The last update blog I developed was back in August, so I’m going back to capture some of what has happened in the ensuing months. There was a bit of drama in late September, and you’ll get the details with that blog. Overall I’ve accumulated another 40 hours on the airplane into November, so there is a bunch we can talk about.

In late August I flew my grandson Nathan, or rather, he flew me. Nathan is a senior in high school and thought he might want to be a pilot as a career.

The first thing he noticed is that his 6′ plus frame had some challenges fitting into the PA30 business office. I did let him know he’d be even more challenged in other aircraft during his training, but we made it work.

Nathan’s feet are longer than my arms, so I did have to brief him not to put those flippers under the rudder pedals for comfort. That wouldn’t be good. He took the ribbing good naturedly and we headed over to Atlantic City.

The day was clear VFR, but there were bumps down low. Since this airplane if fast and we are surrounded by Philly and other airspace, I decided to keep it low at 3000′. Nathan was not enjoying himself with the bumps, so I changed up a few things.

I stopped explaining what he was looking at while the autopilot flew the airplane; increased the cool air on his face; and had him take the controls. Nathan did a credible job flying us over the the airport, where I helped him fly to a low approach over the water.

Nathan had a much better time flying manually over to lunch in Easton, MD. He definitely got the hang of it, and opted to fly us home to Wilmington. I don’t think he’ll be a future pilot, but he did learn a few things. It’s all good.

I’m in the waiting room on Jury Duty, so I’m hoping to use this time to crank out updates on trips and activities that include:

  • Rejected takeoff / loss of propeller control
  • Using my airplane to conduct a BFR (Flight Review) and an IPC
  • Getting night recurrent in my machine
  • Visiting my son Mike in Virginia
  • Another jet trip
  • Master the TFR procedures to get in and out of KILG
  • Gross weight trip to Nashville
  • 6 new stitches and yet one more injury

Life is good. The airplane is flying well and I’m having some fun in retirement.

Fly safe!

Frank

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.