As a pilot myself I know the feelings that Kurt is talking about. When you fly a plane for the first time alone it is one of the greatest feelings a person can have.
Couldn’t agree more. There was no instructor to tell you what to do or look out for. I did my first solo on a basic training glider and did one of my best landings ever. After that it was the first solo on a high performance glider after an aero tow. Many years later I took lessons on powered aircraft and felt the same when I went solo on a tail dragger Maule and again did a great landing. Unfortunately shortly afterwards on a Friday the thirteenth I ground looped it doing touch and go’s, bent the prop and ended up in the grass at the side of the runway. I thought it was going to turnover but it didn’t and I stopped with the engine still running but bent propeller. In the end sold it as it’s cruise speed was slower than I had been led to believe so traded it for a Cessna Turbo retractable 182 which met all my expectations.
This video prevented me from quitting private pilot training when I had lost all confidence, and thought I didn't have what it took to become a pilot. As a 58 year old woman, learning to fly was about much more. It was about changing my view of myself, gaining confidence I'd never had and learning I can do about anything I set my mind to. Wish I had learned these things at age 20, but better late than never. Thank you Kurt.
I am a PPL and Cessna 172 pilot in New Zealand. I know exactly how Kurt feels about this first solo and the feeling of being alone in an aeroplane during a sunset. It's so special that really there are no words to describe.The day that changed my life forever was the day our aeroclub's chief flying instructor set me free for my 1st solo. Since then, I feel I am getting younger for each hour I fly. I enjoy sharing my new reality with my friends with regards to the sheer joy of flying. :)
Kurt Russell is truly in love with flying as well as I am. I was married for 22 years and that ended but my love of flying has never been stronger. Have been a pilot for 45 years and half the time I cry because of the great joy I have seeing the world so differently than everybody being at the controls!
Always had a great time watching Kirt grow up with me and tv and I respect his options he’s a great person and has been an inspiration to me over my lifetime I’m 65 and all through my life I have never passed up any of his movies When I was a child I wanted to be a Navy or Air Force pilot but fate had different path for me but to fly would be heaven on earth I was 60 years old on my first flight Went from LA to Atlanta and back to LA it was just like I envisioned it to be Awesome My first words going down the runway and the pilot hit the gas was Get it boys And up we went I Know that flying is the greatest experience anyone can have. Kirt makes it something personal and I would do anything to be behind the stick of an airplane
The look on a kids face when he leaves the ground for the first time, and you are helping him to discover one of the best experiences ever..... priceless! Nice job Kurt explaining the thrill and personnel satisfaction, to fly!
Thank you for uploading this. And thank you Kurt Russell, for this video and for all that you do and are. Don't much make 'em like Kurt Russell anymore.
I live in a part of a country that is socked in with clouds and rain a large part of the year. After getting my instrument rating I would occasionally take a friend to our flying club and take us up above the weather. After weeks/months of gray drizzle, breaking out into clear blue sky under intense sunlight felt a bit like a minor miracle. And of course instantly washed away SAD. Learning to fly... maybe worth it just for that.
Loved when he talked about being a slow learner.. Me too and flying lessons are Tough! I was a natural at the controls and the feel of the planes but the math ,navigation and tower communications took me several times longer than it should have and I failed several tests. Dyslexia and hearing loss just made it even harder. It was all worth it. Small corrections grasshopper, small corrections.. Trim it so you can fly it with your fingertips. Next; my rotor rating! Thank's for everything Capt Bob!
As another guy from MA& most of America we grew up watching you on TV & the big screen and I had no idea you are such an accomplished pilot. I am a newer pilot and you have perfectly described how amazing flying is! My greatest thrill is sharing it with my 3 boys, all of whom are in their 20's but in the plane they are "starried" eyed 12 year olds & we are sharing something very special. Your video so accurately describes the feelings and also the required focus and sense of accomplishment I feel after any flight into a new airport. Thank you!
Always loved planes. When I decided to get my license, my wife asked if I minded if she did it too? It was just awesome doing it with her. We both got our licenses. Every thing he says about flying is so true.
