Finally restarted my flying lessons.

But your new cfi, in CO, Will need to get to know you. And your current crew say you’re ready to solo.

Maybe some of the CFIs here will chime in, but my guess is you’ll spend less time and money if you start with your cfi in CO, having soloed already, rather than having to demonstrate what you’ve already learned (emergencies, stalk series, etc) again with a new cfi.

Either way, wish you the best.
 
I agree .. if you are that close to solo where you are just (as Larry would say) "Git-r-done."
 
Nobody should wonder why it’s taking so long for you. It’s crystal clear.
 
Daleandee said:
I agree .. if you are that close to solo where you are just (as Larry would say) "Git-r-done."
Click to expand...
At Aerodynamic Dynamic aviation you have to pass a knowledge exam as well as demonstrate the ability to fly the plane well by yourself. I’m way behind on my aviation knowledge and we’re talking a few hundred $ extra for lessons vs. a few hundred thousand $ in home value.

And I need as much out of my house as I can get so I can upsize to the Hangar mansion I’m interested in.
 
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Crashnburn said:
At Aerodynamic Dynamic aviation you have to pass a knowledge exam as well as demonstrate the ability to fly the plane well by yourself. I’m way behind on my aviation knowledge and we’re talking a few hundred $ extra for lessons vs. a few hundred thousand $ in home value.

And I need as much out of my house as I can get so I can upsize to the Hangar mansion I’m interested in.
Click to expand...

That’s right out of 14 CFR 61.87.
(b) Aeronautical knowledge. A student pilot must demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test that meets the requirements of this paragraph:

(1) The test must address the student pilot's knowledge of—

(i) Applicable sections of parts 61 and 91 of this chapter;

(ii) Airspace rules and procedures for the airport where the solo flight will be performed; and

(iii) Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of aircraft to be flown.

(2) The student's authorized instructor must—

(i) Administer the test; and

(ii) At the conclusion of the test, review all incorrect answers with the student before authorizing that student to conduct a solo flight.
Click to expand...
 
Crashnburn said:
At Aerodynamic Dynamic aviation you have to pass a knowledge exam as well as demonstrate the ability to fly the plane well by yourself. I’m way behind on my aviation knowledge and we’re talking a few hundred $ extra for lessons vs. a few hundred thousand $ in home value.

And I need as much out of my house as I can get so I can upsize to the Hangar mansion I’m interested in.
Click to expand...
I guess I don't understand the problem as you appear to have been near to solo for a long time and now you're saying you don't yet have the basic knowledge to pass the aeronautical knowledge test needed before solo? Have you taken and passed the written exam?

I know that life sometimes gets in the way and you've had a mountain or two to move but being so close now and deciding to take two steps back and put yourself further in debt with more training seems to me, from my limited view in the cheap bleacher seats, to be not the way I would do it.

Either way I hope to see you amongst the pilot population soon ...
 
SFDukie said:
But your new cfi, in CO, Will need to get to know you. And your current crew say you’re ready to solo.

Maybe some of the CFIs here will chime in, but my guess is you’ll spend less time and money if you start with your cfi in CO, having soloed already, rather than having to demonstrate what you’ve already learned (emergencies, stalk series, etc) again with a new cfi.

Either way, wish you the best.
Click to expand...

He/she could just relay the CFI to this journal for a get to know you read and flight recap.
 
strikes2k said:
I'm a student pilot out of KAPA (Centennial). Not sure if that is too far for you travel for your lessons but I've been very happy with the school I'm working out of. They also have a school up at KBJC (Broomfield).
Click to expand...

Do they have a SIM?
What is their position on SIM training?
 
4RNB said:
Do they have a SIM?
What is their position on SIM training?
Click to expand...

They have a couple SIMS, a TD2 and a Redbird FMX. I haven't used either or asked about them so don't know their position on SIM training.
 
4RNB said:
He/she could just relay the CFI to this journal for a get to know you read and flight recap.
Click to expand...
True. But who’s to know this isn’t the ultimate troll thread? (It isn’t, but experience trumps theory in aviation).
 
