Medical and Retirement

Terry

Terry

Line Up and Wait
Joined
Apr 3, 2005
Messages
738
Location
LaCrosse
Display Name
Terry
Home Airfield
KHYS
Fellow Pilots,

I have decided to let my medical expire and stop my flying. I can no longer afford the cost.

I am retiring and I just don't have enough money for flying. I started late, and have had fun for 10 years. Now it is time to move on to different and less expensive hobbies.

I have signed up for a Men's bowling team.

The wife and I Geocache.

I can stay plenty busy with house and garden projects.

I wish I could continue to fly but only getting 1 or 2 hours a year is unacceptable.

I wish everyone on the POA board well and I will continue to check in from time to time.

So Long,

Terry :)
 
Good luck on your retirement. I'm sure you will find plenty of fun and less expensive hobbies to pursue. :cheerswine:
 
Terry, I'm in you exact same boat. I retired January 1st of this year. I'm stuck with an airplane I rarely fly anymore. I have a friend fly it now and then for me but other than that, it's a fading ramp queen. I'm working on starting a small woodworking business in my garage, but that is going slow, the airplanes annual is coming up in another month, I'm trying to figure a way of pulling that off without being left flat broke.

Now that I know I can not afford flying anymore, the desire to take my plane up just isn't there any longer. I went out to the airport yesterday, had my headset and knee board with me. I walked around the airplane, I peered into the gas tanks, then I climbed in my Jeep and left. My heart just is not there anymore.

I keep thinking that if I start earning money again, I will want may airplane, and the enthusiasm will return if it becomes something affordable once again. After yesterday, I'm not so sure.

It's kind of like sitting on a big yacht you own, but can't afford the gas to take it out, kind of stupid.

Not any buyers out there for 34 year old Warriors.

-John
 
John Baker said:
Terry, I'm in you exact same boat. I retired January 1st of this year. I'm stuck with an airplane I rarely fly anymore. I have a friend fly it now and then for me but other than that, it's a fading ramp queen. I'm working on starting a small woodworking business in my garage, but that is going slow, the airplanes annual is coming up in another month, I'm trying to figure a way of pulling that off without being left flat broke.

Now that I know I can not afford flying anymore, the desire to take my plane up just isn't there any longer. I went out to the airport yesterday, had my headset and knee board with me. I walked around the airplane, I peered into the gas tanks, then I climbed in my Jeep and left. My heart just is not there anymore.

I keep thinking that if I start earning money again, I will want may airplane, and the enthusiasm will return if it becomes something affordable once again. After yesterday, I'm not so sure.

It's kind of like sitting on a big yacht you own, but can't afford the gas to take it out, kind of stupid.

Not any buyers out there for 34 year old Warriors.

-John
Click to expand...

John,

I hear ya. I decided when I started flying 10 years ago I would not go into debt for flying. I have kept that promise with the exception of earning my instrument rating. I tried several courses and finally went with PIC. I got my IR but the cost was too high as I only used the rating twice and never fully IFR. I finally got my IR paid for and re-affirmed that I would not go into debt to fly.

Even now I can still fly but the thought of spending 200 to 300 a month or even every other month to fly with the economy the way it is and other factors that will directly affect my financial condition is just not acceptable. I had a good and fun time flying but now it must come to an end.

A deciding factor happened 2 weeks ago when I was performing my 3 take offs and landings so I could take my granddaughter up. I had let myself get pretty rusty and my flying skills had really suffered. I went ahead and took her flying but decided it was time to call it quits.

Reality Check - I have NO business flying IFR with passengers as rusty as I was. I am retiring and whether I like it or not, I just can't make flying expenses work on my retirement income. I still will live comfortably and pretty much do what I want. (Travel and visit places and family.)

I can stay around the house and complain and become bitter but in reality, MY Retirement predicament is mainly the result of the choices I have made throughout my life. In retrospect, I don't regret the decisions I have made in life.

Sure, we all would like to have been better decision makers but going back over life's choices serves no purpose except to promote discontent and regret. Therefore, I choose to make the rest of my life with the hand of cards I have been dealt. Compared to other hands in the cards of life, I am most fortunate.

