting as many parcels in his sack as possible, setting off to deliver his precious cargo to the nearby houses.

When he returned, the sleigh had magically refilled with the next load of presents, but the reindeers looked far worse than they had earlier and Santa could not even get them to take off. Wondering what on earth he was going to do, Santa had to send his reindeers home, independently they were able to fly.

In the distance he became aware of muffled engine noises, and more lights suddenly lit up along the edge of the concrete, the buildings also showed up more clearly. A loud voice shouted in the distance something about thank goodness for the wind and that the fog was lifting quickly. As quickly as the gloom had appeared it vanished, leaving a clear moon and star lit night.

Standing by his sleigh, scratching his beard, Santa had to grab hold of the side as a strong gust of wind nearly knocked him over …..

From my Log:

Most odd thing happened tonight, first the fog which delayed my arrival, than I landed the helicopter just a few feet away from Santa Claus, didn’t see him until the draught from the rota blades nearly knocked him over.

Thinking it odd that he was standing beside his sleigh, no reindeers to be seen, I asked him if everything was OK.

Well, not really, came the reply, and Santa explained what had happened. So I volunteered to help. Did you know you had landed in the middle of an airport I asked? Clearly he had no idea whatsoever. Just as well it was closed because of the fog, otherwise you might have caused a bit of a stir. Only just been able to get back here myself.

We could use my helicopter if you like, not as good as your reindeers as it is a bit noisy, but at least you can finish your work. Santa Claus looked very relieved and with a assistance from the duty crew they soon had the sleigh attached to the helicopter.

I followed very precisely the directions Santa gave, amazing this knowledge of navigation, and we soon had all the parcels delivered. How we managed to do it all, I will never know!

If ever I hear anyone mention Santa Claus only works one day a year, I will get a bit annoyed, I feel as if we did 365 days work in a few short hours!

New Year 2009

Whilst we had all been away a romance had developed between Jillie and Harry Two, resulting in their engagement on New Years Eve. There was much excitement I can tell you!

St Valentines Day Wedding:

Have to say I am not really into all this romantic stuff, but oh boy was The Wedding a grand affair or what? I was just so happy to help and the balloon trip from the castle to the railway station, I just could not help having a tiny tear.

Spring 2009

After much thought I have decided to retire from flying commercial aircraft. I still have my balloon and helicopter and plan on enjoying flying both.

Summer and Autumn 2009

Have been enjoying my retirement, taken a few trips in the balloon and worked on helicopter which is now in urgent need of a new engine.

Christmas 2009

Had a really great time, it was fun working with Ashley, Fubbly and Smalvis transporting the Bears to the various secret venues for the Christmas and New Year Event.

January 2010

A New Year and I have decided retirement really is not for me .......... I am very excited about Smalvis joining me on the continued search for the Ancient Tunnels, our adventures should be more than interesting.  Go to Pilot Bear and Smalvis

Summer 2010

Well Bears, please do not think I have forgotten about writing up my log, it is just that I have been rather busy what with one thing and another. Hopefully I will soon catch up with things ....

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