tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79235963407859559062024-01-20T05:14:46.412-05:00Transplanted PilotTransplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-65880839522229668392017-07-26T12:09:00.004-04:002017-07-26T12:09:58.887-04:00BasicMed<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past several years AOPA has been attempting to pass
a new process where pilots receive their medical certification. Normally, a pilot would go to an FAA designated
physician and would take their medical exam. AOPA has proposed a change that
would allow an individual to self-certify, that is if they are already in
receipt of medical certification, and would have to do this every several
years. I have been an opponent to this because I feel that many pilots may
abuse the system when they really should see a physician to be certified. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My medical expired at the end of December 2016. I did not
take the medical exam because I was at the tail end of the suspected kidney
failure, and as many pilots have found out, the FAA can be real sticklers on
issues like this. In the past my dealings with the FAA in my medical
certification has been fairly easy. Even with my transplant surgery the process
was fairly easy. So now that I have stood firmly against pilots receiving their
renewal under BasicMed what did I do? I renewed my medical under BasicMed. What
a hypocrite, huh? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the process is a little confusing it was fairly easy.
My liver physician completed the paperwork with me instead of me going to my
primary care physician (who I don’t know who the hell it is). My liver
physician completed the paperwork because I had already scheduled an
appointment with him six months prior for my annual liver review.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many pilots are complaining because their primary care physicians
are not wanting to be a part of this process with BasicMed. With me it was easy. I’ve known my physician
for over 21 years and if anyone was qualified to fill out my paperwork, he was
the one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BasicMed is a little confusing because the protocol is not
completely laid out, or I was just to confused or closed minded to the process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not sure if BasicMed is going to work. I wonder what
are we going to do when the first pilot takes advantage of BasicMed and
continues to fly when he or she should not, and causes a fatality?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-56403143432651839142017-07-26T12:08:00.002-04:002017-07-26T12:08:44.817-04:00Once Again Long Overdue Updates<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I have been derelict in my duty. I have not given
updates to my blog. So, I am trying to give an overview will what has been
happening since my last postings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is July 26, 2017, and my last entry in my logbook is November
2017. There is a reason why I have not had any luck the entries. It’s because I
have not been flying at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in October in November I suspected some issues that
were cardiac related. Therefore, I self-grounded myself and went to see a cardiologist
at the Cleveland Clinic. The end result was me having a device inserted under
my skin over my heart. This device is called a Loop Monitor. This device will
monitor my heart rate in any anomalies that occur. While the doctor did see
some issues, these were consistent with what was reported to the FAA
previously. My condition is known as tachycardia, which is primarily a rapid
heart rate. I have been on beta a blocker for about two years now, and it is
the lowest dosage available. The end
result is that this is nothing new in that I am probably more aware of it then
I should be, and it is probably an issue that needs to be occasionally looked
into but at this time there is nothing to worry about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going into November 2016, my kidney issues were mounting.
What I mean is that the regular monthly blood work indicated an increase in the
my creatinine level. When my levels were approaching more than double my normal
levels my physician asked me to go to the hospital to be admitted. For a few
days they could not find what the problem was. And even though they did not
mention it in the back of my mind I was fearing kidney failure. The end result
was that my CMV was active and also my ulcerative colitis was flaring up for
the first time. The combination of the two gave the appearance of kidney
failure, after being treated with several antibiotics and also an antifungal my
numbers started to come back into the normal range. While I still have several
issues, primarily bowel issues, overall everything is returning back to normal.
The staff at the Cleveland Clinic is stressing that I need to maintain
hydration. Therefore at this time I am constantly drinking water and also tea.
