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[charlesh]

You're right - not a lot of updates recently. I've got all of the substructure done and I've done all I can solo. I've been asking a few people to come over and help me rivet on the skin to the structure so I can get this HS done!!!!

That, and a lot of travel recently. This weekend, I plan to go ahead and get to some building. I decided that until I can get someone to help rivet the skins on, I will just go ahead and start on the Vertical Stabilizer substructure. Why not?

In the meantime, too, I've been trying to do a little more actual flying. I am renewing my CFI this month as well, so I am thinking about doing some part time instructing around the area. Funny thing about Wichita is that there is so much GA here, all except actual flight instruction. I think perhaps it is because there are so many instructors here and not enough students, or not enough disposible income like there is in a city such as Atlanta, or ???? It could be that I may not have hooked up with the right outfit. When I first got here, I tried to do some instructing with an outfit out at Jabara airport (AAO). The guy had about 4 172s online and allowed flight instructors who were not working for him to come in and provide instruction. However, this was fine until he sold all but the trashiest 172 you've ever seen. I refuse to fly in it - and that's saying something If I say that because in my career as an instructor, I've flown some pretty ratty looking birds. So, I'm expanding my horizons, as it were and looking for a new deal. I tried Yingling aviation, which is about the nicest FBO around here. Dax Beal is the chief flight instructor there and he had told me that they were all full up for summer. I'm half tempted to just go ahead and buy a 172 and set up my own operation. But if I do that, I don't know when I would find the time to keep building - too many irons in the fire is not good. It would be better to have a rental situation, but one that I'm comfortable with. I'll keep you posted.

We took a trip last weekend with some friends of ours to Ponca City, OK in a Bonanza. Nate is an instructor with Flight Safety at Ratheon Beechcraft and has access to the Beech flying club airplanes. Very nice Bonanza and easy on the wallet with those club prices. We split the cost - he flew down and I flew back. It felt really good and was just what I needed. Here are a couple of pics.

[charlesh]

More pics