Looking Back, Moving Forward

Wow, it has "been a minute!" I hope that all of you; my friends, family, and followers, have been enjoying life and chasing your goals/dreams. When we last spoke, I told you about my status post-commercial license checkride. Since that time, the following things have "gone down."

• I continue to send my resume and network to "beginner" commercial-pilot jobs. Survey work is a particular interest and opportunity to me, but most of their "seasons" start in Fall. So, I continue to press on. I have one possibility that just opened up to me this past week, thanks to a close friend and mentor. I will be having a follow-up call on that, this weekend.
• In the last 2 weeks, I began studying for becoming a CFI, Certified Flight Instructor. First, I met with my own CFI, Sarah, who gave me great advice on getting started. From here, I must take 2 written, an oral, and flight exams. One of the written exams is the FOI, Fundamentals of Instructing, and it deals with all things teaching/learning/memory/etc. The other written deals with everything I have learned, knowledge-wise, from my Private Pilot training to now. This one is a bit trickier. To prep for the oral and flight portion of the test (which can be an all day affair, hours worth!), I will be developing my own lesson-plans, and also adapting to flying from the right-seat of the aircraft. The ability to get a "feel" for the aircraft and maneuvers from the "other side" usually take ~10 flight hours. I hope to start the flying shortly. Right now, I am focused on knocking-down the 2 written exams first.
• Remember a while back, when I told you the story about my friend Chuck England? Well, if not, read this 1st! (http://flyaustin.blogspot.com/2017/02/chuck.html) Chuck's Wife, Sandy, was in town for Memorial Day. Thanks to Austin Wadsworth, a huge pilot-mentor of mine, I got my annual L-16 proficiency check completed just in time to fly Sandy! The best part? She brought Chuck's ring with her. So, in a way, I finally got to fly with Chuck, as well.

Sandy & I, in the L-16

Ahh, that's the stuff...

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

What's Up?

Hey Family, Friends, and Followers!

It's been a while since we last "met," and I am sorry for that. Last time, I posted about the earning of my Commercial Pilot Certificate. In the time since that post, I have been making progress towards becoming a career, professional pilot. Without getting too detailed, I have a couple of potential opportunities that I am exploring/in touch with. Again, nothing official, just "testing the waters."

For the last month, I have been busying myself with the book Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot, by Richie Lengel. This book was recommended to me by my good pilot friend/mentor Jill W. The book is simply amazing, and full or literally everything a Professional Pilot needs to know (all in an easy-to-read format!) I've been making "flash cards" along the way, on key topics that I feel I can improve on. As they say, "a good pilot is always learning."

Also, in the last month, I have been going through all of my aviation collection. Many of these items have been featured on this blog in past postings, mostly in reference to Chuck England. My plan is to accession my entire collection, with the plans of having my own warbird/aviation outfit in the near future (Yak-3 & P-51B, anyone?) I am making really good progress here, and hope to be "squared away" soon with the project.

One more item that I feel I must address is my status with flying warbirds. As you may recall, last spring/summer I was quite frequently flying our museum's L-16A "Grasshopper." I love that airplane, and feel bad that I have not had a chance to get down to the museum to help maintain her this past winter. Given the uncertainty of my employment location this summer, I am unsure what I am going to do in regards to museum flying. Rest assured, I 100% want to fly this summer, but can I physically be here to do it? I shall know soon.

Beyond all this, life goes on as usual. I hope you've all been well! Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Commercial Pilot

Hello Family, Friends, and Followers,

I know it has “been a minute” since my last flying-related update. As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I was taking some time to really focus on the Commercial rating. So, this included what I like to call “put up, or shut up!” Essentially, writing about my training has been a huge help along the way. However, it can get to a point where you are focusing just as much energy, time, attention towards writing and analyzing yourself as you are doing the flight training itself! That’s the “wall” that I came up against. So, the solution was to put everything else aside, and focus 100% on getting the CPL done.

Well, I am here to tell you fine folks that this indeed occurred. On March 5th, 2017, I earned my Commercial Pilot Certificate. Even to this very second, I am still somewhat in “shock” that I actually accomplished this goal. I have so many people to thank, and I don’t know where or how to begin. So, just know that if you are reading this, I thank you for your support.