Through this process that began somewhere around August or September 2016, I
have been losing weight steadily. At this time my weight is almost completely
come back. At present I am about 5 pounds below my normal weight. One thing I’ve
not been doing is maintaining my habit of walking several miles several times a
week. Since a friend of mine likes to walk a lot I meet up with her and we tend
to put on a few miles together. Now, if I could only get back my muscle mass.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-90156263966029723212016-07-11T17:46:00.004-04:002016-07-11T17:46:52.908-04:00More Overdue Updates<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the logbook is filling up with entries. Here it is July, 2016, and I find myself more
and more at ease in the cockpit, however, at times I have to remind myself to
not be so complacent. So, over the past month I have been paying particular
attention to just about every phase of my flight. While most of the time I
pre-flight is on target, since I am not flying more than an hour or an hour and
a half at a time I found myself not planning fuel usage and consumption, and
since usually I have no more than two passengers with me, my weight and balance
calculations pretty much have been not needed at all. With that being said,
hopefully between now and the fall I will be making a few longer distance
flights, basically with the intent of preparing for my instrument training. When
that training begins I will have to pay attention to my headings, altitude
holds, flight planning, and most of all, the weather. None of this is new, however like many pilots
have stated, unless you are out flying for a living a lot of what you learn in
ground school will not be used more than once or twice a year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally got checked out in the Piper Cherokee Archer. Ever
since I was a teen I always wanted to be flying the Cherokee 180, also known as
the Cherokee Archer. Most of my flying
is in the Piper Cherokee Warrior which is the same as the Archer with less
horsepower. The Archer will come in handy when I fly into Put in Bay and also
Kelly’s Island. Both airports are within 30 minutes of Cleveland and are a part
of the Lake Erie Islands. Both have runways that are less than 2400 feet, and
on a warm day as you know density altitude can wreak havoc on a takeoff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have not been doing as much night flying as I did in the
early spring, mostly because legal sunset is after 10 PM, and by that time I am
ready to call it a night. While the FAA regulations call for three landings
within 90 days to carry passengers, I was averaging three landings every other
week. I take my nighttime currency very
seriously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the near future I will be planning on ground school for
my instrument rating. I’m not sure which ground school I will take online, and
I am not sure if I will be driven by price. I want to make sure I fully
comprehend the instrument materials because I understand the written test can
be very difficult to pass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My longest flight so far has been to Dayton Ohio to visit
the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The flight down was fairly uneventful, on
a hot day, however since we departed about 9 AM most of the flight was
uneventful. Since there is an air show at the Dayton airport and a lot of
pilots were flying in to beat the cut off time, I found myself in sequence with
several other airplanes and a helicopter. The flight back was quite different
because in the hot afternoon the thermals were producing quite a bit of lift
and my passengers found the turbulence a bit unnerving. Even though I climbed
up to 7500 feet the turbulence was still moderate, but fortunately the
passengers decided to nap and the turbulence was not much of a problem for
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have taken several meal flights, such as several trips to
Port Clinton for breakfast and lunch, and one morning I got up and flew to
Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, for breakfast. The Beaver Falls airport also has
been fairly active every month with a cookout. Unfortunately I missed the first
one and appears that I will miss the second one, however, I am planning to
attend in August. As usual Salem airport was my destination for several
lunches, along with Carroll County Airport (also known as the airport with the
home baked pies).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So all in all flying has been fairly rewarding for me and
several of my passengers. Safety has
always been a primary concern of mine because I value the health and safety of
my passengers. There has only one moment where my heart skipped a beat where I
was losing power on takeoff. The moral of that story is to always check your friction
lock on the throttle and keep your hand on the throttle throughout your takeoff
and climb out.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-39816981547005200352016-04-04T10:16:00.000-04:002016-04-04T10:16:15.835-04:00A Little More High TechA simple $37.50 (plus shipping) attachment to my headset now allows my YouTube vids to have a new dimension. My non-flying friends on Facebook find aviation videos interesting, however, they can never hear the verbal communication with my passengers and with air traffic control. The PA-80 ordered from <a href="https://www.tagpilotsupply.com/">Touch and Go Pilot Supply</a> Most important of all, I can review my flight and also pin-point my deficiencies in communications with air traffic control especially in Class B airspace.<br />
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What I found was that I had some small errors in communications which were either A) communication laziness that I am hearing for the first time or B) mic fright from knowing that I am now posting unedited videos and having a desire to be perfect. I hope it is the latter (LOL).<br />
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This is a flight from Burke Lakefront Airport (KBKL) to Put-in-Bay Airport (3W2) with a fellow pilot, Chris, from my former airport.<br />
