A Golden Air Adventure

On March 19th, Stu Simpson organized a group fly-out to Invermere, BC, sparking interest for another trip to Golden, BC on March 27th, with over 9 aircraft joining. The flight faced manageable winds and showcased a variety of planes. Participants enjoyed scenic views, lunch in town, and camaraderie, looking forward to future adventures.

Planes I’ve owned

Bob Kirkby shares his journey as an aircraft owner, detailing the progression from a Mirage to a Cherokee 235 and ultimately to a PA12. He highlights the importance of matching aircraft to specific missions, discusses maintenance costs, and emphasizes the value of hands-on upkeep to preserve aircraft worth. Both ownership and enjoyment are central themes.

Flying Canines

The article recounts a volunteer experience with Pilots N Paws Canada, where a pilot transported two Brittany dogs from Wyoming to Calgary after their owner passed away. The mission, aimed at aiding dog rescues, showcased the effective coordination among animal rescue organizations and emphasized the impact of general aviation in facilitating animal adoptions.

The S3 Spider

The review of the Spider model S3 highlights its effectiveness for tracking during flights and road trips. It features timely GPS reporting, emergency alerts through SMS and email, and allows users to document their routes. Its tracking accuracy surpasses comparable devices. Plans cater to varying aviation needs, promising ongoing innovation from Spidertracks.

Oshkosh Abbreviated

After three years, the author visits Oshkosh with Carl Forman, opting for a rented place in Waupaca instead of camping. While Carl succeeds in finding avionics, the author fails to locate the Thatcher CX4 and purchase a Zulu headset due to pricing issues. Overall, the trip was enjoyable but less crowded than in previous years.

The Flyers

The author reflects on their reluctance to write book reviews but felt compelled to discuss "The FLYERS, in Search of Wilbur & Orville Wright" by Noah Adams. The book delves deeper into the lives of the Wright brothers during their innovations in aviation, enriched by the author's travels retracing their journeys, offering insightful perspectives.

Cross-Country in a PA-12

Last year, I purchased a 1947 Piper PA-12 and flew it home from Columbus, Ohio to Canada. The journey involved meticulous pre-flight planning, several stops across the U.S., and navigating various weather conditions. Despite challenges, I successfully completed the 1,760-mile trip in 19.2 hours with great satisfaction.