As I write this, the restorer is wrapping up the Cub’s annual inspection for the year, including a set of fresh new tires.
Last year, Sis got new tires, and just like siblings one had to have what the other had.
It took time to source these — our original supplier was out of stock uncertain when they would be restocked, so we ended up paying more to get them from another supplier.
But that’s the reality of aviation projects.
They take time, patience, and often, an adjustment to plans along the way.
In the hangar, parts are sorted and cataloged, and while pieces for the Aeronca Chief project are changing gears, we’re still focused on keeping progress steady without losing sight of our sanity.
It’s tempting to dive right into projects, yet there’s a need to step back now and then, to look at systems and processes, not just the pieces.
For someone like me, whose nature is to act, taking the time to assess rather than react can feel like a delay.
Yet, building a sustainable system is key — it allows for greater efficiency and better outcomes over time.
Reflecting on Focus and Goals
When I first started this blog, my approach to life was simple: each day, I focused on one physical goal, one mental goal, and something reflective.
However, as our work began to deepen with Sis, our 1947 Beech Bonanza, my priorities shifted.
The restorer and I found ourselves increasingly entwined in shared aviation goals.
These goals required not just technical dedication but also a balance of physical and mental resiliencence — getting enough sleep, eating right, and stepping away to recharge, all part of the formula for sustainable progress.
It’s no secret that mental health is gaining long-overdue recognition in professional aviation circles, but it’s still a work in progress.
Balancing schedules has been a challenge for me, especially since the restorer’s timeline impacts mine.
Last weekend, a little break spent with my cousins provided a much-needed opportunity to take a step back, reflect, and think about what’s working well and what needs adjusting.
Getting out for a walk with my cousin reminded me how simple activities can help refocus and reenergize, both mentally and physically.
Rethinking Time and Energy
Time and energy are finite resources, and the way we choose to use them shapes what we can accomplish.
What can be delegated? How do we ensure that time spent matters, whether it’s for work, projects, or health?
Failing to plan is planning to fail, as the saying goes.
In professional settings, I’ve always had backup systems in place.
Why should daily life be any different?
Recently, I ran into a friend at the airport, and our conversation drifted to the topic of professionalism in aviation. This field is more than a hobby; it’s a lifestyle.
For those passionate about general aviation, it’s about more than just flying.
It’s the fulfillment and peace we find aloft, making all the hard work and discipline necessary, both on the ground and in the air, to safely take to the skies worth it.
Especially in challenging moments, a commitment to professionalism, regardless of the type of aircraft being flown, promotes a safer environment.
At our local airport, like so many others, it’s the people who bring everything together. It’s these small communities that remind us what truly matters.
We don’t own the projects we take on — we are caretakers for them, preserving a legacy for the next generation. Working on Sis, the Cub, and our Chief project is as much about the memories we create as it is about the milestones we reach.
Systems and Adaptability
Reflecting on this past year, I’m reminded that the systems I used professionally are still relevant in daily life.
I’ve started dedicating time each week outside of writing to studying, realizing that a systematic approach allows me to accomplish more.
Previously, I looked at each task one at a time; now I’m seeing the bigger picture and how smaller tasks support larger goals. Like errands — while not charming, batching them with meal planning frees up energy and time for aviation.
Education is also a priority. I miss the focus that came from base months and annual training that comes with flying professionally. Creating a specialized program using available web based training will help get my mind back in the game. Online modules from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation and the FAA’s Wings program offer flexible ways to stay engaged, along with resources from type organizations, like the American Bonanza Society providing aircraft specific knowledge.
These programs allow me to stay engaged even when I can’t be hands-on in the hangar.
Live webinars from the FAA and EAA are on our radar, though our schedule hasn’t quite lined up with them yet.
The seeds of learning at this point in life are being sown, little by little.
Embracing Change
Taking a step back last weekend allowed me to think critically about what’s working and what needs changing. The only constant in life is change — a truth I’m being reminded of again firsthand.
The routines that fit a different environment don’t necessarily work in my current setting, and that’s okay. With time, we grow, our priorities shift, and our surroundings evolve.
A decade ago, I ran my first marathon. I’m no longer as physically fit, but the mental fortitude I built back then still guides me. Just like during those long miles, I now break down big goals into manageable parts, allowing myself to look at the big picture while tackling what’s right in front of me.
Moving Forward
Restoration projects, aviation, and even life itself all require patience, adaptability, and resilience. They are journeys of progress, a collection of small victories and lessons learned. Stepping back to assess where we are is as valuable as moving forward, for it’s through both that we truly grow and build something lasting.
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