To really love an aeroplane...

Bernice Hintz (ZK-CJE)

To really love an aeroplane
To understand her - you gotta know her deep inside

I inherited my aeroplane CJE (Emma) in 2000 from my father. In 2005 with more and more niggling problems occurring (age 41 years to be expected) I decided it was time to have a good look under her cowlings. I was in the perfect location. I was surrounded by helpful aircraft engineers. To my horror they handed me a set of overalls and told me I needn’t think I was getting off that easy. Over the course of a year (I had to save for some things and fit it in-between a new full time job) my engineer and I isolated problems and solved them. I was introduced to paperwork things, like Airworthiness directives, engine, propeller and airframe log books. I spent a couple of days with my engineer doing the annual check and compass swing. I got grease under my fingernails and discovered handy tools I’d never dreamed of. I was educated.

Hear every creak - see every crack
N' give her wings when she wants to fly

I have a new respect for engineers. A good engineer, one with years of experience a) knows where to look for problems and b) can see what I can’t. As I said there is no replacing experience. Having been involved in the process, having seen her naked, so to speak, I am much happier flying her. I have a handle on how she is put together and what is important. My pre-flight checks are now not a cursory walk around; I truly pay attention to details. I know what all the bits are for.

Then when you find yourself paying endlessly for her bills
Ya know ya really love an aeroplane

At times my mother despairs at my expenditure and suggests I sell her. Then she sees it’s a hopeless case and buys a temporary share of some part. A fuel line or two, an exhaust manifold, a transistor or two in a VHF radio. I am just wondering if she’d like an ELT antenna for Christmas.

When you love an aeroplane you tell her that she's really wanted
When you love an aeroplane you tell her that she's the one

Earlier this year a friend of mine came down to do some night flying in Christchurch (Kaikoura doesn’t have lights) after spending some time with her I realised how much I missed flying. I starting flying FSL, the Air New Zealand flying club 152 and much as I liked her she just isn’t the same. Emma is like no other. Well similar to 9 others.

Cuz she needs somebody to tell her that she's gonna last forever
So tell me have you ever really - really really ever loved an aeroplane?

The blood sweat and tears, the time, the frustrations, the angst every cent is repayed when I know I am improving her restoring her so she will continue to support me in the air. I am very keen on reliability whilst Crossing the Cook Strait or flying up the Kaikoura coast.

To really love an aeroplane
Let her hold you - til ya know how she needs to be touched

Emma has pushed me further than I would have gone by myself. Because I inherited her I took up learning to fly again. (I had 24 hours in Tomahawks). I needed to earn more money so I had to change my career path to afford her. I wanted to go to fly-aways with her so I had to get brave and extend myself. Now I’ve started to understand the engineering side I am inspired to learn more and so I’ve started studying for my Aircraft Maintenance Engineering exams. I just need to learn how to let her ride the NW and rise above the Kaikoura rollers.

You've gotta breathe her - really taste her
Til you can feel her in your blood

That’s easy with a Bolkow she is so small it’s like strapping on an aeroplane. In a strange way she is like a costume because when I fly her I am a different person. You can’t be half hearted about flying or landing her. She doesn’t forgive a lack of attention.

N' when you can see your future destinations in her eyes
Ya know ya really love an aeroplane

Now that she is back in the air I can’t wait to go visiting. The effort that I’ve put into getting back in the air I am damned if I am going let a chance go by to fly her.

You got to give her some faith - hold her tight
A little tenderness - gotta treat her right
She will be there for you, takin' good care of you
Ya really gotta love your aeroplane...

(Adapted from Have you really ever loved a woman by Bryan Adams.)