It was really nice that cousin stopped in for a visit this evening! I kind of "hogged" the airplane and went up flying twice, which was unexpected.
On the final landing, my cousin handled power and configured the aircraft. I was waiting for him to say “my airplane” but it really wasn’t until we went over the “fence” that I felt him adding in some control inputs. All in all, the touchdown was pretty smooth but he had to get on the rudder to straighten things out…
Really enjoyed it and can’t wait until I’m able to start flight training…
#avgeek #piper #tomahawk #minnesota
Giselle Minoli I thought you’d get a kick out of this post.
Thank you for pinging me John Chvatal and so glad you got a chance to fly above our beautiful planet for a few minutes. Nice plane, nice grass airstrip…what could possibly be better. Start taking lessons! It’s time.
Giselle Minoli when you haven’t flown for months, you’re reminded how addicting flying is. At this point, it comes down to money. The Flying Cloud project is nearing completion. Unlike Gazing Skyward TV, I started on The Flying Cloud only after I was reasonably sure it will be a money maker. If that turns out to be the case, I’ll be working on my pilots license…
Good luck John Chvatal ! Remember, there are many winding paths to become a pilot, and all of them are equally valid.
Time to get you out to the Pacific Northwest.
Although I do want to take Peter Schmidt ‘s plane out for a spin.
Or loop, or roll or…
Roger Weber not or, and… 😉
Yes Peter Schmidt. I’m lucky in the fact I have access to an airplane which means it’d likely be cheaper for me. Most people don’t have access to an airplane.
I’d like that a lot Roger Weber! I have family in the Portland area that I haven’t seen in a long time. I’d like to seen some of the aviation museums there. Who knows, I may get lucky with The Flying Cloud and I can travel more often as long as I have ready access to wifi.
What a great day for you! Money (or lack thereof) was what prevented me from pursuing my GA ticket. I eventually was able to afford hang gliding and thus claim my path to the skies.
John Chvatal I think access to a plane is key. Thankfully the medical rules have changed this year, making it possible for more people in GA to stay in the air. But the cost of renting a plane, paying for an instructor and juggling weather, scheduling and maintenance issues is challenging. To have access to a plane that is well-maintained removes what I think is the biggest obstacle most people have to getting their tickets. Congratulations on all of this. Flying is magic, the countryside is beautiful and I wish more pilots talked about that aspect of it rather than the technology, the form of transportation and T&Gs. Happy and safe flying John Chvatal.
Lon McClure, powered paramotor is quite tempting but the things I’d like to do heavily revolve around getting my pilot’s license. One way or another I’ll get there.
John Chvatal – If I had it all to do over again, and had the benefit of a lifetime of hindsight, I’m certain I’d find a way. Having access to a plane and having pilots in the family is a huge bonus for you. I know you’ll get there and we’re all rooting for you.
Giselle Minoli yes, the medical rule changes have made it easier. My dad is even considering getting current (which he hasn’t flown PIC since the 90s). We are renting out a spot in our hangar for a Taylorcraft. The owner is going to be working on his tailwheel endorsement. He has been away from flying for nearly 30 years.
Haven’t asked the owner if I could use his aircraft for training. It being a tailwheel makes me just a wee bit hesitant. Otherwise, my dad has a Cessna 150 that needs a good annual because it hasn’t flown since about 1995. It is likely it will need a top overhaul on the engine. Thankfully my dad is a mechanic.
Peter Schmidt Yes. And is better!
My parents owned a Taylorcraft John Chvatal and a good friend of mine only flies a tailwheel. If I could do it all over again I’d have gotten my ticket on a taildragger rather than a 172 tricycle. Why? Because it will make you a better pilot (IMO). If you only flew from hardtop runways I might not say that…but you seem to have access to a lot of grass airstrips and that makes it realistic for you to do. You’ll learn short field and soft field like a pro, which, if you fly off of hardtop in a rented tricycle plane, many of them will not let you actually land on a grass airstrip because of insurance issues. So I personally would take advantage of it if you can. Just my two cents…for what it is worth. But enjoy the process no matter what you fly. It’s magic.
Giselle Minoli you’re spot on with the pros. The cons are how that would affect the owner’s insurance and how open he is to me using his aircraft for training. If my dad had both a tricycle and a tailwheel aircraft, I’d choose the tailwheel to get my training in. I like challenges. 🙂
Aitapur