I had washing my airplane on my list of things to do, and when I heard Tres & Janice were having a hangar hangout day, I knew it would be a good time to clean the hangar and wash the airplane. I showed up around 8am to get the process moving. Cleaned out the hangar and used a leaf blower to get the detritus cleaned up.  That lasted until my neighbor ran up his airplane with the prop pointed into my hangar.  Tough to keep things cleaned up and pristine when that happens.

Once the airplane was washed – I took it for a spin around the pattern to dry the airplane. Ok, I really just wanted to have a little fun before the waxing started.

RV doing fly-by
RV doing fly-by
IMG_3887
Foye checks out the traffic
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Tres holding court at his hangar

The weather for the unplanned event was outstanding.  You can see how many distractions there were, and why I was not entirely motivated to complete my washing and waxing assignment, I did get quite a bit done, however.

I included a few shots of the fly-bys we enjoyed through the afternoon. This hangar space is a wonderful spot in the world to just hang out on days like this.

Once again I am reminded of both how much I know (get to do) and how little I know (have experience doing). I had the privilege of taking Bruce on my trips around the pattern drying the airplane off. We started talking and I learned he had extensive experience in the Twin Comanche. He had even owned one.

Bruce and I talked quite a bit on the PA30s, and I learned a significant amount from him. We talked about ice experiences, Piper Arrows in comparison regarding ice, and even short field operations in this light twin.

No earth shattering revelations, but timely confirmation of specific operation considerations that are helping me safely expand my flight envelop.

I could have walked right by him and never known he had so much knowledge and experience and was willing to share it.

IMG_3902Very, Very, nice day.

By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.