Our focus has been getting Sis flying for so long, and it’s almost here, so what’s next? The short answer is everything!
Goals are dreams with specific steps put on their path.
Regular Flights for Maintenance:
The restorer emphasizes that flying both the Cub and Sis for about an hour a week is essential to keep them in good flying condition. In Sis’ case, it’ll take time to work through issues arising from her hibernation.
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.
Flying more regularly is certainly something I’m looking forward to. Even if we are staying close to home at first, I am excited to find my rhythm in the air again.
Staying Close to Home and Reconnecting:
Until Sis is more reliable, we will be staying close to home. Dropping in on local airports, especially where friends are based, is something I’m looking forward to. Heading down to Waynesville where I got my tailwheel signoff, and stopping by friends’ hangars to say hello will likely recharge batteries more than we realize.
Following the Flavor – the $100 Hamburger:
Flying for the $100 hamburger is a great way to explore new foods (or in this case revisit favorites) and maintain flying skills. While I love my new home in Ohio, I miss the onion rings from Portillos. Fort Wayne, Indiana, about an hour’s flight in Sis, is the closest location to our home.
I am looking forward to a favorite guilty pleasure without heading back to Chicagoland.
Exploring New Destinations:
While the restorer delves into manuals in the evenings, discussions of interesting places to go have started to become more vivid and attainable. The list of potential flights is expanding within my flight planning software, Foreflight. Familiarizing myself again with its capabilities and discovering new features at a leisurely pace has been quite fun!
Setting Aviation Goals:
Aside from making the trip back to friends and family in the Chicago area more attainable, I’ve been dreaming about flying myself to races for some time now. The restorer has mentioned finding museums along the way, which would interest him, too. As Sis gets more comfortable in the skies again, we are looking forward to ticking some places off of our bucket list.
Dreaming of Different Places:
I’ve always got my head in the clouds thinking of places to go and experience – it helps me to push towards my goals.
Some places like Catalina Island and Fredricksburg, TX are down the road, we talking more seriously about locations closer to home.
I have heard of Put in Bay but have yet to explore there. The restorer said it’s an hour flight in the Bonanza and worthy of a visit.
While we have both been to Lake Geneva before, we are looking forward to returning together. It is a longer flight than Put In Bay so it’ll be down the road for us.
Prioritizing Health and Wellness:
Getting back to basics by devoting intentional time to health and wellness focusing on specifics like daily steps, and mindful use of technology and concerted periods of rest are a priority in the upcoming year. I am signing up for races through the year and kicking things off with a winter steps challenge to reset my personal health goals.
Adventurous Goals and Races:
Medals earned from past races hang in my office and beckon a revisit of some old favorites while exploring new challenges.
Races have been on my mind, beginning with shorter, likely local races, like 5K’s and 10Ks, with time and training working back up to half marathons.
The restorer has mentioned other locations he would like to visit, finding new races in conjunction sounds like a fun way to explore!
Writing the Aviation Journey:
I have been steadily writing about our journey here, but I am looking forward to spending more focused time writing and possibly on other areas of social media after her freedom flight takes place.
Life Happens While Planning:
Life is without a doubt what happens while we are making plans. Having moments to look forward can put the here and now into perspective.
New Year Traditions and Aviation Aspirations:
On past New Year’s days, I found myself signing up for races for the upcoming year and going for a run with a dear running buddy. This year, if the weather allows, we will be flying (one of the restorer’s traditions) but I’ll be signing up for races, too.
Continuous Improvement in Aircraft Ownership:
Even after the annual is completed, we will continue to work on Sis, making improvements to one area at a time. While she is in an airworthy condition there are still areas that can be made better and the list of improvements has been started. We will do everything to keep Sis flying primarily but will work on small projects when weather permits.
Forecasting and Improving:
Like home ownership, aircraft ownership – especially antique or vintage ownership – means forecasting and improving a bit at a time. The restorer has been looking for some items we would like to focus on in the near term. Everything will work out; it’s just a matter of how and when.
As we embark on this new year, filled with aviation dreams and personal goals, the journey ahead promises excitement, adventure, and continuous improvement. Here’s to a year of soaring higher, both in the skies and our personal aspirations.
What are your personal goals for the next year? What foods, activities or places do you dream of?
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