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The next chapter
I am struggling with what to do next. Van’s has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced that all kits that have deposits will be about 35% more than expected. So much for making deposits two years ago to lock in low prices, right? I am a little sad about the whole situation, abut hoping for…
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Slow down, you move too fast, you’ve got to make the moment last …
I made a decision. It is done and I have to live with it. I switched my quick build kits to slow build kits. Like with everything in my life, I am now going to second-guess that decision forever. But it is made. I am officially a slow builder in every sense of the word.…
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Head in the clouds
Officially instrument rated! Wow. They say the private pilot certificate is a license to learn. If that is true, the instrument rating is 100 times that. While I am very relieved to have this behind me, I am not even close to being where I need to be to comfortably fly in the clouds. But…
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The best laid plans …
of mice and men do often go awry. Today was my instrument checkride. It has been a long road to get here. I started this a year and a half ago. Took the written in January 2022. Got all my hours by April 2022. Then I had a bad experience with an instructor. And I…
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Home Sweet Hangar
I know a lot of builders who have said build as much as you can at home. It’s convenient. You can just go to the garage or basement and get some work done. I would not be one of those builders. I can talk myself into going inside for a snack, or a book, or…
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Oshkosh, baby! Oshkosh!
If the title does not say it all for you, then you have some homework to do. I just got home from OSH ’23. I think I saw about half of what was there to see (if that), but it was an amazing week. For the week, the busiest tower in the world was in…
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To Texas and back
Last weekend, I took my longest cross-country flight so far. I flew Tom and myself from Greeley (KGXY) to Fort Worth (KFWS) and back. We had business in Texas, before anyone starts to think we actually decided to fly there at this time of year for fun. I always forget just how insanely hot it…
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God save me from this air compressor
Who knew that you cannot just buy an air compressor. Well, you can, but it won’t work until you buy at least 10 other things. I think I have finally gotten the new one working. It took four trips to the hardware store (not including the trip to buy it in the first place). Tom’s…
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year
No. Not Christmas. EAA Sheet Metal Class! What a spectacular two days. I cannot believe how much they pack in and how much I learned. The rivet gun no longer scares me and a whole bunch of new tools have been ordered. Day one, we started with a classroom session and then quickly transitioned to…
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The view from the office
Today’s view is jury selection. It’s a necessary view if I want this project to continue. But it is a beautiful day outside the courthouse. Not a cloud around. Cold, crisp weather. And the sky is calling. But not for me this week. It’s one of those days I wish I had taken to flying…
Stephanie Builds An Airplane
Riveting Since 2021
Stephanie Builds An Airplane 