Former lurker, first-time poster.  I just changed my moniker to EchoMax, and you will see why. I am a 60-yo student pilot based at KBLF in the Blue Ridge mountains and was poised to take my checkride until Corona virus and hip surgery intervened, but I will be in the left seat again soon.  As soon as I get my PPL, I’m going to start intensive IFR training. I have a great partner.  (“Choose your partner like you choose your wife, only more carefully,” as my dad used to say.)  Together,