A Different Kind of Flying

My friend Chris got me into PPCs back in 2007. He's now had enough of watching the wind and wishing he was in the air, so he's going back to fixed-wing. I've been helping him check out planes and I have to admit the alure is strong... today we test flew a beautiful Cessna in winds that were 25 gusting to 30 and this plane had no issues. It's going on six weeks since I've been able to fly my PPC and the longer I go, the harder it is to justify having it sitting in my driveway.

After seeing this plane, he decided to buy it with another of our PPCs friends, Bill. For now, I'll ride along with them and enjoy a different kind of flying, but I have to admit I'm hearing the call of the fixed-wing bird...

I'm excited about flying into controlled airports again, being able to go somewhere, and just smelling that airplane smell again. I have to admit though that I'm a little sad to see Chris leaving powered parachutes and the reality that sooner or later I'll follow him... okay, maybe more than a little.

There she was, sitting in the hanger!

Jim (seller) and Chris pushing it out.

Taxiing out, looking at the carcass of an old airliner.

Lined up and ready to go.

Looking at the San Marcos skyline. I think I was a child the last time I was in the back of a Cessna. Amazingly comfortable!

And we have liftoff!

Looking back at the runway.

Aerial photography is a little harder inside of a plane!

Looking over San Marcos.


I-35 Traffic

Heading back to the airport on a 45 for left downwind for runway 35.

Down safely.

San Marcos tower.

An old tower from WWII days.

And we're back at the hanger.

Putting the plane away for the day.

It has a very nice interior.

And very nice paint.

See you next time,

Jack "PPC Pilot For Now" Fleetwood