N1537J LLC

2012-02-07T05:04:00.000-08:00

This week I had a couple of guys in my class who had never flown in a small plane. So, of course, I had to give them a ride around the Marshalltown area.

This young man is an electrical/instrumentation engineer for an oil company in Nigeria. He enjoyed my explanation about how the controls work on an airplane... "When you push here the houses get bigger, and when you pull the houses get smaller..." He understood pretty well. When we were climbing out from the airport I let him have the controls and he did a pretty good job of keeping the sunny side up. LOL

Even though it was this guys first time in a small plane, he was completely uneffected. I'm sure he is ready to go again.

The weather didn't cooperate as much as I wish it would have... It was pretty hazy, and within about 15 minutes, we had to beat it back to the airport to beat the evening fog, as it rolled in.

They never told me about the WIND!!!!

2012-01-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

When we moved to Iowa in August, I never expected to be able to take my plane for a joy ride on Christmas Day. I fully expected to have the hanger door blocked by at least four feet of snow by Christmas. But, according to everyone around here this is a very unusual winter thus far.

December 25th, 2011, Beth and I rolled N1537J out of the hanger and took off into beautiful blue skies. As you can tell from the picture, the wind was blowing pretty good. Fourteen knots, gusting to eighteen, from 310 degrees. Lucky for us Marshalltown has a runway 31 !!!

One good thing about the wind... You can use it to make electricity! I guess I should have known that when you move somewhere with wind farms, there is going to be a lot of wind... Duh!

The wind farm south of Marshalltown was really working on Christmas.

We have had a few "calm" days since then, but most every day is at the very least "breezy" here. Last weekend we had winds of twentyfive knots gusting to forty!!! Needless to say, N1537J stayed in the hanger.

We look forward to a lot more flying this winter.

Home in Iowa at long last...

2011-12-19T09:03:00.000-08:00

I've really been missing "Miss Juliet" since we relocated to the middle of Iowa in August.

Last week I taught a class in the Atlanta area (Suwanee) and took the opportunity to drive down to Savannah at the end of the week and fly the girl home.

Scott Williamson picked me up early Saturday morning in Savannah, and drove me out to his hanger in Hinesville. We looked the plane over and he showed me all the things that he had done to make her better than ever. (Thanks Scott, you are great!)

At about 9:00 am EST, with 50 gallons of fuel, and all my bags and boxes of airplane stuff I left Mid-Coastal Regional airport (KLHW) and headed for Ownesboro, KY for my first fuel stop. Wright tower advisory told me that the restricted areas over Ft. Stewart was "cold" so I could proceed on course but that the Bulldog MOA (Military Operations Area) just to the north of Ft. Steward was pretty active and I should consider diverting a little to the west and over fly Dublin, GA (KDBN) then head more northerly. I contacted Savannah Approach, and they gave me a squawk code, and started VFR flight following for me. So, after a little jog to the left, we were on our way. However, the head winds at 4500 feet were killing my progress!

Soon after I left the low country, Savannah handed me off to Jacksonville Center, and just south of Dublin JAX handed me off to Atlanta Center. Just north of the Atlanta Class Bravo airspace I let ATL know that I was going to try 6500 for awhile looking for kinder winds. The extra altitude didn't help, but it didn't hurt either and since I was approaching the high ground between Atlanta and Chattanooga I decided to just cruise up there. There was a pretty solid cloud layer in the higher country, and above is always better than below, at least in my book. It doesn't take a razor sharp brain to figure out that when the ground speed hovers in the high 70's and the low 80's the next fuel stop is going to come sooner than anticipated.

After passing just east of Chattanooga, I pushed the NRST button on my trusty Garmin GPS and started looking for suitable places to buy fuel. KRNC (Warren County Airport, at McMinnville, TN) was on my route of flight and only 50 miles ahead so I used the AOPA app on my iPhone to make sure they had 100LL and get a view of the airport layout.

Isn't technology a wonderful thing?

Everything was cool so I landed drained the main vein and took on 39 gallons of fuel. With 48 gallons usable, I don't think I would have come close to Owensboro, KY like I originally intended to. While on the ground, I used another iPhone app, ForeFlight, to plot a course from KRNC to Marshalltown, IA (KMIW). I then picked a point about half way along that route and found a likely place for a fuel stop, better safe than sorry. That place ended up being Litchfield, IL (3LF). I arrived there just at dusk, took on just over 30 gallons, dropped off what seemed like a quart, and was back on my way in about 15 minutes.

