It's an ultralight! Making their way up the coast from Charleston, two planes flew right over our heads as we walked.
Boy, you just never know what you are going to see when you come to the beach.
"Ultralight aircraft in the United States are much smaller and lighter than ultralight aircraft in all other countries. In the USA ultralights are classified as vehicles and not aircraft and are thus not required to be registered nor is the pilot required to have a pilot license or certificate."
New pilots are "strongly advised," however, to get 10 hours of instruction before taking to the sky.
I guess these pilots knew what they were doing, license or no, as they soared gracefully along right over our heads. I would think, though, if you are going to be operating something so flimsy and high in the sky, there would be some training required.
This plane was very patriotic, red, white and blue all over with boxy squared-off wings and the pilot was sitting up.
This one was less colorful. sleek like a big bird. Or a paper airplane.
I am not sure, but I think the pilot was lying down in this one.
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We have a major hurricane barreling north toward us this week. We are in the "cone of uncertainty," that best guess of the National Weather Service of where Matthew will hit when and if it reaches the US.
We have begun to make some tentative preparations but in the next day or two forecasters will have a better handle on things and we will act accordingly.
Everyone hopes that it will make a right turn when it hits the Gulf Stream and veer away from the East Coast entirely, blowing itself out over the Atlantic where it will hurt no one.
Fingers crossed!
Posted with Blogsy
I would be very scared in that flimsy ultralight! Do they "take off" by going someplace high? Good Luck with the hurricane. We have relatives in FL, so we're also watching it.
ReplyDeleteOur fingers are crossed too, though hurricanes generally miss Georgia and hit North Carolina instead. My daughter has one heading towards her in Japan too.
ReplyDeletel hope that the hurricane gives you a wide berth.
ReplyDeleteHere the Southern States and especially South Australia
have been battered - into darkness and some might
say that "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" hit
the whole state - over 80,000 lightning strikes in the
first attack - plunged the whole state into total darkness
for,in some cases, days!!! The power grids or towers for
electrical supply just were torn out of the ground or snapped
in two!! Unbelievable, so I hope you remain safe.
On the news here this morning, besides the US comedy show
for President by one "??? contestant", an ultra light pilot
was killed at some air show. I think they have to be registered
here.
Cheers
Colin
Wow!! nice captures..
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen ultralights around here for a long time. I hope the storm misses you. Keep safe.
ReplyDeleteLuckily we alnost do not.hurricanes I Europe my fingers crossed
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about the rules here in the UK. Hope the hurricane misses land altogether. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThey often ly on their belly, scary. We see them here sitting in a flying chair above our head, rather high too.
ReplyDeleteA hurricane must be very scary, I saw it on televison this morning here, hope he will make a turn for the best for you.
I don't think I've seen an ultralight yet. Awesome photos. Loved sky in the second photo especially. Beautiful. I've been hearing about the hurricane. Take care and fingers crossed for you. Will hope for good news. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you as I saw the projections this morning. Stay safe and let us know how you prepare! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to watch the ultra lights when I lived near the water, loved seeing them.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been online much lately but had to stop by and let you know I'm thinking of you with the hurricane heading your way and will continue to keep you and the writer in my thoughts. When you get a chance let us know how you are doing.