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That is very true, Matt. I'm actually really happy that it didn't all work out, as I seem to have lost my passion to aviate. Actually, I may be parting with my bird just to become totally detached......I'm just not flying anywhere near as much as I used to, and I always find something more fun or interesting to do, as of late. So, the airport/airplane are distant. I'd much rather the plane be flown properly, as it should.

Then, maybe in a year or 2.... Something faster, something sexier, something more expensive!

Sadly, you are not alone in your feelings, Kyle.

For me, if the airplane was just for me, then the choice would be simple. I would just purchase a fold-up lil single seater in which I would just take to the airport when ever I got the urge to fly. But, I have two others to consider. Justina and Cheyenne. Who do not like to be left home to do their thing while I do mine. And I am much happier when they are with me. Should we fly to a destination at the cost of $100 just for fuel? With the lack of the convenience of having transportation when we arrive at our destination? Or should we just take a little longer and take the scenic route with the car? At only a cost of about $15? That extra $85 could even rent a motel room if we decide to stick around a lil longer. Or, use the option of taking our bed with us in the trailer? Add the cost of the hangar? Cost for the annual and other maintenance on a certified airplane? The choice to fly is getting harder and harder.

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

For me, flying provides a release of sorts. Even a spiritual rebirth each time I take flight. Even if it cost 1000 dollars per flight, I would dutifully save up for each opportunity to cleanse my soul.

I can decide that lots of things are outside of my price range. But piloting an aircraft aloft? I'm afraid I am forever destined to live with the desire to rise above the earth on my own set of wings. I feel sorry for those who have tasted this great joy and then turn from it, either by choice or out of necessity. Alas, it is all I can do to live my life as best I can. So, to each his own.

I feel most sorry for those who have never tasted this great joy, either by choice(fear)or necessity(finances). Aviation has provided me with an abundance of wonderful experiences the last 5.5 years. If I never flew another day, I'd still be just as blessed.

Interesting Avatar there Kyle! Anyone we know?

Bill, I was thinking. I know that it isn't for everyone, and I've got a list as long as anyone else why not to, but...With the money the sale of Mr. Ed would bring, that would get you quite a decent share (even half) of a partnership in a newer or higher performance airplane than you've been able to spring for on your own.

You wouldn't have to discount all the planes you've looked at and liked and there would be one or more people to share your expenses and keep the plane flying when it would otherwise sit.

For the flying you've been doing you could partner in a Maule for example (though I know you want to stick with experimental AC).

Andrew

Andrew, the 150/150 does everything that we require. We have no real need to go higher performance. In fact, it is nearly the perfect airplane. With the exception that it is "certified" and has a gross weight exceeding 1320 pounds. We just want to climb out from underneath the FAA's thumb. With an airplane that also may be a bit more thrifty on the fuel. In other words, we want our cake and eat it too!

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Gary,
I share completely the view of flying that you expressed so eloquently. Every time I go aloft I come back a reborn person.

Oh yes! If talking purely about going aloft in flight. It's both exhilaration and a sense of calm at the same time. Magical and fantasy. Throttle back. Turn down the radios. The transponder off. Take off the headsets. Shut off the world!! Just point the nose and just go. High so it looks as if you can see the whole world. Or down low over the tree tops or down a canyon watching Mother Nature slowly slide by. On the other hand, if the plane had been flyable today, it would have been perfect for dashing, in, around, over and under the scattered cu.

Fortunately Justina and I live where we live. There is simply is no greater freedom in today's society.

As the wheels touch again the earth. With a pat on the cowl and as the hangar door closes. We must once again return to reality. And how fast that reality is taking over and darkening the fantasy.............

I was going to make this a separate post. But maybe it's more appropriate right here. While I was at the airport today. I realized that I had it almost all to myself. A gorgeous day to fly. But nobody is out enjoying it. The airport is quiet. The skies are quiet.A stroll across the ramps which has only three derelict aircraft. Where a dozen or more used to be tied down not so long ago.

Reality sucks!

(At least that lil Gestapo informant wasn't around. )

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Some interesting observations made by both sides and I can 'feel' both points of view.

I love the technical challenge of flying the Citation by myself. Far less automated than the 'fancy' jet that punk kid Nathan flies. No I don't fly a lot of hours per month but I do never get the same days off in a week and they think nothing of flying me 30 days straight. Yes that's 'legal' smart? Maybe not so much.

I wonder do I like it (flying) because I solved the problem of the day or am I just relieved that I got myself out of a jam the guy who writes my check put me in?

Make no mistake about it, after 11 years my employer places zero value on me, my opinion or my value to his organization. I'd like to fly my 150 but I always find myself too tired, too sick or too un-interested.

If Kyle sold his 150 I wouldn't like him less, I feel his pain.

Stuck is no place to be.

I thought what we had was love, and can you really feel THIS?