First Solo

To sum it all up: It was GREAT!!!!

After the day I had on Friday I didn't think there was much of a chance of it happening today. When I got to the airport the weather was about as good as I could hope for but my plane was sitting there in pieces.

The school has a second 172 but its got the 180hp conversion and I had never flown it. I thought that maybe I'd go flying in that plane but never guessed that it would be so smooth to fly.

After doing a couple power off stalls, slow flight and steep turns we headed back to the field for some T&Gs.

Things were going pretty smooth and I was taking the normal ribbing about not liking to pull the power out while close to the ground, more right rudder on climb out and some tips for engine out practice.

We had already been at it for about 1.5 so when I was told to make it a full stop I figured I was done.

After we got back to the school Steve jumped out and said have fun.

During my run up I double and triple checked EVERYTHING to make sure I wasn't going to do something stupid.

My first take off was nice and smooth with an easy turn out and set up on the downwind. I must say that I was right on the numbers and I actually held it off as long as Steve had been trying to get me to during my other landings. The takeoff was normal but the second landing was a little bouncy.

I had too much speed over the fence and skipped a little but it wasn't a big deal. My take off was a little rough though..... Some how I got my foot stuck under the right rudder at about 100 feet AGL. I wasn't too happy with that and lowered the nose to pull the power back and set her down on the remaining 3000 feet of runway when my foot popped out from under the pedal.

I pitched back up and continued around for my 3rd and last landing, It wasn't as good as the first but better than the second.

As I headed back to parking I looked over at the empty seat and started looking forward to my next trip by myself. :)

I count that as a great day!!!

Airplane or Student Pilot Financing

If you need a little extra money for flying lessons, purchasing your airplane or performing an upgrade I can help you.

Apply through the link below to get the best rates on personal or buisness loand in a format that is similar to ebay. You post the amount you want with the interest rate you are willing to pay and let borrowers bid down the interest rate while funding your loan.

Use this loan for training, purchacing a new light sport plane, continuing your training or anything else you wish.

Let us help you fund your next loan at a rate that is best for you.

Boeing customer upset about 787 delays

Is this how things would be if Hitler had survived the war? Nobody is happy about the 787 being delayed but come on man..... Its nothing to shoot yourself over!

Getting ready to solo

Here it is almost 3 years after I started flying and I was finally told to expect to solo soon. YAY!!!!!

The delay was for reasons out of my control as most of you know but it still seems like a long time coming. When I flew today it was a matter of my CFI saying I want to see slow flight, power on and off stalls and steep turns, other than that I'm just going to sit here while you are in charge.

This didn't sound like much when we were on the ground but as we got in to the flight and added flight following, some extra traffic and a little haze it started to be a little much.

Nothing was different than the last flight really, it was just that it was my plane this time and he was just sitting there smiling at me every time I looked over.

My air work was OK but nothing special, I made a few mistakes and wasn't as crisp as the last time but he didn't complain and I tried to explain why things went how they did so he knew that I understood what I could have done either differently or just plain better.

I feel that any issues with my flying was more due to nerves and the stress I put on myself for wanting to do well. On the way back to the field it got a little more interesting.

My CFI never really tells me what to do but does offer suggestions and a hint if it looks like I'm starting to fall behind with my tasks. Today he just let me do things my way even if I fell behind and would help a little to get me caught back up but it was mostly up to me.

I was cleared for a straight in to RWY 17. I never really liked straight in approaches because I haven't really learned where the key points are. I still need the different legs of the traffic pattern to help settle in to a smooth flow and make sure I'm on speed.

My CFI says "no flaps on this one"...... No problem really but again not only going straight in but now removing the cues associated with adding 10 deg of flaps and looking for 75 was missing.

He wanted me a little high to practice a forward slip to landing but I was high and very fast. A simple reminder to watch my speed was all it took to get back in line again and it was a pretty smooth landing. I think it was my best of the day if you remove the parts before being on short final.

The take off for my next T&G was fine except that I still have an issue with the sight picture in the 172. I am still trying to use the 152's cowling even though the 172's is more rounded and slopes forward. It will take some getting used to still.

The next T&G is pretty normal but I flared a little high and had a bounce.... or two.....

The third and last time around the pattern was an engine out landing that went pretty well, I was in pretty tight and had some altitude to dump. In go the full flaps with a nice forward slip at the end and there we are. The last one had a little bit of a bounce in it but not bad.

I did however land a little long and I missed the call to turn out at RWY 8 so I was helped out by my CFI on that one.

All in all it wasn't a bad day but I bet I won't solo on Friday like I was hoping. We'll see how the pattern work he outlined for me goes and I'll cross my fingers but I'm thinking Monday or next Wednesday might be more realistic.

Fly safe!!!

Time Today: 1.1

Total Time: 22.5

Gotta love N40TP

Well, I've had 3 flights in the Cessna 172 N40TP and I am really enjoying it. I was having some problems with nerves in the 152 and it was really holding me back but the solid feel of the 172 has really gotten me over the hump.