I started asking fellow pilots "did you dream of flying when very young?" I found that most did. And most dreams were fantasy-type dreams: flying carpet stuff. Mine was a magic stick that allowed me to go up or down like the control column on a piper cub.
I always thought Kurt was cool... now I find that he is a pilot too....wow now he too cool for school. I love the way he encapsulates the way all true pilots feel. wonderful video.
Amen Kurt. I have Always wanted to fly, and being a single parent, my dream was put on hold for many years. I am finally a student pilot, and it's the greatest leap forward I have taken and advise Everyone to Follow your dreams!
How inspiring, thank you Mr. Russell! I am super interested in flying after completing 29 years in the fire service but a recent MS diagnosis has me hesitant. Your comment about learning to flly, hooked me.. I`ve been on the bubble and need to commit. Thank you for sharing your story!
Such a great message! The crazy year of 2020 gave me enough time to think. One thing that came to this 58 year old guy is that I took a ground school course 40 yrs ago and never finished getting my training. Well, that's over. And Kurt is right....aviators love having new aviators around. What a community! Flying solo cannot be described. Landing at a small and challenging airstrip cannot be described. Building my own airplane....can't describe that either. Aviation is fun and magical.
Good job trying to explain what is tough to get across Kurt. I've heard several nice comments from other airline pilot buddies, that have worked the ramp around you in years past. Always good to hear the pilot camaraderie runs deep. Thanks for giving back as well. You and guys like Harrison represent us well.
Kurt really is a nice guy. He called our avionics shop years ago to ask why his radio repair wasn't covered under warranty. Warranty wasn't as long as he thought and while many, wealthy customers would have gotten rude and argued, he was nothing but pleasant to my admin person.
I remember his cameo as the co-pilot for the 707 stuck in the mud and in the way of the airstrip..... Young actor in the movie airport trying to get it taxied out of the way..... (original)... Saved it from the snow plows...
Of all the phony, self-righteous people that fit the category of "celebrity", Kurt Russell is one of the few deserved of "genuine". Despite his fame status, he seems like a person whom knowing would make your own life a little better.
1:57 ....... "the beginning of true love afair" .......... DO IT .........learn to fly, otherwise you have missed your life! Chapeau, Chapeau, Chapeau dear Kurt, you are sooooooooooo right!
There definitely is something magic to take control of a airplane and slice through a 3D sea of air.........the first time I did it, it brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face, my soul had been set free.....and I am among the 1% that have done so.
it has been 3 years since kurt russell made a movie, dont get me wrong every body needs a brake from there job but 3 years come on kurt whats up with that? your friend john carpenter took a 10 year break from movies and now he is back directing films again, its time kurt (snake) russell to get off your butt and start kicking butt again ,dont stop doing what you were born to do make great movies
Kurt congratulations on your success and your happiness. I've always enjoyed your work. I've always found you entertaining. My father had a Cherokee D. He you used to take me out of school when I was in fourth grade and we'd go flying. Cut school and go flying. It's a thrill. I'm envious of your turboprop. Amelia Earhart- that woman with her polished aluminum Lockheed Electra. I thought she was hot. Very cool.
Little known fact: Kurt Russell was flying in the same area when the Phoenix Lights happened. He was one of the original witnesses, and one of only a handful of pilots in the area at the time.
The thing about pilots is that you can't BS your way around an airplane like you can in so many other areas. Every flight is a pass/fail test. Up in the sky, I think of those world rulers of long ago who had everything, but the ability to fly. Lucky us.
You need some money to buy a plane like that but those of us that love flying are happy to get our license and join a flying club and pay as you go. It's just a joy I couldn't live without. I guess you never wanted anything so badly it was worth a little sacrifice. It takes a pilot to understand why the birds sing.....
I'm no Kurt, but let me help. You simply do it. You do everything in your power to be safe and more, but you do it. You stay committed to your marriage, your family, and aviation comes second to that, but you do it. You support anything your wife wants to do as well, but you do it. You fly. My wife worries but she would be worst, she says, if I was not flying. Unselfish love is that way. And I love her more (if that's possible) for it... But I do more for her every chance I get... And I fly...
