Private planes, private no more

Chicago Tribune ^ | 8-24-2011 | Steve Chapman

[US_MilitaryRules]

"Both general aviation and commercial aircraft use the public airspace and air traffic control facilities, and the public has a right to information about their activities." Oh, please. We all use public streets and sidewalks, which doesn't mean the police have a right to monitor our movements and let the world know where we go.

[Freedom_Is_Not_Free]

There has never been a time when freedom was the world norm and there never will be such a time. Tyranny, dictatorship, authoritarian control — these are the natural order of rule in the world. Freedom is the exception. It is precious and easy to lose. I don’t see your point at all except from Divine Intervention.

[Errant]

I don’t see your point at all except from Divine Intervention.

[Errant]

A few things to consider.

1. I'm sorry to hear about your health problems. The recreational class pilot's license medical requirements aren't as restrictive.

2. Forming a partnership(s) in A/C ownership really cuts the costs.

3. Find/make a pilot friend. The FAA allows sharing of costs associated with flying like gas/rental fees and etc.

4. You can charter a small plane for sightseeing or for instruction. For a rate around $200 an hour in some areas.

[Dead Dog]

No way man. I just left there for a 195, the 195 is truely special.

[Dead Dog]

Taylorcraft BC-12D. LSA (driver licesnce is your medical), and pure fun.

[Niteflyr]

I just left there for a 195, the 195 is truely special.

I fell in love with the 195 @ 10 years old...never got over it...even though I've owned mine for 20 years...:oP

[Niteflyr]

Taylorcraft BC-12D

My first project airplane was a BC-12D...:oP

[Petruchio]

Thanks for the kind replies, but it ain’t gonna happen.

1- Due to heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and Insulin dependent Diabetes, I am now a sweet dude with a bum ticker tied to an oxygen tank. What Instructor in their right mind would take on that?

2- The above forced me into Social Security Disability. Monthly expenses include:
Medications
Food
Utilities

I can afford 2 out of 3. The only way I can possibly see it happening is if I

a- hit the Lotto
b- find a long lost rich Uncle
c that exiled General finally makes it out of Nigeria . . .

[Dead Dog]

Same here. 10 years old, 1981 on the ramp in Bend Oregon. It was for sale for $7K, IIRC. Dad wouldn’t go for it, it burned too much gas...we had a 172 at the time. (everyone looks at fuel flow, not actual mpg).

[Errant]

O2 isn't a problem in light aircraft. They're usually pretty drafty... And you can always talk someone into letting you hold down an empty seat the next time they go up, usually for the price of a hamburger or less! ;)

I've been reading about some amazing medical breakthroughs lately. Take care and remember God has the right seat.

[Niteflyr]

Same here. 10 years old, 1981 on the ramp in Bend Oregon. It was for sale for $7K, IIRC. Dad wouldn’t go for it, it burned too much gas...we had a 172 at the time. (everyone looks at fuel flow, not actual mpg).

I remember standing on my toes looking into one at Brackett field in So Cal ...I thought "now THAT's an airplane!". (We had a 172 as well) Not long after that I saw one groundloop there too. Didn't phase me...I thought that airplane requires some skill to fly. Cool. Funny trivia: the only accidents I've ever actually witnessed were 195 groundloops. Four of them. :oP