OT - Matthew Graham gets his G2!

[mcelrah]

As a designated geriatric observer, it is my duty and privilege to announce that Matthew Graham, having met the requirements established in the USGHPA standards and training syllabus, to include having attained the advanced age of 49 (7 squared!), is hereby awarded the coveted G2 or novice geezer rating. With further counseling to help him suppress antithetical practices such as long yoga stretches and P90X torture/exercise routines which are slowing his progress, Matthew will no doubt achieve the elusive G3 or intermediate rating within a year or so, which will allow him to pursue geezer-like behaviors at most of our local geezering sites (e.g. urologists offices) without the requirement for an observer to be present. At that point, he will be eligible for further instruction from some of our advanced G4s, such as Steve Kinsley and Joe Schad, on advanced geezering arts such as proper timing for taking Viagra, how to dragoon lower- or non-rated pilots into carrying your wing for you, and discreet field locations for donning and changing Depends.
- Hugh McElrath
G3/observer

[CraginS]

So when does G3 hit? at double nickels?

I'm assuming G4 happens at SS-eligibility ( a moving target, it seems)

[brianvh]

I thought acquisition of the first stiffy wing (an act of compensation for other things missing in life) marked the beginning of G2. This is followed by powered flight (assigning the job to hired help) that distinguishes the G3.

[mcelrah]

There are alternatives modes: interest in sailplanes, acquisition of red sports cars and/or trophy wives/girlfriends (the female variant is characterized by interest in knitting/needlepoint/genealogy), hair transplants, GOLF... - Hugh

[CraginS]

... acquisition of red sports cars and/or trophy wives/girlfriends .. - Hugh

Hmmmm. I got my red convertible sports car at age 35. When I dove seriously into HG at ~45, I explained to friends and family that it was the perfect mid-life crisis activity for me:

(1) I HATE white patent leather shoes and wide white shiny leather belts.
(2) I had, in fact, possessed above-referenced red convertible for ten years, and
(3) My dear wife had assured me that hang gliding would be both less expensive and less dangerous than latching on to a blond floozie girlfriend!

BTW, five years ago Matthew's editor would let him use only two of the three in that iist:
http://www.moaa.org/magazine/July2004/f_wind.asp

I think they were concerned about losing the white leather shoe ad revenue from the back of their magazine.

[Joe Schad]

I have found in my two months of travel with my new Aliner pop-up camper RV that there are also sub catagories of G4s. For example there is the G4E ( Escapee) which is an permanant RV type who moves from campground to campground every two to four weeks with no permanent home of record. There is another subcatagory G4EU whick is an escapee RVer who is looking to constantly upgrade his RV equipment. ( I may fit that soon as I have decided that the Aliner does not have enough amenities (shower and full kitchen) for my desired lifestyle). My Aliner Classis is now for sale as I seek the funds to purchase an Airstream 20 Flying Cloud vehicle.

Joe

PS.. Weather is windy for the next three to four days here. No flying possible.

[mcelrah]

I want to be like you when I grow up! - Hugh