I met him back in 1999 when he flew into Signature in DC! He had 2 little girls with him and not only was he genuinely nice, but also a great tipper! Cool guy!
I took learning how to fly pretty much for granted. But that sudden awareness of reality thing that smacks one in the face during solo is very acute (and probably beneficially necessary).
Bravo, Kurt, very few people in Hollywood have the gumption to say what you did @ 2:30. On a personal note, the T.V series "Stargate," IMHO, is a direct reflection of YOUR work in the motion picture. You're cool.(he's cool.)
Interesting... always liked Russell. We share something in common, too... my uncle was one of the original aviators, and like his grandfather, his licence was signed by one of the Wright brothers.
CRAIG!! You flew into our little town in Kurts plane @ Santa Maria,Ca.?? You come stright in on 30 or the back course on 12??? Happy to have had such a icons like yourself's @ our little Airport. Blue Skies my friends.... And keeep the wind always benether your wings.. Steve Soto aka Sotoman......
By the strangest of coincidences I just watched Kurt Russell in a RUclips excerpt from Tombstone. I try never to do that but this time I did. I don't know much about aviation but I do recognize acting talent. Russell is truly great actor. I judge actors by their versatility. Russell can do light comedy, he can play a psychotic monsters or he can be a stoic hero. Why is he not recognized more? Pacino can't do comedy, in fact he can really only play gangsters. De Niro can play comedy - but not well. De Nero seems to stupid to play much of anything. Kevin Klein is also a actor who has great range and he can sing and dance. IMHO Russell is second only to Klein among American living movie actors. Brando was of course the best of all time.
Have always loved airplanes. Unfortunately I think I "missed the boat". When I was in the military, single and in my 20's I could easily afford lessons and didn't take them. Now I am forty something with a family and very low income. Cant afford to pay my bills much less fly.. I have had the privilege of beginning glider pilot lessons once, but had to quit that too due to money. Many people are envious, most of us really could have at some point and didn't. We missed the boat. Keep flying Kurt, but don't quit acting. you are good at that too!
Good video and great comments from Mr. Russell. Loved airplanes and worked with them for all my life. My theory is anyone can have the one thing they really want but no one gets everything they want. So I have other hobbies and never committed to the money pit of being a private (unpaid) pilot. Maybe someday soon though. For now I will stick with radio control models that are still beautiful to behold in the air. After watching videos of the paparazzi in action, it is almost a requirement for celebrities to have their own plane or be a pilot. Being a passenger on an airliner looks like it would be a nightmare for them. At least at the airport waiting areas.
just so you know the requirements to being a pilot have been reduced in half down to 20 hours minimum from 40 to get a recreational license instead of a private license but you could still take one passenger and fly at small airports so it reduces the cost a lot check it out
I saw you at the AOPA show at Long Beach Airport. I was with the Angel Flight Booth at the airport. JOIN Angel Flight West. You will love it. Tell Josh I sent you.
A few times while hanging out at my glider club I'll ask the question, "Who's the greatest glider pilot of all time?" I let my comrades argue the merits of Moffat, Riechman, Schreder, The Poles of the 70's and the local heroes . Then when it comes to me, I act all sly and and say "Snake Plissken, he landed on the World Trade Center roof at night". I always win.
i met him at a AOPA even and had a nice talk with him... he bought a plane from a guy i know. he was having some paper problems on the purchase. we called him from the meeting on my cell 1997. Kurt and John fixed it right there on the phone. He means every word of what he says. He invited me to go fly with him never could get a schedule match ..i was buzy or he was gone on a shot someplace. oh well!
flying was unimaginable and a miracle just little over hundred years ago.What has happened, is it to common place? I do not think so just because it is more common, it is still incredible almost magical.
Mr. Russell: Thanks for sharing, I couldn't find any words to say it myself. If by some odd reason you may actually see any of these comments, I am sure that I speak for my boss, Fred Ahles, who I believe you bought a few of the early airplanes from. I walk by your picture every day when you took delivery of a Commander and then a 303 I think it was. Fred says hi.
As a pilot myself I know the feelings that Kurt is talking about. When you fly a plane for the first time alone it is one of the greatest feelings a person can have.
