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Intellectually, airplanes are "inanimate," just a collection of metal, fasteners and components. However, emotionally they can be anything but inanimate. Any device that can produce the satisfaction, stimulation, and pure joy of a capable airplane must be viewed as more than a collection of parts. The pleasure of becoming at one with an airplane, that is, not having to consciously think about every control movement, the sights we enjoy that are never offered to the ground bound or airline passenger in the flight levels all contribute to the feeling that the device has a personality, and may deserve a name.
John Clark ATP, CFI Aviator & Gearhead FAAST Team Representative EAA Flight Advisor RV8 N18U "Sunshine" KSBA |
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I have no problems with people naming a machine if they wish, but I try to keep in mind the machine has absolutely no affection for me. |
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Being and animated inanimate object (while you are flying it) has an effect on any name it might get, in part due to the influence of the operator. :confused: :rolleyes:
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Names in Character
Naming "Sweetie" was easy. Fits the character of an RV-12 (Ginormous Avenging Dragon would be an inappropriate name for a -12). I put decals on the side saying "Sweetie" and get lots of smiles!
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Like it or not
When someone pops a name on you......depending who is around you are stuck for life.
In my case a big black lady cookin hamburgers at the local gas station called me Weasel in front of my co-workers when I was about 16. not much I could do about it. When a fellow pilot walks in the hanger and says: MAN!!!!!!!what is this? a school bus? well you know |
Great thread ...
I've been trying to think of a name for my bird since she first flew last September, but - to date - I've come up with nothing. I though I was the only RV builder that couldn't think of a name for his plane. I see here I'm in good company !
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I believe nicknames, and names for "things" like airplanes, have to "just happen", they can't be forced. Something, sometime, at some place will just "click" and it'll be "that's it"...be it a nickname for a person or appellation for an airplane :)
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The airplane I'm flying now came pre-built and pre-named. The builder had reserved the registration marks to match his wife's name.
In the eight years we've been flying together this little airplane has put a smile on my face many times and has lightened my heart when nothing else could bring me solace. When we have come back from a stunning sunset flight that has reacquainted me with all that is good and right in life, I tuck her away in the hangar, drape her with dust cloths and give her a wee pat on the engine cowling, thankful for having had the opportunity to see the world from a rare perspective. In those moments I know with certainty that she wears her name well. JOY |
Defenitely female, even though its kit and not a plan build mine is "Maid Oliver."
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