Comments on: Bittersweet mission

By: Spruce Creek

Spruce Creek — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:24:39 +0000

Here is a place where pilots literally have “Heaven on Earth”… Located Near Daytona Beach, FL, the Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world’s most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream.

Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world’s largest residential fly-in community. Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village with immaculately groomed homes and common grounds. The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “CAUTION Children and Adults at Play”. Truly a piece of pilot’s heaven.

A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of our residents. Frequent community-wide events and social clubs for most any interest from flying to book reading and gardening ensure a tightly knit and friendly community hard to duplicate anywhere. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. Current home prices vary from a $165,000 condo to several million dollar hangar mansions.

Please keep in mind that any visits are by invitation only, as the community is not open to the public. If anyone is interested in real estate at the Spruce Creek Fly-in, contact these folks for an invitation and they will happily schedule a guided tour: http://www.flyinrealty.com .

Learn More about Spruce Creek at http://www.7fl6.com

By: Doug Drummond

Doug Drummond — Sat, 02 May 2009 01:37:20 +0000

Many years ago, I did a similar college trip with my wife, daughter, and daughter’s five MONTH old baby. The baby’s eyes got really big when I started the engine, but she went right to sleep when I started taxiing.

“Baby” Tylr is now entering high school and has a tiny bit of stick time herself. Finances permitting, I may be doing more college trips in a few years.

I’m a 64 year old PP-ASEL-IA and pay attention to these safety tips.

By: butch wear

butch wear — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:42:24 +0000

SURE ENJOYED YOUR ARTICLE, BROUGHT BACK SOME FOND MEMORIES. AFTER 3 CHILDREN AND NOW 2 GRANDSONS IN COLLEGE, WILL ENJOY FLYING TO SEE THEM ALSO.

By: Jill Tallman

Jill Tallman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:40:59 +0000

Doug,
Thanks for your kind words and perspective as a parent who has “been there.” I’m dreading the day I leave my first-born at college, but I will keep in mind that this is a necessary part of growing up. : ) In the meantime, as you say, I’ll plan for times when I can zip over by airplane. Thank goodness she is planning to stay on the East Coast!

By: Doug

Doug — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:13:27 +0000

Jill,

Thanks for sharing this.

My fourth and last child will graduate in May. All of my kids were a short flight away at college. A 3 hour drive or a 55 minute flight; working at an airport myself and the school having an airport made the possibility all the easier.

Now that this chapter is coming to a close, I look back at lots of lost opportunities – sometimes I didn’t have the money (an acceptable excuse), sometimes I couldn’t find the time (in retrospect, no excuse at all).

The times I did just ‘fly in’ to visit or the times I flew them back and forth for a special event or holiday are cherished memories that will never fade.

As each chapter of a kid’s life passes, and a little saddness overcomes us, I’m always amazed at how even greater enjoyment comes from the next chapter.

If you’ve sent a kid to college then I suspect you already know this – a parent will never cry harder then they will when they walk away from their first born, leaving them in a dormatory at college. Where did their childhood go? Walking into their empty room at home that first night is the second hardest a parent will cry.

When you leave your second, third or fourth at college, it just isn’t the same as that first time.

Graduation is May 17th. I’m looking forward to flying one last time and having him meet me on the ramp – smiles and hugs, one as big as the other.

Once Maddie is settled in, I hope you’ll take a moment to share another mother / daughter / flying moment that will waken my own memories of college visits, kids growing into adults and family love.