For the last year and a half, Bill Bradley has experienced moments of a lifetime as a pilot flying with a 2006 Cessna 172 SP. Bradley has owned his own business in respiratory medical sales for more than 20 years. His ability to fly brings in a great deal of opportunities for his business. “Living in California is one of the best places to live for a private pilot; you’ve got all this commerce and business here.”
This Kansas native grew up in southern California with a deep desire to fly. His dream came true when the opportunity arose for the benefit of his business. Not only did he retain his license, but he also purchased his own plane, sharing his passion for flying with his family.
Flying also translates into one of Bradley’s favorite hobbies. “I’ll go flying just to relax. When I’m up there it’s like I’m breaking the surly bonds. I’m above L.A., above all of the hustle and bustle, and look down and see the beauty of southern California.”
Where is your favorite place to fly?
It’s really nice to fly along the mountains. The great thing about California is you can fly to different geographic areas at any time. You can go to where the snow is, or you can go back to the ocean or the desert, all within an hour.
Is there a destination you fly to regularly?
Flying to Catalina Island is really nice; you can circle the island and see the crystal clear water. It’s great to tour the island and see all of the boats and go shopping. I’ll take my wife and we’ll just take half the day off and fly there for lunch.
Do you prefer larger or smaller airports?
It’s a really fun experience to land in small airports and be greeted by friendly people. It’s like a little family.
Where is a destination you’d love to go?
I’d love to go to Mexico. I like going to secluded areas and landing on dirt runways. Or going to a secluded runway by the beach, a coast or lush area. There are a lot of tiny runways there – that’s where I’m probably going to go this summer.
Do you believe non-pilots are missing out on anything?
People aren’t seeing what I will see when I fly. Some people won’t see this kind of beauty in their lifetime.
Is there a common thread between pilots?
We understand that there is a dedication and commitment to learn to fly.
Aircraft:
Cessna Skyhawk 172
Bose X headset
Lightspeed headset
Bill's Favorites:
www.flycia.com
www.aopa.org
Plane and Pilot Magazine
Canon Camera
Dasani Water
Orbit Gum
Single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft with a four-person seating capacity including a crew of one or two. It has a certificated max operating altitude of 14,000 feet, 2-blade propeller, 126 knots cruise at sea level and 518 nm range at 75 percent power.
Single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft with a four-person seating capacity including a crew of one or two. It has a certificated maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet, a 3-blade propeller, 179 knots cruise at sea level and 615 nm range at 85 percent power.
High-wing, single-engine aircraft with seating for six. It has a certificated maximum operating altitude of 27,000 feet, a 3-blade propeller, 178 knots at 17,000 feet and 559 nm range at 75 percent power.
