Wasn't even sure where to put it, but ownership seems OK.
I wish I could say that I was buying a kick as 4-seat backcountry bomber, but alas....even that doesn't fit with what I am after really.
I have been finding that my flying is actually decreasing, for a number of reasons. One, I'm just too damn busy. Some new big things at work that I am at the head of, and I already had a busy work schedule. I have a 7 and 4 yo girls, in all manner of dance, soccer, piano, etc. And, I have a really hot...really sweet wife....that is my partner in it all (which I want to keep happy forever).
The amount of time I can dedicate to two-seat (one usually empty - e.g. flying just for myself) is really slim right now. But, the wife has warmed to flying a bit, including taking the kids. But, in that quasi-logical but somewhat warped mentality, she would rather we ALL fly, rather than just me an one kid, or worse for her - the two parents (leaving the kids on the edge of orphanship at any second!). I get it. Even if I didn't get it, it wouldn't change it. So, a 4-seater would be nice.
We also have family and friends around CA, and we like to travel. Usually, it's commercial, and if you are taking the kids - its not cheap. I hate driving - even just the 3.5hr trip to my parents (where I have a 1300ft hard dirt/grass strip with a clear approach).
Further...I travel to SoCal every other week for 2 nights/3days of work on average. I fly myself once and a while. But in a 95mph airplane - its a haul.
And...adding to that....I miss aerobatics. I like BC flying more, but, I like acro once and a while.
So, complex mission profile...what's a guy to do.
There's more. When I took part of our nest egg to finish the plane, I promised my wife I would fly it for a few years, then get a partner. I know the P word. But, that's the promise I made. I keep my promises - especially to my wife. So...I started looking for a partner.
In that process, I came across a group here in Sac, that's been around for almost 20yrs. They are really unique (at least I've not seen much like them). They own and operate about 9-10 airplanes. An S7 (stock, but still usable in the backcountry), An RV-4 (180hp/CS
), a -6, -8, -10, a Bonanza, a Stearman, a twin, culver cadet, 172, and soon, an RV12 and Cub. Yeah, that's what I said...fun. I've taken the time over the past few months to get to know them (and them me). They are a great bunch of folks. Social, reasonable, a strong history, a great philosophy on such a group (its pluses and it's minuses), and....they now seem to like me. I was voted to become a member unanimously two nights ago.
I had hoped they would actually buy my plane and sell their S7, but that's a bit complicated for them right now. They do, however, rotate planes out every so often, and look for something new. I am hoping to introduce more of them to the backcountry and get them to buy a Bearhawk in the future...but I digress.
So, I am selling my plane (I can't do both) and joining this group. It will allow me to do a lot of the things that fit my "needs", particularly share aviation more with my family. I can still go to Idaho - in an S7. I won't be bombing around Kevins circuits (at least not all the LZ's), but...hey. That's life. Get to go do some acro and light my pants on fire in an RV-4. I get to travel at near 200mph with the family in 1hr to my parents place. And so on.
The cost is extremely reasonable for what you get.
There are downsides, and I've analyzed them (emotionally and on spreadsheets
) endlessly. Change in life is good. Expanding your experience in aircraft/aviation is also good.
I ain't going anywhere. I hope actually to drag a lot of the group to JC next summer to "hook" them on the backcountry so we can add a reall BC plane to the mix. In January, I am doing the monthly "safety" seminar (actually, they are more about just learning about different aspects of flying than just/only safety). I am doing it on "First Timers Guide to the Idaho Backcountry". Let the brainwashing begin.
That's the story!!!
Now, someone buy my plane