Today I was out working on power on and off stalls when I got caught with my eyes on the panel when they should have been outside. Steve promptly covered the panel with his jacket and told me to try again but this time do it by sound and feel.

I must say that I was in trim and didn't have a problem at all. It was a great feeling!

As we headed back to the airfield, we stayed about 4000 agl and I was told to perform a circling approach for an engine out landing.

I put her in to a standard rate turn at a glide of 65 knots and a 500 fpm decent rate. Each circle worked out to 1000 feet lost and put me right over the numbers on each pass.

I was a little high even with full flaps while on short final until the good old forward slip was used. I think I surprised my CFI with that because I started the slip before he suggested it, he seemed happy.

After a not too bad landing we called it a day. My next flight is in a couple of days and I have been told that I might solo on the next flight after that. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Its been almost 3 years, 2 schools, 2 CFI's and 3 planes with a Iraq deployment and divorce thrown in the middle but the first big milestone is within my grasp.

Time Today: 1.4
Total Time: 21.4

Switching from the C152 to the C172.

The 152 I've been training in has been hard to schedule and I just never seemed to "click" with this one like I did with good old N94939.

Today I was introduced to the 172P, N40TP and fell in love. She's a little rough around the edges but she handles like a dream and has plenty of get up and go.

I will be using her for now and am luck that its still only $89.

That's not much more than the 152 so it won't break the bank too quickly.

Today's lesson:
Airframe transition, Slow flight, Steep turns, Power Off Stalls and T&Gs.

Time Today:
1.7

Total Time:
20.00

Getting Better Again, Phew!

Well, today was my second flight since getting back in the air and today was much better. I wasn't nearly as nervous until we started in to the stall phase of today's plan.

I don't know what happened or when it happened but I became very scared when it comes to stalls or anything that makes it feel like I'm going to fall out of the sky.

I can ride motorcycles fast, jump off rock faces, scuba drive and have been in combat without feeling this nervous.

Today was pretty good though because I had a couple of near perfect power off stall that were completely straight ahead with no surprises.

After that I felt normal again and more relaxed than I had during any time on the previous flights. I'm BAAAACCCCKKKK!!!!! I hope :)

As we returned to the airport after I had one of the smoothest landings that I can ever remember. Today was a good day.

What I did today: Slow flight, steep turns, power off stalls and engine out procedures.

Time Today
1.4

Total Time
18.3

Back in the air again!

Hi everyone!

Today was my first day back in the air sine I returned from Iraq and it was GREAT!

Am I a top notch pilot?

Will I be the next instructor at Top Gun?

Not so much.......

I couldn't remember everything I needed to about the aircraft checkout process from the FBO or even the airport procedures or layout.

Good thing that I had Steve my instructor right there next to me the entire time.

In truth, I was pretty nervous today, I had forgotten how bumpy it can be in a Cessna with a little wind and not the nicest of days this week.

I actually felt pretty off and a little spooked as the plane was being tossed around because it has been so long and I really didn't feel in control of anything.

The Olympia airport (KOLM) is fairly busy and today was no exception, there was a Army Black Hawk, a Luscomb and a Piaggio Avanti to name just a few that I was sharing the pattern with.

Because of the poor weather today I spent some time just flying around getting used to being back in control of an airplane again before returning for a few touch and goes.

I felt a little better by the time we got back to the airport and was starting to have a little more fun again but was still a little nervous.

After a few firm but decent landings I was done for the day.

On my way back to the office I was talking to one of the guys hanging around the FBO and he commented on my landings and compared them to a different student that was also doing a few T&Gs at the same time.

He liked my landings while the other guys were pretty poor as far as he was saying, the best part was that he didn't know I had been out flying yet so he wasn't just being nice.

I'm back in the air so keep your ears open for N856DA and we'll see you out there!

TSA screeners at their best

This little video tells us a lot about the TSA and how they feel about those of us that fly commercial airlines.

Remember this video the next time you are subjected to a search at a TSA check point!

WARNING!!!

Foul language!

Bringing future airplane owners together

If you are looking to purchase a share of an airplane but don't know where to look or how to get started let me make it very simple for you.

We have a database of all of the people that are interested in joining a airplane co-op in each state.

Every co-op manager can see where you are located and what type of plane you are interested in and from this list we can contact people that are in our areas to get more information or sign them in to a share of their plane of choice.

For this to work we need you to sign up and give the best description of your desired airplane that you can so we are able to match you with partners that are in your area.

It doesn't matter what state you are in or what co-op you send your information through as it is all pulled from the same database and filtered to the state that you wish to own your airplane in.

This doesn't cost one red cent and the information you give us will not be shared with anybody except co-op managers to help like pilots with their dream airplane.

Sign up today and Lets Fly!

Contact Us

Most common airplanes to date:

SportCruiser LSA

Technam

Atec Faeta

Cessna 152, 172, 182

Piper PA-28

These are just some of the planes that people are waiting for enough partners to purchase a membership before they purchase the airplane and start to fly and the lowest cost in their areas.