In particular, I really want to name a few kind-souls who really had a hand in my Commercial Pilot training. My loyal instructor, Sarah DeForest, never gave up on me and my goals. I am very proud to be her first student, and her first Commercial Pilot “Pass.” Another loyal friend of mine, Mr. Nate Grifa, has helped me in countless ways along this journey. From helping me shovel out and push the Arrow on that frigid winter day (so I could fly towards this license), keeping the Arrow in tip-top shape maintenance-wise, and keeping me in tip-top shape motivationally, I cannot thank him enough. Jill Werth, an accomplished aviator, has helped be my mentor throughout my transition from Private to Commercial Pilot. Her advice and guidance along the path has been most helpful and welcomed.  My Mom (Mary Anne), Dad (Jeff), and Younger-Brother (David) have been a great support system for me as well, consoling me even after the most frustrating of training flights.

You are probably now wondering, “what’s next?” My goal right now is to read Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot, by Richie Lengel. This book, suggested to me by Jill, has “it all.” For my continued transition into flying professionally, starting off with reading, noting, and studying this book cover-to-cover is a must. I have another “what’s next?” item on my list as well, but will divulge that shortly (in the next few days, likely.) Stay tuned...

As always, until next time, “Keep ‘Em Flying,” and “Never, Never, Never Give Up.”

Chuck

Hello Folks,

For those of you hoping to see an update on my flying in this post, I apologize. The weather has just not been agreeable for any type of flying, the last week. I continue to "chair fly" my maneuvers in the Arrow, and also study my ground materials. I feel the taking some time away from the skies, in addition to making the heart grow fonder, also helps me appreciate where I am now more.

As I continue to hone-in on my Commercial Pilot's License, the "flashbacks," reflections, of the people, places, and objects that have brought me to this point continue. In this post, I wish to focus particularly on the "people" I refer to. One person, in particular, was a harbinger for me becoming an aviator. His name? Charles England, "Chuck."

The year was 1988. My father, having recently heard an advertisement on the radio for the "Wings of Eagles" Airshow, decided to take a venture to the National Warplane Museum, to see for himself. Once my dad arrived in Geneseo, he opted to take a tour of the museum. When he arrived at the centerpiece of the NWM, the crown jewel B-17G "Fuddy Duddy," he was greeted by a man named "Chuck." The man introduced himself as one of the pilot's of the fine machine, and proceeded to give my father a tour of her. Chuck even allowed dad to sit in the pilot's seat! Upon conclusion of the B-17 walkthrough, Mr. England proposed that my father become a member of the Warplane Museum. My dad was "sold," right then and there.

Fast forward 9 years, to 1997. A 6 year-old me was attending Mrs. Leonard's 1st grade class, at Avon Elementary. At this tender age, I was already very much leaning towards a career in piloting. At the time, being an F-14 "Tomcat" pilot in the Navy was my particular focus (though mum had some things to say about that!) My 6 years on earth up to this point had been mostly spent with my dad, down at the Warplane Museum. Sadly, around 1996-1997, the NWM suffered a split amongst the membership, and was moved to Elmira. My heart was broken, mainly because my favorite thing ever...err...plane in the world was included in said move.

One random day in 1997, my mother received a phone-call from her sister (my aunt) Nancy, of Asheville, NC. Aunt Nan was a longtime employee of the famous Biltmore Estate, located there. In a truly small-world moment, Nancy asked my mother is she knew of a man named "Chuck England." At the time, the name did not ring a bell with my mom or my dad, however, the bio of Chuck did. Aunt Nan mentioned that he, and his wife Sandy, had recently migrated to Asheville from Rochester, and were working at the Biltmore alongside her. Apparently, it came out in comversation that Chuck was a pilot (go figure!), and had been involved with the same museum as her brother-in-law and nephew! In the 9 years that separated my father and aunt's 1st meetings with Chuck, the name's had gotten forgotten. However, the memories had not.

