I Gave a Flying...

This past weekend there was a bit of a milestone in my family. We gathered to celebrate my dad turning 65, and feasted on salmon, halibut, and of course, cake.

Not even a week before we’d learned that the cancer he’s been fighting for 19 years is now spread into his bones, and things aren’t sounding very good. We’re still not sure how bad yet though. That bad news put a bit of extra motivation for a present that was just a bit over the top, and after a bit of brainstorming I stumbled upon the idea of a helicopter tour. So this past monday we climbed aboard a Bell 206 Jet Ranger for an hour, and it was worth every cent.


Both my boys had grins that lasted well into the next day, and even though my dad had been in a helicopter numerous times for work over the years, it “exceeded his wildest expectations”, and he had a great time. The flight incuded a demo on the manuverability of the aircraft, and flying down in a canyon. We also spotted a small herd of mountain goats on the flight.

The chopper was pretty fast too, thanks to the silver paint.

 

That's awesome you were able to do that with your dad! So sorry to hear about the cancer—I can't imagine.

 

Sorry to hear about the cancer. Hoping for the best. Spend as much time as you can together. Time is precious

 

Glad your old man enjoyed it!!!! Personally I'm never going in a chopper, at least under my own free will. Engine quits, well you better hope you are high enough, have a good place to set down, and a pilot with balls of steel. Below that altitude number and engine quits, you're fucked.

 

Dang, that looks so epic. I hope I can get my dad to do something that memorable while he's still able.

 

That's great you were able to do that. Sorry to hear about the cancer.

 

Looks like everyone had a blast.

FC!

 

That looked like a great time.
Sorry to hear about your dad's cancer.

 

Sorry to hear about you father.

 

More dangerous getting into a car....

 

Nice Flightseeing trip Phil! Chopper flightseeing can't beat. Nice pic!

 

You can be fucked on any piece of machinery you get on.

 

Look up “autorotate landing”.

I’m not the biggest fan of flying but statistically it’s safer to fly than it is driving to the airport.

Sorry to hear about your Dad @landphil. I happy for you all that you were able to experience something like this together with 3 generations. Very cool indeed. I hope he gets better.

 

What a great son and father you are !!!
I have to agree....FC

 

That's awesome. I gave my son a flying lesson for his birthday a few years ago. Our local flight school offer introductory classes for $100 or something like that. He still says it was one of the best birthday gifts ever. Memories are worth much more than material gifts.

 

Aw, bullshit!

 

Glad your whole family was able to enjoy and make some great memories. My best wishes for your father.

 

What a great birthday present. Especially in BC's mountains.

Sorry to hear about your father. He and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

 

I know what that is, still don't like helicopters.

I'm fine with fixed wing aircraft, your engine cuts out, it will still glide for a good distance while you try and get the engine restarted.

 

Prayers to your family and friends! Great memories your boys will have. Priceless!

 

My Dad passed away peacefully in the early hours yesterday. He was 67. The past few months have been rough, but his pain was managed fairly well, and he’s now in a far better place where there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Rev 21:4)

The day I posted about in this thread remains a big highlight in more recent memories of our times with him.

 

Sorry to hear. Glad you were able to make a great memory with him though.

 

Man, I am so sorry to hear this. With everything going on in this world and then to deal with the loss of your father - I am so sorry for your loss but glad you seem to be the type of son and family man that has created many lasting memories of the good times spent with him. Take care of yourself and your family and rest well knowing he isn’t in pain or suffering anymore. And know that he has an incredible son and awesome grandsons by his side throughout his battle

 

Very sorry to hear about your dad.

 

Sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed reading this thread and hearing about your Dad and the kids...

 

Sorry for your loss .

 

My condolences and prayers to you and your family. As you stated in your post, he is in no more pain....
My favorite quote about dying from the Lord of the Rings...
“PIPPIN: I didn't think it would end this way.

GANDALF: End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it.

PIPPIN: What? Gandalf? See what?

GANDALF: White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.

PIPPIN: Well, that isn't so bad.

GANDALF: No. No, it isn't.”