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<br />Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-68748756124056388222016-03-21T11:00:00.000-04:002016-03-21T11:05:31.230-04:00Prepping for 2016 Flying<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last year this time, I was just passed my first solo in the Cherokee Warrior. It was not my first solo ever, however, it was my first time soloing in the plane I really wanted to complete my training in. Since then, I have experienced a range of emotions, mostly positive. I overcame many of my fears and finished my training in a very short period of time. When I say fears, I mostly mean anxieties of flying outside of my safety zone. I have not admitted this but I do have a fear of heights. Pretty strange, huh? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have always prided myself on being safe and prepared. Most of my landings are in the category of 'short field', as in placing the airplane where I want, within 100 feet. A friend, Carolyn, helped me to get over my cross wind anxiety and the end result is not sweating the 20 knot cross wind as much as I did before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My goals for the year are to start instrument training and also take more cross country flights. Most of my flights have been no longer than an hour in one direction. From my location here in Cleveland can take me well into Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, into parts of West Virginia and Virginia, and even Kentucky. Since my goal is to be able to take mini-vacations, it only makes sense to prepare myself for longer flights into new and exciting locations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">While it is always fun to fly into locations such as Put-in-Bay (party center of Ohio and Michigan) and Kelly's Island, to fly into West Virginia and other areas to the south will be more exciting for me personally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also plan to get checked out in the Piper Cherokee Archer, which is slightly more powerful than what I fly currently, the Piper Cherokee Warrior. On warmer days with 2 to 3 passengers it will be much safer with the Archer. I must say that flying the Bonanza was a very humbling experience! WOW, what a rush. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">2016, should be a lot of fun as I continue to grow and move towards the Instrument and Commercial ratings. </span><br />
<br />Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-22789797397812055432016-03-13T22:33:00.000-04:002016-03-13T22:33:20.568-04:00Over 100 Hours!! What a milestone.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Been flying a lot! Next step, Instrument Rating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Been to areas across Ohio, and this year I plan on taking longer trips and fewer local jumps. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I did get checked out in the Cessna 152 and then the 172 Skyhawk, and find them both appealing. Plus, I am checked out in 3 airplanes and always a plane available for those last-second decisions to go fly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The most fun moments were taking friends from the Cleveland Clinic up for a trip to Port Clinton to eat at the <a href="http://www.tingoosediner.com/">Tin Goose Diner</a>. I also flew into Put-in-Bay, just to say that I did. PIB is a weekend hangout for those with lost morals. (LOL I'll go back soon). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The fun part was taking a few people up for their first small airplane ride and all but 2 will gladly go again. A couple relatives went up for short rides and can report back to the family that I was a safe pilot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hopefully, the best is yet to come! </span><br />
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<br />Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-52252491054153681852015-10-18T21:08:00.002-04:002015-10-18T21:08:36.852-04:00Long, Overdue Updates<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry, I’ve been out learning. Since my license on April 29<sup>th</sup>, I
have accumulated 44 hours of flying in under 6 months. While I love the Cherokee Warrior, I have
added in the Cessna 152 and the Cessna 172, and fly all three depending on my
mission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 152 is for puddle jumping. My flights in the 152 will be no longer than
1 ½ hours round trip. Most of the time when I take the 152, I am not using my
GPS, and using the compass, the E6B, and my stopwatch. Many times when I take
the 152 it is a solo flight with no particular place to go. I did fly from
Cuyahoga County Airport to Mansfield Airport, the return trip was at night, and
through Bravo airspace. Generally, I have had no surprises. Yes, the 152 is a
great trainer and when I moved back down to it I got a chance to see the
difference between a heavier four seater and the two-seat trainer. And I have
come to the conclusion that for my needs, the plane is great for calm winds,
especially if you are taking up somebody for the first time. I am sure this is a great cross wind trainer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I recently checked out in the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, and
initially had problems landing it, but after a few flights most of my landings
are full stall and the wheel in my lap. With the weather changing here, I
wanted to get some crosswind practice and figure the 172 would be a great plane
for me. My first efforts in gusting winds that were almost directly across the
runway, did not go well at all. In fact, after one landing I called it quits
with my instructor. While taxiing in, the rain started so it pretty much was a
good idea to not keep trying and battling the storm that was approaching. In
fact, about 100 feet off the runway on the departure we were getting kicked
around quite a bit so I pretty much knew this was going to be a short lesson. Overall I pretty much like the Skyhawk, even
though I still love the Warrior much more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My cross country flights have been fairly short, all within
the state of Ohio. I did, however, get to fly up to Put in Bay, and Port
Clinton for lunch on several occasions. I have taken a couple trips to Salem
Airport to the newly reopened restaurant. I also visited Carroll County
Airport, known for their freshly baked pies, and was able to enjoy the pie and
breakfasts they offer there. One overnight flight took me to Mount Vernon
Airport, and I did fly down to Columbus to attempt to have lunch at Bolton
Airfield, but unfortunately the restaurant was closed for 4 July evening. I got to visit my old airport, Wadsworth Skypark
for a cookout they were having, but unfortunately weather was a problem and we
had to leave within an hour and a half, missing some pretty good times at my
old hangout.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like several other pilots that post on YouTube, I also have
been making videos to be able to critique my progress. Not only have I mounted
the camera on the window over my shoulder, I have recently experimented with
mounting the camera on my headset so you would get a true point of view
experience, and so far while it has worked, sort of, I will be trying to find a
better way to mount the camera so that there is a full view of the panel and
over the cowl shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I have been flying my butt off. Most important of all, I’d
