Up in the air.

Haven't posted flying news in a while and thought it was time! First off, I soloed in the Champ last summer and celebrated with red velvet cupcakes...

Then in November it was planning and flying a dual cross-country, basically using a chart and compass and the scenery outside the window. Flew to Tiffin, Wyandaot County, and the little grass strip in Ada...

Over the winter I studied like crazy and took the written part of my flying exam a couple weeks ago. Back in the day, John had gotten a 100 on his, and so did Gary, so how could I settle for anything less? Once in the testing room, I got nervous and completely forgot how to use my plotter. Bizarre! So I saved those questions for last and re-taught myself how to use it: Ummm, if east is 090... where does this piece of plastic go?

Now all I have to do to 'finish' my training and get my license is to learn how to fly a new airplane - one with lights and navigational equipment, a yoke instead of a stick (how do you steer this crazy thing?!), more dials and buttons and generally more things to remember. Sorta feels like starting from scratch again though, which is a bit discouraging, especially with dwindling funds (trade photography for time in a 172 anyone?) and summer scheduling conflicts . It's easy to understand why so many people who start flight training wind up letting it go - sometimes it seems SO uphill. But when I look at these photos I realize how far I've gotten already, even if it's taken me longer than I wanted it to. I also think of fellow student pilots who might be having a tough time with their training and I want to hang in there for all of us! Way to go, team!

Flying to Mad River.

In honor of all our flying adventures last year (see MY POST), camping under the wing was definitely in order while Ryan was visiting. Off we went to Mad River Airport, Ryan in the Luscombe and I in the Champ with John (still have yet to solo)...

Starfighter washing day.

John hadn't washed the starfighter in five years?! Well, it was one of those surprisingly warm Ohio November weekends...

An oil change is first on the list, so what better reason to fly to the Plaza in Mt. Victory for breakfast than to warm up the engine. Did I mention they have the BEST homefries? AND they let me take home the mug!

Back at the hangar, we finish the day in piles of grease-covered paper towels. There has to be a better way of doing this. But the oil is out and the starfighter's belly is sparkly clean! Never mind that the flesh is peeling off my hands from the industrial strength de-greaser. Hmm, should I have worn gloves? Oh well.

Day two starts with a flying lesson, so what better reason to fly to the Airport Cafe for breakfast than to practice a landing? Hot cocoa was the first order of business.

I'd had it with squirt bottles and paper towels. I thought a good old-fashioned bucket of suds would be a better idea (and more fun). So, finally, off to the hose! It's a long way from the hangar.

Hmmm... guess who's doing all the work while the boys in hats stand around gabbing?

Just kidding. The inimitable John Popio appeared on his motorcycle to lend a hand and things went much faster. We even inspired Lee to wash his Cessna! I am looking forward to spring, when we can do this all over again (with more hose fights).