Saturday, October 19, 2013

200hr Total Time

Passed through 200hrs total time today with 2.4 logged. Great flight around north western Oregon. Took a student pilot up with me. His first time sitting in the right seat. Fun flight. Picked up flight following with PDX DEP and SEA CTR. Then cancelled and descended into KAST. They flew down the coast line towards TMK. TMK clouded in so diverted to 2S6 before returning back to home plate. 

N734KU 180HP

Short Final 2S6

Final 31 KAST

Thursday, October 10, 2013

2014

It's a little too early to think about 2014, but I need to if I want to continue flying.

I spoke to my old FBO and the Irish Aviation Authority. They both confirmed that as it stands today, I can go home to Ireland and rent a C172 (albeit a little more expensive!) using my FAA license. I told the IAA that I would check back with them in early 2014 to see if anything has changed. Right now, the new European governing body (EASA) is cracking down on people learning to fly in the US and coming back to get airline jobs. I'm under no illusion that GA is safe. Right now, Ireland may have 12 months remaining before I need to convert. It could be pushed out further or pulled in.

I will check in with the IAA in January. Then I will make a decision if I need to travel within the US to get my license converted to EASA. If I don't need too, then I will be get my BFR and medical in June 2014 and I will be good to fly in Ireland!

Isn't that great news? I just need the income of a sports star to fund the flying and landing fees. I will worry about that in 2014 :)

In the mean time, I have about 9-10 months left in the US.

Monday, October 7, 2013

100hr PiC Video

A few weeks back I was inspired by some pretty cool GA videos. Decided to make my own montage showing the amazing journey I have been on over the last 15 months since passing my FAA checkride. Couldn't fit all the fun into one video so I have condensed it down to the best parts.

Thanks to everyone that either inspired or flown with me. It's been an amazing journey and I'm looking forward to sharing the next 100 hours with my flying friends.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

First Flight Washington State

Had my first trip across a state border yesterday. Hoquiam Boverman lies on the pacific northwest coast line a few miles west of Seattle. I was playing around on flight sim a few nights ago and flew there, so I chose it as our destination. I'm starting to be more adventurous with my destinations.


KHQM
Weather has been really poor here in Oregon over the last few days, however we've had a couple of days of sunshine through the weekend. The skies were extremely busy yesterday with pilots taking advantage of the nice weather.

We departed Twin Oaks at 3:40pm local time expecting to fly for just over an hour each way (ended up back at Twin Oaks at 6pm). 

After transitioning through HIO's class delta, I contacted PDX DEP on 118.1 and picked up VFR flight following. Ended up getting passed onto two SEA CTR frequencies on the 107nm leg.

Great flight to practice VOR's with three different ones to tune into (UBG, HQM and AST).

Winds were light at HQM but favoring runway 24. Joined the pattern on the 45 for a left hand pattern to 24. The approach was very spectacular. I swear the engine sound changed as we flew over the water :)

Full stop taxi back and we were on our way again. Flew down the coastline to AST before routing direct to 7S3.


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Wx Woes

Has rained everyday for almost a week. Due to clear up at the weekend. Blue skies on Saturday. 40H booked for my next adventure here in Oregon.