Terry :)
 
......................................................................


attachment.php


http://www.eaa.org/ultralights/
 

Attachments

  • UL.jpg
    UL.jpg
    203.1 KB · Views: 219
You at least have been able to make a decision. Your situation sounds exactly like my own except for the part of having a wife, I quit doing that years ago.

I keep waffling around about what I want to do next. Making a firm commitment to anything seems beyond my ability right now. I think I'm going to have another cup of coffee then get in the shower.....perhaps.

-John
 
I retired and got back into flying. I had a couple of years, then developed a vision problem. To get a medical I would have to jump through hoops and spend a lot of money. Decided just like you that it just isn't worth the expense. Don't go away though. There are a lot of people here who haven't flown in a long time, but still like to be here.
 
I am an active member on several other boards, a picture framing and a paratrooper one. I keep coming back to this one. Good people, good minds.

-John
 
While, I'm not retired. I've come to a very similar decision as you some of you. I have my PPL, bought a Cirrus and was working on my IFR. I then sold the Cirrus, and was looking at upgrading. But then I realized that I just a LSA and will buy tickets on the big birds for traveling. While, I can afford the costs at this point, flying in a certified airplane is not worth me working!
 
How you handle this predicament depends in part on why you wanted to fly. If it's for enjoyment, there are some older planes and some solid experimentals that are eligible to be flown by Sport Pilots. There will be used LSAs on the market in increasing quantities.

The ultralight segment requires careful risk/benefit analysis, but there are relatively safe ULs if you fly them within their envelopes. The downside is a performance profile that doesn't work well at busy airports.

But if you flew to cover long distances quickly, yes...it's tough to stay financially viable.
 
But if you flew to cover long distances quickly, yes...it's tough to stay financially viable.
Click to expand...

I thought when you retired, part of the benefit was no longer having to be in a hurry :).

The cost of flying is indeed high. Despite AOPA's assertion that cost is not a big factor in dropouts, I think it really is. I know a few guys that have quit flying in retirement, mostly due to the cost. There are ways (Ultralights or experimentals) to get by with less cost, but it still isn't cheap.
 
John Baker said:
Not any buyers out there for 34 year old Warriors.

-John
Click to expand...

Hate to say this, but there are plenty of buyers for 34 year-old warriors. There just may not be any at your price. Better to unload an airplane at a loss than see it turn into scrap sitting forlorn on the ramp. Better still to dismantle it and part it out.
 
For those who are giving up flying not because they want to but because it's too expensive, you might consider organizations such as Civil Air Patrol that enable you to get in the air with little expense on your part. Whether as a pilot or observer, or other participant, you don't need to walk away from flying simply because it's expensive. I began flying for a living because I couldn't afford to fly privately (and then was assured of never being able to afford to fly thereafter...).

Getting involved with other organizations may provide opportunities to be around aviation and be involved. EAA is one such organization. It doesn't mean you'll be flying all the time, but it puts you in contact with people who are, and much of flying isn't just flying; the association with others who fly, the involvement in the discussions, hangar flying, and airport scene are a part of the process.

Give up on it because you've moved on, but not because you can't afford to do so.
 
steingar said:
It strikes me that glider clubs are pretty easy on the wallet too.
Click to expand...

I guess the key question would by "Why do you fly?".

If flying is transportation - a means to get to a destination in less time - then there is no option other than spending a lot of money.

If flying is just plain fun - the picture changes. Gliders, Part 103, LSA, etc. can be a lot more economical.

Personally, I'm more than happy to putz around in my rag and tube LSA taildragger. Even if I don't go anywhere.
 
Does it matter if you get anywhere, if you're happy where you are?

That was the response to me by a check airman years ago when I commented on the built-in headwind in the cub. He asked me if I was happy in the cub, and I told him that I was deliriously so.

So, he asked, if you're happy there, does it matter where you go?
 
Good luck in your retirement.

As a sort-of aside... a local guy up here is selling a Quicksilver ultralight for $4,500.00. He has it parked on his front lawn with a for-sale sign on it, which is the way stuff is sold up here, from cars, to appliances, to firewood, to vegetables, to airplanes.