Couldn’t agree more. There was no instructor to tell you what to do or look out for. I did my first solo on a basic training glider and did one of my best landings ever. After that it was the first solo on a high performance glider after an aero tow. Many years later I took lessons on powered aircraft and felt the same when I went solo on a tail dragger Maule and again did a great landing. Unfortunately shortly afterwards on a Friday the thirteenth I ground looped it doing touch and go’s, bent the prop and ended up in the grass at the side of the runway. I thought it was going to turnover but it didn’t and I stopped with the engine still running but bent propeller. In the end sold it as it’s cruise speed was slower than I had been led to believe so traded it for a Cessna Turbo retractable 182 which met all my expectations.
This video prevented me from quitting private pilot training when I had lost all confidence, and thought I didn't have what it took to become a pilot. As a 58 year old woman, learning to fly was about much more. It was about changing my view of myself, gaining confidence I'd never had and learning I can do about anything I set my mind to. Wish I had learned these things at age 20, but better late than never. Thank you Kurt.
Did you persevere in aviation?
I applaud you. And can tell the experience has served you well.
In my career as a flight instructor I have had students from 13 to 75.
Never limit yourself. You are stronger than you think.
One of the things I really enjoyed as a flight instructor was to see one of my students solo. Kurt captures this feeling!
EVERY SINGLE WORD !! IS SO TRUE !! ONLY PILOTS CAN UNDERSTAND 😊😊
Exactly!
I am a PPL and Cessna 172 pilot in New Zealand. I know exactly how Kurt feels about this first solo and the feeling of being alone in an aeroplane during a sunset. It's so special that really there are no words to describe.The day that changed my life forever was the day our aeroclub's chief flying instructor set me free for my 1st solo. Since then, I feel I am getting younger for each hour I fly. I enjoy sharing my new reality with my friends with regards to the sheer joy of flying. :)
Well this has definitely pushed me over the edge. I’m 55 and hope I’m not to late. It’s time to start my lessons. Thank you MR Russell
Kurt Russell is truly in love with flying as well as I am. I was married for 22 years and that ended but my love of flying has never been stronger. Have been a pilot for 45 years and half the time I cry because of the great joy I have seeing the world so differently than everybody being at the controls!
Always had a great time watching Kirt grow up with me and tv and I respect his options he’s a great person and has been an inspiration to me over my lifetime
I’m 65 and all through my life I have never passed up
any of his movies
When I was a child I wanted to be a Navy or Air Force pilot but fate had different path for me but to fly would be heaven on earth
I was 60 years old on my first flight
Went from LA to Atlanta and back to LA it was just like I envisioned it to be
Awesome
My first words going down the runway and the pilot hit the gas was
Get it boys
And up we went
I Know that flying is the greatest experience anyone can have.
Kirt makes it something personal and I would do anything to be behind the stick of an airplane
The look on a kids face when he leaves the ground for the first time, and you are helping him to discover one of the best experiences ever..... priceless! Nice job Kurt explaining the thrill and personnel satisfaction, to fly!
This deserves an aviation oscar. Difficult indeed to speak from a place of deep feeling but Mr.Russell's effort is thumbs up!
What a classy guy!
Thank you for uploading this. And thank you Kurt Russell, for this video and for all that you do and are. Don't much make 'em like Kurt Russell anymore.
I never knew that Kurt had his pilot's license. thanks for sharing.
I live in a part of a country that is socked in with clouds and rain a large part of the year. After getting my instrument rating I would occasionally take a friend to our flying club and take us up above the weather. After weeks/months of gray drizzle, breaking out into clear blue sky under intense sunlight felt a bit like a minor miracle. And of course instantly washed away SAD. Learning to fly... maybe worth it just for that.
Didn't know he was a pilot. This was well done. Its definitely changed my life.
Loved when he talked about being a slow learner..
Me too and flying lessons are Tough!
I was a natural at the controls and the feel of the planes but the math ,navigation and tower communications took me several times longer than it should have and I failed several tests.
Dyslexia and hearing loss just made it even harder.
It was all worth it.
Small corrections grasshopper, small corrections..
Trim it so you can fly it with your fingertips.
