Night Hawk

I did my final required solo night flight to achieve my Night Rating – Yea!  It was a nice flight.  The clouds were fairly low at 4000 feet, but the winds were calm.  I flew over my mother’s house and called her to come out and wave at me.  Since it was dark, I didn’t see too much of her (that and the fact she’s so tiny).  She did blink the garage lights at me though.  I headed out to Dunnville and on the way, I circled over a couple houses that had amazing light displays.  The one house had about five cars pulled off to the side of the road, watching the display.  I had a much better view, especially for the lights which covered most of the roof.  I arrived at the Dunnville Airport, which does not have any lights.  I also wasn’t sure if the runway was ploughed, so I didn’t attempt a landing – just a low and over.  I slowly headed back toward St. Catharines.  I noticed an ambulance whipping through the streets around Smithville, so I followed it for a bit.  It got boring after about five minutes, so I continued on back to St. Catharines.  I called the Flying Club to see when they were closing, since I didn’t want my cute little plane left outside overnight.  There was a student flying around in the circuit, so I joined him and did three or four circuits before making a full stop landing.  The flight went really well and it felt great to have achieved my Night Rating.  I’m looking forward to taking my mother and Chuck up at night, especially over Niagara Falls.
I met with my instructor today to complete the paperwork to send to Transport Canada for my rating.  I then wandered over to the airport to visit my new plane (Vyctor).  It was so sad to see him sitting there, without his propeller and magnetos.  He also had his seats removed, the back panel and the ELT (Emergency Locater Transmitter).  I told him his medical would be over with soon, and he could take to the skies once again.  I thought I saw him shed a tear, but realized it was my own due to the fact that it was so darn cold out!  Brrrr!
I was hoping to work overtime at work tonight, however, I was the only person who put in for it.  They weren’t too keen on the idea of having to have a Team Leader there just for one person.  Oh well, I think overtime is being offered in the New Year as well.

Today’s Symptoms:  Feeling pretty darn good!  No bad symptoms to report.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/30/2009 5:14 PM

Happy Boxing Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  My family sure did.  Chuck and I went to my little mother’s house on Christmas morning.  We brought her 56 presents from me and a slew from Chuck.  From the mound of presents under the tree, it was obvious she went all out too!  We started opening pressies around 11:15 and finished around 3:45!!!  It was insane!  My mother bought me a huge pile of the most amazing clothes I’ve ever seen!  I love everything.  I received some really nice and unique jewelery from both Jan and Chuck.  Also, a bunch of great aviation-related books.  Chuck also bought me a Journey Log Book for my new plane! 

The presents under the tree look a little white-ish.  We are all very environmental and used recyclable paper (brown paper and white tissue paper.)  It’s actually an improvement from what I usually use, which is colourful flyers!  I thought I would try to be a little more classy this year.

Here’s a picture of Chuck opening his present from the kids (Mya and Abby, our hairless kitties).  They decided to wrap up one of his own shirts.  It’s one that I really don’t like so when I took it home about two months ago, I decided not to bring it back.  Chuck started to miss it so the kids said they wanted to wrap it up and give it to him for Christmas.  They also gave him a half-eaten chocolate bunny from Easter:

We brought the kids with us and they had a blast running around all day, getting into things.  Here’s a cute shot of Mya in mid-flight:

Here’s a shot of me packing things up after dinner:

Jan bought me the cutest hoodie ever!  (I’m a hoodie-addict, by the way!):

What a perfect day!
I’m hoping the weather is nice tomorrow evening so I can finish my night rating.  My instructor and I went up a couple nights ago and I completed the last two hours I needed for dual night (with an instrutor).  Now I just need one more hour solo night.  Here’s a shot of us heading into Brantford:

Today’s Symptoms: Feeling pretty darn good!  Energy is up and pain is down!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/26/2009 8:38 PM

Yea For Christmas!

I’m such a ditz – I just realized yesterday that Christmas is on Friday and not Saturday like I thought it was!  Duh!  I can’t wait to bring the kids (Mya and Abby) to “grandma’s” house on Friday morning.  I know they’re going to love their pressies!  I still have a few more to wrap for my mother.  I think I have 50 ready and just found a box I had hidden with five or six more.  Unfortunately, my wrapping isn’t very pretty.  I’m big on the environmental-thing, so all my giftages are wrapped in a recyclable paper (almost like blank newspaper) and tissue paper.  Oh well, after a few slugs o’booze, they will start to look more attractive!
I finished up the instrument training I need for my night rating.  My instructor and I still need to do another two hour long night flight, then I need about one more hour at night solo.  I’m sure I can finish it up before the New Year.  What a rush it will be to take up passengers for their first night flight extravaganza!