Help us bring members together today!

Bendix/King AV8OR Handheld GPS / MFD

Bendix/King AV8OR Handheld GPS / MFD

Click for details and current price

Sleek, Powerful and Versatile; in the Air or on the Ground. The new Bendix/King
AV8OR Handheld Multi-Function Display (MFD) takes you to the airport, provides
airborne weather and guidance enroute to your destination, and even provides
multimedia entertainment along the way. Designed by pilots, for pilots; the
AV8OR's innovative features and exceptional graphical user interface mean you'll
spend less time entering data and more time piloting.

Features:

• Big 4.3" Touch Screen LCD


• Real-time satellite weather (with WxWorx XM receiver and XM
  subscription, purchased separately)


• Built-in automotive database


• Multimedia player (music, movies & more)


• Bluetooth cell phone/GPS interface


• On-screen keyboard for easy entry of identifiers


• Smart-Profile Altitude Display view lets you plan ahead with a vertical
  profile view of terrain, airspaces and obstacles on your course


• Touch-and-See feature lets you identify and get critical information for
  objects on the map with a simple tap on the screen


• Touch-and-Drag feature makes panning the map a simple, one-touch
  operation


• The AV8OR can be easily connected to your PC for quick database updates
  as well as uploads of flight plans or multimedia files


• Upload logged flights to your home PC for display on programs such as
  Google Earth


• 4 GB data card contains aviation and automotive databases for either
  North America/Canada or Europe


• Automotive database includes more than 10 million Points of Interest
  (POI) in the U.S. and 2 million POIs in Canada


• Dual Bluetooth interfaces for alternate devices such as a cell phone, XM
  weather receiver, or alternate GPS Receiver

Bendix/King's new AV8OR, a portable GPS with navigation routing and planning
for aircraft use and car navigation functionality as well.

The new Bendix/King AV8OR portable Multi-Function Display (MFD) provides GPS
navigation and weather information for both the aircraft and vehicle, with an
exceptional graphical user interface. The AV8OR puts the essential functionality
that pilots want in an easy to use and easy to see package, all at a very
affordable price.

By putting more information in the hands of pilots, the AV8OR helps enhance
situational awareness and safety in the cockpit. Small and sleek, the AV8OR is
designed with an external interface to access displayable XM weather information
and features a moving map with vertical terrain profile on a large, easy to
read, 4.3-inch diagonal display.

The AV8OR features a 20-channel SiRF III GPS receiver that receives WAAS
Satellite signals. The adjustable, high-brightness 150 fL LCD with 480 x 272
pixels provides a clear, clean view of your route with an efficient touch screen
and exceptional user interface derived from the pilot friendly, panel mounted
Bendix/King MFD systems. Powered by the latest in mobile processing, the AV8OR
includes a 4-Gigabyte data card containing aviation databases for North and
South America or Europe and Africa and automotive databases specific to
U.S./Canada or Europe with plenty of room to spare.

This device is easily connected to your PC for quick file or database updates
as well as uploads of flight plans. Users can also see logged flights from
programs such as Google Earth.

In addition to aircraft and automobile navigation, its features include a
music/movie player, ability to read electronic books and dual Bluetooth
interfaces for alternate devices such as a cell phone, XM Weather Receiver, or
Alternate GPS Receiver. Mounting hardware for both your car and your airplane is
included in the package.

Add XM Satellite Weather for Less Than $473.00

The AV8OR interfaces with the XM satellite weather via either a portable
receiver from WxWorx (purchased separately), or the KDR-610 WX receiver. If
using the WxWorx receiver, either the Bluetooth-enabled version or an RS-232
version with a custom cable for the AV8OR Unit can be used. When you
purchase an AV8OR you will receive a coupon from WxWorx in the box good for the
purchase of a WxWorx Bluetooth receiver for the discounted price of $472.61
(Wireless Bluetooth receiver bundle) or $376.00 (Wired RS232 receiver bundle).
Limit one receiver per AV8OR purchase. Receiver must be purchased directly from
WxWorx using the enclosed coupon.

Standard equipment includes:

• 800MAh Battery


• 12V-28V DC Adapter


• 120/220V AC Adapter


• PC/USB Cable


• Carrying Bag, Remote GPS Antenna


• Aviation Mount


• Automotive Windshield Mount


• Earphones


• CD of User's Manual


• Printed Quick Reference Guide


• 4-Gig Data Card with Car and Aviation Databases (for US/Canada)

Weight: 7.6 oz

Width: 5.04 in. (12.8 cm)

Height: 3.23 in. (8.2 cm)

Length (Depth): 0.86 in (2.2 cm)

List Price: $799.00
Click for details and current price

Sport Cruiser Light Sport Airplane Information

Due to the many requests for information on the SportCruiser LSA, I thought I'd provide a comparison sheet for you to download and look at.

Our contact information is at the bottom of page one so please feel free to contact us and pass this file on to anybody that might be interested in this exciting airplane or training for their Sport Pilot ticket.

