It’s that time of year, where I take a look back and decide what worked and what didn’t and I usually set some goals. This year isn’t going to be any different, but I’ve decided some changes are in order.
On the whole, 2011 was an off-year. I basically accomplished 0% of every goal I set except that I made it to Oshkosh. I wrote very little and by extension I flew very little. I didn’t buy a plane either. So that’s pretty much how 2011 went. The question now is, how will 2012 go? For 2012 I’m going to set many of the same goals, but I hope to see more action this year.
1. Get my Tail-Wheel Endorsement
This still ranks way up there. In 2011 I narrowed my prospects for places to get the endorsement, although I’m game if any CFIs read this and want to provide their time and an aircraft. On a similar note, I suppose there is always hope that I win the Cub from EAA this year.
If you’re wondering why I want to get a tail-wheel endorsement, I have to tell you that most of my favorite aircraft, like the Cessna 170 and Globe Swift, are taildraggers. At Oshkosh I always seem to spend a disproportionate amount of time over in the vintage area walking row after row. In total, I’d say I spend the better part of two full days looking at vintage planes. I usually spend the most time eyeing Cessna 170s and 140s as well as Globe Swifts, but Luscombes and tail dragging Pipers rank pretty highly, too.
2. Make some progress toward my Instrument Rating
I’d like to at least get the instrument written out of the way this year. My wife made the mistake of telling me that once I had my instrument rating we could discuss buying a plane, so I will take her at her word. I’ve got a copy of the Sporty’s course and a Gleim book, so I suppose it’s just a matter of devoting the time to it.
While I enjoy glass panels, this is probably where I'll get my instrument rating.
3. Be a better blogger
Last year I said I wanted to stick to a stricter schedule. I didn’t do as well as I imagined I would. It turns out, I didn’t plan enough. This year, I plan to be a better blogger. What does that mean? Two things: I’m going to stick to a daily posting regimen and I’m going to produce better content. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will not feature ridiculously large posts, in fact the plan is to retain Movie Mondays, but with less text. Those days are my days to share other stuff. Yeah, by some miracle I might score a ride in a Mustang or T-6, in which case I’ll most certainly write a ridiculously long-winded post, but for the most part I’m using those days to interact with the community by sharing. Tuesday, Thursday, and the occasional Friday will host new and improved writing. Look for the meat on those days.
4. Complete a BFR
As of 1st January, my second anniversary as a pilot, I’m due for a BFR. I didn’t intend to have to do one yet; my intent was to add a rating and avoid the BFR, but now it’s on the table, so I’ll deal with it. It will give me something to write about anyway. In fact, maybe I will combine my efforts with the first stages of another goal.
5. Land at every airport within 125 NM of KTYS
This is still a goal. In 2011, as you may have surmised, I didn’t finish (or really even start). I have started compiling a list of airports that fall within that distance, but you’d be surprised how difficult this can be with no decently automated tool with which to find this. Honestly, if I wasn’t a terrible programmer and terrified of violating someone’s vague patent (on the off-chance that FlightPrep has one), I’d make one. It could at least be beneficial for planning all those training flights for certificates.
6. Attend Airventure Oshkosh 2012
Perhaps this is where I'll be camping this year.
I’m going again. I know last year was a disaster, which sadly I have yet to detail here, but I’m not going to let that scare me away. I have too much fun and I’ve got to get some decent video footage. My photos were better this year, but my severely limited video kit just didn’t deliver. I got some decent but jumpy footage out of my helicopter ride. I was mostly focused on not dropping anything out the door (or lack there of). I will say this, if you’ve got $40, I can think of much worse ways to spend it than a ride in a Bell 47 over AirVenture. I’d still also like to fly my own plane to Oshkosh, but I’m still looking for that anonymous benefactor. It still seems unlikely this year, but I’ve got 6 months to work it out.
7. Buy a plane
This is unlikely to happen this year, but I’ve seen way too many Cherokees, Cessna 140s, and Luscombes priced right. If I can get some savings in order, it might not be so far off. I do need to make sure that I’m not rubbish at tail-wheel first. In case anyone wants to give me a plane, I want something that is easy-ish to own and operate, inexpensive (as a plane can be). I really want something with vintage flair, you know straight-tail Cessna 172s and 150s or one of the taildraggin’ Cessnas. While I’m not opposed to beautiful restorations, I’m looking at planes that need some cosmetic work, but are in flying condition. Basically, a solid machine that needs a little love.