Speaking of extravaganza, what an extravagant feast Chuck, my mother and I had when we went to The Keg this weekend!   I don’t know how I went so many years without eating steak.  I was going to take a picture of my wonderful meal to post on my blog, but it was almost gone when I remembered:

Not too much else exciting planned for the rest of the week.  I’m just looking forward to relaxing a bit and having some stress-free days.  I facilitated training at work today, so that’s one less thing to worry about.  Also, I found a guest speaker for our RAA meeting in January.  He is a Flight Service Station Specialist at the Niagara District Airport.  I brought the tower-folks some fudge today and was thrilled when he agreed to come and talk to our group!  He’s Fudgetacular!  He is going to be the most Fudgetastic guest speaker EVER! 

Today’s symptoms:  I felt pretty darn good today!  My energy was decent!  Hoping for more of the same for the rest of the week (or preferably the rest of my life!)

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/21/2009 9:43 PM

Elizapooped

I’m feeling very guilty as I missed a day of work due to feeling icky.  I just stayed in bed like a big blob all day.  At least I had my little kitties to keep me company.  I think Mya miscalculated the location of her bum in relation to Abby when she went to sit down today.  Not surprisingly, Abby didn’t seem to mind (although her face looks a little contorted in the first picture):

I was supposed to go flying with my instructor today to get another hour or so in on my night rating.  Of course, it didn’t happen.  Hopefully tomorrow though! 

I just finished another really good book.  The author is Jodi Picoult – she wrote My Sister’s Keeper, which I read about a month ago.  The one I finished today was Nineteen Minutes and just as good as My Sister’s Keeper.  I think I have a couple more of hers to read, plus there are a couple at our library at work.

Not too much new to report on the new plane.  My mechanic has started going over the paperwork and logs.  I don’t think he will be flyable (the plane, not my mechanic)until mid to late January.  It’s all good though, I’m patient!

Today’s symptoms:  I was just rather weak today, thus I missed going to work. 
*** lowers head in shame ***

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/17/2009 8:29 PM

RAA Christmas Party!

What a wonderful weekend.  I went to my friend’s birthday party on Friday night and had a blast.  Wonderful company and great food – what more could you ask for?  Last night we had our annual RAA Christmas party.  Yet again – wonderful company and great food!  It was such a nice turn-out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  While waiting for Santa to come out, I had to briefly entertain the crowd.  I tried desperately to sell my Cessna 150 to my fellow aviation folks.  I even offered to throw in a free case of oil with the purchase!  Unfortunately, no takers.  I’m sure one lucky person will come along soon and give the plane a nice home.  Anyway, Santa came out and we drew ticket numbers for the gifts.  There was more than enough to go around to each couple.  Everyone seemed happy with the selection. 

It really was a great evening.  We have our regular monthly RAA meeting tomorrow night.  It’s just going to be casual.  I have put together a Jeopardy game with aviation related topics.  Hopefully it will go over well with the group and I don’t end up being impeached!  I’m not ready to lose my Presidency yet!

Today was nice – I went to Fonthill to visit my little mother.  She just got back yesterday from her two week vacation to Florida.  She went with her sister and hit every mall and shopping centre in the area!  I was surprised when she agreed to go to the Seaway Mall with me today.  I figured she would have been shopped-out for the rest of the year!

Today’s symptoms: I actually felt pretty good considering my social outings over the last couple of nights.  The only symptom that I dealt with today was super-sensitivity on my upper right arm.  Usually I get this on the fronts of my thighs.  I guess it wanted to try somewhere new!  I hope to get a good sleep tonight as it’s my day off tomorrow and I’m heading over to the States with a friend so she can finish up her Christmas shopping.

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/13/2009 8:43 PM

The Eagle Has Landed

The big day arrived!  We weren’t too sure if it was actually going to happen or not due to the poopy weather.  Chuck, my flight instructor and I all met at the Niagara District Airport at 7:00am.  We made a quick stop at Timmy’s then made the long, four hour drive down to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.  About half way there, John phoned for an aviation weather briefing.  The clouds were almost touching the tops of the mountains.  It was not looking good.  Regardless, we were very relieved to arrive at the Skyhaven Airport and see little Vyctor, patiently waiting for us.   Mind you, it was nice to see the seller waiting for us too!

Here we are going over the log books, recent annual inspection and other paperwork:

It was quite nippy out.  I do believe the next picture is of me wiping away a tear caused by the cold air.  Either that or I was just having a good cry over the walk-around inspection I was about to commence:

Here I am checking the oil.

To my delight, there was some!

