How many pilots are in the group?

[Martyberg]

Sure Howard, will let you know if I come your way again😃

[rbouch8828]

I have a Commercial Instrument Certificate with Complex endorsement. I mostly flew Mooney, C182 and C206. Lost my medical about 8 years ago due to meds I take. If I can get rid of the meds, I can get back to flying. I miss it. Got my Private in 1974.

Two years ago a Boston TV Station contacted me to ask if I would fly their drone under a Part 333 exemption, so I filed the papers for the exemption and flew under that and then last year I received my Part 107 UAS Pilot Certificate. I have been doing stories for them, off and on as a commercial drone pilot, ever since.

[Flyair]

Roland,

That sounds like a nice conversion!

[Howard Long]

Roland,

That is a great way to use your fling experience.  I read recently that there is a shortage of qualified technicians to work on drones.  There are so many drones now used in the agricultural areas.

Howard

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Howard,
I am retired from South African Airways after 40 years of flying. Restored a few 190SLs, Pagodas and Cabrios. Also restored a J3 Cub, Super Cub and a Tiger Moth.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[rbouch8828]

Hi Chris,

I know a fellow who lives in Cape Town and who flies. Last time we spoke he had a Cessna 210. He owns a company called Data Vault, name is Ivan Bridgens.

Best,
RB

[Kevkeller]

Just saw this.  I currently fly MD11’s with UPS. I started flying P-3’s in the Navy in 1990. Then flew DC-8’s with Connie Kalitta.

I live in Honolulu.  I was in France last August and went flying with a friend over the beaches of Normandy. After landing there was a Tiger Moth getting refueled.  I went up and chatted with the guy.  He was taking it back to Toulouse from England and offered to take me. I still kick myself for not saying HELL YES.  He was  a retired KLM 747 pilot and we had flown many of the same aircraft. I hope I get that opportunity again.

[Kevkeller]

Hi Charles,
Yes I was at Barbers Pt. in VP-22 from ‘90-‘93. One tour and I was RIF-ed …because of the peace dividend. I stayed in Oahu.

1994 was a hard year for aviation to find work. Finally I got on with Kalitta in ‘95. I really had a good time and learned a lot about civil aviation. I flew out of Miami to South and Central America. Eventually made captain then got on with UPS in ‘98.

Sorry about your medical issue. Even more sorry you’re with the FAA now. Lol, just kidding. Hope you’re doing good.

Did you happen to know a Jacksonville P-3 pilot named Van Jacks? Same time as you were there. We were partners in VT-31.

Kevin

[Charles 230SL]

kevin, sorry, but I didn't know Van Jacks,,you gotta remember, there were a lot of JO's at Jax back then - 7 squadrons including VP30.

Several guys from my squadron went to VP31 you may have crossed paths with; Joe Fricke, Chuck Mercer,,. James Wilkerson went to Wing One ASWOC there at Barbers. He was probably your DBO a time or two..  losing the medical was tough but the FAA has been great. I've been working the ADS-B program these last 4 years now. I think most of the UPS fleet are equipped - a lot of work (and $!) went into STC's and equip for those freighters. stay safe, Charles     

[Kevkeller]

I didn’t think you’d know him but you never know. Thanks for your work on ADS-B. I know the Mad Dog has it. We use it crossing Australia.

This whole FANS-1/A thing is awesome.  About to use it from ONT-HNL in about 2 hours.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi RB,
No unfortunately I have not met Ivan yet.
Since retirement 3 years ago, sold my hangar and airplanes, moved to a small town, Mossel Bay about 300 km from Cape Town.
Regards
Chris

[Dash808]

Nice thread and good to see lots of fellow aviators!

Currently A321 Captain for Hawaiian Airlines.   My grandfather was a Hump pilot in WWII, Step father flew P-3's & for Delta, and his father also flew in WWII.  I guess it was inevitable for me, but beats working for a living