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docuseries is largely enabled by Moran’s use of private aviation.
His chariot of choice to filming locations is a TBM 910 that he has now owned for four years. On top of noting that the plane has been able to get into all types of airports needed for filming needs, Moran has a lot of praise for the aircraft.
“I have about 800 hours in the TBM 910. It climbs fast, cruises smooth, has a great onboard weather radar, as well as a great autopilot that has never clicked off for me, even in the heaviest turbulence.” He added, “Also, it climbs faster than a lot of jets. Sometimes, you can tell that ATC is surprised that
also noted what made it really special was that this A36 was the exact plane that had previously belonged to his good friend, Kyle Deaton. Deaton initially re-sparked Moran’s interest in flying after giving him a ride in the same plane years before.
Moran immediately began working towards an Instrument Rating after acquiring the Bonanza in 2017. The training was instrumental in his continued aviation journey, providing him flexibility in weather and the ability to tackle Class A airspace. Another integral component was an early introduction and emphasis on crosswind landings. Having lived in the North Central Colorado area for most of his life, Moran was no stranger to its volatile weather. “With high altitudes, temperature variations, strong wind, thunderstorms, and other challenges, overall, Boulder is generally a hard place to land.”
Moran’s instrument checkride tested both his newly acquired knowledge as a pilot as well as his high-Colorado landing skills. “My autopilot failed during my checkride. After confirming with the examiner that I could still finish, I hand flew the remainder of the flight. It was extremely turbulent, and we were bumping around like crazy. On the final landing, I was crabbing sideways and landed on one wheel. To which the examiner said, ‘Now that’s a crosswind landing!’”
After several hours of tough f lying that resulted in a new ticket, Moran
was tired but excited. The excitement soon translated to the next chapter in his logbook.
Since retiring from the corporate world, Moran not only pursued f lying but sought the answer to a more esoteric question: How can I best demonstrate how people from varying backgrounds are united in their common struggle to find meaning and purpose? The personal quest now serves as the basis for the documentary series Moran produces and stars in called “CONNECTED: A Search for Unity.” The show, now in its second season, runs on PBS stations across the country. In addition to showcasing people with unique insights, the
I’m already at their assigned altitude.” This time, his purchasing decision was largely driven by safety. He didn’t feel comfortable moving into another airplane that wasn’t a twin or turbine primarily to the fact that he routinely f lies over mountainous terrain. While potentially a unique rationale for an upgrade compared to other turboprop operators, he has nonetheless enjoyed the improved safety margins, speed, and range that the TBM has afforded. Moran initially considered a turbine-converted Bonanza for sale when his friend Deaton asked the owner to bring it to Colorado for a test f light. But after f lying it, he soon saw another airplane land at the airport
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