Next; my rotor rating!
Thank's for everything Capt Bob!
Great little segment. Pilots are special people.
As another guy from MA& most of America we grew up watching you on TV & the big screen and I had no idea you are such an accomplished pilot. I am a newer pilot and you have perfectly described how amazing flying is! My greatest thrill is sharing it with my 3 boys, all of whom are in their 20's but in the plane they are "starried" eyed 12 year olds & we are sharing something very special.
Your video so accurately describes the feelings and also the required focus and sense of accomplishment I feel after any flight into a new airport.
Thank you!
I remember my first solo 40 years ago. I remember like it happened yesterday.
Always loved planes. When I decided to get my license, my wife asked if I minded if she did it too? It was just awesome doing it with her. We both got our licenses. Every thing he says about flying is so true.
I started asking fellow pilots "did you dream of flying when very young?" I found that most did. And most dreams were fantasy-type dreams: flying carpet stuff. Mine was a magic stick that allowed me to go up or down like the control column on a piper cub.
I always thought Kurt was cool... now I find that he is a pilot too....wow
now he too cool for school. I love the way he encapsulates the way all
true pilots feel. wonderful video.
Amen Kurt. I have Always wanted to fly, and being a single parent, my dream was put on hold for many years. I am finally a student pilot, and it's the greatest leap forward I have taken and advise Everyone to Follow your dreams!
How inspiring, thank you Mr. Russell! I am super interested in flying after completing 29 years in the fire service but a recent MS diagnosis has me hesitant. Your comment about learning to flly, hooked me.. I`ve been on the bubble and need to commit. Thank you for sharing your story!
Such a great message! The crazy year of 2020 gave me enough time to think. One thing that came to this 58 year old guy is that I took a ground school course 40 yrs ago and never finished getting my training. Well, that's over. And Kurt is right....aviators love having new aviators around. What a community! Flying solo cannot be described. Landing at a small and challenging airstrip cannot be described. Building my own airplane....can't describe that either. Aviation is fun and magical.
Learning to fly, is one of the most significant personal accomplishments anybody can have.
Just when you think you couldn't have anymore respect for a guy. Kurt you are a class act sir!
He is one great man..
What an AWESOME GUY !!
Good job trying to explain what is tough to get across Kurt. I've heard several nice comments from other airline pilot buddies, that have worked the ramp around you in years past. Always good to hear the pilot camaraderie runs deep. Thanks for giving back as well. You and guys like Harrison represent us well.
Kurt really is a nice guy. He called our avionics shop years ago to ask why his radio repair wasn't covered under warranty. Warranty wasn't as long as he thought and while many, wealthy customers would have gotten rude and argued, he was nothing but pleasant to my admin person.
It's like you were speaking for all of us. You're good to go in my book.
I remember his cameo as the co-pilot for the 707 stuck in the mud and in the way of the airstrip..... Young actor in the movie airport trying to get it taxied out of the way..... (original)... Saved it from the snow plows...
Great pilot, great actor.
Of all the phony, self-righteous people that fit the category of "celebrity", Kurt Russell is one of the few deserved of "genuine". Despite his fame status, he seems like a person whom knowing would make your own life a little better.
Captain Ron can do it all
Kurt was the Bonanza pilot who claimed while flying home with his son he saw the "Phoenix Lights" during his landing approach.
You are my fav actor and I am 76 years old ,, you have proved , skill and class
1:57 ....... "the beginning of true love afair" ..........
DO IT .........learn to fly, otherwise you have missed your life!
Chapeau, Chapeau, Chapeau dear Kurt, you are sooooooooooo right!
There definitely is something magic to take control of a airplane and slice through a 3D sea of air.........the first time I did it, it brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face, my soul had been set free.....and I am among the 1% that have done so.
Wow, Kurt really did sum-up becoming/being a Pilot perfectly for me! Class Act!:) Thanks!
I started training 23 years old, aftervi came back from Korea. 30 years later I finally got my license.
