Recent content by Schokie

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    flightaware, what triggers it to record a flight?

    The guys on Opposing Bases actually recommend this if your intent is VFR FF. It generates a strip and saves the controller time by not having to type all your info in. Just tell Clearance you want to amend to a VFR altitude when calling them up.
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    ATITPPA origin finally discovered?

    The Opposing Bases podcast mentioned the "VFR request" tag recently. They seem to prefer it, so they knew you weren't an IFR aircraft and they didn't have to frantically look around thinking they missed a strip somewhere.
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    Gliders ... coming to an airport near me?

    I've done a winch launch at the same time as powered flying and it works fine. The trick is to not stage on the actual runway. At Minden they used a parallel taxiway, at other places we've been able to use the grass. This allows the winch and glider to stage, wait for a break in traffic, then...
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    Why is the CAP so understaffed?

    I've noticed CAP can vary greatly depending on the region and the unit. I'm active duty Air Force and a member of CAP. I had a buddy in college who was quite active as a cadet and he was quite a goober about it and it all seemed rather self-important. Consequently my initial impression of the...
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    How Well Do Experimental Aircraft hold their value?

    Wait, you mean I just read through the this whole thread just for it to be a necropost? No wonder I didn't remember any of it!
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    New Guy, Old Questions...

    I wouldn't bother with either one right now. It sounds like you already have an affordable option to use a decent plane and local instructor. I'd get your private first, then consider CAP. Most of the intro to flying and flight training in CAP is for cadets. The assumption for adults is you...
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    What are you "stick" guys using for a gust lock when parked?

    I've always just used the seatbelt.
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    Thinking about a Ford F 150 Ecoboost

    I have a 2014 3.5 Eco and I get similar milage to your current truck. However, mine is 4WD and I run all terrain tires on it. With the stock tires I was getting about 20-21 highway. The stock Wrangler SRAs are garbage in wet conditions. It tows just fine. I've even pulled a skid steer on a big...
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    DIY tug

    Can you install a winch on the back wall and pull it inside instead? Or is the slope too long? A corded remote control would allow you to operate the winch and steer with the towbar.
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    Glider PPL > ASEL endorsements

    I did ASEL as an add on to my existing Private-Glider. I still had to take the written and my CFI endorsed my logbook for solo, XC, etc as if I was ab initio. Was it all required for my CFI? Don't know, but it was easy enough to do and didn't cost anything extra. I also had to do the full...
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    Aircraft with damage history.

    Was it damaged 20 years ago, repaired right away, and flown regularly since? Or was it damaged last week with fresh duct tape still on the cowling? Obviously two different extremes. But the point is I'd be less worried if there are a lot of flight hours and annuals by different IAs to prove...
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    How do you ask for an altitude block?

    That's also useful for cloud surfing. When the tops are right near your IFR altitude, ask for a block, then surf the clouds as close as you like.
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    The Perfect Pilot?

    It's good that you're so fiercely self critical. That will both make you a better pilot and keep you safe. However, there's a balance with also accepting that you're not perfect and will make mistakes. When the mistake happens, you have to accept that you made it, fix it on the spot, and not...
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    How Accurate are 14 Day Forecasts?

    I look at how the long range forecast changes over time. If it stays mostly the same, the the models are probably working well and I MIGHT belive the mid-range forecast 3-5 days out. If they're changing a lot, then the weather pattern is unstable and uncertain. That also factors into how much...
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    Getting PPL before military deployment

    The important take away there is your 35 hours in 4 months. That's a decent pace AND with proper focus and scheduling would cover all the required training and provide proficiency. The 3 hours you flew ten years prior did little to nothing. But what I'm talking about is flying 20 hours now and...
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