Aviation Forum is open! and moved to Off Topic Cafe

[jwight]

A lot of forum members appear to have an aviation connection of some sort so, thanks to SMART, we now have a place to put our aviation posts.

I was lucky enough to learn to fly 14 years ago at a local grass strip; initial training and solo in a J-3 Cub, then on to the dreaded Cessna 150 to finish up. Also lucky enough to get time in a Champ, Stearman and did some spin training and tame aerobatics in a Citabria. Haven't flown recently (time, money & medical) but still miss it.

[WaynesWings]

I bought my wife a smart fortwo passion so that I could have an airplane. I could not afford one so I am building my own.
I just finished installing brakes this morning.
I should have it ready to fly by spring.

[vanslam]

Ahhhhh, nice job. Okay I have access to 4 planes. I own a 1958 Forney Ercoupe. My company, which I am CEO of, owns a totally restored Cherokee 6, Alon Aircoupe and a Allegro 2007 Light Sport.

I normally log around 150 - 200 hours a year and just get a kick out of flying. No matter were I go I always try to fly something. I have flown close to 2 dozen different types of planes.

And just like any other pilot hoping to fly a P51 before I buy the farm and head to that big airfield in the sky.

[amoore007]

I am jealous of your fun. I was able to solo only a short time before my fathers first heart attack. He sold the Bonanza v tail just after that and I have never gotten back to flying. I love it and will read all your reported exploits. Thanks AL

[GHammerly]

I'm a Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and didn't work on aircraft since I got laid off from United Indianapolis Maintenance Center 2003.
Worked for Evergreen in Marana Arizona, Aviation Center (general aviation) in Ann Arbor Michigan, Zantop Airlines at Ypsilanti Michigan, and United at Indianapolis.
I refuse to become a gipsy mechanic so I work on a different field now.

Gus

[Peddlecar]

I have been flying for a living for 20 years. I plan to fly for 20 more years and retire.

ATP, CFII, MEI

Type ratings in Beechjet, Citation Jet.

I'm at FlightSafety this week for recurrent.

I aspire to work in a Learjet or Gulfstream as a Corporate Pilot.

I have also flown for American Airlines and Travel Air.

[DaveInTexas]

Originally Posted by GHammerly

I refuse to become a gipsy mechanic so I work on a different field now.

Gus

I worked for Airmate for about a year. It led to a permanent posistion at Northrup Grumman in Lake Charles, LA. I found it an easy way to get a foot in the door where I wanted to be and also see if it was a job that I wanted. Prior to Airmate, I worked on DC-9 Hush kit mods at a small comany in Albany, GA called Ayres. They made Turbo Thrushes and had contracts for bell helicopters as well.

My final job lasted two months at Rayteon when I didn't make it through probation. Somehow, I let it slip that I was not a big fan of unions in a union shop. This is when I decided to get out of aviation maintenance and go elsewhere.

I have been in Industrial maintenance with the same company for 8.5 years now and have no regrets.

[Fredvon4]

One of very few Army NCOs that was allowed to fly AH1s -P & -Fs and UH1-H Bell helicopters. Never as Pilot in Command. Before I retired I logged about 23 hours in each rotary winged bird all thanks to personal flight training by Capt Troy Lovett, CW3 Murtagh, and CW4 Kelley on Maintenance test flights. (never happen in today's PC and litigious world)

I was trained as private pilot at Ft Lewis in the late 70s through the flying club on base at a significant discount and solo flew a new Cessna 152. As a young low ranking soldier I was sent to Germany and never could afford to keep current. I did get to fly several sail planes while over there and took the Hang gliding course through Armed Forces Recreation services.

My Dad briefly had access to a Cessna 310Q and let me fly it with him over Hawthorn Nevada, his command at the time. LTC von Gortler, my dad, got his multi engine pilots license through the Chilean Air Force.

I was partners with several guys selling and demonstrating Ultralights in Nolanville Texas around 81~83. I have about 75 hours in a Rally 2b and an Eiper/Rotax variant.

I got a ride in a F105 trainer on Taiwan as a Boy scout in the 60s. Commander Shelnut, 50th Red Devil Squadron, was my pilot and I will never forget that ride..... ever.... breaking the sound barrier was allowed and encouraged... General Chiang Kai-shek liked knowing we we there and busy...

No time or money to pursue flying these days and by the time I have the free time I probably will not pass a physical.... yes I am aware of the new FAA rules... Life member of EAA....wink

It will never happen, but my dream ride is in a Fairchild A10

[LIVNLTL]

Have fun guys.

[vanslam]

You mean a safety passenger.

Since you failed your physical you can not operate a plane as a PIC not even a light sport. Its that catch 22 that the FAA created with the new LSA rule. So if you thought you could not pass and let your medical lapse you could fly an LSA. Fail a medical you can't fly until you some how pass $$$$$ and then never than it again. You gotta love red tape.