Just something to think about, folks............. does anyone know where this sign can be found?
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Random thought...
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Is aviation ready?
Sometimes I sit back and wonder: Is aviation really ready for someone like myself?
As I continue to enter into this industry and to realize that much of this is not really about flying, but rather about who you've pissed off, I wonder if the aviation industry is really ready for someone like myself who simply enjoys flying. No strings attached - just flying. I continue to find myself in situations that simply amaze me: people turning small situations into big ones, an unwillingness to let flight instructors do their jobs, and other bullcrap that simply ruins what aviation really is all about.
Luckily there are a few people who continue to make flying fun. These are the students who appreciate a good lesson. The folks that show up at the airport simply because they wanted to get off the ground. The smaller children who have yet to experience the joy of flight. For all of these people, I am gracious, because that is what keeps me going some days.
It's unfortunate that some people have to always cast a shadow on everything. It must be sad to live that way.
And so, I continue to wonder: is aviation REALLY ready for a young man who is eager to share his knowledge simply because he enjoys the moments when students realize what they've mastered? Is aviation really ready for someone who is pure and true in his desire to fly? Sometimes I wonder.....
As I continue to enter into this industry and to realize that much of this is not really about flying, but rather about who you've pissed off, I wonder if the aviation industry is really ready for someone like myself who simply enjoys flying. No strings attached - just flying. I continue to find myself in situations that simply amaze me: people turning small situations into big ones, an unwillingness to let flight instructors do their jobs, and other bullcrap that simply ruins what aviation really is all about.
Luckily there are a few people who continue to make flying fun. These are the students who appreciate a good lesson. The folks that show up at the airport simply because they wanted to get off the ground. The smaller children who have yet to experience the joy of flight. For all of these people, I am gracious, because that is what keeps me going some days.
It's unfortunate that some people have to always cast a shadow on everything. It must be sad to live that way.
And so, I continue to wonder: is aviation REALLY ready for a young man who is eager to share his knowledge simply because he enjoys the moments when students realize what they've mastered? Is aviation really ready for someone who is pure and true in his desire to fly? Sometimes I wonder.....
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
King Air 200
I just returned from a trip in a King Air 200 to Louisville, KY. This is the second time I have flown as second-in-command (co-pilot) on a King Air trip - the first was a trip to Minneapolis, MN.
The first thing one will notice about the King Air is that there is quite a bit to keep track of in comparison to many twins. This is not to say that it is more difficult to fly, because in many ways it is actually easier as far as starting and operating the engines. The aircraft actually flies really nicely and is extremely stable.
Our trip to Louisville, KY left Cedar Rapids, IA at 6:10 a.m. and arrived in Lousiville at 8:30 a.m (add one hour in KY), so about 1 hour and 20 minutes wheels to wheels. Our cruising altitude was 23,000 feet (FL230) with an average ground speed of around 280 knots.
The trip home required some deviations to miss some weather which lengthened the trip. Our cruising altitude was 24,000 feet (FL240) and we averaged around 230 knots ground speed with the lowest being 206 knots at one point as we snuck around the weather.
All-in-all it was a great trip, and the passengers were even early getting back to the airport, so it ended up being a fairly easy day, minus the 3:30am wake-up call!
The first thing one will notice about the King Air is that there is quite a bit to keep track of in comparison to many twins. This is not to say that it is more difficult to fly, because in many ways it is actually easier as far as starting and operating the engines. The aircraft actually flies really nicely and is extremely stable.
Our trip to Louisville, KY left Cedar Rapids, IA at 6:10 a.m. and arrived in Lousiville at 8:30 a.m (add one hour in KY), so about 1 hour and 20 minutes wheels to wheels. Our cruising altitude was 23,000 feet (FL230) with an average ground speed of around 280 knots.
The trip home required some deviations to miss some weather which lengthened the trip. Our cruising altitude was 24,000 feet (FL240) and we averaged around 230 knots ground speed with the lowest being 206 knots at one point as we snuck around the weather.
All-in-all it was a great trip, and the passengers were even early getting back to the airport, so it ended up being a fairly easy day, minus the 3:30am wake-up call!
Monday, June 05, 2006
Misc. Stuff
Once again it has been awhile since I updated this. I have been fairly busy, but not so busy that I couldn't have written something. Oh well.
This past weekend I attended the 2006 Quad City Airshow, which was great as usual. Many top performers (Kirby Chambliss and Jim LeRoy, as well as the Blue Angels to name a few) and great weather. I didn't even get sunburnt this year as I was very prepared for that.
We also had family in town for my brother's graduation. My mom's sister and her husband come from Denver, CO and it is always good to see them as they obviously do not get back often.
I am still working on AviationGeek.com, so keep standing by. Maybe Summer '06 will be the big opening. ;) Have to find some time to work on these things...
Clear skies,
kc
This past weekend I attended the 2006 Quad City Airshow, which was great as usual. Many top performers (Kirby Chambliss and Jim LeRoy, as well as the Blue Angels to name a few) and great weather. I didn't even get sunburnt this year as I was very prepared for that.
We also had family in town for my brother's graduation. My mom's sister and her husband come from Denver, CO and it is always good to see them as they obviously do not get back often.
I am still working on AviationGeek.com, so keep standing by. Maybe Summer '06 will be the big opening. ;) Have to find some time to work on these things...
Clear skies,
kc
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