The rest of the flight was beautiful. After dark the sky was coverd with stars and the ground was covered with thousands of lights twinkling like diamonds. At about 50 nm out, I could see the lights of Marshalltown and identify the rotating beacon at the airport beyond. It was a nice sight to see after such a long flight. My wife was there to meet me, and show me the way to our new hanger.

We got the girl put away and were on our way home by about 8:30 pm CST. N1537J racked up exatly 12 hours on the tach. Between the two fuel stops my total ground time was no more then 30 minutes, so tach time and actual time are pretty close.

I do want to say a special thanks to all the controllers who keep me company, kept me alert and kept me safe on this long trip. As best I remember they were as follows:

Savannah Approach

Jacksonville Center

Atlanta Center

Chattanooga Approach

Ft. Campbell Approach

Springfield Approach

St. Louis Center

Kansas Center

Chicago Center

She is ready to go again...

2011-07-23T10:49:00.001-07:00

N1537J is ready for the air once again. I finally found an A&P mechanic that loves her as much as I do.

The instrument panel has had a slight upgrade since the last time I posted pictures. (Notice the new GPS...)

Scott Williamson has taken the time to fix up some of the interior pieces and parts that needed some TLC.

A little wash and wax has made a tremendous difference.

Little things like cleaning up and painting the wheels and landing gear parts makes it look like someone cares.

New hubcaps and some paint on the under younder makes a world of difference.

Aerobatics over Tybee Island

2010-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

The weather was crappy... But the beach was packed. As you can tell from the video the horizon was pretty hard to pick out, but Denis is a pro and made the whole routine look...Well... routine!

I was just the "guy in the back" on this trip, but it was great!

The only thing that was a little weird was during the Split "S" maneuver, we pulled just over 5 "G"s on the pull out, and I experienced a partial "gray-out" for a couple of seconds. It wasn't a violent maneuver, and it was surprising how it can slip up on you. I'll remember that when I start my aerobatics training.

To Arkansas for the weekend...

2010-05-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend Beth and I flew N1537J 18.4 hours! We flew from Savannah, Georgia to Stuttgart, Arkansas. Then to Heber Springs, Arkansas, back to Stuttgart, then back to Heber Springs. Then to Manila, Arkansas and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Then from Jonesboro, Arkansas to Columbus, Mississippi. And finally, from Columbus back to Savannah. We averaged just over 9 gallons of fuel per hour at prices ranging from $3.85 to $5.02 per gallon! Not cheap, but well worth it. One high school graduation, one baby shower and one wedding shower plus a business trip thrown in to boot!

Piper Cherokee: 50-Year History of a Classic Aircraft (HD)

2010-04-16T02:35:00.000-07:00

I do know something about aircraft construction...

2010-04-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, when we lived in Arkansas, I actually had a house with a shop and the room to do some hobby stuff. I spent about two months cleaning up the shop and putting in new lights and drywall. Painting the walls and floor. And building workbenches and shelves.

Then I ordered the tail kit for my favorite homebuilt airplane. A Van's RV-7. Not a 7A. A RV-7. Anybody can fly a plane with a nosewheel, but REAL men fly taildraggers!!! LOL As part of the requirements that the FAA has about amature built airplanes is that the builder must document the building process in such a way as to prove that THEY did at least 51% of the work. I chose to document my construction on a web page. Here it is...http://websites.expercraft.com/larryt/

Qik - Mobile video by Larry Tipton

2010-03-23T06:26:00.001-07:00

Just a quick video of a recent flight from Savannah out to Tybee Island to test the QIK iPhone app and to try out the new Garmin 196 GPS recently panel mounted.

The video isn't great, but remember it is live streamed via 3G from the phone directly to the internet.

Demo flight in the Cape Town amphibian light sport aircraft...

2009-12-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

Denis Boissonneault, the owner and chief flight instructor for Coastal Empire Flight Training took me for a ride in a light sport amphibious airplane. We flew from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to downtown Savannah and landed on the Savannah River. We did some high speed taxi up the river then docked and went into Savannah Candy Company for some refreshments. Afterwards we taxied out and took off towards the bridge and headed back to the airport. For more information about this cool airplane contact Denis or Sam at http://www.idreamofflying.com

We are going to give this a try...