I gave it a quick once-over and the airframe looks to be in reasonably good shape, but he wasn't there so I couldn't check out the powerplant. Walking on someone's lawn when they're not home to check out a for-sale item is one thing, but I figured doing a run-up on his front lawn might be over the line. Or maybe not. But it seemed over the line to me.

I might go back and buy the thing. I suspect the engine needs work, just because I didn't notice anything about the airframe that would justify the low price. If it's just that -- the engine needs work, rather then needs replacement -- it might be a good deal. Depending on the nature of the work, I might be able to do it myself.

In any event, ultralights are fun to fly, as long as you don't actually need to get anywhere. They're also cheap and easy to maintain if you're good with your hands. The same can be said of LSA if you're willing to take a Repairman / LS course and get certificated. Then you can do all your own routine maintenance and minor repairs, as well as the annual, yourself. (I think you still have to be an A&P to do major repairs or alterations, but I could be wrong.)

-Rich
 
RJM62 said:
Good luck in your retirement.

As a sort-of aside... a local guy up here is selling a Quicksilver ultralight for $4,500.00.


I might go back and buy the thing. I suspect the engine needs work, just because I didn't notice anything about the airframe that would justify the low price. If it's just that -- the engine needs work, rather then needs replacement -- it might be a good deal. Depending on the nature of the work, I might be able to do it myself.


-Rich
Click to expand...

That price really isn't all that low for the single seat Quicksilvers. You may be pleasantly surprised.
 
Enjoy your retirement! Stay on the board!

I can't retire until I'm 70, and anyway, musicians simply don't retire, completely. They usually perform their last concert one night, then crawl into bed and pass away.

I'm never going to stop aviating until I lose my medical or my wife locks away my credit card!
 
RJM62 said:
Good luck in your retirement.

As a sort-of aside... a local guy up here is selling a Quicksilver ultralight for $4,500.00. He has it parked on his front lawn with a for-sale sign on it, which is the way stuff is sold up here, from cars, to appliances, to firewood, to vegetables, to airplanes.

I gave it a quick once-over and the airframe looks to be in reasonably good shape, but he wasn't there so I couldn't check out the powerplant.
Click to expand...
Look carefully at the fabric. It's not doped and protected with silver like larger aircraft - it's just dacron which tends to deteroriate in the sun.

A new set of covers appears to run $1000 - $2000
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/ultralightsailsquicksilver.php
 
Everyone,

I will stay on the board for awhile.

However, personally, I would rather walk away than keep trying to fly and "twist myself into a pretzel" trying to figure out how I can afford it. It is just too expensive. If I wanted to, I could work in an hour every month.

Earlier my in-laws were 2 1/2 hours away by air. We flew from Hays, KS. to Clayton, NM. often. They have passed away.

I flew my Mom every year from Hays, KS. to Marshall, TX. so she could eat catfish and hush-puppies on the Bayou. She has passed away.

Now the wife and I Geocache and treasure hunt.

I have enjoyed my 10 years of flying and still read several aviation magazines.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Terry :)
 
Terry said:
Everyone,

I will stay on the board for awhile.

However, personally, I would rather walk away than keep trying to fly and "twist myself into a pretzel" trying to figure out how I can afford it. It is just too expensive. If I wanted to, I could work in an hour every month.

Earlier my in-laws were 2 1/2 hours away by air. We flew from Hays, KS. to Clayton, NM. often. They have passed away.

I flew my Mom every year from Hays, KS. to Marshall, TX. so she could eat catfish and hush-puppies on the Bayou. She has passed away.

Now the wife and I Geocache and treasure hunt.

I have enjoyed my 10 years of flying and still read several aviation magazines.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Terry :)
Click to expand...

Terry, glad you're staying on the board!
 
Terry said:
Everyone,

I will stay on the board for awhile.

However, personally, I would rather walk away than keep trying to fly and "twist myself into a pretzel" trying to figure out how I can afford it. It is just too expensive. If I wanted to, I could work in an hour every month.

Earlier my in-laws were 2 1/2 hours away by air. We flew from Hays, KS. to Clayton, NM. often. They have passed away.