look at every flight as a learning experience and as I have been told by
several people, I am very safety conscious intake my license very seriously. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So stay tuned, there is a lot more to follow.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-50569010449445032272015-06-04T20:08:00.000-04:002015-06-04T20:08:04.965-04:00The Plastic is IN!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's HERE!! What more can I say??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has been a great experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-560965013555099972015-05-19T11:51:00.000-04:002015-05-19T11:51:00.596-04:00New Pilot Updates<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now that I am
the pilot (that phrase still sounds quite odd to me) I have been getting out
here and there to celebrate my achievement. But also comes the reality of flying
versus daily obligations.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There is a
battle between flying and daily chores and obligations.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This includes the need to finish other goals
including starting my insurance and retirement planning business.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But since achieving my pilot’s license I have
been completely enjoying my new freedom and over the last two weeks I really
got a chance to completely feel what this really meant to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">April 29, 2015:
Two hours after receiving my private pilot’s license I took a flight with Chris
and Lance who are pilots at my old airport. They just happen to be up flying in
the area when I sent Chris a text message so they came over to Cuyahoga County
Airport I took them up for half an hour ride. My landing was long and hot, but
I was thinking more of the Cessna following me and did not transition soon
enough to slow down for a landing that was inside of my standards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 2, 2015: We
had planned for her to be my first ride however due to work that did not
happen. But a few days later I woke up and it was a beautiful morning so I sent
a text message to Kerry and we move from Cuyahoga County to Carrollton County
Airport for lunch and back. I had to do one go-around because I was high on
final. The food was great, it was a
little bumpy on the way down and much bumpier on the way back home. I also got a chance to use the Garman Pilot
on my Asus tablet. Now I see why pilots love their tablets. Kerry needs to get yo more and finish her
license also. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May 3, 2015: On
a whim I called up my friend Tammi and she agreed to go up also. She had a lot
of reluctance however she was quite excited to do so which sent a lot of mixed
feelings. I flew from Cuyahoga County Airport to pick her up at Lost Nations
Airport, and we flew up the Lake Erie shoreline to Ashtabula. Not only did she not let me turn back as
planned, she had me take a longer outbound, so I decided to do a touch and go
at the Ashtabula airport, flew her back to Lost Nations Airport, and flew back
to my home base. I should have gotten
some money from her for that additional 30 minutes in the air.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">May 4, 2015: The next day, also on a whim I called my friend Tammi again, but she was
getting her hair done and could not go. But she told me I should take her mom
up for a flight and I agreed. Within 10 minutes she had contacted her mother,
Bonnie, and everything was planned. I flew over to Lost Nations Airport again
to pick up Bonnie, and we flew up the Erie shoreline, and then over
Painesville, and back to the airport to drop her off. She absolutely loved it,
and somehow in the future I think she will hijack me to Florida.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">May 8, 2015: I
decided to go for a quick flight in the late afternoon, even though they were
predicting scattered showers. From my departure time nothing was on the weather
radar so I decided to fly down to Geauga County Airport, and then over to Portage
County Airport, and then back home. About 10 minutes after takeoff from my home
base, something really struck me. A calmness came over me and for the first
time as the pilot, I completely felt that everything had finally fallen into
place. I felt completely at ease, I confidently knew where I was going, I felt
that I could completely enjoy the situation of being up in the plane and truly
felt as if I had met my goal. The
landing at Geauga County was uneventful except for the drops of rain on the
windshield when I was on downwind. After I took off the skies did not look very
appealing and I also noticed on my telephone the cells of weather between
Geauga County and my home base. For the first time I used Flight Watch and I
found it quite helpful. I decided to not fly to Portage County and flew
straight home and all was well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, I now pretty much
have a good idea of why this license means so much to me.</span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-52081356448766100702015-04-30T12:32:00.003-04:002015-04-30T12:32:43.414-04:00The Wait is Finally Over
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be short and to the point with today’s entry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The oral exam was not nearly as stressful as I anticipated.
And thanks to the DPE, my mind was put at ease almost immediately during the
interview. This was a 'pilot-to-pilot chat', not my annual colonoscopy. As I was advised by few people if I did not have the answer, I
probably did know the answer and would have to talk through the question and find
myself at the correct answer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flight evaluation was also a lot less stressful than I
anticipated, and early on through this portion of my exam I had to remind
myself that this was just like any other flight and handled the situation as
such. There were many bumps at lower altitudes, but within reason I was able to
hold onto my altitudes during the slow flight portion, and unlike the day
before my steep turns were a lot more reasonable. Also, unlike the day before my
landings were much closer to my standard and I felt very comfortable even with
the evaluator sitting next to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am still full of many emotions so I am lost for
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I can say is that I am now
proud to announce that I am finally a Private Pilot. I wish that my father, step-father, a dear pilot friend, Oakley, and a few friends were alive to receive my call and share my excitement.</span><br />
