In case you were wondering, since I hadn't posted about flying lately...
Yes, I am still flying.
It took a while after we moved to get checked out at the local FBO. The main issue were challenges getting a CFI lined up for the check ride. The first CFI I contacted never returned any of my phone messages, so I had to find an alternative. By the time I got things scheduled with him, more time than I would have liked had passed since the last time I flew. Also, even though I had been flying a Cherokee for my last few flights, it turned out that the Piper Archer II in which I was getting checked out had a number of operational differences from the Cherokee. These two factors combined to create a very stressful check ride for me, but after an hour and a half, Hank was satisfied that I could operate the plane safely enough to be allowed out unsupervised.
Getting flying time has been somewhat of a challenge after getting checked out. The FBO, McGill Aviation, has only one plane to rent, so scheduling can be a challenge. They are really nice, but because they are in the middle of litigation with the City of Fernandina Beach, which doesn't appear to have one iota of fairness nor care for the concerns of the local aviation community, they are unwilling to invest in additional rental aircraft, even though there appears to be demand for it. There is also a local flying club, but they have only one plane, and they are not currently accepting new members. There is a waiting list, and I am number 16, so I'm afraid it might be a while before I can get in. I guess the only way to get ready access to an airplane would be to buy one, but even if I could afford it, there is a five year waiting list to rent hanger space - if you could ever get the airport manager to return your phone call to get you on this list!
On the plus side, the flying club and the FBO host a coffee every Sunday morning and I have been attending about every other week, so at least I am getting to know the FBO and some of the local pilots and club members.
So, in the mean time, I try to fly about every other week for an hour or so, shooting touch-and-goes, and practicing my dutch rolls and steep turns. One of these days, maybe I'll get up the nerve to fly a short cross country, or maybe I'll schedule some time with the instructor and get night-current or do a practice flight into controlled airspace.
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Posted by David at October 01, 2005 10:50 PM