A share of a SportCruiser is for sale in Kent, Washington and more information can be found under the Airplane Sales tab on the menu bar.

Download SportCruiser Information

Seeking members for LSA in Kent

Lets Fly Washington is accepting membership for a new Light Sport airplane to be placed at Crest Airpark (S36) in Kent Washington.



Crest Airpark has been chosen because it is close to Renton, Seattle, Puyallup and Auburn but isn't in the middle of the city.



Crest Airpark still retains the small town feel and has not only great people to chat with but lower costs than the bigger airports.

We are looking for members in either a Sport Cruiser or Flight Design CTLS.

We currently have 3 openings so shoot us an e-mail so we can get you approved before they are taken.

Jump in to the world of airplane ownership for less than $500 per month and fly for between $30 to $45 per hour depending on the airplane.

Contact Us

Light Sport group forming in Richland

Just wanted to drop a quick note to you all that Lets Fly Washington is accepting membership for a new Light Sport airplane to be placed at Richland Airport (KRLD).

We've had a large amount of requests to expand to the east side of the state so we are looking for members in either a Sport Cruiser or Flight Design CTLS.

We currently have 3 openings so shoot us an e-mail so we can get you approved before they are taken.

Jump in to the world of airplane ownership for less than $500 per month and fly for between $30 to $45 per hour depending on the airplane.

Why do you fly to your chosen destination?

There are many web sites that give you information on what to expect at different airfields as far as fuel, FBO services, maintenance and other useful items but you don't normally find local attractions or reasons to go to these airports.

What I would like to do is collect some information from you as to why you choose to fly to different places. I know that many pick their destinations based on business needs, family visits and vacations.

I want to put together a list of fun or useful attractions at these airports like my information page on Roche Harbor Washington.

Help me build these pages by submitting your favorite destination and attractions, feel free to include pictures of the airfield, FBO, local attractions and anything else you feel that would be useful.

Send your suggestions and info to me at Lets Fly Wa

The SportCruiser LSA featured at AeroExpo 2009

I am so happy to announce that the SportCruiser Light Sport Aircraft is building an even bigger following after the change in management a few months ago.


Once again we find this wonderful aircraft profiled on FullFlap.TV but this time its at the popular trade show in Prague and most importantly its after the restructuring of the company that many thought would spell the end of this great aircraft.


Please enjoy the video and remember that you can contact me for more info on the beautiful and fun plane.


Click for more information on the SportCruiser

SportCruiser Featured on FullFlap.TV

The SportCruiser is available only through LetsFly so watch the video and then get in touch with us for more information about how to put one of these sporty LSAs in your hanger today!

Contact Us For More Information

SportCruiser LSA now for sale

SportCruiser now available from LetsFly and LetsFlyWa!

We are happy to announce the arrival of one of the top selling Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) of 2008 to our line up.

For more details visit our SportCruiser Specifications page or send us an e-mail and we'll answer all of your questions.

Contact Us

Download SportCruiser Information

Post 9/11 GI Bill and Flight Training

OK, after more research and some feed back from the VA this is what I've found.

The newest version of the post 9/11 GI Bill is a great option for flight training but only if you are going for the full college experience and doesn't pay for any training that is outside of an actual degree program. (this couldn't be confirmed by even the VA at this point)

The Montgomery GI bill still pays the 60/40 split that they have for years but only applies after you have your PPL.

I wanted to give this update because there are so many veterans in the Pacific Northwest and I know my unit has been pushing the change to the post 9/11 plan. You aren't required to change plans but if you enlisted for the 9/11 GI bill you can't go back to the Montgomery so make sure you know what you want to use the money for before you enroll.

OK, so now that I've thrown that out there, what is a soldier supposed to do so they can afford training? I know the club shut down on my post and now we have to pay higher prices and travel much further for training. Both of these changes cause a huge problem for most service members.

With the pull back on student loans and such, how is a service member supposed to pay for the PPL so they can take advantage of the GI bill benefits? Grrrr

Airplane Partnerships and Co-Owners

I have created a place to look for partners for your airplane or to find owners that are looking to put together a partnership or co-op plan for their current aircraft.

If you head on over to the forums section on my other site you'll find a link to the forums where you can list items that you want or are selling plus you can put your request for partners out there for everybody to see.

We can also help you get set up in a co-op based plan as well and could include everything from a plane to a boat or vacation property if you like.

Come on over and visit our Partnership forums today and lets all get flying!

Partnership Forum Link

Lets Fly Washington Main Page

Lets Fly Washington Contact Info Change

Hello everybody!

I just wanted to give you an update on our web sites progress.

Due to problems with our mail server I ask that you contact us via the contact page at letsflywa.com or use our new phone number.

We can also be reached via Skype by clicking the image below.

Lets Fly Washington Contact Page

Via Skype

or by phone(509) 774-0412

Lets Fly Washington Forums Board

Welcome once again and thank you for stopping by.

