Hello, and kung hie fat choy – Happy New year from Hong Kong. Thought I would write something different tonight, and something to commemorate the birth of the first African American women to gain an international pilots license. Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman (January 26, 1892 – April 30, 1926) Seems strange that we recognise an achievement which to me seems discriminatory but we have to remember the history of the time and give credit to the incredible achievements of someone who was surely an amazing person. Sadly she died young and in a sad way given everything she has worked so hard for, and given the aspiration she had for aviation and women in aviation. It is good to know she has been remembered.

Michael

Happy New Year, I am so behind with my writings I know. Sorry. Just so much to do. Missing so much as well. Stamps and aerophilately just not up there as a priority you might say. Although having said that I have made a limited edition cover for the 10th Anniversary of the IPDA (Internet Philatelic Dealers Association). Interested? write to me at michaelatipda@gmail.com. the cover has a HONG KONG 100th Anniversary miniature sheet of Flight on it and there are a few spare for a donation to the IPDA. IPDA

Anyway, I decided I had to write something today so this is it, plus this cover I hope you like. Interesting I think because it is backstamped “Fiji Overflown” Now if only I had the time to research the flight.

Year of the Dragon awaits us and the Hong Kong stamps are issued in 6 days. I’ll get some and show you.

Happy New Year .. Michael

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Hello, and a few days in advance, Happy New Year to you all. Over the past two days I have been very fortunate to have been flying. Many thanks to a wonderful pilot and friend. Photos to follow, well some eventually.. I must have a few hundred.

For those of you interested in aerophilately here is my cover. Not yet signed by either of us and still without departure and arrival airport frankings, these to be added by Australia Post. This is a First Flight Cover (FFC) as this was my first flight on this aircraft and my first flights into Temora , Griffith and Cowra. Wonderful tiny regional airports.

I will write a book I think about the two days, well the flying part. ok the restaurants and food were also excellent, but this is all about flying right ….. and since I am writing you will have realised I am back safe from the trip. A few anecdotes I flew the Temora – Griffith leg yesterday (28th) – at cruising altitude – 2500 feet – only but the turbulence was a teeny bit scary at times, if I am really honest, but I kept to the flight plan, that is to the altitude and direction.

And today (29th) I was allowed to fly the Griffith – Cowra leg (again at cruising altitude – 3500 feet ) and the weather was pretty much near perfect flying conditions.. I did ok I think, but got asked by the Captain in the left hand seat why were we heading for Canberra … LOL .. so I corrected direction and then the altitude, as I was climbing, and I shouldn't have been The hot air thermals really lift the plane; a Beechcraft Bonanza A36.. Anyway, a great time. I wont bore you with more stories but leave it at that for now. I will get some pictures loaded to my computer when I get back to Hong Kong – I may show you some more of this wonderful two days.

Hope 2011 finished as good for you as it was for me.

Best wishes for 2012 Happy New Year …….. Michael

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. It seems at long last I will take my inaugural flight in the Beechcraft Bonanza tomorrow. Weather is so far looking good. Lets hope it stays that way. Have to design a First Flight Cover. Yes?

Ok that is next project tonight.

Hope you all have a wonderful New years celebrations. Best wishes … Michael

Hello, a week away from Christmas and I am trying to fit so many activities in before I fly back to Sydney, and hopefully some warmer weather. It is quite chilly here in Hong Kong. No snow like I see in the UK so that is one consolation. Not had much time for stamps these past weeks but did have a look through eBay today. Found this. I thought you might like to see it. It is described as a Cinderella. And that is exactly what it is, a Cinderella cover, stamp and postmark. Pity the listing title doesn’t say that and you have to see small print to find that out but hopefully buyers looking for A380 material will be discerning enough to realise. Sadly I know many are not. But if you are looking for the genuine article I hope you know by now to visit cddstamps

Best wishes .. Michael

Hello, I have been reading about the early days of flights to and from Hong Kong / London England. Thought I would show you these two covers. The first carried on the first passenger flight from London in 1936. the second, from on the return flight via Penang as I understand it from the cover and the material I have read. I have found so many interesting web sites. Just not sure which is best to tell you about so for now will leave it up to you. Anyone know more about these early flights please email me. amazing times I think

best wishes.. Michael

Hello, well it is turned really cold here in Hong Kong. Must be at least 15c Now that is cold here But to stamps. Thought you might like to see this MS, issued for Air Macau’s 10th Anniversary. The airline started commercial operations in 1995 so this MS is a few years old now. Air Macau have quite an extensive regional network into China, Japan and Korea. Operating with 7 A321′s 2 A320′s and 5 A319′s. I cannot say I have flown on one of their routes, but have flown on one of their planes when I went to Beijing some months back. The aircraft was wet leased to Air China.

best wishes….. Michael

Hello, been another busy week but like all weeks we get to Saturday and time to do something for ourselves. I hope you enjoy seeing this cover. It must have been an exciting time opening up this air route. To read about those days have a look at Pan Am Clipper Flying Boats

Have a great weekend. Best wishes.. Michael

Hello, something different tonight. Going back a few years. I thought you might like to see this cover. I picked it up somewhere. It would be interesting to know more history. I need to do some research. It is backstamped Cleveland June 1937. Anyone know its history?

Best wishes.. Michael

Hello, not usual for me, I will agree, but a cover that is not aviation related, unless you accept the fact that I flew over the Hoover Dam in a helicopter a weeks ago while visiting Las Vegas. The reason I have this is because I met up with one of my fellow Internet Philatelic Dealers Association (IPDA) Directors and he gave me this this cover. Very kind of him. Something for me to add to the memories from my visit to Nevada.

If you have never been I recommend a trip, apart from some fun in Las Vegas, the helicopter ride over the dam and on into the Grand Canyon is well worth it.

Best wishes ……….. Michael