Day Four: A Celebration in the Skies/4th of July Amidst the flurry of training and travel, the 4th of July arrived like a refreshing breeze. Moraine Airpark embraced the holiday with an unplanned yet delightful celebration, transforming into an impromptu airshow. There were no Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to contend with, no rigid schedules—just a gathering of aircraft rolled out onto ... [READ MORE]

Day Three: Heading Home/Training Day The third day as an aircraft owner unfolded with a blend of anticipation and the promise of new knowledge. It was to be a day of training with Brad, who would guide me through the necessary sign-offs. For those unacquainted with aviation, a pilot must often receive endorsements when transitioning between different aircraft types—a rite of ... [READ MORE]

Day Two: Homeward Bound As the first light of dawn broke, Brad and I set forth on our return to KGGG. Brad had the task of returning the rental car, leaving me to attend to the pre-flight preparations. With Brad’s meticulous instructions and the Pilot Operating Handbook in hand, I set about my duties. Each check, each adjustment was performed ... [READ MORE]

Day One: The First Encounter My dear friend Brad, a skilled aircraft mechanic, had kindly flown to Texas the day before my arrival to perform a meticulous inspection of N793D. The pre-buy inspection is a vital rite in the acquisition of an aircraft. The following day unfolded as a race against time; I hurried from Downington to Philadelphia to catch my ... [READ MORE]