The Next 12 Months...........

I have made a decision on what I am going to focus on over the next 12 months. As you know, I am heading back to Europe in approx 12 months time. I have to maximise the time I have available.

A couple of people have suggested that I focus on enjoying my current privileges and that is what I am going to do. This starts with going to #AOPA12 in two weeks time and then the Luke AFB GA Fly-in the following week.

Priority 1 - Convert my FAA PPL into a JAA PPL.

Priority 2 - Get a High Performance endorsement.
Priority 3 - Fly one new aircraft a month (starting with a Piper Dakota in October)
Priority 4 - Fly those long cross countries in the US to meet those people I have met via social media.
Priority 5 - Have at least one aerobatic lesson.
Priority 6 - Fly into KPHX to visit Cutter Aviation.
Priority 7 - Get a tour of a TRACON facility somewhere in the US! (contact names please!).

There is so much fun to have over the next 12 months. I want to fly as many different aircraft as I can in the time available.

My work situation should allow me to return to the US again in the next 5 years. Then I can work on my IFR ticket.

Decision made. #letsgoflying

Flying to KTUS

Last weekend I visited my first solo cross country airport, KTUS. I received Flight following both ways with PHX DEP, ABQ CTR and TUS APP. Flightaware.com actually plots VFR Flight Following Flights which is pretty cool.

N54288 Flight Follwing

I landed on 11L for the first time. Flying from beneath bravo airspace onwards 80nm into charlie airspace if very rewarding.

N54288 Finals 11L KTUS

Delta Regional CRJ

Holding Short 11L

Enjoy the short video of me landing at KTUS.
Click link - GoPro YouTube video

Across The Pond & The Airplane Geeks Podcast

Listen to the Across The Pond segment of the Airplane Geeks Podcast episode 214. You might recognise someone on there. I just love spreading my story around the world.

http://www.airplanegeeks.com/2012/09/12/episode-214-mary-kirby-on-the-passenger-experience/

Be sure to follow @TheAirplaneGeeks and @Nascothornet on Twitter.

Marine AV-8's at KIWA

Enjoy the video. More coming soon.

Click link - GoPro YouTube video

Windy

Today I took another Twitter follower flying. Neil hadn't flown for a couple of years but previously went solo for his PPL. Seemed a perfect candidate to come fly around a breezy Phoenix. 

Our initial plan was to head to KTUS and back, but the TAF was predicting strong winds from 1800z. Instead we headed to SDL. On my landing clearance I was told wind was 08018G28KT. At that point I elected for a go-around.

We then headed to KIWA. Wind was calm. On approach I saw 8 Marine Harrier Jump Jet's that had arrived the night before. Talk about perfect timing! As we vacated 12R, a four ship callsign NIGHTMARE departed right in front of us. What a great experience. Neil and I couldn't stop smiling!

N54288 on Yankee behind a departing Harrier

The second four ship

Great to get some experience in the wind. Reminded me of my days in Ireland. Performed three go-arounds due to wind being outside my comfort zone. A great day for demonstrating my airmanship qualities.

Actual Wx METAR's

KCHD 081750Z 08014KT 30SM SCT080 BKN120 BKN200 31/19 A2997=
KIWA 081747Z 09006KT 30SM FEW060 BKN120 BKN200 30/18 A3000=
KSDL 081753Z AUTO 08015G22KT 10SM CLR 33/18 A2999 
KTUS 081753Z 10011G22KT 10SM FEW090 30/17 A3006=