I just wanted to drop a quick note to say that the web site over at Letsflywa.com is running and is continuing to be improved little by little.

I am having some problems with my e-mail right now so please either use the comments section here or the contact us form on the other site and don't directly click the e-mail address at the bottom of each page until I can get this issue resolved.

We have added a forums section, podcast show notes plus a few other new goodies so stop on by and check out the changes!

New Podcast Promo Clip From Letsflywa.com

I'd like to offer up this promo clip for your listening pleasure and review. This is my first clip using some new software and would like to hear your honest take on how it sounds. If the thumbs up are greater than the thumbs down, I will use this as the lead in to all of my future pod casts. I hope you like what you hear and don't forget to check out both the letsflywa.com web site and our podcast. You can find the link to our aviation podcast in the upper left corner of this page on on the navigation menu of our main web site.

Enjoy!

Podcast Intro

New Podcast from Lets Fly Wa

Hello from Iraq!

I might be away but I haven't stopped thinking about flying or my readers. In fact I've restarted my web site at letsflywa.com and have added a podcast. Its my first one and the equipment I have over here is very basic so please be patient.

Check it out and let me know what you think.

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Returning to Iraq

Once again I am heded back to Iraq.

I thought I would post a little video from my last tour with the 303rd Armor, wish us luck and we will see you all in a year.

Technorati Tags : Iraq, Baghdad, War, OIF, Army, Military, Navy, Marines, Veterans
aviation, flying, pilot, video, German

2008 Flight Design CTLS Light Sport Aircraft

Join the Light Sport (LSA) revolution with the 20008 Flight Design CTLS.

For approx. $300 a month and $40 per hour you too could have a range of 1000 miles on 34 gallons of fuel, a climb rate of 1000 feet per minute and a clear view of the snarled traffic below you.

For more information, stop by LetsFlyWa and check out our Aircraft Listings

or

Click here for Flight Design CTLS details.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Cessna, Airplane Sales

See more great videos on YouTube

Check out some more of my favorite videos on my YouTube page!

See the famous Kent flying Boat, a PBY go after a couple fishermen, videos from 160knots and many, many more!

Letsflywa YouTube Profile

aviation, flying, pilot, video, German,Army,Military

Aviation Books

If you are looking for the latest AIM or FAR or maybe just looking for a new aviation related adventure I bet we'll have it.



We are now offering a great selection of books, DVDs, study material and much more through Letsflywa.com.



Be sure to check out our pilot shop while you are at it and may your skies always be blue and your winds be favorable.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Cessna, Airplane Sales

Atec Faeta Purchase in my future

I will be purchasing an Atec Faeta in the next few months to add to the Let's Fly Washington partnership program.

I am currently looking for people in Washington State to help form this partnership so that I may start the purchase of this wonderful airplane.

If you don't know much about this plane, please watch the video the Letsfly has put together and then check out my web site for more information on the Atec.

Atec information can be found here: Atec Information Page

My Partnership Site is here: Let's Fly Washington

Check out the video on the Faeta and I hope you enjoy it!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Cessna, Airplane Sales

COMM1 VFR Radio Simulator

Comm1: VFR Radio Simulator CD-ROM - Master VFR Communications on your computer!

I don't know how many times I've listened to a nervous pilot botch an easy radio call.

I'm still a new pilot myself but I found that my military training has taken away the "mic fright" that a lot of people have. You just need practice to overcome this problem but how many people with "normal" jobs use a radio that requires proper procedure?

Its just not normal for most people. Have no fear because the people at COMM1 have a simulator that will help overcome these fears.

Check out our featured item this week, improve your radio calls and sound like a professional when you talk to ATC.

Come visit us at Let's Fly Washington

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Washington

Changes to web site

I am happy to announce that my web site Let's Fly Washington is going through a major overhaul.



I am adding links to my air plane sale listings, information on joining or forming a partnership, LSA rental, live ATC feeds ands much, much more.



Please stop by and let me know what you think of the new site and I hope you have nothing but sunny days and strong tail winds!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, ATC, Washington

Download Aviation Books For The Amazon Kindle

I got a chance to look at a friends Kindle today and I fell in love!

For those of you that don't know, a Kindle is a book reader sold by Amazon that is about the size of a paperback book and can be connected directly to the Amazon store to purchase and download your favorite books.

The screen is amazingly clear to read and the download of the books is almost instant. Check out this link for more information on the Kindle book reader.

Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device

While you are looking at the Kindle device you might want to check out some of the aviation related books that you can download to the Kindle device to carry with you on your long flight or while you are waiting for the weather to get better.

Enjoy!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Cessna, Kindle

1978 Cessna 340A for sale

View Complete Listing

Aircraft Year: 78

Make: cessna

Aircraft Model: 340a

TTAF: 4679

TSOH(s): 3400

Overhaul(s) by: Tim's aircraft engines inc.

