Microlighter Superstitions

[Tracer]

I am not a superstitious person, but I was wondering what superstitions some microlighters have, I don't want to offend people un-knowingly

Example, I read somewhere that putting a sticker with something like a skull on your trike is "bad-luck"....

[Morph]

Pilot's generally are notorius for superstitions

My instructor many years ago had the following
never ever use the phrase "decending on the DEAD side"
Don't bring unleaded fuel near his airfield (changed now I suppose)
No journalists, and even worse a female journalists near the airfield

Me absolutely no superstitions except but if I go to the airfield and three things get in the way of me flying then I won't fly. I.e. tyre flat, pump tyre, battery flat, jumper plane, radio playing up. Switch off and push her back into the hangar, no flying today. It could be anything, left keys at home, etc. It's almost as if someone is trying to tell me something.

Oh yes and if I have butterflies or uneasyness in the stomach, I don't fly.

[Harlequin]

Morning.
I must have my Harlequin mascot in my side pouch. Have done since my first solo years ago.
Secondly I follow the same sequence of preparation and pre-flight. Not as much as a superstition but as habit.
Other than that I’m normal-----------I hope.
Fly safely
Graham.

[Thatchman]

I am superstitious. If my engine does not start at all, I will not fly.

[Tailspin]

I am superstitious. If my engine does not start at all, I will not fly.

Thatch

Is that your engine or your GT's engine

I allways wear my Dog tags from Army days

[DarkHelmet]

I am OCD about being on the left - flying formo 2 or more I prefer back left, even when eating out - i don't like someone at my left

[cornell]

Oh yes and if I have butterflies or uneasyness in the stomach, I don't fly.

Morph this is good advise, was reading an article and the author said that this is the cheapest instrument you will ever have and use it.


Me i've got a lucky wrist band (well actually a black seal I picked up from a build site ) don't go fly without it

[andreb]

I don't fly if I feel uneasy.
Also get into my plane on the right and out on the left (don't ask me why...I don't know).

[Bacardi]

Like Morph said, the aerie sometimes tries to speak to you, and now I listen.
Thatchman, you referred in jest to starting. I arrived 90 mins before sunset for a quick Friday arvie flip, tried to start, nothing, later battery churned flat, all checked, plugs checked, ignition, fuel, everything, manual efforts conducted to the verge of a cardiac arrest, later three people joined in the fun, no luck, not even a stutter. Instructor jumped in as well, lots of experience, whirled that prop till it sang, no start. Then, just as the last rays of the sun played out, I checked if there was any power left in the battery, the 582 started within half a slow, half-pap battery turn and ran as smoothly as ever. I reckon I was not to fly that day. Engine also never pulled that stunt again since.

[John Boucher]

If things just don't go smoothly from opening the gate, hanagr door, pre-flight, flat battery, forgotten headsets etc.... me not climb in and fly! They do tend to happen in multiples - then I listen to them and enjoy the sunrise or the sunset on Terra Firma... Listen to your body & nature & your aerie!

[Aerosan]

Absolutely nothing bothers me.........................on second thought I wont try to fly without a prop again, especially with a big fat plump "Duck" in the plane You tend to end up, upside down with a strong smell of fuel around

[John Boucher]

Trust him to forget his bloody feathers at home.....