Comments on: Finishing Touches

By: Bob Siguaw

Bob Siguaw — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:50:27 +0000

This FYI is off topic but everyone needs to know about it. Due to finances I had to leave aviation thirty one years ago. You all know the story, I had a family to raise and money was tight. When I returned I constantly had the cart ahead of the proverbial horse. I rented a hanger, bought a plane and “then” scheduled a visit with an AME. Oops! I quickly learned jumping up and down on one foot and having a heartbeat was not longer the required norm for passing a third class medical. On my initial medical application I did what most of you no doubt do and that is be painfully honest. In hindsight I would still be the honest individual but learned that honesty to your AME can be a curse. I have had a head injury, high BP and am technically Diabetic. However, after my local AME told me it was “very” doubtful I would receive my medical I hit the net and researched all I could about the new rules and regulations. Honestly, it scared the crap out of me. There is so much negativity out there that it was difficult to not just say screw it and give up. Sorry, I hate to lose. I don’t believe the intention of the FAA is to ground you. There job is though to keep the skies safe. I did get my medical. It is a special issuance but I did get it all the same. In the end I discovered that they are interested in serious people. People who do their best to correct or at least attempt control their medical conditions. They are not as much interested in what you are about at any given moment in time as they are about the bigger plan. I take meds to control my BP and Diabetes. They just want documentation showing that I am serious about my own health. Even the Diabetes isn’t a problem as long as you can demonstrate that you are controlling the disease, not the opposite. Take care of yourself. Fly till you die is my motto.

By: Bob Siguaw

Bob Siguaw — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:24:10 +0000

I absolutely agree with your statement. Since returning to aviation after a very long absence this was my very first observation. I now fly around airports photographing sitting derelicts. I hope to build a database of these planes to connect future owners. During my absence aviation enthusiasm has obviously declined. Individuals and families need to refocus their personal finances and “be more responsible”. Aviation has something for the entire family.

By: Bob Siguaw

Bob Siguaw — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 16:14:01 +0000

I’ve been absent from aviation for over thirty years. Joining AOPA was my first move back and after discovering AOPA’s annual plane giveaway I’m happy I joined. What a great idea!
I never win in drawings but it is still exciting to see that someone else does. I hope the new owner is a worthy owner. These planes should be listed as collectors and valued as such. Great job AOPA!

By: George

George — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:09:32 +0000

OK, AOPA, here’s the deal. I win this one, and then I’ll donate my 182P to AOPA, for next year’s refuburshment! Win-win, right?! I can only dream of making my 182 as nice as you have done up this one. Excellent job and I’ve enjoyed the articles along the way.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:01:00 +0000

What if I win it and can’t afford to put gas in the thing? Or to maintain it even? Oh, that’s right.. you need to make a million dollars a year and sell your house to fly your own plane these days.

By: flying frenchman

flying frenchman — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:13:05 +0000

Here is a thought after reading many of the comments about the sweepstake airplane. Wouldn’t it be nice if more than one person were to win the same airplane? This could be a twofold sweepstake. First you pull out of the hat the location the airplane will be living then you pull out, say, four names of the winners in that area that could be a part owner of the plane at the same airport. For example, you randomly select Arlington, Texas Municipal Airport as the location and then you randomly select four members within 25 miles who have signed up for the contest. Then you set up a standard partnership arrangement for the four individuals. And finally, to get things started with the partnership, you provide $5,000 seed money to get their flying off the ground.

I know that is more complicated than the current sweepstakes, but it certainly could impact more members per airplane giveaway. Any thoughts about my idea?

By: Turbo 182

Turbo 182 — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:10:45 +0000

I’m pulling for him as the owner of a 182

By: Turbo 182

Turbo 182 — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 19:10:00 +0000

As the owner of a 2008 Turbo 182, i can tell you that in the 500 plus hours put on the plane, i can’t recall a non pleasure flight. The plane handles great and the veratility is amazing. This past month, landed at a short field (3,000 ft elevation) , a grass field (50 ft in width), and at Dulles airport in D.C. Got my CFI and CFII ratings in the plane as well. have shot approaches to mins in solid imc using the GFC 700 ap. Incredibly stable. The winner will be v. lucky. Just hope he /she gets transition training as trim is def a major req (esp. on landing). Good luck, and if i am the lucky winner-will put to use as a trainer.

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:55:24 +0000

Nice plane! The pane is perfect for my upcoming IFR training – which I hope to start around the end of September!

By: Tom Haines

Tom Haines — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:05:18 +0000

Capt. Al,
Canadian members outside of Quebec are eligible to win. Unfortunately, Quebec sweeps laws don’t make it practical for us to allow members there to be eligible. Best of luck!