After inspecting the plane and chatting with Scott, John and I managed to figure out the harness system, strapped ourselves in and made our way over to the runway.  The run-up went well with no issues.  We cranked him up and barreled down the 2007 foot runway, lifting off about half way down.  Vyctor handled great!  I could tell he was a little heavier than my other plane, but seemed very maneuverable.  We were able to climb to about 3500 feet for the majority of the two hour flight home.  I wasn’t too eager to get back, since I knew I wouldn’t been flying this plane again for one to two months.  Regardless, it was a long day and it was nice to see the Niagara District Airport.  Here we are in the circuit for runway 06:

It was really depressing to know that this would be my first and final landing in Vyctor for a while.  This is when I decided that since we were a few minutes early from the touchdown time we provided to Customs of 2:30, that perhaps I would do a quick low-and-over.  After doing a quick circuit, I flew around again for the landing.  Just as I was approaching the runway threshold, a cute, little coyote scampered across the runway.  I adjusted my landing to touch-down further down the runway, in case Mr. Fluffy Paws decided to frolic back the other way.  We taxied over to the Terminal and were shocked to see two Customs Officers already there.  I felt so bad about doing the extra circuit, since I made them wait an extra 5 – 6 minutes.  They were really nice though and I told them the extra circuit was done to wish Vyctor a fond farewell, before being poked and prodded by the mechanic. 

Once cleared by Customs (it only took a few minutes), we taxied over to the hangar where he will be chilling out for the next month or two.  My other plane was in there so we pulled her out and ushered Vyctor in.  He looked so cute in his new home!

Poor ol’ Chuck made it home about two hours after me.  Mind you, it wouldn’t have been quite as long if he wasn’t busted for speeding by the New York State Police.  He said the Officer was very nice though.  He told her about my new plane and gave her a card which lists my website.  After he wiped away the tears, he headed back on his way to St. Catharines.

Chuck took a nice video of our take off from Pennsylvania.  I will post it on the next blog entry!

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling pretty good!  My energy was better than it was for the previous week or so.  Mind you, once I got back to the apartment, I totally crashed.  I’m sure I’ll be pooped tomorrow, but it will be well worth it!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/8/2009 8:46 PM

Take-Off Video

Sorry for not posting the take-off video yesterday as promised.  I plopped it onto my homepage, so please check it out!

It looks like the winter weather has finally hit us here in Niagara.  We didn’t get much snow in St. Catharines today, but the winds have just been a’howling!  It has been gusting up to 90km/h and it’s below freezing.  Brrrr!  I’m so glad we brought the new plane home and into his nice, warm hangar.  Who knows how long this yuck-o weather will last!

I’m keeping it short tonight (just like my mother), as I have some work related stuff to do before beddie-time.

Symptoms for today: Not as achy as I have been – yea!  The fatigue was pretty bad today though.  No new symptoms to report – another yea!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/10/2009 9:14 PM

The Eagle Has Landed

The big day arrived!  We weren’t too sure if it was actually going to happen or not due to the poopy weather.  Chuck, my flight instructor and I all met at the Niagara District Airport at 7:00am.  We made a quick stop at Timmy’s then made the long, four hour drive down to Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.  About half way there, John phoned for an aviation weather briefing.  The clouds were almost touching the tops of the mountains.  It was not looking good.  Regardless, we were very relieved to arrive at the Skyhaven Airport and see little Vyctor, patiently waiting for us.   Mind you, it was nice to see the seller waiting for us too!

Here we are going over the log books, recent annual inspection and other paperwork:

It was quite nippy out.  I do believe the next picture is of me wiping away a tear caused by the cold air.  Either that or I was just having a good cry over the walk-around inspection I was about to commence:

Here I am checking the oil.

To my delight, there was some!

After inspecting the plane and chatting with Scott, John and I managed to figure out the harness system, strapped ourselves in and made our way over to the runway.  The run-up went well with no issues.  We cranked him up and barreled down the 2007 foot runway, lifting off about half way down.  Vyctor handled great!  I could tell he was a little heavier than my other plane, but seemed very maneuverable.  We were able to climb to about 3500 feet for the majority of the two hour flight home.  I wasn’t too eager to get back, since I knew I wouldn’t been flying this plane again for one to two months.  Regardless, it was a long day and it was nice to see the Niagara District Airport.  Here we are in the circuit for runway 06:

It was really depressing to know that this would be my first and final landing in Vyctor for a while.  This is when I decided that since we were a few minutes early from the touchdown time we provided to Customs of 2:30, that perhaps I would do a quick low-and-over.  After doing a quick circuit, I flew around again for the landing.  Just as I was approaching the runway threshold, a cute, little coyote scampered across the runway.  I adjusted my landing to touch-down further down the runway, in case Mr. Fluffy Paws decided to frolic back the other way.  We taxied over to the Terminal and were shocked to see two Customs Officers already there.  I felt so bad about doing the extra circuit, since I made them wait an extra 5 – 6 minutes.  They were really nice though and I told them the extra circuit was done to wish Vyctor a fond farewell, before being poked and prodded by the mechanic. 
Once cleared by Customs (it only took a few minutes), we taxied over to the hangar where he will be chilling out for the next month or two.  My other plane was in there so we pulled her out and ushered Vyctor in.  He looked so cute in his new home!