TSPOH: 580 POH Date: 8/15/02

Propeller Blades: 3-blade

Avionics Autopilot: cessna

HSI: Yes

Audio Panel: Yes

Nav/Coms: garmin gns 530 w/ WAAS, gtx330

DME: Yes

RNAV: Yes

Transponder: KI206 with traffic alert

GPS: garmin gns 530 w/WAAS

Additional Equipment VG micro vortex generator kit

american Intercooler

Shadin transducer fuel flow both engines

air conditioning

original manufacturer auxillary nacelle tank

Cosmetics Year Refurbished 2003

Exterior Paint Color grey with yellow and blue trim

Interior Paint: grey w blue accents

Fabric: Cloth

Records & Maintenance Complete

Log Books: Yes

Annual Due yes

Hangared: Yes

IFR/Pitot Due no

Damage History: Yes

Aircraft Based Out Of: wjf

Corrosion: No

Hail Damage No

General Comments hangared in fox field lancaster ca(high desert) interior cloth and leather

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Cessna, Airplane Sales

Medal of Honor awarded to Navy SEAL

I know this isn't aviation related but I just have to share this link about a brave warrior.

Please read about the Navy SEAL that was awarded America's highest military honor.

Read full story

Aviation related search engine

Looking for something related to flying?

Need to find the perfect Cessna or Piper?

Want to get your IFR rating?

Conduct your search with our aviation focused search engine and enable your love of flying!

Do your aviation related searches with Letsflywa.com!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, ATC, Washington

Light Sport Aircraft for sale

Check out our list of airplanes for sale over at letsflywa.com

We offer partnerships in various types of light sport aircraft and will list you airplane for sale for free.

Featured

Light Sport Aircraft





Atec Faeta 321






Breezer












Flight Design CTLS






Cessna SkyCatcher






Cirrus SRS






CubCrafters Sport Cub






Gobosh G-700S










Thorpedo T211

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Washington

Random Aviation Videos

Check out this page for a never ending loop of random aviation related videos.



Watch Videos

KJFK Live ATC Feed Added

We have added a link to the live feed from JFK's control tower.

Come on over to Letsflywa.com to listen to KJFK live and please let us know what other air traffic control towers you'd like to hear.

Enjoy!

Listen to KJFK air traffic control tower.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, ATC, Washington

Must complete Private Pilot Lessons before deployment

I hate to say it but my lessons have come to a halt once more.

Not only have I had to work more than normal and had some MAJOR personal issues to deal with, now I'm out of cash and running up on a deployment with my Army unit to Iraq.

I hope that you all will understand the need for this request but I'd really like to get further along with my training, but when each hour of flight instruction costing about the same as a full days pay it can be hard.

This was a goal of mine before I deployed to Iraq the first time back in 2004 and I started my training in November of 2006 but have been hung up by weather, club closures, personal problems, Army training schedules and money problems.

I don't expect anything from anybody but a little help wouldn't hurt as I only have 6 months before I head back to the sand box for one more year at war.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Army, Washington

ME 262 Video Collection

Here is a few videos of the worlds first operational jet fighter....the ME262. While this was an invention of the Nazi government and their for a tool for evil, it is a wonderful advancement for the world of aviation. Enjoy these videos and let me know if you have any that you'd like to share.








aviation, flying, pilot, video, German,Army,Military

Aviation Quotes

Here are a few aviation related quoes, please feel free to add to the list by sending me a comment or two.

"Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death , I Shall Fear No Evil.For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing."At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base Kadena, Japan

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"You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3."Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire."

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"If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a helicopter ... and therefore, unsafe."

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"When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash."

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"Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying club."

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"What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up ... the pilot dies."

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"Never trade luck for skill."

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The three most common expressions (or famous last words) in aviation are:"Why is it doing that?", "Where are we?" and "Oh Sh*t!"

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"Airspeed, altitude and brains --At least two are always needed to successfully complete the flight."

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"Mankind has a perfect record in aviation; we never left one up there!"

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"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."

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"The Piper Cub is t he safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you."

Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)

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"There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime."Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1970

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"If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to."

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"You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes fullpower to taxi to the terminal."

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As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives, the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks "What happened?".The pilot's reply: "I don't know, I just got here myself!"

Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot)

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Washington

New web page to share my videos

I just set up a page to share my favorite videos on.

Click on over to share your favorites and pass out my play list!

Join me at You Tube

or

LetsflyWa.com

More Patty Wagstaff Videos

What can I say...... I love this woman and what she can do with a plane.

Got a sister?

aviation, flying, pilot, movies, documentary, aerobatics, Patty Wagstaff

U.S. Army Aviation Video

Take a look at these fearless young men in their flying machines!

Hope to join you some day soon!

aviation, flying, pilot, video, helicopter,Army,Military

Landing at Catalina Island Airport Video

Here is a wonderful video by Frank. He is flying from Corona California to Catalina Island in his Super Viking. His videos are what get me through on the days that I can't fly.

Keep them commin' Frank!!

Short S.17 Kent Flying Boat Video

I love these older planes for their style and the creative way that the builders made them come to life.

