Last month I got my copy of Sport Aviation, EAA‘s fantastic magazine, and I was inspired to write a blog entry relating to one of the articles. The article is a list of 50 potential flying resolutions for the new year. The article suggests things ranging from things like obtaining a seaplane rating or instrument rating to setting a world record or flying around the world. It’s got some interesting ideas if you want to read it. Anyway, it got me thinking about some of my resolutions for the new year. Some of them are in the article, but others that relate more to this blog are not. Now, on to the list!

1. Get my Tail-Wheel Endorsement

Probably one of my favorite aircraft is the Cessna 170. At Oshkosh this past year I found myself spending an inordinate amount of time over in the vintage area walking row after row. In total, I’d say I spent the better part of two full days looking at vintage planes. The ones I spent the most time eying were Cessna 170s and 140s as well as Globe Swifts. The one thing these aircraft have in common is the little wheel at the back. So, in order to settle my internal debate about whether I can actually handle tail-wheel, I’m going to suck it up and find a place to get my tail-wheel endorsement this year.

2. Get my High Performance and Complex Endorsements

Since my eventual flying goal is to get a commercial certificate and become a CFI, I’m also going to get the ball rolling on this and get my complex/high-performance endorsement. I’ll need it for those ratings, but more importantly, what if I need it for the 210 hp Globe Swift that some mysterious benefactor gives me? It will also be good to step up to the 182 and see how I like it.

3. Get my Instrument Rating

I bought the Gleim Online Instument Ground School about 4 months ago now and I’m resolving to complete that, take the test and get the my instrument rating in the bag this year. I’ve already missed my first anniversary as a pilot, which is today by the way, I’m putting it down here now – I’m going to get it done by my second anniversary.

4. Implement a stricter blogging schedule

Ah yes, my blog. No doubt you’ve noticed the silence as of late. I must apologize, but it seemed like I just couldn’t put together 5 minutes of time to get anything done here. The moral of the story is, I’m going to make it happen. I’ve outlined a nice, rough editorial calendar; now all that’s left is to start writing and posting. Hopefully the quality will go up as well.

5. Implement a stricter flying schedule

I’ve had a similar issue with my flying as of late. I started the year off really well, but unfortunately, I let half a year elapse without flying at all. I flew about 1/1oth of what I should have flown and 1/100th of what I wish I’d flown. This year, I’m going to fly at least 1 hour a week. Even if it’s only to Madisonville and back, I’m going to make an effort to get in the plane and go. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to fly off into a storm or anything. An hour a week is just slang for 52 hours this year. That’ll put me over 100 hours total time and one step closer to my goals.

6. Land at every airport within 125 NM

As part of my flying goals, I’m going to try to land at every airport within 125 NM of McGhee Tyson. I think it’s a fairly manageable task and there are some good restaurants around the edge of that ring.

7. Attend Airventure Oshkosh 2011

In addition to simply attending, I’m going to hit the workshops this year. I want to build a plane, but I’m not the most handy or financially gift right now. I figure that the workshops will let me get a feel for my talents. Who knows, maybe I’ll find out I’m a composite whiz. I’m also making a goal to take better photos and to go for a ride in something. I’m thinking Breezy or Helo, but I’m not opposed to the Trimotor or B-17 (as long as I can log the time). I’ve got a somewhat unlikely goal of flying my own plane to Oshkosh, but unless things start to pick up monetarily or that anonymous benefactor sweeps in, that seems unlikely this year.

8. Buy a Straight-Tail Skyhawk

As much as I love the Cessna 170, I’ve almost decided that a straight-tail Skyhawk is my ideal plane for now. I’m also eying the all-metal 140s or Luscombes, but I might be rubbish at tail-wheel. I want something that is easy-ish to own and operate, inexpensive (as a plane can be, and has vintage flair. I’m looking at planes that need some work, but are in flying condition. Basically, a solid machine that needs a little love.

That’s pretty much my list. Most of it comes from the article, but it’s all stuff I want to do. Be on the look out for plenty of regular posts starting this week.

For now, if you don’t mind my asking, what are your flying resolutions?