The obvious next step was for me to get in touch with Mr. England, to "chat" about the Warplane Museum, and flying warbirds (ala "Fuddy Duddy.") I'll never forget the 1st letter I received from Chuck, it was like receiving the "Golden Ticket." I had come home from a rather exhausting day of 1st grade, only to be greeted by a cheerful voice from my mother. "You got something in the mail today!" "Me?!," I thought. Sure enough, a letter from Mr. Chuck England had arrived, just for yours truly. He introduced himself, and told the unique story of how he came to be in contact with me. He told of the times he had flown "Fuddy Duddy," and a few other neat NWM experiences he recalled. Chuck offered that he had also flown B-25 Mitchell's during WWII, albeit stateside as he enlisted too late to see combat. Needless to say, after this first letter, we became "pen pals."

Possible paint schemes, Pre-"Fuddy Duddy"

What would follow for the next 3 years were continued exchanges of letters, between Chuck and I. Each time, the content grew more robust, and occasionally I would receive a magazine or some sort of aviation literature from him. The "holy grail," if you will, of said mailings was a tube which contained a few posters of possible paint schemes for the NWM B-17 (before she got her name via member vote) along with the Boeing factory name-badge, from "Fuddy Duddy's" cockpit! He snuck it from the 'ole gal before she was dragged to Elmira. That day, receiving that package after a brutal day of 3rd grade, was the greatest day of my life to that point. As I recall, my return letter for said package started off with "THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH FOR...," a thank-you note headliner that I reserved for the most thrilling of gifts as a child...

After receiving the 1st data-plate from Chuck, I grabbed the closest box I could find and began my "Fuddy Duddy Stuff" box. Over the years, it would become more populated...

An old wing-piece off "Fuddy Duddy" from when she had a major wing-overhaul done.

The original "Fuddy Duddy," from WWII. She was shot-down over Germany.

The next few years would be more of the same, exchanging letters and little "mementos" of the old NWM/"Fuddy Duddy" days. However, one day, I got a bit of exciting news. Chuck and Sandy (his wife) would be visiting family in Rochester...and wanted to meet us! I still remember that day. I walked home from a TGIF day of 4th Grade, which at the time was a simple hop across the street to Hunter Hall Apartments. As I crossed the street, I was greeted by my parents, and two sweet looking individuals, who could easily have been my grandparent...Chuck and Sandy. The best post-school day sight ever. 

The first meeting was s smashing success, Sandy even helped me finish my weekend homework before we talked airplanes! The event was highlighted by a gift that I still keep close to my heart. Transported very carefully from NC, via multiple garbage bags and foam peanuts, a 1/48th scale model of "Fuddy Duddy" made it's way to me. I kept it hanging in my room at Hunter Hall from that day on. Meeting Chuck and Sandy was everything I had expected, and more. I felt like I had a 3rd set of grandparents. For all intents and purposes, I did.

After their visit, the letters continued. We'd only grow stronger in our relationship. They became family to me. 

At this point, it was a foregone conclusion that I would become a pilot. Chuck and Sandy would come back to visit again a couple years later, to confirm the above. I never took this connection for granted. And, due to one fateful day in 2004, I'm glad I never did. Chuck sadly died in Fall of 2004, during an accident in Maine. Sandy was with him, and she also suffered injuries. This was a very difficult period for me, personally. I took the news very hard, and I recall crying all that day I found out. At the time, I was in 8th grade, the "rigors" of a cruel Jr. High. I was a victim of bullying that year, and was already feeling quite low. Yet, there was also a positive in my life, the soon-to-be arrival of a little brother or sister. My emotions were so mixed at the time. I decided to focus on the positives, and began studying for the Private Pilot training. This was a nice way to help keep my mind focused, it's what Chuck would have wanted.

A memorial service was held for Chuck, here in Rochester. Sandy attended, and I was greeted by the biggest hug I had ever received. It was a nice day of closure and memories. To this day, I still keep in touch with Sandy, and have met her multiple times. She carries on the zest and spirit of Chuck in everything she does. I will always cherish our friendship. An interesting side-story, when my mentioned-above sibling arrived, he (David) was born on Sandy's birthday (12/14!) Even better, he was due on Chuck's B-Day of 12/8! It was quite the confirmation that there was a family-esque connection between the Englands and Hancocks.

