Valkaria Flyers, LLC

Today, I took a bold step and joined Valkaria Flyers, LLC. Valkaria Flyers is a small organization located at the Valkaria Airport (X59), near Melbourne, Florida. The LLC owns a 1963 Piper Cherokee 180. As a partner in the LLC, I now have access to the aircraft and the hangar.

Piper Cherokee 180 - N7207W

A few months ago, I started thinking about rejoining the path to an aviation career. I thought about trying to get a job in Alaska, but then I talked to my old friend, who recently started working for SkyWest Airlines. He warned me of the rigors of flying in Alaska and suggested that I go build hours any way I can. He also told me about a guy who bought his own airplane to build time.

I put the Alaska idea on hold and started investigating other options for building time. Some of those ideas included joining a flying club, renting a plane in large blocks to lower the price, and buying a small, two seat plane that burns very little fuel. And then a flyer for this LLC arrived in my inbox. Although it is a four-seater, I was interested, especially due to its location, its low time engine, and its impeccable maintenance. I went to see the plane and meet the other partners last weekend, then Friday, I went flying with a partner. Today, Susan and I finalized the paperwork.

My next steps include getting added to the insurance policy and getting flight current again. The former will be easy, but the latter will require several hours with an instructor, wiping away the years of cobwebs that have built up over the past 9 years. Luckily, I have not been completely away from aviation for that entire time. Every other year, I have renewed my Fight Instructor Certificate. Although that does not involve any flying, it does keep me aware of changes in the training industry and trends in General Aviation.

If you are interested in General Aviation or in how I am filling my flying hours, check back in this space often. My goal is to achieve the minimum hours required by the FAA to start the next chapter of my aviation dream.