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Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-29610487316300598052015-04-27T06:48:00.000-04:002015-04-27T06:48:40.292-04:00Just a Touch More Work<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found my self at the airport to review some information I needed for my check ride, and ended up flying. Go figure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simple flight solo review: 360's, slow flight, power on and power off stalls, turns around a point, and to Lost Nation Airport for some landing practice and slips to landing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I have been having issues with carrying too much speed on short final, I decided to break that habit and watched my target landing spot more carefully and make sure my final 30 seconds is at 60-65 knots. End results? 2 landings at Lost Nation and 1 at Cuyahoga County within 200 feet of the target (the threshold). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Prior to my practice, a pilot advised me that my jitters are normal and that I needed to relax and I should do fine. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today, I will finish the IACRA on-line with my CFI and hope to get signed off today. Then today and tonight study the ASA Private Oral Exam Guide, and finish my flight plan for my simulated cross country.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fingers crossed. </span> Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-36057897459345077372015-04-26T10:56:00.001-04:002015-04-26T10:56:05.589-04:00Checkride Scheduled<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I never experienced this much fear and anticipation of an upcoming event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep in mind that I have gone through two major surgeries, a liver transplant and 10 years later a liver kidney transplant.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, I believe that I am ready. However, being under the watchful eye of an examiner for some reason leaves me somewhat rattled. Back in 2006 I had to take the drivers exam because I let my drivers license expire while going through the process of my second transplant surgery. Having the driving examiner sit next to me I found myself somewhat rattled even though I had been driving for over 30 years with a practically flawless driving record.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe my nerves are rattled because this is a long time goal of mine, and finally for the first time in my life an achievement of something very important to me can happen within the next 3 to 4 days. Also, many of my friends are watching me and supporting me and I do not want to let them down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, maybe I am extremely nervous because I have something to prove to the world that people like myself, organ transplant recipients, are very able and capable people and are no different than any other humans except for the fact that we have a very long and extremely sexy surgical scars.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I know that I am ready to become one of the less than 1%. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-38623096157473142202015-04-21T13:46:00.003-04:002015-04-21T13:46:56.392-04:00Short Field Work and Hood Time<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I noticed at the tail end of my training was that
we did not do short fieldwork. While I always try to make sure my landings were
near the threshold, one of my biggest problems was that I would find myself on
short final with excessive speed which would lead me into a longer float than I
wanted. Because of my excessive speed my flares would leave me in a balloon
situation time and time again. So my instructor and I went up and executed
short field landings which I thought I would be a little queasy over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Short field landing in the Warrior calls for
an approach that is pretty much at the lower end of the white arc. Real close. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too close for my comfort level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I have to admit, it was much easier than
I thought, and my landings were right beyond the threshold, that is within 50
to 100 feet with absolutely no problem. While many times my takeoffs were
pretty much close to ‘by the book’ short field takeoffs I pretty much never
pushed myself until today. I was never a fan of having my nose at a high
departure angle so close to the ground. However, only once did I hear the stall
warning chirp at me therefore I pretty much felt comfortable at this high angle
of attack during takeoff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soft field
takeoffs were great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As of now I need just a touch less than an hour of hood
time, and this latest adventure was pretty taxing to me again. My instructor
stated that I did quite well however I was making some standard mistakes and
need to pay more attention to flying the airplane with the required instruments
that would make me more accurate in my heading holds and also my altitude holds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt, people hold an instrument rating
are exceptional pilots. I was told by one of my instructors that on clear days
at low altitudes it is not uncommon to encounter as much turbulence as I did
which makes the hood time much more difficult. Therefore I guess training under
the hood is pretty difficult for many, as it was for me. Turbulence and low
altitude under the hood brings on a lot of sweat and frustration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nine more days before the end of the month, therefore I am
sweating that issue of obtaining my license before April 30, which is my target
date which coincides with the end of Organ Donation Awareness Month.
Unfortunately the weather is not cooperating and the winds today are 22 to 28
knots.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-17400138589379940572015-04-17T12:30:00.001-04:002015-04-21T13:20:49.381-04:00Long Cross Country, DONE!! <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since my last posting, I have taken my required long
cross-country. My long cross-country was from Cuyahoga County Airport to Wheeling
West Virginia Airport, New Philadelphia Airport, and back home to Cuyahoga
County Airport.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trip to Wheeling West Virginia overall went quite well,
and my checkpoints were all within two minutes, and the checkpoints were right
where they should’ve been. The only issue that was problematic in a minor way
was the turbulence. After takeoff I climbed to 5500 feet and was able to hit my
altitude and headings with not much of a problem, except my playing kept
wanting to turn to the right, however in the Cherokee you have a rudder trim
therefore I was able to control it somewhat.
