Looking back at the goals I set in 2013 I at least managed to bust one hundred hours this year. No new upgrades on 08Romeo but maybe we can get things done in 2015.
2014 Totals
Hours: 109 YTD - TT 929 XC 94.0, IMC 6.9, Sim IMC 4.0
Airports: F45,KAYS,KHQU,KJZI
States: Florida
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22
Fun Flights:
Beach runs turned into home away from home flights to be with my Bride. Mary has been holding down the fort in Ocean City, MD while I try and get the house sold in North Wilmington. She has her hands full with the three cats and Ziva the American Mastiff. We hope to find a buyer in 2015 so I can retire!
The only 'distance' flight was our Thanksgiving get-away to Florida. Our Valentines day Singer Island FL get-away was cancelled due to snow in February.
2015 Goals
Hours:
Same as every year, at least 100 and I hope to bust a total time of 1000 hours.
Flights:
It will be different for us this year. I will be retired shortly after our home in North Wilmington is sold. I have no plane in Delaware, we gave up the hangar at New garden (N57) and now keep 08Romeo in Maryland (KOXfull time. Maybe we'll use the plane in reverse, flights 'from' the beach to visit family and friends in Delaware instead of weekend beach runs.
Mary and I have discussed more four day get-aways. We are looking forward to Jekyll Island, GA., visiting family in Boston, finally crossing Mackinac Island off our bucket list and a few more hot spots. We have also talked about getting back into animal rescue flights for MAESSR. I have also given some thought to the vacant Beech Aero Club Mid-Atlantic Regional Director position...more on this later.
Aircraft Upgrades:
Still on the list is Replacing the Collins Audio panel with a PMA800B panel. Replace the Century I autopilot with an STEC capable of shooting approaches and tracking course.
After this past weeks flight I will say I still enjoy hand flying. I'm thinking that if wx gets that bad, like it did Tuesday, I'll divert and sit it out. Everyone keeps telling me don't put 15K into the plane, buy something faster with an autopilot. I admit I did say a few times in those heavy rains and winds I would have liked to run my diversion numbers and have the autopilot keep us on course and level providing less of a stress and work load.