I flew my Mom every year from Hays, KS. to Marshall, TX. so she could eat catfish and hush-puppies on the Bayou. She has passed away.

Now the wife and I Geocache and treasure hunt.

I have enjoyed my 10 years of flying and still read several aviation magazines.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

Terry :)
Click to expand...

thats pretty much exactly where I am with flying, Between the motor home, and the aircraft some thing must give. Ionce had 2 kids around that liked to fly but now they have grown up and have lives of their own.

chasing parts is no longer viable due to the price of fuel, and that was where I got most of my flying.

So that leaves me with the only reason to fly is that I enjoy it, and the cost lately is taking that joy away.

I would really like to build a small aircraft with foldable wings that could be towed behind the M/H but as I look around to see what designs are available there really isn't much out there I like.
 
I'm not so sure that because you can no longer actually fly, it does not mean your not a pilot. You will always be a pilot. They can take your medical away, they can ground you, even if you can no longer afford such a rich mans dalliance, whatever the reason, it does not matter.

This forum is called Pilots of America, not Active Pilots of America. Your a pilot, you will be until they lower you in your grave, or scatter your ashes.

You are part of a group that enjoys your company, simply because you are one of us. We don't count your hours, or if your acumulating them or not. I doubt anyone cares. It's a fellow pilot we enjoy. It does not matter if your a student pilot, want to become one, or are a pilot. Your a pilot, your a valued member of this comunity.

Think about that.

-John
 
Tom-D said:
thats pretty much exactly where I am with flying, Between the motor home, and the aircraft some thing must give. Ionce had 2 kids around that liked to fly but now they have grown up and have lives of their own.

chasing parts is no longer viable due to the price of fuel, and that was where I got most of my flying.

So that leaves me with the only reason to fly is that I enjoy it, and the cost lately is taking that joy away.

I would really like to build a small aircraft with foldable wings that could be towed behind the M/H but as I look around to see what designs are available there really isn't much out there I like.
Click to expand...

Sounds like it's time to ditch the motor home. :thumbsup:
 
The Byrds had a song out once that is so true:

"To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven"

How true this is. Be thankful for the enjoyment you got from flying (an incredible experience by the way and one that most people who are and have been on earth have not experienced!) and move on with the next phase of your life. God speed.
 
somorris said:
The Byrds had a song out once that is so true:

"To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven"

How true this is. Be thankful for the enjoyment you got from flying (an incredible experience by the way and one that most people who are and have been on earth have not experienced!) and move on with the next phase of your life. God speed.
Click to expand...

I think those lyrics somewhat predate the Byrds - by about 3000 years or so.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3&version=NIV
 
The lyrics do predate the Byrds (I read my Bible too). But they are the ones who made it into a song (I think).
 
Thread creep, but something a lot of people don't know about "the" Bible...

Pretty sure the above version is based off of the NIV translation, which can't be "your" Bible.

It's owned, along with all profits from selling them, by the Zondervan family, last I checked.

The Byrds violated Copyright. Or at least flirted with it. Their lyrics were a derivative of a Copyrighted work. :)

You have to go back to KJV to get an English translation that's in the Public Domain, or all the way back to the Greek transcripts.

Try printing and binding a new copy of the NIV en masse, and see how fast you have a call from an Intellectual Property lawyer.

Same with other less popular English translations.

Bible printing is a business. A very big business.
 
When I was a young soldier, Bible salesmen would once a month, wander into our platoon bay after work hours in order to prey on our young, gullible minds, and of course, relieve us of some of the pay we had received that day.

Among our group of young heathens was an exceptionally large fellow, with the nickname "Baby Huey", after a cartoon character of the same name, a big, dumb, yellow duck.

Anyway, a Bible salesman was in the wrong place at the wrong time, during one of Baby Huey's periods of exceptionally foul moods. We called them spells. Huey had a history of taking war games seriously, and had been known to send fellow soldiers off to the field hospital more than a few times.

Huey had an exceptional hatred of people who tried to cash in on Jesus.

After the ambulance left, and the MPs had been convinced that nobody saw what had happened to the salesmen, Huey got himself a free trip to the Brigade beer hall.

We never had to deal with Bible salesmen again.

-John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top