Flying Can Take the Edge off Tough Days

[Yooper Rocketman]

So, yesterday I flew over to the MSP area again, getting to be an almost weekly trip (300 NM’s from IMT).   I had to wait for a Pilates departing IFR just before me.  We were both westbound so I thought it could get interesting seeing us both on my ASD-B traffic display once I was airborne.   Well, he leveled at 8k (probably due to winds aloft) and I climbed up to FL240 into higher winds for lower fuel burn.  Once leveling I discovered I had a 45 knot GS advantage.  FIST PUMP to building your own plane and seeing this with a multi million dollar certified plane (albeit a completely different mission and benefit to emergency medical transports).   
 

My “VFR” weather forecast to my destination went to 900’ OVC and 5 miles, so required an RNAV approach, with a slight tailwind on a fairly short runway.  Mission accomplished.  Even MSP Approach advised “expect a Visual Approach”, until I advised the actual reported AWOS ceilings.  
 

So this morning I flew home in nice weather, decent tailwinds, and lamented the fact I was celebrating my 65th birthday, not only flying but, flying in a contraption I built in my garage over 17 years of my life, seeing first flight 4 years ago.  Upon shut down, I recorded my hour meter time on my phone to update my pilot logbook; 514 hours.   Still doesn’t hold a candle to my total Mooney time, which is THE MOST PRIZED time in my logbook, but pretty respectable for something I built in my garage!

Moving into “Senior Citizen stage of my life” kicking and screaming, but glad I’m hear to talk about it!

Tom

 

 

[MooneyMitch]

Super congratulations!  Keep on keepin’ on with it all.  Enjoy and cherish each moment.  

[RLCarter]

Too cool, happy birthday 

[kortopates]

1 hour ago, Yooper Rocketman said:

Moving into “Senior Citizen stage of my life” kicking and screaming, but glad I’m hear to talk about it!

Hell no, 65 is the new mature middle age! Happy birthday youngster!

Building an airplane of any kind is huge feat, building a turbo prop is spectacular! 

[carusoam]

HBD!

Looks like 65 is really slowing you down!

The ground speed is only indicating 346kts... 

Happy day,

-a-

 

[Nick Pilotte]

Happy Birthday Tom!  One benefit to the Pilatus, there’s a bathroom.  But I’d guess you could install something in yours too, or not, because you will get there faster anyways. 
 

My daughter told me last weekend that I’m “less grumpy” in the mornings if I get to fly. I told her that’s just because she catches me before I’ve had my coffee. 

[Danb]

Happy day Tom great plane you’ve built. Ah 65 the good ‘ol days.

[MooneyMitch]

Remember now...... when the going gets tough, the tough go flying! 

[hammdo]

11 hours ago, MooneyMitch said:

Remember now...... when the going gets tough, the tough go flying! 

I’ve been known to do ‘therapy’ during mid work day... work mornings then late night...

makes for a better day....

-Don

[MooneyMitch]

56 minutes ago, hammdo said:

I’ve been known to do ‘therapy’ during mid work day... work mornings then late night...

makes for a better day....

-Don

Yeppers !! 

[Seth]

Happy Birthday!

-Seth

[steingar]

Happy Birthday Tom.  Had a flat on my convertible.  Inflated it and drove the car to the local tire store.  They claimed both my back tires had dry rot and had to be replaced.

I hate being lied to, I really hate it.  

Drove the car back home (tire was badly deflated when I go there, no more driving).  Started to take the tire off to take it to a different tire place.  Can't find the key lug. $#%^&@!!.  Finally track the thing down, get the lugs broken, jack the car up, and go to take off the wheel.

Wheel is frozen on.  Beat with hammer.  Wheel still frozen.  Beat more with hammer.  Wheel still frozen.

Time to do something else.  Partner says airplane has a squawk.  I head to the airport, meet him.  Pull her out, Mooney starts right up.  Fly around, do some landings, one good, two not so good, put airplane away.  Day is now much much better.

Borrow microsavager from neighbor.  One good thwack! and wheel is off. Should be able to pick it up with new tire tonight.