4RNB said:
Do they have a SIM?
What is their position on SIM training?
Click to expand...
Aaron - I know you really like Aspen but consider the logistics between Erie and Centennial. The drive between Erie & KAPA is obscene - depending on the route, anywhere between 40 miles and 50 miles, and the longer route is the fastest. Welcome to Denver, Colorado and the Front Range Area. I'm more than casually familiar with most of the flight schools in the area, and just because Aspen is the largest doesn't always mean it needs to be the first choice. The instructor is more important that the flight school. Because he's got his own airplane, he's not locked into a specific flight school. I've sent Crashnburn details on independent CFIs in his area, CFIs I've know for many years and are highly recommended by many of the aviation organizations in the state. BTW, one of the CFIs I mentioned has access to a Redbird.

Crashnburn - You're better off (both physically and mentally) taking lessons in Erie or closer airports (Longmont LMO, Jeffco BJC) than spending over an hour (sometimes 2) each way (on a good day) just to use a sim. It will be considerably cheaper to use your own airplane. When you get around to it, I suggest you join Colorado Pilots Assoc - a great resource, offers the mountain flying class (you'll need next year after you take your checkride), calendar of everything aviation going on in the state, etc. Cheap, too.

I agree with you about selling the house first. It would be a great ego boost to solo before you leave but let's be practical about this. You have the airplane, you're going to have a hangar when you get here, those are the least of your priorities right now.
 
strikes2k said:
They have a couple SIMS, a TD2 and a Redbird FMX. I haven't used either or asked about them so don't know their position on SIM training.
Click to expand...
As per FAA rules, you can book up to 10 hrs of SIM training on a certified sim (RedBird, Frasca, etc) WITH A CFI towards the Private. But it's not on your own time, you just can't rent time ($55 at Aspen) and have it count. Of course you can rent it and practice all you want but that doesn't count as hours in the logbook towards the private.
 
murphey said:
Aaron - I know you really like Aspen but consider the logistics between Erie and Centennial. The drive between Erie & KAPA is obscene - depending on the route, anywhere between 40 miles and 50 miles, and the longer route is the fastest. Welcome to Denver, Colorado and the Front Range Area. I'm more than casually familiar with most of the flight schools in the area, and just because Aspen is the largest doesn't always mean it needs to be the first choice. The instructor is more important that the flight school. Because he's got his own airplane, he's not locked into a specific flight school. I've sent Crashnburn details on independent CFIs in his area, CFIs I've know for many years and are highly recommended by many of the aviation organizations in the state. BTW, one of the CFIs I mentioned has access to a Redbird.

Crashnburn - You're better off (both physically and mentally) taking lessons in Erie or closer airports (Longmont LMO, Jeffco BJC) than spending over an hour (sometimes 2) each way (on a good day) just to use a sim. It will be considerably cheaper to use your own airplane. When you get around to it, I suggest you join Colorado Pilots Assoc - a great resource, offers the mountain flying class (you'll need next year after you take your checkride), calendar of everything aviation going on in the state, etc. Cheap, too.

I agree with you about selling the house first. It would be a great ego boost to solo before you leave but let's be practical about this. You have the airplane, you're going to have a hangar when you get here, those are the least of your priorities right now.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the support and advice. The only thing is, I don't have an airplane, yet. There's too much going on now to even think about doing the research necessary before starting to look in earnest. And, it seems the market for the planes I'm interested in is weakening - more planes, lower prices.

I grew up around Wichita, The Air Capitol Of the World. The saying there was, when the economy gets a cold, the aviation industry gets pneumonia!
 
Moving is a lot like having a baby. It takes longer than you expect, it costs more, and is more work than you expected. The only difference is you spend your money at the hardware store instead of the drugstore.

Silly me. I thought one PackRat container, 6000 lb. useful load, 16 x 8 x 8 would be plenty. After 53 man hours of packing, not including my time, two containers are full and we’re starting on a 15’ U-Haul truck. I plan to make two trips to Colorado. The first, driving the truck and pulling my Firebird on a trailer.

The second, after I fly back, will be in the Lexus with Tuffy.

