Photo: Golden Eagle Flies Alongside Microlight

Sampson the Golden Eagle was stolen from a British Zoo and kept locked in a cupboard for six months. He broke the feathers off his seven-foot wingspan while trying to escape. After officials rescued the bird, they sent him to falconer Jonathan Marshall for rehabilitation. After the feathers grew back, Marshall trained Sampson to fly high alongside his microlight aircraft!

“When we are up there in the clouds I talk to him and he calls back and circles around me, it is an awesome and exhilarating experience.” said Sampson.

Sampson's top speed is around 100mph but he is quite happy to soar at 30mph, a more manageable speed for a microlight plane. Marshall offers courses and demonstrates his skills around the country. He also offers the chance for customers to fly with his eagle for £350 ($700 USD).

Source Non-Mobile: http://www.neatorama.com/2007/08/29/flying-with-sampson/
Source Non-Mobile: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/...

Tags: Flying, Photos, Pilots
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