When was the last time you flew a small airplane?

[probablecause]

Flew a 172 today for the first time in a year or so. Scared the crap out of myself and went home.

PC

 

[skyaddict]

I left GA (instructing) after over 9 years of GA, in 2001 to go to a regional. Since that time I have flown in 172s with a friend about an average of twice a year. It is going on 10 months now for me. Now that I'm recently furloughed (and in training at another regional where I'll probably quit, because more SIC time and burger flipping wages are not worth it anymore) I am probably going to increase my involvement in GA again, esp. if I quit the airlines (pending an iffy recall).

The main thing I notice when I get back into a GA cockpit is how tight and cramped it is, as well as the anemic rate of climb (even compared to a CRJ!~). But it is as fun as I remember it for the sheer personal freedom, which far exceeds that of the airline world even in this age of domestic ADIZ's.

I do remember one awesome thing about my instructing days: home every night. However, I also recall working 6 days a week or so to keep students from drifting off, which is less time off than even the crappiest regional contract.

 

[cforst513]

Jim, still furloughed

which airline furloughed you?

 

[88_MALIBU]

I'm flying an open cockpit tommorrow! 50 degrees and sunshine!

 

[T-handle]

According to our know-it-all travelling public, the last time I flew a small airplane was today! The ol Saab 340! "puddle jumper", "lil prop plane" and the best one I've had someone say, as I was waiting at the counter for our flight, "Are we flying in one of those rubber band aircraft?"

So all you turboprop crews, double check the integrity of the rubberbands in each engine on your next preflight and give it an extra twist for good measure!

 

[Flechas]

Yeah, according to the pax, I've only been flying half airplanes!

 

[cforst513]

not to hijack this thread or anything, but i just wanted to comment that i have seen at least 3 people with quotes from Training as their signature. that guy's flame baiters party the other day was unreal. i hope to god that he was just messing around.

i just thought that i'd throw that in there. we now return you to your regularly scheduled thread.

 

[Flechas]

He's just flaim bait or a GIA tool.

 

[jimcav]

Took my little girl up with one of my buds who still flies a little GA. She got scared but there is always next year. Hopefully soon. God I can't wait, she seems to really love airplanes.

 

[91100 100 set]

Last flew a "small airplane" in March of '01. Got a few laps in the pattern on my buddy's employers (my former employer as well) in a 172 at night. I tried to fly the profile and power settings I remembered, and it didn't work. I was bummed.

But I miss doing touch and goes with the window open. Alot.