I got the truck because after the first day of packing, it didn’t look like everything would fit in the containers. I originally tried for a hitch and trailer for the Lexus but the first available hitch was the 29th.

This IS an endurance contest to beat all endurance contests I’ve ever had.
 
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@Crashnburn - I don't know if I should tell you this, but it took my parents six trips (from Minnesota to Texas) with a 26' U-Haul truck plus a 10-passenger van loaded halfway to get their move done...plus another trip with a couple of extra loaded cars added to the fleet. Moving is not for the faint of heart, especially when you are doing all the driving!
 
I think the next time I move, I’ll get really good fire insurance and hire an arsonist. Just kidding.
 
Finally finished the packing yesterday. There’s a bit of room on top for light stuff.

A friend helped me load the Firebird onto the trailer Thursday. I worked up to driving with a full load and towing the TA.

I drove to my Mother-in-law’s last night in the dark. Luckily, everyone was considerate of my train. It was a lot noisier than I’d expected. Luckily, I had my high attenuation earplugs in.

Today is a mental health and help my mother-in-law day. Also, it rained, so it was good not to be driving in the rain.
 
I got a relatively late start today. I pulled Tammy’s beanie babies out of the truck so they can be used for children in hospitals. I reorganized things and loaded my Firebird more.

I’d hoped to get 500 miles in the first day and Livermore to Elko is 509 miles. There’s a lot of space between towns with hotels in N Nevada.

There are about 700 miles to go. Averaging 50 MPH that’s 14 hours. I’ll probably stop after another 500 miles. 10 PM is too late to be pulling into my sister’s driveway.

Also, it snowed in Tahoe yesterday so I missed that mess.
 
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I spent Monday night in Rock Springs, WY. I always thought that KS had strong winds but they don’t hold a candle to Western WY winds. My siblings told me snow doesn’t melt there, it wears out.

Before I got to Rock Springs, I struggled through Salt Lake City. It snowed a bit and my wipers were worn out, but the worst part were the steep roads. At times I was lucky to make 40 MPH. I had my flashers on a lot.

I made it to Erie, CO late afternoon Tuesday and toured the house after dinner. I’m sure Tammy would have said the same thing, “Too much!”

The hangar was “only” 3300 sq. ft. It would be enough to fit four GA planes. That doesn’t count the 4 car garage. The RV parking space extends into the hangar.

I hired a guy to help me unload the U -Haul truck yesterday. I could not have done it without him.

My Firebird survived the trip just fine. I had it washed today to get the salt from Tahoe and SLC off it. I need to find a mechanic to fix the choke, as it doesn’t go off even when the engine is warm. Also, the passenger door lock is broken again and the driver door lock is iffy. Luckily, my brother in law is letting me park it on his garage.

Today, Mary and I looked at two air parks. One in Erie. The airstrip there looked marginal. We also looked at hangar homes in Brighton. Those houses are in-line of what I’d be comfortable with, and about half the hangar mansion’s list price.

One of the Brighton houses is really cute, according to Mary, and has a really big hangar. It hasn’t changed hands since it was built in 2004. My sister says they might be ready to sell, but don’t want to go through the hassle of preparing for, and listing the house.

The Brighton air park only offers 100LL. Not any other services. The closest FBO that offers Flight Instruction is at Erie Municipal Airport.

I think we’ll poke around KEIK tomorrow.
 
Mary, Elizabeth, and I visited Vector Air FBO on KEIK today. It’s non-towered and not really busy so not a lot of time spent waiting in line.

PPL Examiners are in short supply so it takes 3 months to get an appointment. At Vector they schedule your check ride (3 months out) about as soon as you solo.

They also have intermediate check rides but no syllabi. I can use the one from Aerodynamic Aviation if I get to it in time. When I go back to get my car and Tuffy, I might buy another one then.
 
TLDR: I'm temporarily self-grounded for up to 3 months. I'm on a blood thinner EliQuis for a DVT (blood clot) in my calf, and a couple of PEs (blood clots in the upper section of my right lung. They want me on it for 3 months. I'm hoping I can heal faster than that.

