Hello from KUUU - Newport

[GraemeSmith]

Graeme Smith - based KUUU - Newport, RI

Originally from Scotland - I've been US naturalized since June 6th 2006 having moved here in 2001 (Green Card). I have my own small business offering business process consulting and IT services.

Flying for me was bucket list item started in Sept 2010 when a few friends started to drop by the wayside. PPL July 5th 2011.

I'm now about 1,850 hours, tail and complex endorsed with PIC in about 27 models. I like positive G aerobatics. Well up to about 4G after that - I don't do it enough to stay fit and keep my "ear" in balance. I've taken IFR training but never took the rating. A mixture of the difficulties of staying current at a level that would satisfy my personal minimums and spending the funds on a lot of other opportunities. I does mean I've had to seriously sit out weather on trips twice. But in 8 years with about 25 "trips" - it's a price I will pay. I like to throw a tent and folding bike in a plane and see where I end up.

I never quite finished that float rating - though I plug away at it every summer - maybe THIS year!

About 80+ Young Eagles flown in the EAA program. 5 that I know of are now PPL with three trying for aviation as a career.

I'm a volunteer member of the FAASafety Team at the Boston FSDO and have some WINGS presentations based on personal experience about:

- Engine out over the mountains
- Aeromedical factors for flying warbirds
- ADM when trying to outfly a hurricane

My "New England Runabout" - a C150 just headed to the salvage company after an incident with a perimeter fence after I aborted a take off having decided it was a better option than the trees. (Sounds a bit glib - believe me - this led to an intense period of personal re-evaluation and personal minimum checks as well as a requested peer review.). There is a WINGS talk in that I'm sure - when I get the chance to put it together.

I have a conditional offer in on a Sonex A right now to replace her. I've been ready to go Experimental for a while and it was always going to be on the basis of buying. I have the utmost admiration for those of you who build. Pretty sure I have the skillset (past life fixing up cars in my youth, some hands on marine engineering when I was at sea and a period custom yacht building being a contributing factors) - but I really want to fly - not build.

I'm a strong believer in the experience and wisdom offered by type clubs - and that's why I am here.

[Bryan Cotton]

Graeme,
Welcome to the group! Hope you find the right Sonex for your needs.

[rwthomas1]

Hello Graeme!
I've met you a few times at UUU. I finished up my PPL there with Andy Mara at Newport Aviation. Sorry to hear about the 150. I know she was your pride and joy, and quite nice. I'm currently in a 172 club, 79178, out of OQU, the Drago' s do all our maintenance.

I'd like to hear about your Sonex. There is a fairly active New England Sonex group. Mike Smith seems to be the official/unofficial Grand Poobaa, and he does a fine job I might add. If you are not already in touch with him and on the NE email list, let me know. He may find this thread anyway....

I have a legacy Sonex kit I purchased 80% complete. Converting from trigear/AeroVee to taildragger/six cylinder. It's it pieces in my garage.

Glad to see you went experimental!

Rob Thomas

[Rynoth]

Welcome Graeme! Where in Scotland are you from? My family and I actually just came back from (my first) vacation to Scotland in May, really enjoyed our time there! My wife's grandparents live in Aberlour.

Welcome to the forum!

[GraemeSmith]

Rob - Hey! Small world. Yep - I know Mike Smith well at 6B6 - I'm actually a member of their EAA chapter.

Rynoth - nothing too romantic. Glasgow,

--

And hopefully if the weather plays - I am picking up a 2015 Sonex A in NC at the end of the week.