Mornin' Irish. "I feel your pain". A couple weeks ago, I went out early in the AM. I was headed to work but had to drop off my trainer for our annual FAA Careers in Aviation Day at the field. 34 kids ranging from 9 to 17 years old, gifted kids, that have aspirations for engineering or aviation or both. Anyway, I wanted to make sure all was right befor I turned it over to the one of the club AMA instructors. So, I fueled it up, check everything, and put it in the air.

Shortly thereafter, it fell out of the sky. I was on channel 48, which has been a bit troublesome at times at our field for some reason, and lost everything but the throttle when I was going from right to left after take off and initial turn. When I hit mid field, things started to happen, and by the time I was to the left, all I had was throttle. So, I watched it go in. Painful. This was the only 'real' trainer that was going out that day, so it was painful to both me and for the kids. But, the club managed with a Tiger II I believe, and another low-wing aircraft that was easy to control.. and of course, on the buddy box for the kids.

So, things happen. In my case, I gotta say that most of my crashes, (not that many.. but it sounds bad) have happened in the early morning, and on the first flight, with the exception of my Venus 40 pattern trainer. I did that in on the 5th or so flight.

Aaaanyway, cheer up. Think of that cup of Starbucks Komoto Dragon, a nice plate of pancakes, butter, maple syrup, and a couple of over-easy eggs and some nice Virginia Ham to go with it. Yum.. jeech.. is it breakfast time yet?

Dick.