2009-09-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

I went out to the airport during my lunch hour today and watched N1537J taxi out and take off with out me in it... That was a first for me.

Beginning September 25th N1537J was on lease back to Coastal Flight Training here in Savannah. The owners Denis and Sam (Samantha) are really nice folks and I believe that we will have a really good working relationship.

According to my calculations, if the plane rents for about 10 hours a month we won't have to pay anything to keep the plane... At that rate it will pay it's own insurance, tie down fees and maintenance. However, we didn't sign the leaseback agreement for a plane to limp along at 10 hours per month. We need four times that in order to pay for the engine overhaul that is coming in about 600-800 hours from now.

If this week is any indication then we won't have any problem making enough to pay for the overhaul in a few months. From September 25th to September 30th it is scheduled to rent for 45 hours!!!!! I'd be satisfied with 100 hours a month.

Bahamas Flight August 2009

2009-08-11T06:40:00.000-07:00

Beth and I took N1537J from Savannah, GA to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island for a four day weekend.

We departed Savannah at 7:00am and after a stop in Fort Pierce, FL we arrived in Freeport at about 12:15pm.

Prior to departure I went online and filled out a departing and arriving eAPIS form ( Electronic Advance Passenger Information System ) for Customs and Border Protection. Before leaving Fort Pierce I called in an International VFR Flight Plan with WXBRIEF. That way the USA knows you are leaving and The Bahamas knows you are coming. We did the same thing coming back, except I filed with Bahamas Flight Service. They have a direct line in the Customs building at the Freeport airport and all the forms that you will need.

There are lots and lots of rules and regulations about what is required to do this flight. Many of them are never asked about... I have a Customs Stamp Number decal on my plane now... I have a radiotelephone license now... I made sure that I had all my ducks in a row before making the jump and nobody noticed. LOL

We had a great time for four days and three nights. We stayed at the Re ef Village at Our Lucays Resort. A very nice place with tons of things to do. We also went horseback riding with Leo... Saturday evening we went on a Sunset Cruise with Capt. Tony... We enjoyed it so much that we went back Sunday afternoon for the Snorkel Cruise.

We departed Freeport, Monday morning at 9:45am and arrived at Fort Pierce at 11:00am. We refueled, eat lunch, and closed our flight plan. ( Which I almost forgot...) The flight from Fort Pierce to Savannah took 3.1 hours.

Bonanzas to Oshkosh XX 2009

2009-07-31T15:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday, July 24th, Hal Sims, his grandson Hunter Fries, and myself flew up to Rockford, IL in his Beechcraft Debonair N5735V. We joined up with 136 other Bonanzas, Debonairs and Barons for a formation flight to Airventure 2009 in Oshkosh, WI. The event is called "Bonanzas to Oshkosh", or B2OSH for short. The people who coordinated this event were great. From the hanger party Friday night, to the free breakfast Saturday morning, the formation briefing, and the flight itself were planned impeccably. My hat is off to all those responsible. This video is just a taste of what it is like to be in the air with 136 other aircraft on a cross country trip.

Handycam Remote Mic Demonstration

2009-07-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

I had read on the internet how some pilots use a small lapel microphone placed inside their headset earphone. I intended to buy one someday, but when my friend Hal suggested that I get one to make sure we had good audio on our trip to Oshkosh in his plane I went to Radio Shack and bought one.

I went to the airport and tested it and it works great. I can't wait to make some videos of actual flights.

2009-05-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Regina had never been in a "small" plane before... She has the makings of a good pilot!

2009-05-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Beth and I went out flying around Savannah one night and decided that we should video the flight to show people who don't know how beautiful Savannah is from the air.

Birthday Flight...

2009-03-19T19:09:00.001-07:00

Enjoyable flight...

2009-03-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

2009-03-09T07:51:00.001-07:00

EAA Spirit of Aviation...

2008-10-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

This video illustrates that feelings that I have for aviation... The shear beauty of flight, almost brings a tear to my eye.

Love of Country, Love of Family, and Love of Aviation are my priorities.