There is something about a flying boat that just grabs your imagination, make it a true amphibian and there is no place that you can't go.

Enjoy this video of an early British flying boat.

Piper L-4 side slip, landing and high tail taxi video

Now this is some fancy flying, I can't even handle a 1/4 of that slip.

aviation, flying, pilot, video, airplane

Sideslip to Landing Video

I guess this is what my CFI means by keeping the pattern close.

aviation, flying, pilot, video, airplane

Alaska Bush Pilot Video

This is who I want to learn from...
Hell, I have a hard enough time landing in a straight line on a 6000 foot runway!

aviation, flying, pilot, video, airplane,alaska

Crosswind Landing 2 Video

I can't believe the winds that these guys deal with.
I couldn't imagine landing one of these big fellows on a day like this.

aviation, flying, pilot, video, airplane

A different way to fund your training

I have found an alternate way of funding my flight training and possibly the purchase of an airplane through a web site called Prosper. This site offers peer to peer financing for everything from paying your credit card debt to building a business from scratch.

By clicking the image at the top of the screen you will be taken to my group page that is set up to attract members with both military and aviation backgrounds.

The idea of this site is that lenders bid on loan requests and compete for the interest rate that the borrower will pay. Loans can be from $1,000 to $25,000 and are for a 3 year term.

Check it out and finance your way to being a private pilot, airplane owner or just pay down some debt.

More info

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Washington

Make the dream of owning a plane real

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Partnership, Washington

Cessna Skycatcher LSA Intro Video

So, how many of you are looking to buy this LSA? I know its from Cessna but is it really worth the price tag, its close in price to a nice 172 but can only carry half of the load.

I don't understand exactly how this will bring aviation to the common man like they say in the video. I guess the common man that they speak of drives a new Mustang and has a hot blond at his side.

Me, I'm just an Army Sergeant....I guess that means I'm too lowly for a nice new plane with a brand name on it.

aviation, flying, pilot, skycatcher, cessna

C152 Clear Prop Safety Gear Video

New safety equipment for 2008!

Now just stylish....soon to be required! ;)

aviation, flying, pilot, movies, cessna

Forward Slip and Engine Out Video

Just thought I'd share this with you all. No, its not me but this is what it should look like.

aviation, flying, pilot, movies, documentary

Flight Lesson # 11

Well, its been awhile since I've posted and as you can see I've skipped talking about a couple of lessons. I had lesson number 11 on 13 November 2007 after a little over 2 months off due to some personal issues and the closing of the club at Ft. Lewis. I am now training with Glacier Aviation out of KOLM with the same instructor that I had over at KGRF.

The last 2 flights I had at KGRF were simple review before I had my first solo but my life went in to a tail-spin the week I was supposed to take my pre-solo written test and do the deed.

This flight (#11) made me nervous but I was excited and ready for the challenge. As I climbed into my "new" airplane (N856DA) I saw that even though its roughly the same year of C152, things are a little different. I only have one radio to work with so that's a little harder to manage than my last plane but I'm ok with that. The cockpit is in better condition but the plane requires a little right rudder most of the time during flight.

Most of our time was spent getting familiar with the different plane, a much busier airport and knocking the rust off after a long break from flying.

My takeoff from KOLM was pretty smooth and we flew to the training area to the north over the southern part of the Puget sound where we did a few steep turns, slow flight and power off stalls. My first stall was pretty bad, as the stall broke I found that I was out of trim and the nose slipped off to the right pretty quickly. I wasn't quite fast enough setting the plane back to level and didn't release enough back pressure to break the stall correctly.....arrgghh!!!

This is something I've never had a problem with before but by the second one I was back in the game and did a pretty good job of making corrections on my own.

We headed back to KOLM (after trying to find it *wink*) and I made my first T&G from a straight in approach. I was still carrying a little bit of power during the landing but other than that I did pretty well. I found that the pattern is a little harder to fly properly without knowing the area but I didn't get too wide on any of the legs. My next landing was a little better than the first and my third was even better than that.

Overall both my instructor and I were pretty happy with the flight after such a long break. My next lesson will review power on stalls and emergency procedures with a forward slip to landing thrown in here and there.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Army, Washington

Special Report - Aviation Business

Read our special report about starting your own aviation business today!

Do you want to earn commissions on everything aviation?

Learn how to purchase a share of an airplane for $2900 down?

If so this report is for you!

Get our report today!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Army, Washington

Flight Lesson # 8

I had to take about 2 months off from flying due to health problems in the family and military training.

After my last lesson I was a little worried about how I'd do in the air. I found that I was a little rusty on the basic "stuff" but after screwing up my power on and off stalls the first time, I came back strong on the second try. I felt a little behind but was focused on the task at hand and things got better with each task I tried.

Still had a little problem with turns around a point and "S" turns but they are getting better as well.

