11/6/05 CAP Squadron Leadership School - The Civil Air Patrol 248th Tac Air Senior Squadron of Shawano hosted squadron leadership school this weekend. Presenters talked about all aspects of CAP. It was a detailed 16-hour course. It made for two long days but I was glad I attended. I learned a lot! I met CAP members from all over the state.

11/11/05 Fridays at Iola - Two weeks ago, on October 28th, I was surprised to find out how many people and airplanes gather at Central County Aiport (68C) in Iola each Friday. I had heard about the gatherings before, and finally I flew in solo on the 28th. There were at least 20 airplanes and probably 100 people at the little grass airport for their big weekly lunch. Today, November 11th, I flew there with one of my students. Again there were lots of people (we could hardly get a word in edgewise on the radio)! This time lunch was delicious ribs, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and ice cream. I've decided that Friday lunch at Iola is definitely one of the area's best-kept secrets and one of the best spots for a hundred-dollar hamburger... or roast beef dinner... or rib sandwich... or Christmas potluck...

Take a look at the Central County Flyers web site. It's easy to become a member - just show up and pay $10 in dues. Lunch is served around noon but pilots gather early. It's all you can eat for $6, rain or shine, fly in or drive in.

11/30/05 The Big 4-0 - Well, 400, that is. Today my imaginary Hobbs meter just clicked over past 400. Yep, I've reached 400 total flight hours! My logbook is just over half full. I've logged 667 landings. Jeez. Every hundred hours is a milestone, but I'm not even halfway to the magic 1,000 that can qualify a person for the next rung of the aviation career ladder. When I hit 900, then I'll really feel accomplished.

Meanwhile things have slowed down a bit as the sky spits out snow every few days. When I do fly, I have to remember to plug the airplane in and throw a blanket over the cowl, plus wear my good ol' long johns to stay semi-warm. I've only logged about five hours in the past couple weeks. I did have a discovery flight today that should lead to a new student, but I know that flying can be sporadic over the winter no matter how many students you have. Therefore, I'm looking into teaching an introductory aviation course at UW-Fox Valley. Something to keep the money coming, keep me busy, and possibly create a couple new flight students. I still have to figure out the details.

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