The way that seeing the American Flag unfurled at a patriotic moment, or the way that my heart gets full when I think of my children and grandchildren... Thats the way my heart gets full and my tears well up when I think of how privilaged I am to be alive today and able to paticipate in any aspect of aviation.

Watch the video and see if you feel anything even close to that.

N1537J's Predecessor, N2826N

2008-10-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

This little bird in a 1947 Cessna 120. Cessna built the 120 and it's sister the 140 simultaneously. The 140 was the "deluxe" model, with a "D" shaped window behind the door, flaps, and electrical system. While the 120 came from the factory as sort of a "stripped down version" of the 140.

This particular airplane is a 120 that was taken back to the factory in 1950 to have an electrical system installed.

The original "Goodrich" brakes were ridiculously expensive to maintain, so they were replaced with Cleveland wheels and brakes.

The airplane was all aluminum except for the covering of the wings.

It has an 85 H.P. Continental engine and very basic instruments.

In the Beginning...

2008-10-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Shortly after moving to Savannah, Georgia from Arkansas, I started looking for an airplane. I wanted something economical to operate, could carry more than two people, and that I could potentially use to get my Instrument rating.

I did all the normal, airport visiting, subscribing to Trade a Plane, tire kicking, and talking to folks, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

Then one evening while surfing the internet, (more like scouring...) I came across an the following ad.

It seemed like the plane I was looking for...It would carry more than two people, some of the time. It was instrument capable, or at least it had been at one time. It had pretty good radios. And if the owner really meant "all offers considered" then I thought I should give this one some consideration myself.

It was in Maine.

I contracted the owner, via email, and later by phone, and we talked about the airplane. He sent me some pictures, and I was hooked.

This little blue over white 1968 Piper Cherokee PA28-140 was just what I wanted.

Hey, the instrument panel looked presentable. Not like so many that I had seen that were all cut up and jumbled and antique looking.

And blue, after all, is my favorite color!!!

I wasn't the Grumman Tiger that I lusted after, but, it wasn't chopped liver either.

It's a long way from Georgia to Maine.

The owner and I talked on the phone and exchanged more emails and finally settled on a price and who was going to pay for what. (I was buying it with a fresh annual inspection).

It's cold in Maine in the winter.

So, late in December, 2006, Beth and I jumped on a Friday evening USAir flight to Portland, Maine.

Did I mention that the plane was in Sanford, Maine, and that is a long way from Savannah, and it is cold "as a well diggers a$$" there in the winter time?

We almost didn't make it to Portland that night. In fact, we didn't FLY to Portland, we flew to Boston, and had to be bussed to Portland, due to fog over the field. We arrived after 2:00 am and collapsed in bed by 2:05 am...

Marcel, the owner was at the hotel to pick us up bright and early Saturday morning. We drove out to the airport to see what was about to become OUR new baby.

We looked it over, went over the log books with the mechanic, and headed for the bank.

We got the financials taken care of, then headed back to the airport to wait for the last minute button up part of the annual inspection.

I had to fly for an hour with a CFI to satisfy the insurance company that I was safe enough to get the plane home, so we spent the hour flying around the area sightseeing. We flew over former President George Bush, Sr. s place on the coast, Kennebunkport.

Before Beth and could head home we had a little head phone issue to clear up... It seems that the intercom or the plugs to it, couldn't handle stereo headsets very well. So, we discovered that if you didn't plug the speaker plug all the way in they worked fine. If you did push them all the way in, SILENCE!!!

We finally got that all sorted out and Beth and I headed home...

We spent Saturday night in Bedford, MA, then finished up the rest of the trip on Sunday. Here are some pics from the trip.

Headed home early Sunday morning. When we took off from Bedford, MA our transponder wouldn't work... I remember thinking at about this time,"Boy, this is gonna be an adventure getting from here to Savannah without a transponder..."

And it was...

Somewhere over Pennsylvania we saw this river meandering between two ridge lines and thought it was pretty neat. In the Arkansas delta I was used to meandering streams but, this was so symmetrical...

Camp David, the Presidents Retreat is right over there somewhere, and here I am buzzing along sans transponder... Not good!

This picture was taken as the sun was setting over the mountians west of Lynchburg, Virgina. Breath taking.