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It was a hot humid summer day just south of Houston Texas. My family was visiting my "Uncle" on his 20 acres of land. I was about 9 years old and my Uncle had a wonderful piece of property that consisted of a trailer, hangar and a foundation that would in the future become a home. I was running around as boys do, feeding grasshoppers to fire ants when I heard a strange noise.....It was an airplane! Landing!!! I watched it gracefully set down on the grass runway behind the trailer. WOW!!! A real airplane! Yes, my uncle had several around but none in any condition that were flyable. I watched the little fabric wonder Taxi up to the trailer and a gentleman hop out and greet everyone.
Of course, manners were completely thrown out the window and I blurted, "Can I have a ride!!!!". Little did I know then, that those are cherished words by rag wing pilots. My first wonderful amazing ride in a real honest to God airplane. I'll never forget it.
My Uncle, Richard "Dick" Bayless has been an amazing man and helped to raise lots of young men, my Father included. I have for years gleaned all the info I could, but never enough. He introduced me to his dream of flying on that wonderful day and I will forever be grateful. I have over time tried to emulate that dream by having my airplane in my own back yard and giving every kid that even looks like he is going to ask a ride.
On September 7th I lost my beloved Uncle and a great friend. Aviation lost a very talented and experienced individual, even though they didn't know it. He was buried on September 11 just a few plots down from my grandfather. I'm sure they are having a good laugh and fishing....
I miss them both.
Of course, manners were completely thrown out the window and I blurted, "Can I have a ride!!!!". Little did I know then, that those are cherished words by rag wing pilots. My first wonderful amazing ride in a real honest to God airplane. I'll never forget it.
My Uncle, Richard "Dick" Bayless has been an amazing man and helped to raise lots of young men, my Father included. I have for years gleaned all the info I could, but never enough. He introduced me to his dream of flying on that wonderful day and I will forever be grateful. I have over time tried to emulate that dream by having my airplane in my own back yard and giving every kid that even looks like he is going to ask a ride.
On September 7th I lost my beloved Uncle and a great friend. Aviation lost a very talented and experienced individual, even though they didn't know it. He was buried on September 11 just a few plots down from my grandfather. I'm sure they are having a good laugh and fishing....
I miss them both.
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