Taken from an oil platform, a unique and terrifying view of Hurricane Lili threatening havoc in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fantastic

Reminds me of an experience I had in the late 70's.

At the time, I was a flight instructor out in a Cessna 150 with a student. We were manuevering near Bayou La Batre, Alabama (south Mobile county). I saw an unusual convective area offshore and we went a few miles closer to take a look. From the clouds came a shimmering ribbon that grew into a classic waterspout. We watched it from a safe distance for a short while until it dissipated.

Of course, when you have triple waterspouts associated with convective lines of a hurricane, it's potentially far more dangerous. And those folks on the rig can't get out of there!

Allyn

Allyn -- do you still instruct? If so, where??

I got my PP back in '86 -- something I had always wanted to do, but never had the money to pursue. I finally decided to just do it. Haven't regretted it at all -- I love to fly! Still haven't been able to come up with the time or money to get the instrument ticket, but I sure do want to. As a former teacher who loves to fly, I would love to instruct, if I can ever get that far.

Learned (of course) in Cessnas -- 150's and 152's. Have since moved up to 172's, and have flown a 182 and a 185. Have also gotten in some Moony time in a 205 -- an FBO in central NJ used to have them in his rental fleet :) and logged a small amount of Mushketeer (spelling intended LOL) and V-35 Bonanza time, some Ercoupe time and about 4 hours in a Navion. Have not flown anything from Piper yet, but got about 5 hours in a Trinidad. Just about 650 hours total time -- not much, considering I when I started...

Got interested in rotor wing and took several hours instruction in an R-22 before my funds ran out. :(

My personal favorites? A Helio Courier in which I got some good rough-field experience, and the Ford Trimotor that was doing sightseeing flights out of Solberg Airport at the NJ Balloon Festival back when I was part-timing at the airport to help pay for lessons... :)

Chris,

I haven't taught or flown in a few years. But I do fly a 737-400 in MS FS2002!

From 1977 to 1981, I went from instructing to air freight (small packages and checks) to flying a King Air F90 as captain and a Lear 23 mostly as F.O. and instructor. My last charter was as captain of the Lear. Yes, I've my ATP with Learjet type rating.

Airplanes flown included various Barons, the Aztec, Cessna 310, 402, and various single engine Cessnas, Beechcraft, Pipers, and a Rockwell 112. At one point, I flew the four-engined DeHavilland Heron and a Beech D18 and have some experience with the Grand Commander. And I briefly flew a Cessna 185. It was a three-bladed version and was a delight to fly. Fun airplane with plenty of power and good handling.

I accumulated 4300 hours total with over 700 of it at night and just over 500 in turbine aircraft. Rotorcraft experience was limited to hovering a Bell 47 and flying a Coast Guard full motion simulator. I experienced an engine failure (partial power but unable to hold altitude) in a Cessna 172 and prevented a failure in a Baron and other aircraft by being very attentive to cylinder head temps and unusual sounds, etc. Mechanics learned to expect a cylinder problem when I brought one in with a write-up.

Chris, please tell me about the Trinidad. How's it handle? Did you like it?

In 1981, I went to work for the FAA at the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center. In 1993, I transferred to Atlanta Center and retired in 2001 after 20 years and one month. During my ATC career, I found it difficult to maintain instrument currency. Although my flying experience was instrumental in saving some lives, I tended to project myself on the flight deck too much. And the job was mentally exhausting, especially in Atlanta.

In 1996, I developed rheumatoid arthritis (RA). That combined with gastric problems and stress, effectively ended my career in 2000. The last year I was on medical restriction and not actively working traffic but was able to take a normal retirement in November of 2001. For that, I am grateful.

I haven't even tried to pass a medical. And recently, I had a possible TIA and don't feel comfortable acting as PIC, much less driving on Atlanta's freeways. Come to think of it, I'm probably better off in the air! ;)

:D

Allyn

and people wonder why gas cost more??? Besides going deeper we got these things popping about.

Sorry guys.


http://www.snopes.com/photos/lili.htm

Thank you for the expose'. I didn't closely examine the first photo. On closer look, it's not quite right. Note the unbelievably calm water. With a hurricane, it's rock and roll!

My view of the waterspout off coastal Alabama is very similar to the real photo you linked us to. Thanks. :)

Well, dang. Next, you'll be telling us that Tuff really doesn't look like his cowpoke picture? :)

I reckon so...:+ :P

Snopes is just ruining all the fun x(

Well I never? First time I've fallen for one of these!

My apologies to all, folks! :(

Anyway, we don't have any urban myths/legends over here - they're all TRUE!!!!! :7