Need to document some of the activities we did in Thailand, as we wrote earlier most of the days in Thailand had focus within the flying community. We were invited by Norman Livingstone at the Thai Flying Club (TFC), thanks Norm! The Thai Flying club have quite a lot of aircrafts, both their own but also many private aircraft. We also met up with Tom Claytor, the around the world flyer that we mentioned before. He has been living in Thailand the last six years and we had the opportunity to have him to take care of us and to share his experiences before Norm arrived joined up a few days later.

Good times at the Thai Flying Club

We took a flight in the clubs WILGA, a four seat taildragger with a big engine, we flew over to a nice resort which had a 300 meter (!) grass strip, I could never imagine using such a short takeoff and landing distance! Here we were invited to join the Royal and Ancient society of Bushpilots, something we of course said yes to! Proud of being a new member we did the nice aerial photos as you can see on the previous mentioned link at the TFC. Thanks for all your help Norm and Tom!

Getting ready for takeoff in the Wilga

Ready for takeoff runway 23

Johan did most of the flight

Windy in the backseat...

From left to right: Tom, Henrik, Johan and Norm

We had the oppurtunity to do a local flight from Bang Phra to the new bangkok airport (VTBS) which is about to open after the summer, we got a flight permit through our contacts within Diamond in Tailand, somehow they succeded to arrange this within 24 hours, something that nomally takes two weeks! After landing runway 19L we got a followme car that escorted us through the empty airport, a was almost an unrealistic feeling of being the only aircraft at this huge airport! We demonstrated the aircraft for some interested people and then we headed for the tower. The new tower is around 130 m high so of course we had to climb it (by using the elevator). In the tower we met our ATC (Air Traffic Controller) Benjamas who gave us our landing clearence. She showed us around among all the brand new equipment, I can tell that she had a real nice office! Thanks Benjamas!

The first General Aviation aircraft has landed at VTBS!

A visit to the brand new tower!

One thing I will remember from Bang Phra and Thailand is what Tom said to us one night. When he started his around the world flight some 15 years ago he got an advice which I think is very worth thinking of. In order to not rush through life and therefore miss most of it, this by running around trying to achieve the next goal, getting to the next step in your career, always thinking of what you are about to do, you should take a step aside and say to your self “Be here now”. As simple as that. Enjoy life here and now, focus on and be glad for the very moments while its happening!

Be here now...

Over and out.

Written by Henrik

Posted by: Mohan
Hello folks,

It is fantastic what you are doing - and it has been an absolute pleasure meeting you.

Let me have the dates for Peru. I am off to Tibet on the world's highest walk on Mt.Everest.on 6th. May. - If you are back in Australia in early June do give me a call - Cheers - Mohan

Posted by: moni
first have safe landings. my father in law turn tv in max' volume because he can't hear well ,so we can't neglect the loss of hearing. here in israel i know at least one almost deff pilot.
bi, moni

Posted by: Richard Ries
I'm a member of the Royal Society, have flown the Wilga, and live in Singapore. Will you guys be in Singapore on Sunday, May 7th?