With all the above said, I'd like to summarize by relaying the message that everything I do in aviation is with Chuck in mind. Every time I fly, I carry a picture of he and I together on my kneeboard. I take as many opportunities to mentor young aspiring aviators as I can. My plans to fly warbirds (particularly "Fuddy Duddy"), to operate my own warbird-outfit, and become a professional pilot are all pursued with him there in spirit. He is my co-pilot. So, to Chuck England, I say "Thank You." I hope that I have lived up to the expectations you had set for me, and have made you proud. I will never forget you. Love ya, Chuck!

1/48th "Fuddy Duddy," still "flying" today...

The "Charles E. England Memorial Hangar," future home of my warbird outfit.

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Toy Story (Ep. #3)

Happy Weekend, Folks!

Hope you have each had a great week, and that your weekends are productive and/or relaxing (whichever you prefer, if not both.) As I hone in closer on the commercial pilot license, I continue to reflect on the things from my past that have gotten me to this point. As I've posted many a time before, airplane toys have always been one of the major contributors to my aviation "addiction." For this installment of the "Toy Story" series, we examine one of my many P-51 toys!

The origins of exactly how I gained this P-51 are fuzzy to me, but I believe it was acquired from a garage sale by my father (perhaps he can chime in, here.) This toy has good size, and a unique propeller (3-blader on a "D" model) which spun really good when held outside a moving car window. :-)

This P-51 was manufactured by "Gay Toys," and I actually had a toy Learjet made by them as well. You'll not the unique "paint job" that I gave my P-51. My intention @ Age 3 was to replicate the P-51D "Six Shooter," which at the time was based at our National Warplane Museum in Geneseo (then owned by Rick Korff.) Hence, the blue wing and tail. Never underestimate the capabilities of a 3 year old with a blue sharpie! ;-)

"Six Shooter!"

See the resemblance? It's uncanny!

I still have my P-51 to this day. It certainly served an integral role in me wanting to become a warbird pilot! Now, if only I could find a way to upscale this toy, and my Yak-3 model...???

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

1/15 - CPL Training Update

G'Day folks! Hope you are all doing well, and that 2017 is bringing you great things so far. Let me start of by saying "sorry" for the lack of updates. I have had a few things pop-up in the last week that required my attention, but I am still on my Commercial Pilot License quest! I never let that goal fade, even on a busy day, I try to find some way to make progress towards it. 

1/1/2017:

I "rang in" the New Year by flying with CFI Mike K. We did a few of the maneuvers necessary for the Commercial Pilot checkride. Overall, things went well that day, but the main takeaway was a familiar one..."slow down!" Mike relayed the importance of me making sure I was 100% configured & ready to fly each maneuver, before entering it. Making sure my altitude, airspeed, and heading are all consistent before entering each maneuver will help me fly each one with ease.

1/1/17: CPL Training Flight Summary

1/1/17: CPL Training Flight Summary

- Stalls (Power-On/Off & Accelerated)

- Lazy-8s

Steep Turns

- Slow Flight

1/6/2017:

Drawing from the advice given to me by Mike a few days earlier, I approached my lesson(s) with Sarah with a calmer demeanor, in terms of setting up for maneuvers. The results showed! Both flights went very well. On the 1st AM lesson, we practiced maneuvers, and in the PM session, we focused on performance takeoffs & landings. This is the most confident I have felt both in flying the Arrow, and in the Commercial Pilot Maneuvers. I must have good teachers! ;-)

1/6/17: CPL Training Flight Summary (AM Flight)

- Maneuvers Practice

1/6/17: CPL Training Flight Summary (AM Flight)

- Slow Flight

- Lazy-8s

- Chandelles

1/6/17: CPL Training Flight Summary (AM Flight)

- 8s-on-Pylons

1/6/17: CPL Training Flight Summary (PM Flight)

- Fly to D38 for Power-Off 180 Landing

- Return to KROC for Pattern Takeoffs/Landings

1/6/17: CPL Training Flight Summary (PM Flight)

- Performance Takeoffs & Landings

As I mentioned above, I feel a lot more confident in my "commercial pilot" flying. Sarah and I continue to fly, and nail-down the ground materials. Our goal is to have me teach the ground material back to Sarah, as if I was the CFI. Since I plan to be anyways, it's a solid plan. I will keep you posted (checkride?!)

