Page 34 - Jan24T

The Bug
I am coming to the conclusion that being a pilot is much more than just a passing hobby. My recent articles about selling my Mustang and being plane-less triggered more reactions than I expected. I thought I would pass along the passion that others feel about flying, aging, and searching for the right airplane.
From Don Rood in San Diego:
“I almost never write to people I don’t know, but after reading your article in the September Twin & Turbine, I felt compelled. Your story and mine (and probably lots of others) rang a familiar note. A couple of years ago, I de- cided to sell my 2007 Cirrus SR22T. My wife questioned my decision, but I felt it was time. I still owed a big chunk of change on it, and I was concerned about the economy. Prices were high, and I sold the plane for well over what I
On Final
by David Miller
had paid for it ten years earlier. I reasoned that I could join the flying club and continue to fly as much as I wanted with lower costs and no loan. Selling did make us solvent, but I had no idea how much, unlike having my own plane, it would be flying rental planes. I won’t bore you with the awful details (you probably know anyway).
Finally, after about 18 months, I began shopping for an- other plane. I succeeded in buying a 1986 Mooney M20K (252) in April this year. Now, I’m back to flying every Friday (we call it Flyday). I never realized how much I would miss my weekly “magic carpet rides” and how important it was for me to have my own plane. Since I’m 78 years old now, I know there will be an expiration date on this adventure, but for now, I look forward each week to Flyday. I hope you find a suitable replacement for your last plane soon and f ly the wings off it.”
From Ron Staley of Brighton, MI:
“I’ve read your article in Twin & Turbine for several years. Your recent “The Process” in September has so hit home. My wife and I laughed hard that we were on the same path as you. Age is ticking—grandkids we do have, out in California. We need longer legs.
I recently sold my 414A, thinking I would upgrade to a small turbine twin in the few years I have left. For every reason you list, we are with you! My search engines au- tomatically type out the aircraft types each morning and evening, hoping that “right” plane will show up. Junk is advertised as good when it is junk. Prices are still crazy for high-demand aircraft. If I branch into other “types,” I find the maintenance needs and availability would make them a less than desirable purchase, so until we find that “right” airplane, I’ve given up on making a decision. I’m going to have a glass of red and white. It’s easier that way.”
Don and Ron are eloquent in their descriptions of their passion. Flying is so much more than turning the master key or pushing the start button. It’s a statement of who we are. How we live life, and how we share our love for the freedom it unleashes.
Fly safe.
David Miller has owned and flown a variety of air- craft from light twins to midsize jets for more than 50 years. With 6,000 plus hours in his logbook, David is the Director of Programs and Safety Education for the Citation Jet Pilot’s Safety Foundation. You can contact David at davidmiller1@sbcglobal.net.
32 • TWIN & TURBINE / January 2024