One of my shortcomings is that I have to watch my frequencies because I
tried to call Akron Approach Control on the wrong frequency. As I approached Steubenville Ohio I had to
tuck under the Bravo airspace which once again brought back the turbulence that
I was trying to avoid. While I was on a 4 mile final a Cessna on an animal
rescue mission was on base so I offered a 360 to let the critters land first, which
the tower approved. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once on the ground I was able to meet my friends for lunch
which was a treat, because we have been talking about me flying over for lunch
for a couple of years. Unfortunately, I was on a shorter schedule so I could
not hang around and was able to get off the ground within an hour and a half
and flew to my next destination, New Philadelphia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This leg was a little more difficult because I was not
paying attention to my headings like I should’ve been. I found myself flying north
of my route therefore I missed my check point, Cadiz, Ohio, birthplace of what
famous actor? I was able to get myself
back on route without much of a problem, however finding that airport was not
easy and I ended up cheating by using the panel mounted GPS. This is something I did not want to do,
however, if you have those tools available to you, you might as well use them. I
could’ve used my Garmin Pilot but I did not want to reach back into my flight
bag and dig it out of the bag. I later
on found out that other pilots have had the same problems in locating this
airport, and recall years ago as a passenger we had same issue. This airport is
kind of tucked in some trees on one side and hard to find unless you know what
you’re looking for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final leg was very interesting however very simple. From
the airport to the VOR to my home airport is pretty much a straight shot and
maybe 2° or 3° difference over the VOR. Working with Akron control was no
problem, and flying over both Akron airports was pretty easy, and flying
through the Charlie airspace was also easy especially on a Sunday when there
are not too many airliners taking off from Akron.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, the long cross-country was pretty much an easy process
and all of my times were pretty much on except for the one leg which I was able
to press on to my destination. I believe that as many other people have
experienced, this type of cross-country is a big boost to the ego and you also
feel like a real life pilot. Oh wait, I almost am a real life pilot.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-6398846363887341662015-04-03T23:41:00.001-04:002015-04-03T23:43:25.103-04:00Late Updates, Making Progress! <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Since my solo
flight, I have been making some very fast progress. We are at the end of winter
time and in Cleveland that means 50 degree weather on one day 20 degree weather
the next day, and very rarely until the end of April can you count on several
days of good flying weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Whenever I have
a good day, without stiff crosswinds, both of my instructors have been very
good at letting me grab the plane and go. While my landings are decent, I still
have to work on the flare in the Warrior.
For a few weeks many of my approaches have been high even on base to
final which has resulted in me going to idle and full flaps and touching down
further down the runway than I like. As I recall when I was flying the Cessna 152
years ago, I have the same issue. The difference is I am on a much longer
runway (5,100 feet) so touchdown is not nearly as critical however, and I am
landing in a distance less than 2,500 feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">I also did a
dual cross country from Cuyahoga County Airport to Meadville Pennsylvania to
Youngstown Ohio, which pretty much went well. I was able to sneak in a solo
cross country to Meadville and back, unfortunately while in Meadville I did not
get a chance to walk down to the hot dog stand up the street from the airport.
I was however able to circle around the ex-girlfriend’s cottage on the lake and
give her the finger. (Okay, no I didn't)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">On my last
flight I was under the hood for an hour which was actually more difficult than
I thought in some ways but easier in other ways. It was more difficult for me
the first time out mostly because the air was pretty choppy and I did not
realize that flying as accurately as needed in turbulent weather was so
difficult. At the end of this flight I simulated in instrument approach from
about 2 miles out following the glide scope and localizer, and I was surprised
that the transition from instrument to visual and having a smooth landing was
not so easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">My instructor
is okay with me choosing an airport that is 85 miles away for my long
cross-country, which is Wheeling West Virginia. While in Wheeling I hope to
grab lunch with a couple I know in the area, and then fly back to Cleveland by
way of New Philadelphia. A lot of this will depend on the weather and I am
looking forward to the challenge of flying to another state on my long
cross-country, and to another area away from Cleveland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Solo practice is fun!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bOrJ9m9A_eE" width="560"></iframe></span></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-13161364269984760762015-03-19T18:21:00.000-04:002015-03-19T18:21:11.853-04:00SOLO!!!! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today as I drove to the airport I knew that today was going to be the day for my solo in the Piper Cherokee Warrior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been over four years since I was on track to finish my license. Today's lesson is my fifth lesson in years, plus the fact that I did not take lessons in the Piper Warrior until a couple of weeks ago. I flew yesterday however the weather was pretty bumpy and I had around a 15 not cross wind, along with my lesson a few days prior with the same weather conditions. So, I was becoming pretty comfortable with crosswind landings however landings with light winds was completely different experience for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My first three trips around the pattern were still sloppy by my standards, but appeared to be well within guidelines as far as my instructor was concerned. Keep in mind that last week when I received an 88% on my written exam I was not very happy. On the third landing I decided that I was going to make a full stop and kick her out of the plane. Okay, it really did not happen like that.