Wow, two mentions of my name in one thread by two different people - I'm almost as popular as Tony C.!
Sorry for not welcoming you sooner, Bubba, but I've been away on vacation. I'm also 27 years old, and just got my PPL this past August. I rent out of SGR, but I fly out of wherever the person who's giving me a ride is based or picks me up... typically IWS or HOU. I am an active volunteer at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum at Hobby, and you should definitely come out on the 19th for Wings & Wheels, and sign up to be a volunteer! You can get a LOT of pilot contacts through that museum and it will open up some doors for you. Plus there are a lot of great people involved in a great place.
Also, check out
www.houstonspotters.net in addition to this incredibly awesome board - that's a group of local pilots and enthusiasts, most of whom are also involved with the museum - and they can be some great resources too.
Lastly, if you dream of flying -17's or -25's, you couldn't be in a better area. There is a CAF wing at HOU that is currently restoring a -17 (
www.gulfcoastwing.org) and they are always looking for people to help turn wrenches. I haven't gotten involved with them yet, but I'm considering it, and I think Ric is considering it too. If you go to Houston Spotters, a user there that goes by EFDSpotter is involved with that outfit, and I'm sure he'll be glad to talk to you about it at length. Also, the Lone Star Flight Museum at GLS has a -25 that they fly around (I actually got to ride right seat in it once while it was being taxied across the field at HOU). I'm sure they're looking for volunteers too.
I'm glad you came on here and if you want, send me a PM and I'll give you my cell #. I'd love to get together to talk about flying over a beer or two sometime. If he promises me a ride in the 310, I might even consider inviting Ric to join us
.