I particularly enjoyed Sam's report on small airplane and their associated noises. Personally, I like small airplanes, but my definition of a small airplane is somewhat different from his.

Back in the 1940's, airliners carried about 30 passengers. The workhorse of the industry was the Douglas DC3, with two propeller-type engines. They were somewhat slower than Sam's "small" airplane.

My version of a small airplane is the Piper J3 Cub. My first flight was in one of those way back in 1946. Cubs seated two people, the passenger in the front and the pilot in the back. Several different engines were available in Cubs. They varied from about 50 to 65 horsepower driving a single wooden propeller. They also made a variety of noises and inspired the passengers to join in with squeals and urps.

But single-engine planes made of tubing and covered with canvas give you the feeling that you are really flying. Modern jumbo jets are about as exciting as sitting in the terminal.

Some people prefer it that way. The more time the flight stays on cruise at 30,000 feet with no apparent motion, the happier they are.

Some of us enjoy the motions and sounds of really flying. We tend to look out the window a lot and a little bumping and lurching is part of the fun.

I once flew in an aircraft with 0 horsepower. A sailplane! We were towed aloft by a powered plane and then cut loose to glide around in nearly perfect silence. Now that's flying!
Howard