It is VERY Special !!
it has been 3 years since kurt russell made a movie, dont get me wrong every body needs a brake from there job but 3 years come on kurt whats up with that? your friend john carpenter took a 10 year break from movies and now he is back directing films again, its time kurt (snake) russell to get off your butt and start kicking butt again ,dont stop doing what you were born to do make great movies
That's exactly the way I felt as a flight instructor. (CFIAIME/G retired)
Kurt congratulations on your success and your happiness.
I've always enjoyed your work.
I've always found you entertaining.
My father had a Cherokee D. He you used to take me out of school when I was in fourth grade and we'd go flying. Cut school and go flying. It's a thrill. I'm envious of your turboprop. Amelia Earhart-
that woman with her polished aluminum Lockheed Electra. I thought she was hot. Very cool.
I am not sure how anyone can dislike someone else's story?
Little known fact: Kurt Russell was flying in the same area when the Phoenix Lights happened. He was one of the original witnesses, and one of only a handful of pilots in the area at the time.
I drive a Lincoln Aviator. We are so much alike.
The thing about pilots is that you can't BS your way around an airplane like you can in so many other areas. Every flight is a pass/fail test. Up in the sky, I think of those world rulers of long ago who had everything, but the ability to fly. Lucky us.
You need some money to buy a plane like that but those of us that love flying are happy to get our license and join a flying club and pay as you go. It's just a joy I couldn't live without. I guess you never wanted anything so badly it was worth a little sacrifice. It takes a pilot to understand why the birds sing.....
New respect for the man. Nice!
'Just relax and fly the plane.'
Very cool! I always liked Kurt Russell and now I now I like the rascal even more! Way to go Kurt!
THANK YOU KURT. I HAVE TO FLY, I WILL OVER COME THE MONEY THE TIME WHAT EVER IT TAKES I WILL FLY. MY DAD WAS A PILOT IN THE 1920'S 30'S ,40'S
I just found this video and always liked him. He described perfectly what I feel about airplanes.
Love this video.
Makes sense....he was in Air National Guard 1969-75.
To Aviator Kurt Russell Fly high. to those who loves to Fly, Escape the Ordinary Learn to Fly.
I'm no Kurt, but let me help. You simply do it. You do everything in your power to be safe and more, but you do it. You stay committed to your marriage, your family, and aviation comes second to that, but you do it. You support anything your wife wants to do as well, but you do it. You fly. My wife worries but she would be worst, she says, if I was not flying. Unselfish love is that way. And I love her more (if that's possible) for it... But I do more for her every chance I get... And I fly...
Kurt got into skydiving as well. Great guy and all around adventurer.
A legend. Godspeed, Mr. Russell. =)
“If anything is going to happen, it’s gonna happen out there”... Capt. Ron
I met him back in 1999 when he flew into Signature in DC! He had 2 little girls with him and not only was he genuinely nice, but also a great tipper! Cool guy!
I belevied he answered the "why do you like airplanes" question...perfectly.
It is life changing.
Yes to all.. Well said Kurt.. Been there.. Blue Skies.
I took learning how to fly pretty much for granted. But that sudden awareness of reality thing that smacks one in the face during solo is very acute (and probably beneficially necessary).
great words of wisdom from a great man.thankyou
Bravo, Kurt, very few people in Hollywood have the gumption to say what you did @ 2:30. On a personal note, the T.V series "Stargate," IMHO, is a direct reflection of YOUR work in the motion picture. You're cool.(he's cool.)
Interesting... always liked Russell. We share something in common, too... my uncle was one of the original aviators, and like his grandfather, his licence was signed by one of the Wright brothers.
All it takes is determination.
nice story
beautiful plane
cheers
Fabulous interview that touches on how all we pilots feel.
I found the most soul-destroying thing was when I discovered I was colorblind and I'd never be allowed to fly, I'm 71 now and it still upsets me.
Very nice and from the hart. I am 56 and getting mine soon.
CRAIG!! You flew into our little town in Kurts plane @ Santa Maria,Ca.?? You come stright in on 30 or the back course on 12??? Happy to have had such a icons like yourself's @ our little Airport. Blue Skies my friends.... And keeep the wind always benether your wings.. Steve Soto aka Sotoman......
Nice TBM 850
"Maybe there's no question that there's a God.."