Poor ol’ Chuck made it home about two hours after me.  Mind you, it wouldn’t have been quite as long if he wasn’t busted for speeding by the New York State Police.  He said the Officer was very nice though.  He told her about my new plane and gave her a card which lists my website.  After he wiped away the tears, he headed back on his way to St. Catharines.

Chuck took a nice video of our take off from Pennsylvania.  I will post it on the next blog entry!

Today’s symptoms:  Feeling pretty good!  My energy was better than it was for the previous week or so.  Mind you, once I got back to the apartment, I totally crashed.  I’m sure I’ll be pooped tomorrow, but it will be well worth it!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/8/2009 8:46 PM

New Plane Comin’ Home!

I’m so sorry to my devoted followers of my lack of bloggage this weekend.  I was feeling quite yucky physically and emotionally and didn’t get to writing an entry.  Please find it in your wonderful hearts to forgive me.

It looks like we’ll be going down to Pennsylvania to pick up the new plane tomorrow!  I just hope the weather decides to co-operate.  So far it looks ok.  Chuck will be driving my friend and I down there.  My friend (and flight instructor) has his US pilot license and Ferry Permit, so we’ll be able to fly the US registered plane into Canada.  The drive is a little over four hours down, then about two hours to fly back.  I’ve already contacted Customs in Canada and gave them the details of the import.  We will call them back when we land in St. Catharines and they will send an officer out to meet us.  We hope to be back to Canada before 4:00pm.  The hard part will be getting out of the plane once we land, because I won’t be flying it again for at least a month.  It needs to have another inspection, checked out by Transport Canada then have the paperwork for the registration completed.  I hope to have my other plane sold by then.  I’m looking forward to her finding a new and loving home, as she had with me over the last sixteen months.  Mind you, I still haven’t had the nerve to break the news to her, that I’m letting her go!  She’ll be devastated!  I will always cherish the memories with her.

So there we have it!  I will certainly post tomorrow with pictures and details of the day.  Stay tuned!

Today’s symptoms:  My body aches are a little better.  Yesterday I was really down emotionally, which hasn’t happened in a very long time.  I think I’ve just been stressed about getting the new plane, selling the other one, projects at work, etc.  I shall sleep well tonight and be bright eyed and bushy tailed tomorrow!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/7/2009 7:18 PM

New Plane Update

I’m having a bit of a rough go symptom-wise right now.  This will be day two of some of the worst fatigue and body aches I’ve experienced in a while.  I’ve decided that tomorrow will be a better day!  It must!  I need to be good-to-go physically for the transport of my new plane either Friday or Sunday.  I just received word from the seller that the inspection of the plane is complete and things are looking good!  My instructor (who has the necessary Ferry Permit to transport the plane into Canada) and I will hopefully obtain Vyctor in less than a week.  I have found an extra hangar space for the next few months, until I sell my other Cessna 150 (hopefully soon!)

It’s been determined that I will have to go back to Toronto to see Jersey Boys again.  I recently emailed “Frankie Valli” and told him how much I enjoyed watching him in the production.  He informed me that I did not actually see him, as he does not perform in the Wednesday and Saturday afternoon shows.  The other actor was great, but now I will have to see it again with Jeff Madden as Frankie.  I included my website in my email to him and now he probably thinks I’m a blonde ditz (it’s natural blonde, though!)  So there you have it, I now have a few reasons to go back and see the show again:
1. To see Jeff perform as Frankie Valli
b. To fly my plane into a big, yucky Toronto airport (Downsview)
4. To actually land at a big, yucky Toronto airport.
I will make a request to the Downsview Tower folks that they waive the landing fee, due to my generous support of Toronto’s Theatrical society.  I’m sure they’ll go for it!  Just, pray tell, how could they deny me of that?!

We are all decked out for Christmas at work, as much as we can be.  We are no longer able to have lights on our Christmas trees, due to fire hazards or some such thing.  I have contributed my own highly classy and tasteful Christmas tree for my team, to make up for the light-denial imposed upon us:

We will be purchasing gifts and food for two in-need families again this year.  This has been a very fulfilling experience during the previous years, and we always have an excellent turnout from almost everyone in the office. 

That’s my update for now.  My little goobers are sitting peacefully on the corner of the bed, so I should be able to crash comfortably, without imposing on their precious space:

Today’s symptoms: Unfortunately I feel like caa-caa again today (bad fatigue and body aches) but as I mentioned earlier, it WILL be better tomorrow!

Posted by Lizzy McFly at 12/2/2009 3:42 PM