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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</span><br /></span><br />Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-81115899705096293612015-03-15T20:48:00.001-04:002015-03-15T20:49:39.721-04:00Getting Up is not Easy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go again. More delays due to weather and also due to family illness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to go flying with my new instructor, but unfortunately we could only do a few landings due to a family illness that cropped up just as I was putting the key into the ignition to start up the airplane. According to her my takeoffs and landings went well. A few days later we scheduled for a two hour flight, and the day was ideal for working on crosswind landings. The crosswind component was 15 to 17 knots. Unfortunately, the circuit breaker for the stall warning buzzer kept popping out so that flight was canceled. Of course after leaving the airport an hour and a half later I received a call in the problem was resolved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today since my regular, new instructor was not available I went up with another. The winds were very similar so it was a good day for me to get some practice. For the most part the three landings went well. The ceiling was fairly low but we were able to get in a little air work with some steep turns, slow flight, and a few other miscellaneous exercises. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both instructors said that I talk out loud explaining what I am doing, and why which they stated they both liked to hear from me so that they knew what my thought process was. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who knows, maybe within the next few flights I may find myself all alone, in a Piper Warrior. I sure hope so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8rNP1CxxjvsC-lgYtELU-6m2XvD6nLIYwE8WfWoS0XtFQ_pQHvOtFrDpMOmJNxL5vfgM3q7DLFKd9UqgdHlYW_8daFyYF8sYp63Ozv44pTKYfB0yNaPp3ub7qw0JiWNa0l1_OTxGz00c/s1600/dfg154av500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8rNP1CxxjvsC-lgYtELU-6m2XvD6nLIYwE8WfWoS0XtFQ_pQHvOtFrDpMOmJNxL5vfgM3q7DLFKd9UqgdHlYW_8daFyYF8sYp63Ozv44pTKYfB0yNaPp3ub7qw0JiWNa0l1_OTxGz00c/s1600/dfg154av500.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-76847508948995723902015-03-11T19:09:00.000-04:002015-03-11T19:09:14.870-04:00Written Exam ... DONE :( I Suck<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I took my written exam today and I must say, I am VERY disappointed in my score. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">All day today, I scanned, but did not get deep into the guts of where I felt weak, and I went to the airport confident that I could do it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What I studied today was NOT on the exam, except for one question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">What a let down and I was embarrassed at my final.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">ONLY an 88%. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><sigh> </sigh></span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-85005944020226950722015-03-09T18:50:00.003-04:002015-03-09T18:50:15.812-04:00Written Exam ... BOOKED<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In two days I am scheduled to take my written exam at Burke Lakefront (KBKL) at 2:00pm.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will probably take 1 or 2 practice exams on the Gleim website prior to then. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While in Nashville last week I tried to study some, and focused on the weather mostly.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would have gone flying today but allergy pills were making me a touch loopy, plus, I was sneezing up a storm. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I get to meet my new CFI, Michelle, on Thursday. </span></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-16103146600326815472015-02-28T09:12:00.000-05:002015-02-28T09:12:57.487-05:00Ground School ... DONE!!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was odd relearning what I had known for years. My 'knowledge' had a LOT of rust to knock off and to re-oil. But it was completed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had a dose of reality and found out that if you don't use it, you lose it. A lot was lost, but, now that the Gleim on-line course was completed, I feel nearly up to speed. What I need to do now is the take some sample tests on-line and reinforce what I should have learned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next up, the FAA Written, which I can take at any time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Final score on Gleim? 94%</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Funny. That was the score on my first written a few years back.</span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-23329544485158244412015-02-20T17:58:00.001-05:002015-02-20T17:58:22.329-05:00It's Official<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joined a new flying club today, so, actually, I belong to two of them.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This new one is right by me at Cuyahoga County Airport (KCGF) and is with T&G Flying Club. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, no longer do I have a 1 hour +15 minute drive to an airport that I actually really love hanging out at. Because it will make me a better pilot, I greatly prefer smaller airports. most of all, the friendliness at the smaller airport will be missed. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the plus side, I am 12-15 minutes from my new airfield and flying will no longer be a 2 and a half hour, plus flying time event. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PLUS, most of all, I will be flying the plane that I greatly prefer, Piper Cherokee Warrior. I will, though, miss flying my favorite plane, N94400, at my former airport. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I have a test to take in ground school, then I will have 2 more chapters, plus, a final exam to get my completion certificate, then I can take my written exam at Burke Lakefront. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, Mother Nature, let us have a break in these -5 to 10 degree days. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please?? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-62546568011902753662015-02-13T11:35:00.003-05:002015-02-13T11:35:59.836-05:00Back To Ground School<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go again. Ground school. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have tried to stay somewhat up to date with my aviation knowledge over the years since I stopped flying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I, for now, have clear sailing to my license, I have to get back up to speed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I had such great results with Gleim's On-Line Ground School, and also studying 'Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook' to reinforce what I am re-learning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am hoping to repeat my 94% that I received on my last written test.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finished one chapter last night, so far, so good. :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-75386828456365044992015-02-06T19:30:00.000-05:002015-02-06T19:30:22.876-05:00Cessna! Piper! Cessna! Piper! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today, the weather was the typical winter Cleveland weather. Without the snow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mid afternoon today, I decided to just call up the airport and see if I can get a flight with my prospective new flying school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">From my location in Cleveland the drive to my regular school is about an hour and 15 minutes. If I moved to the new school the drive is only 15 minutes, including catching most of the red lights.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since receiving the great news from the FAA recently I have been hoping for a decent day to get to the airport and just go for a quick flight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the pricing at the prospective new school which is substantially higher than my old one I have some decisions to make. Convenience of having the school close by or driving a good distance to save the money. Also, with the new school I can bring the price down with a deposit and joining the flying club, and also have a monthly payment for my monthly dues. By joining the club the price for the airplane is now slightly higher than my old school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have another dilemma. Cessna or Piper? Just about all of my training has been in a Cessna 152, and at the new school if I choose to switch, not only do I have the Cessna 152's, but I also have access to one of my favorite planes, a Piper Warrior.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I chose the Warrior. Since I have not flown in over three years, I was excited and nervous. As you can see from the photograph I was basically enjoying my flight. The steep turns kicked my butt, which actually I should have rejected when the flight instructor wanted to put me through the paces. Getting used to slow flight in this airplane was a lot different than the Cessna 152. But next time, I will be ready and be able to make the adjustments as needed. My landings were pretty decent, and that made me feel almost at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am 95% sure that I will stick with this flying school and joined the club, and based on how I flew today I don't think I should have much of a problem finishing my license in a very short period of time. And while today is February 6, if the weather cooperates don't be surprised if I am completing my license by the end of March, if not sooner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLiE-BDJkzvM6PDkgI4IHQSFwSfXIPRJEOBNBdxBa0mxTN0bCFSQAeLwxRDYucdteaHr8qamuF3ihbOlm3vjU68y1odU_hqpDndRfSl76XSdA7RTipiWWzuY-xeTpyVyN_i5bLhyzBOub/s1600/020615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLiE-BDJkzvM6PDkgI4IHQSFwSfXIPRJEOBNBdxBa0mxTN0bCFSQAeLwxRDYucdteaHr8qamuF3ihbOlm3vjU68y1odU_hqpDndRfSl76XSdA7RTipiWWzuY-xeTpyVyN_i5bLhyzBOub/s1600/020615.jpg" /></a></div>
Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-64071353855912814262015-02-01T16:45:00.004-05:002015-02-01T16:46:26.943-05:00Decisions, decisions.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay, now that I have come back down to earth I have to put things into perspective and get the ball rolling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have pretty much selected where I'm going to do my ground school. Since I had good results with the previous ground school class I took, I will return back to them. I will return to do the Gleim On-Line program.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I took the program years ago the end result was a 94% on my ground school test. I also took the time to expand my knowledge with the Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook. I feel strongly that this book should be required reading for anyone coming into aviation to obtain their pilot's license.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the weather has been snowy and cold, I have not had a chance to go to the airport to take a flying lesson. As it stands right now, I am not sure if I'm going to go back to my old school or to go to the airport which is 13 minutes away from me. Both have strong advantages and disadvantages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My old school is in the environment that I really prefer. I like small airports, where people know each other, and there is no problem hanging out outside by the planes and just shooting the bull. At the same time, the drive is around an hour and 20 minutes. While the airplanes are very airworthy, due to the low rate that they charge for rental, let's say, you're getting what you paid for. More specifically, cosmetically speaking, they have been around the block quite a few times. If I come back here I plan on finishing up by leaving the Cessna 152 and moving up to the Cessna 172.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new school, which is about 13 minutes away from me, is a larger airfield with a runway that is over 5000 feet. That is almost 3000 feet more than I am used to, and I am not sure if my skills would benefit by being challenged with a runway that is far longer than is needed for a four seat airplane. Also, the rate for the instructor is much higher, in fact, it is double than the rate at my old airport. If I decide to move to this airport, I will be limited financially to fly the Cessna 152.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily, since the weather is still snowy for the past two weeks and will continue to be for the next six weeks, there is actually no rush to make a decision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I am deciding, I can do my ground school and play with my new toy, my Asus Transformer, and decide which Android app I am going to use to aid me in my flying. :) </span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7923596340785955906.post-34020143134202303922015-01-28T09:04:00.000-05:002015-01-28T09:04:18.715-05:00SHOCKED As Hell<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is January 27, and back in November I went to see the AME for my medical evaluation. He was quite thorough, and advised me that due to various emergency room visits over the past two years for blood pressure and heart palpitations, I should expect delays and probably stress tests for the FAA to review before issuing my certificate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, I got that dreaded letter from the FAA and sat down to read it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must say that I was very surprised to see that not only was I issued my medical certificate, the FAA waived a special issuance for two additional medical conditions which are quite minor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, today the outside temperature is around 16° even though it is quite sunny outside, but after receiving this medical certificate I wanted to run out to the airport and take a quick flying lesson to get back up to speed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So, as it stands right now, I am back in business and can immediately start flying and expect to finish my pilot's license fairly quickly, depending on the weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">I guess I should start up ground school, huh?</span><br />
</span>Transplanted Pilothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05134310388783032483noreply@blogger.com0