I don't know anything about flying, but Russell had made only GREAT movies. I love his movies!
Well said.... couldn't agree more.
By the strangest of coincidences I just watched Kurt Russell in a RUclips excerpt from Tombstone. I try never to do that but this time I did. I don't know much about aviation but I do recognize acting talent. Russell is truly great actor. I judge actors by their versatility. Russell can do light comedy, he can play a psychotic monsters or he can be a stoic hero. Why is he not recognized more? Pacino can't do comedy, in fact he can really only play gangsters. De Niro can play comedy - but not well. De Nero seems to stupid to play much of anything.
Kevin Klein is also a actor who has great range and he can sing and dance. IMHO Russell is second only to Klein among American living movie actors. Brando was of course the best of all time.
Well said.
awesome
Have always loved airplanes. Unfortunately I think I "missed the boat". When I was in the military, single and in my 20's I could easily afford lessons and didn't take them. Now I am forty something with a family and very low income. Cant afford to pay my bills much less fly.. I have had the privilege of beginning glider pilot lessons once, but had to quit that too due to money.
Many people are envious, most of us really could have at some point and didn't. We missed the boat.
Keep flying Kurt, but don't quit acting. you are good at that too!
Very well said!
THANK YOU
On my solo, I did so many touch and goes, I logged my first night landings. Jack, Swift 61 k
No, not a Malibu, a Socata TBM 700, a much different machine. All this and Goldie Hawn too, some guys get all the luck!
"...some guys get all the luck" You're right but I'm glad for Russell, he's a helluva guy.
Love planes....but it takes a lot of money to learn to fly, and then have it for a hobby. But Kurt never had to worry about that. Some of us do.
Good video and great comments from Mr. Russell.
Loved airplanes and worked with them for all my life. My theory is anyone can have the one thing they really want but no one gets everything they want. So I have other hobbies and never committed to the money pit of being a private (unpaid) pilot. Maybe someday soon though. For now I will stick with radio control models that are still beautiful to behold in the air.
After watching videos of the paparazzi in action, it is almost a requirement for celebrities to have their own plane or be a pilot. Being a passenger on an airliner looks like it would be a nightmare for them. At least at the airport waiting areas.
just so you know the requirements to being a pilot have been reduced in half down to 20 hours minimum from 40 to get a recreational license instead of a private license but you could still take one passenger and fly at small airports so it reduces the cost a lot check it out
I am so with you on that, nothing like it in the world, My solo, I woohoo'd so loud.
I saw you at the AOPA show at Long Beach Airport. I was with the Angel Flight Booth at the airport. JOIN Angel Flight West. You will love it. Tell Josh I sent you.
You couldn't have said it any better my friend...."Just fly the damn plane".. ;). ..and so we do....
A few times while hanging out at my glider club I'll ask the question, "Who's the greatest glider pilot of all time?" I let my comrades argue the merits of Moffat, Riechman, Schreder, The Poles of the 70's and the local heroes . Then when it comes to me, I act all sly and and say "Snake Plissken, he landed on the World Trade Center roof at night". I always win.
...and with one eye...
i met him at a AOPA even and had a nice talk with him... he bought a plane from a guy i know. he was having some paper problems on the purchase. we called him from the meeting on my cell 1997. Kurt and John fixed it right there on the phone. He means every word of what he says. He invited me to go fly with him never could get a schedule match ..i was buzy or he was gone on a shot someplace. oh well!
flying was unimaginable and a miracle just little over hundred years ago.What has happened, is it to common place? I do not think so just because it is more common, it is still incredible almost magical.
Mr. Russell: Thanks for sharing, I couldn't find any words to say it myself. If by some odd reason you may actually see any of these comments, I am sure that I speak for my boss, Fred Ahles, who I believe you bought a few of the early airplanes from. I walk by your picture every day when you took delivery of a Commander and then a 303 I think it was. Fred says hi.
Been there done that 60 years ago.
Kurt, Cool flying in Muskoka!
Great actor and safe pilot. Harrison Ford got in a crash ..not his fault and continues to fly and also flies helicopters.
I've seen that plane at KLPC on several occasions.