For those of you that remember my last lesson, the upcoming touch and go's are what bothered me the most about this lesson. Much to my surprise, not only my radio work around the airfield but speed and altitude control were much better. I made 4 landings, including a simulated engine out landing with little problem. These had to be some of the best landings I've made so far and without any hands on help from my instructor.

I am behind on my postings by a couple of weeks but will try to get back on schedule. I have also completed my 9th flight and am getting ready for my pre-solo test. I'll fill you all in on lesson 9 and my test results as time allows.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to share your adventures with me.

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Army, Washington

Ft Lewis Flying Club is closing

I am posting this follow up to a previous post because I am troubled by the closing of the Ft. Lewis Flying club. This club has been operating for 47 years and now MWR feels that it needs to close.



The club has been loosing money but if allowed to make a few changes could operate at break even or maybe even a profit.



The changes required to sustain the club for at least a year are very simple and would allow the club to recruit more members aggressively amongst the soldiers and DOD civilians that work in the area, its my understanding that these options were never heard by the powers that be.



During a ground school lesson today I watched as 3 people were turned away from joining because they won't have enough time to complete their lessons before the club is closed.



Its my understanding that there has been more interest this summer than in previous years but they are being turned away still.



The club was loosing money partly due to a lack of members and partly due to other things that I don't have enough details to discuss currently.



I will continue to investigate this matter even if it does nothing to help save this wonderful club because I believe that the decision to close the club was made independent of the facts.



This could be a case of pure business or a lack of understanding about aviation and what it needs to survive. I just hope its not a case of my interest being more important than yours...if you know what I mean.



Soldiers want this club to survive, it can survive if allowed. If this club closes there will be hundreds of soldiers that might have become pilots that won't be able to afford it on the open market.



The training just costs too much for all but the Officers to afford off post and even those that could afford to pay as much as $40 more per hour someplace else would have a hard time traveling that far off post with our work load.



We have a wonderful resource on post now, help us keep it!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Army, Washington

Search for or list your plane for free

For those of you out there either looking to sell your airplane or searching for your dream plane, I'd like to introduce you to my airplane listings.

You can list your lane for sale by clicking the "sell my plane" link below. There is no charge to list your plane on this site. You can include photos as well as a complete description of your plane for thousands to see.

Sell My Plane

To search for your dream plane click on the "search now" link to view our current listings.

Search Now

If you don't see your dream plane listed on our site you can add your name to our database of pilots searchig for a specific plane in a specific price range and we will help you find it. Click on the "find my plane" link below for more information.

Find My Plane

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Piper, cessna, Bushcaddy, Grumman

Boeing 787 Rollout video

Here is a quick video of the new Boeing 787 during the public rollout on 7/8/07.

aviation, flying, pilot, Boeing, Dreamliner

How fishing can be bad for your health

See what happens when a couple of fishermen get in the way of a PBY Catalina flying boat!

aviation, flying, pilot, PBY, Catalina

Airbus A350 vs Boeing 787 video

Lets take a peek in to the design room for the Airbus A350 and see how they plan to beat Boeing and the 787 Dreamliner.

aviation, flying, pilot, Boeing, Dreamliner

Boeing 787 Rollout Live Video

Today the Boeing 787 will be unveiled to the public at 3:30 pacific time.

You can watch this major event live from the Boeing web site or on select satellite channels.

For more information visit the 787 information page below or click on the live feed link at the bottom of this page.

787 Event information page

Live Video Feed

aviation, flying, pilot, Boeing, Dreamliner

New web site is now open

I am proud to announce the opening of my new web site Lets Fly Washington!

The purpose of this site is to offer a place for pilots in Washington State to meet and share information about places to fly, rent airplanes, join a co-op to reduce ownership costs and just meet new people.

We will also be offering a page to sell your plane, search for planes forsale and to purchase shares of a plane through our co-op plan.

The site is still under construction so please feel free to offer suggestions and tell us about your favorite destinations so we can add them to the site.

I'd love to include a video or two of your favorite trips as well!

Don't let the name fool you, Lets Fly Washington is for everybody that loves aviation and we will accept listing for any type of aircraft from any location so don't be shy!

Come visit Lets Fly Washington!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Pacific Northwest

My training hits a snag

I showed up t the airport on June 13th like planned but just before I walked out to pre-flight the plane, my instructor and I were informed that after 47 years of operation the Ft. Lewis flying club was shutting down.

After talking about this a little and trying to figure out what was in our future, we both decided that we just didn't feel like flying that day.

The club will remain open until September 15th 2007 and they have reduced their prices in an effort to keep the students they have.

The price change will allow me to squeeze in a couple more lessons than I could have before the doors are locked on us but I'm still too far from getting my PPL to finish before they shut down.

I spent a couple of weeks in the field for gunnery in my M1A1 tank so I had some time to think about what to do about this situation.

Most of the clubs are a either little out of my price range or just too far away to fit my work schedule.

I might try to pick up one of the planes from the club after they close but I'm not sure what the Army plans on doing with them.

THIS SUCKS!

aviation, flying, pilot, flying lessons, Student Pilot