Ever since I was young my burning ambition was always to fly.
I was tested at 16 to join the RAF and passed, but was advised to further my education first and return when I had seen some more of the world, so to speak.
At 18 I applied for real and my world fell apart, my eyesight had deteriorated from 20/20 and was informed I would never fly for the RAF, I re-applied as a rear driver (navigator) and my application was returned with a letter informing me that due to the overwhelming number of applications etc. etc., for 6 months I was shellshocked and distraught. This is where my parents came into their own and after a series of chats my life was put back in order, something I will always be eternally grateful for. Don't you just love em!
This was in 1986, I have since moved on, served in HM Forces Army, and am now a settled family man with two beautiful daughters.
I always had an admiration for the WWII classic prop planes and was heavily involved in modelmaking as boy.
To chance across this game was a pure fluke. In
http://www.download.com looking for a flight sim to test and up this appeared.
3 years later, still here!
I was always an avid fan of the Spitfire for its sheer grace and streamlined looks, the history of its initial design, but as a young man reading for england it became more apparent that the Hurricane was the forgotten workhorse of WWII RAF. I read countless testimonies from pilots, namely one Douglas Bader, regarding it's capabilities and handling.
I started flying this kite (IIC) about a year ago in AH, and although I would never profess to be an ace I feel I can now hold my own in it. I never tire from flying it. Although I have to say the MK1 took me by surprise for realism when the engine cut-out on a turn dive!! Love the feel of the MKIID when you loose the 40mm's, the shake is great!
From what I have read all I can say is that HiTech have got the realism and feel for the kite to a tee.
The one thing I love is the feel of climbing through the clouds and that 'breaking through' feeling as you clear it into the blue skies, being able to look around and seeing what I only ever imaged pilots from WWII saw as they did the same.
That's it really, so, a very simple 'Thankyou' to HTC for making a dream come true and allowing me to experience something I had only ever read/dreamt about
Andrew
(aka Smiggy, the moniker is my nickname from my army days when there were far too many Smudgers about for my CO's liking!!!)
Tally ho old beans and race you home for tiffin!
