Poplar Grove contacted the aircraft restorer just before Memorial Day weekend that the cylinders were done and ready to be picked up. Yes, we could have had them shipped, but as Poplar Grove is such a restful place to visit for general aviation geeks, and I have people to see close by, it was a natural thought for us to make the drive.
In years past, Poplar Grove Airmotive has done both engine and routine work on Sis. Their practices from a process and QA standpoints are solid.
Sis is a 1947 Beechcraft Bonanza model 35, one of the first 1000 off the assembly line. For all intents and purposes, she is my big sister as I have grown up flying with her and now am her caretaker.
Seeing another model 35 Bonanza sitting outside when we pulled up, we both were more than happy to look at another classic beauty. Seeing a Beech Electric prop in real life was a bonus!
Since starting work on Sis, my life has indeed changed. While this has been a regular note of Sis’ progress and what I would like to do again flying, this visit has been a clear reminder of how far I have come since moving to Dayton.
Flying has been in my blood since I was born. Sis got an autopilot after Mom died so Dad could continue to make longer flights solo. She had a top overhaul (like what we are doing now) when I got braces as a teenager.
As an adult looking back at everything my dad was juggling, I can understand better why he was how he was with certain things. I was always loved, but it wasn’t apparent to a kid due to the circumstances at the time.
As the restorer has other responsibilities this summer, it looks like September before Sis flies. The time and focus needed for the engine work alone is a huge consideration. The restorer is calling this major surgery. As the engine is indeed the heart of the airplane, that is an apt observation.
I have been blessed with my naivete about the process’s complexity and the time and effort required. Yes, there have been setbacks that were even considered when entering the process, but I knew that somehow, they would be overcome, and this would be progress toward the two of us flying again.
As the restorer has become a solid pillar in my life, it felt like an appropriate time for family and friends to meet.
Spending time with my old air ambulance colleagues was especially enlightening for the restorer. Due to the nature of the business, there was a schedule, but it was not always set in stone. The amount of stress this added to everyday life was something that bound my former colleagues together in a way that has helped me get through things in my personal life with Dad.
A comment made by one of my old captains was that I dealt with more at the air ambulance than they did on multiple levels, and it was no surprise how I needed time and space from everything to get perspective and move on.
My personal goals have always defaulted to completing tasks and then relaxing only afterward. Compartmentalizing my feelings and emotions as the task was a priority first and foremost. This is necessary for professional aviation, as decisions could indeed impact life and limb – especially in my old life.
Waking up early to care for personal needs before jumping into the day dies hard. I have had issues with energy since covid; while it is better, I still must be careful with how I spend my energy. Sleeping in slightly has allowed for more energy throughout the day and into the early evening.
The restorer reminds me that time and energy management essential for flying is not too different from what is necessary for everyday life.
When focused too much on one aspect of life, such as completing a project, other areas, like personal health, can suffer.
Not long after my dad died, during a routine checkup, my doctor suggested I take antidepressants to get through the emotional issues I was facing. While it was well-meaning and would have been easy for her to prescribe and for me to take, it was not the right decision for me.
Flying requires an FAA medical in addition to a pilot’s license. Medications regularly prescribed, such as antidepressants and even some allergy medicines, are not allowed.
While the FAA has recently changed its stance on some antidepressants and mental health issues, it is still a long way to go to adequately address the humanity necessary to be a professional on the flight deck with compassion.
Recovering from burnout wasn’t something that was on my radar as even a thing. All I knew is I couldn’t go back to how I used to live. Small, daily efforts toward change have certainly been harder than taking a pill, but this is the right decision for me.
I have taken time to listen to and address my needs, first and foremost, since moving to Dayton, and it has been a daily reminder to put my oxygen mask on first.
This has been through small daily processes like eating healthy whole foods regularly and making exercise and sleep priorities.
I have been writing about my changes on Medium, and while it has been a different topic, both issues have dovetailed into one another.
Flying is something I have done my entire life and will continue to do so. It is necessary for me to feel alive and to expand my horizons.
Burnout impacts many of us at one time or another in life. For me, it’s been a matter of changing priorities to get past the situation.
We can indeed do whatever we would like to do in life; there are consequences to our actions. The consequence may be financial, or it could be health correlated. While balance is touted as an ideal, it is not always the be-all or end-all; it is a matter of what is an acceptable trade-off.
What may be an acceptable trade-off in the short term is not always sustainable for the long term.
I was focused on writing an article for Medium in addition to for the website each week during April and could do so. It changed my ability to do other things necessary for my personal well-being. I am happy I did the challenge and will ramp up writing in both locations but had to take a step back to consider other areas that were not being taken care of as well as they should be because of it.
Also, the work on Sis has been at the forefront for some time but is not the only thing going on.
I have not run since covid, and while I have successfully passed my second-class FAA medical with an AME and have been in consult with a doctor, I have not felt it was possible in the recent past. As this appears to be my long covid symptom, I am progressing through it and will eventually run again.
I am looking forward to flying to Fredericksburg, TX, and doing a race in the area combining my two loves once Sis can fly long distances again.
Life is what happens while you are making plans. While goals are reasonable and necessary for progress toward tomorrow, they are not everything.
Making small daily steps towards a larger goal takes time and effort, but compounds interest in efforts. It will take time to change and make significant improvements; time happens regardless. What will you do to make your tomorrow better?
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