Constant-Speed Props...FTW!

As important as it is to remain focused on my goal, it is equally important to take time to relax, and enjoy the "little things" in life. For me, this has meant building airplane models with my little bro, David! It has been years since I built plastic aircraft models. I can't quite explain it, but recently I "caught the bug" again. As a result, my brother and I recently bought a C-45 model and began building it together. What fun it has been, and we are almost done, so stay tuned!

Progress!

C-45 Building and CHOCOLATE!!! (Our Fav Spongebob Episode.) Doesn't get any better...

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

12/27 - CPL Training Update

Merry Post-Christmas/Happy Holidays to y'all! Hope that you each had, and/or and having a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends (however you may be doing it.) This Christmas, I got everything I could hope for, and more. The best part? It wasn't even a physical item on my "wish-list" that I received that has made me feel satisfied...

Friday 12/23:

This past Friday, I had yet another lesson to practice Commercial Pilot Maneuvers. I went up with Mike K., who was free that day, and we did a couple procedures that I felt needed "honing." 

12/23/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Summary

1.) Depart KROC (Soft-Field Takeoff)

2.) Arrive Canadaigua (D38)

3.) Return KROC (Short-Field Landing)

12/23/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Summary

1.) Arrive D38 (Steep-Spiral to Power-Off 180 Landing)

2.) Soft-Field Takeoffs and Power-Off 180s

Overall, the lesson went smoothly. We focused on the areas that I still need work on, namely the steep-spiral, power-off 180, and performance takeoffs. My soft-field takeoff out of KROC was very good, much like in my previous lesson. I just have to remember to keep the landing-gear down until I am past the usable runway (every pilot has a differing opinion on this, but this is how I've been taught. I won't deny, it looks cool to pull gear-up on a P-51 right off the deck! ;-)

When we arrived @ D38, I was at 5000' and initiated my steep-spiral. Mike combined this with my power-off 180 landing. I did good on the spiral, but when it came to the 180 for landing, I dumped the gear in too early (again!) I keep forgetting just how much heavier the gear-down configuration makes the Arrow (as if it wasn't a heavy enough aircraft on the controls.) Minus this, which threw-off my approach entirely, I did pretty solid. I just need a bit more practice! We did a few more soft-field takeoffs, followed by power-off 180s. I got a little better each time. Back @ KROC, we make a short-field landing, and I got it (finally!)

After my lesson, I got to take my Grandma D. Parker on her 1st plane ride with me! I have flown my Dad, Mom, Brother, and Grandfather, so it was only a matter of time before G'Ma followed suit. Grandma "D" has been through a lot in the last year, and she has prevailed in face of it all. She is a model of strength, and has always been a beacon for me to look up to. I love her so much! The flight went very well, and we had a smooth one to boot. Fun was had by all, even "selfies" happened!

12/23/16: Grandma Flight Summary

1.) Depart KROC

2.) Circle over Conesus Lake/Geneseo

3.) Return KROC

Yup, she loved it...

...as did I!

Back home, safe and sound!

After a bit of sightseeing, we soon returned to Rochester. Grandma was all smiles, as was yours truly. What a great opportunity! I am forever thankful for the chance to do this. Until next time, G'ma?! :-)

This week, I am focusing on pulling things together for the Commercial Pilot Checkride. I'm organizing a handbook/flight manual for the event, so that I have everything I need for the flight/test in one place. 

On Friday, I am hosting a (what I hope will become routine) small aviator meetup. We'll be meeting Friday @ the Rochester Air Center (6pm.) There will be coffee, and talk about all things airplanes and flying! I plan on talking a bit about my Yak/P-51 plans, my buddy Nate plans to talk a bit about his Nieuport project, and other buddy Ruben will talk about his airline work! We hope to see you there (Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/938820419551871/)

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."