I probably first got them when I drove the U-Haul truck that was carrying about 1/3rd of my worldly possessions and towing my 1981 TransAm SE Firebird from California to Colorado. My right leg felt like I had a charley horse from Hell after driving through the mountains around Tahoe the first day, and while I babied it after that, if I walked on it too much it started hurting. It hurt a lot when I unloaded the truck, and finally settled down after I flew on an airliner to get my dog and Lexus and drive to Colorado again.

Then two Saturdays ago, I flew with a new friend in his Cessna 172 Hawk SP. I kept my feet off the rudder pedals and not moving for at least an hour. I did get a chance to practice low approaches, but there were too many new things. The engine had been modified to produce 215 HP and I'd never flown right seat before, so my right arm wasn't calibrated. It also had a constant speed prop so I couldn't gauge power by RPM.

When we were done, I felt like the charley horse from Hell was back, and it didn't completely go away. I got concerned that Monday morning when my leg was swollen and swollen so much the skin was tight that evening.

Tuesday, I called my older brother who had the same symptoms after he got a blood clot from not moving enough after surgery. I ended up going to University of Health Colorado at an Urgent Care facility close to me. They highly suspected a blood clot because there was no external trauma.

They didn't have a blood clot MRI, so they sent me to a nearby hospital ER that has one and let them know I was on my way. They were waiting for me, and only one person was ahead of me, so I got in quickly.

Besides the MRI, they did a chest CAT scan as well as a full up EKG. To my untrained eye, the EKG was normal, and the doctor confirmed my diagnosis. The blood clot MRI came up positive, and they found the PE with the CAT scan. (The CAT scan tech told me that I would feel flushed and feel like I'd peed my pants. I felt both, even though my underwear stayed dry.)

They eventually decided I should go on EliQuis. The first seven days, 10 mg twice a day, and after that, 5 mg twice a day, but skip it if I go in for a medical or dental procedure.

I wasn't thrilled about spending the night at the hospital for observation, but the doctor convinced me that it would be better to be close to medical care if something drastic happened. There wasn't a lot my sister and brother-in-law could have done if I'd had problems that night. As it turned out, the worst part of the overnight stay was the mattress. It was slightly harder than a rock! I got 4 hours of sleep, and that was four more hours than I expected. Both breakfast and lunch were delicious and delivered in half the time I expected.

I could tell an improvement in my leg in a couple of days. My sister told me that when I first arrived in Colorado that I was speaking very softly, and once I started EliQuis that my voice started getting stronger so it's possible that I got the PEs from the clot on my first trip to Colorado.

I looked EliQuis up on the internet in reference to the FAA. You have to be on it for two months before you can apply for a SI. I'm on Basic Med, and I don't know how EliQuis effects that. In the meantime, I'm studying my Aviation knowledge as much as possible and I have a couple pair of compression socks to wear, just in case.

Oh, yes. I was able to sell my house and won the CA real estate lottery. I have the cash parked in the safest cash vehicle I could find, and it happens to be the highest yielding cash vehicle as well (US Treasury Money Market).

My sister found a right sized house with a right sized hangar, but they are not yet on the market. I figure a good hangar home will come on the market about 3 months after I solo, because the CFIs at Vector Air at KEIK say it takes about 3 months after you solo to be ready for your PPL check ride and Tammy told me years ago that I couldn't have a hangar home until I had a pilot's license.
 
Crashnburn said:
TLDR: I'm temporarily self-grounded for up to 3 months. I'm on a blood thinner EliQuis for a DVT (blood clot) in my calf, and a couple of PEs (blood clots in the upper section of my right lung. They want me on it for 3 months. I'm hoping I can heal faster than that.

I probably first got them when I drove the U-Haul truck that was carrying about 1/3rd of my worldly possessions and towing my 1981 TransAm SE Firebird from California to Colorado. My right leg felt like I had a charley horse from Hell after driving through the mountains around Tahoe the first day, and while I babied it after that, if I walked on it too much it started hurting. It hurt a lot when I unloaded the truck, and finally settled down after I flew on an airliner to get my dog and Lexus and drive to Colorado again.

