The physical..…..indeed it was sensational but yet not adrenalin-producing which made it all the more in depth. To say that I felt comfortable with the unusual attitudes would be part truth. To say that the experience of witnessing machine and pilot unleashed was akin to a “home-coming”, would be the whole truth. It was a destination, not only a journey. Furthermore, the smoothness of operation allowed the experience to transcend to a level of artistry…….a word that does not necessarily sit comfortably with the technical nature of aviation, but none the less is one of the purest truths of flying.

The start up was delicious…….the deep vibration of ignition and the unique and pleasurable sound of turbine spool up. The precision and attention to detail of the start-up procedure was indicative of an unerring discipline, underpinning a non-negotiable commitment to safety. The panoramic part of the excursion was indeed beautiful and I appreciated the opportunity you afforded me to feel and fly the machine. However, once we were fuel lighter, it was then that the essence of the wonderful gift I had been given, unfolded. Jet-propelled aerobatics is clearly in a league of its own and the series of manoeuvres you executed were truly exhilarating.

It is a curious mix when one is aware of physical sensations running parallel with unrelated mental activity; unrelated to the present manoeuvre in its execution but deeply connected to the reality. I found myself not only “thinking” about but also “saluting” the brilliant collective minds of the men whose infinitely patient endeavours made jet-propelled flight possible. I imagined the staccato points of progress and set-backs that sort to both inspire and deter them; I thought about all the unknowns and the very real risks that they would have faced as they battled the flight path of progress; I thought about the technical and aesthetic marriage of line of beauty and aero dynamics. As a fly girl and as a woman, I am comfortable to say that I truly admire these determined men and their phenomenal achievements.

Then I thought about the machine itself; a mass of metal and circuitry, axial and liquid, performing as light and as nimbly as a swallow with the potential menace of a bird of prey. I thought about the extremes of temperature of altitude and combustion, swept-back wings slicing through the air, belly flashing in the sun, sleek and indescribably beautiful. I felt safely incubated in an environment hostile to human survival and the wonderful alternating sensational pressures of G forces and weightlessness served to remind me of my own humanity and fragility. However, predominant was the sense of the deep affinity I feel for machines and all things concerned with technical precision and application. Equally importantly, it reminded me of the invisible and often unappreciated beauty of mathematics.

And then my attention turned to you; knowing something of your history I was fascinated by the mix of passion and commerce that has driven you to achieve a totally unique dream and reality. I admired the hard journey of civil aviation that you have taken without the luxury of a military background. Obviously, to a minute degree in comparison but none the less as real, I know what it means. I understand the cost implication of your experience. I know of the sheer determination. There was no need for me to ask questions….it was all there. In your flying. I was witnessing an individual comfortable with himself and at liberty to express his talents. All the evidence was there of a deeply intelligent and curious mind that had decided at a very young age to be unfettered by general opinion and consensus. A mind undiluted by the scourge of mediocrity, which permeates all aspects of human endeavour. Simultaneously, I was watching and feeling you fly. Effortless. Lightening quick sensitivity. That is how I would describe it. Since you know nothing of me, allow me to appraise you of the fact that I am not given to offer undeserved credit. To say that I consider you to be a “natural” is an honest reflection of the flight experience I had with you. Perhaps you know it. Perhaps you are unaware. Either way, I find that those who have it, have no need to promote it.

Finally and not unexpectedly, there was a tinge of sadness; a regret regarding the flying career I never had for reasons not important or pertinent to others.

I wish to thank two people for an experience of a lifetime. I wish to thank you Mike for the privilege of witnessing the technical and emotive synchronicity of human heart and machine. As importantly, I wish to thank Paul Maritz for the deeply generous gift of a flight of a lifetime and for his perception and understanding of my life-long passion for aviation. I thank you both for an experience that will stay with me……. forever.

kind regards,
Valma Muir