Then two Saturdays ago, I flew with a new friend in his Cessna 172 Hawk SP. I kept my feet off the rudder pedals and not moving for at least an hour. I did get a chance to practice low approaches, but there were too many new things. The engine had been modified to produce 215 HP and I'd never flown right seat before, so my right arm wasn't calibrated. It also had a constant speed prop so I couldn't gauge power by RPM.

When we were done, I felt like the charley horse from Hell was back, and it didn't completely go away. I got concerned that Monday morning when my leg was swollen and swollen so much the skin was tight that evening.

Tuesday, I called my older brother who had the same symptoms after he got a blood clot from not moving enough after surgery. I ended up going to University of Health Colorado at an Urgent Care facility close to me. They highly suspected a blood clot because there was no external trauma.

They didn't have a blood clot MRI, so they sent me to a nearby hospital ER that has one and let them know I was on my way. They were waiting for me, and only one person was ahead of me, so I got in quickly.

Besides the MRI, they did a chest CAT scan as well as a full up EKG. To my untrained eye, the EKG was normal, and the doctor confirmed my diagnosis. The blood clot MRI came up positive, and they found the PE with the CAT scan. (The CAT scan tech told me that I would feel flushed and feel like I'd peed my pants. I felt both, even though my underwear stayed dry.)

They eventually decided I should go on EliQuis. The first seven days, 10 mg twice a day, and after that, 5 mg twice a day, but skip it if I go in for a medical or dental procedure.

I wasn't thrilled about spending the night at the hospital for observation, but the doctor convinced me that it would be better to be close to medical care if something drastic happened. There wasn't a lot my sister and brother-in-law could have done if I'd had problems that night. As it turned out, the worst part of the overnight stay was the mattress. It was slightly harder than a rock! I got 4 hours of sleep, and that was four more hours than I expected. Both breakfast and lunch were delicious and delivered in half the time I expected.

I could tell an improvement in my leg in a couple of days. My sister told me that when I first arrived in Colorado that I was speaking very softly, and once I started EliQuis that my voice started getting stronger so it's possible that I got the PEs from the clot on my first trip to Colorado.

I looked EliQuis up on the internet in reference to the FAA. You have to be on it for two months before you can apply for a SI. I'm on Basic Med, and I don't know how EliQuis effects that. In the meantime, I'm studying my Aviation knowledge as much as possible and I have a couple pair of compression socks to wear, just in case.

Oh, yes. I was able to sell my house and won the CA real estate lottery. I have the cash parked in the safest cash vehicle I could find, and it happens to be the highest yielding cash vehicle as well (US Treasury Money Market).

My sister found a right sized house with a right sized hangar, but they are not yet on the market. I figure a good hangar home will come on the market about 3 months after I solo, because the CFIs at Vector Air at KEIK say it takes about 3 months after you solo to be ready for your PPL check ride and Tammy told me years ago that I couldn't have a hangar home until I had a pilot's license.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about your medical issues but sounds like you're going to be ok so glad to hear that. Your post answered a question that came up yesterday. My instructor and I flew from Centennial up to Erie so I could get some practice at a non-towered airport and as we were doing our touch and go's she wondered out loud if there was a school at that airport. Now I know and I'll answer that question for her on Saturday :). Best wishes on your recovery.
 
strikes2k said:
Sorry to hear about your medical issues but sounds like you're going to be ok so glad to hear that. Your post answered a question that came up yesterday. My instructor and I flew from Centennial up to Erie so I could get some practice at a non-towered airport and as we were doing our touch and go's she wondered out loud if there was a school at that airport. Now I know and I'll answer that question for her on Saturday :). Best wishes on your recovery.
Click to expand...
That’s the problem with the schools at Centennial….few of them know what’s going on at the other airports along the Front Range. They’re working to get their 1500 hours and leaving.
 
strikes2k said:
Sorry to hear about your medical issues but sounds like you're going to be ok so glad to hear that. Your post answered a question that came up yesterday. My instructor and I flew from Centennial up to Erie so I could get some practice at a non-towered airport and as we were doing our touch and go's she wondered out loud if there was a school at that airport. Now I know and I'll answer that question for her on Saturday :). Best wishes on your recovery.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I've been in engineering the better part of 50 years, and solving problems is what engineering is all about.

My flight simulator is all packed away so I won't be using that for a while.
 
Is the eliquis or the clot/pe grounding you?

Hope you heal quickly.
 
I don’t know why I’m bothering to post this, but you can still fly with an instructor while you recover.
 
Wow, I just skimmed over the 9 pages of your story. I just decided the other day to reengage with PoA since I'm about to get started again, and your thread title sounded interesting. I read with anxious anticipation the first page, until the end of the page when your wife went into the hospital. Then later yous started flying again and then your wife died. I'm so sorry about that. I know it was over a year ago at this point, but it touched me. And now, moving to CO to get to an aviation community, and now with the blood clots. I'm in awe of what you've already overcome and continuing your flying, but I'm sure you'll get there. Your story is an encouragement.
 
Wow, I just skimmed over the 9 pages of your story. I just decided the other day to reengage with PoA since I'm about to get started again,

--Rich
Sport Pilot Student Learner

------------------------------------------

There have been some changes while you were away: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media...ehind-the-faas-switch-from-student-to-learner

So welcome "learner" and enjoy your time on the "flightdeck!" :biggrin:
 
Daleandee said:
Wow, I just skimmed over the 9 pages of your story. I just decided the other day to reengage with PoA since I'm about to get started again,

--Rich
Sport Pilot Student Learner

------------------------------------------

There have been some changes while you were away: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media...ehind-the-faas-switch-from-student-to-learner

So welcome "learner" and enjoy your time on the "flightdeck!" :biggrin:
Click to expand...
Oh, brother. Can we just leave the language alone? I don't have the energy to keep up.
The card in my wallet still says "Student Pilot".
 
hopmedic said:
Wow, I just skimmed over the 9 pages of your story. I just decided the other day to reengage with PoA since I'm about to get started again, and your thread title sounded interesting. I read with anxious anticipation the first page, until the end of the page when your wife went into the hospital. Then later yous started flying again and then your wife died. I'm so sorry about that. I know it was over a year ago at this point, but it touched me. And now, moving to CO to get to an aviation community, and now with the blood clots. I'm in awe of what you've already overcome and continuing your flying, but I'm sure you'll get there. Your story is an encouragement.
Click to expand...
A lot of his story is a good example of what NOT to do. Sometimes that's one's purpose in life.
 
hopmedic said:
Oh, brother. Can we just leave the language alone? I don't have the energy to keep up.
The card in my wallet still says "Student Pilot".
Click to expand...

You might be surprised at how much respect you get when you use the word "flight deck" in your pilot stories! Of course when they find out that you are a mere "learner" then all that dignity evaporates! :)

Have you called the Feds about updating the card in your wallet? :dunno:

Seriously: not trying to give you grief but rather trying to point out this absurdity discussed here previously ...

www.pilotsofamerica.com

Students are "Learners" now...........

...............And, evidently, this has been going on for a few years. Why does the FAA continue to change the name or acronym for something EVERY day it seems? There must be an office of "maintaining confusion" in the FAA. They sure are good at it!
www.pilotsofamerica.com www.pilotsofamerica.com
 
Daleandee said:
You might be surprised at how much respect you get when you use the word "flight deck" in your pilot stories! Of course when they find out that you are a mere "learner" then all that dignity evaporates! :)

Have you called the Feds about updating the card in your wallet? :dunno:

Seriously: not trying to give you grief but rather trying to point out this absurdity discussed here previously ...

www.pilotsofamerica.com

Students are "Learners" now...........

...............And, evidently, this has been going on for a few years. Why does the FAA continue to change the name or acronym for something EVERY day it seems? There must be an office of "maintaining confusion" in the FAA. They sure are good at it!
www.pilotsofamerica.com www.pilotsofamerica.com
Click to expand...


Whatever you do, don't tell him about NOTAMs....
 
Does you certificate have the word missions on it?
 
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