Mike's Flying Page
Burning avgas - what a hoot!
Private Pilot
Long ago and far away, a friend of mine was building flying hours towards his commercial pilot certificate (pilot's license). One day he invited me to come along - I was hooked! Unfortunately, it was not possible at the time for me to pursue becoming a pilot. Instead I bought a series of boats and my family and I had many wonderful times on the water.
Years later my situation changed and I was able to get my pilot certificate. I started my ground school in January of 2006, my first flight was in February 2006.
It didn't take me long to realize that I wanted my own plane. It's nice to get to know a vehicle, learn all its idiosyncrasies. Once you become familiar with it you feel more comfortable, it is easier to tell when something just doesn't seem right. I purchased my Cessna 150 in February of 2007.
Once I purchased my aviation GPS I have been able to keep track of my flights. The map shows where I have flown since I got the GPS. Unfortunately I have no record of flight paths before that time. I do, however, have pictures. So have a look at my flying pictures; I hope you enjoy them.
My first meeting with 5437Q - Isn't she a beauty?
I knew what I would name her the moment I met her.
I bought her and named her Li'l Red
At Klamath Falls Airport
Picture Links
The thing is, I wanted to retire someday, and owning an aircraft is a rather expensive hobby. Also, Laurie would not fly in the plane. When I traveled in the plane, I went by myself.
So, all good things must come to an end. In August of 2018 I sold Li'l Red. We had a good run, over 11 years, and it was time to say goodbye.
So - was Mike done flying?
No Way!
I found the perfect solution!
Meet Rufus T. Firefly
(sorry Groucho!)
Rufus is an Ultralight Vehicle, not a certified aircraft, and as such is flown under 14 CFR Part 103 - Ultralight Vehicles. Though I have a pilot's license, it is not required to fly an ultralight. However, anyone considering flying an ultralight should get training before attempting to fly.
Some of the great things about Rufus is that it folds up and fits into a trailer that I haul behind the RV. That way Laurie can travel with me and I can still go flying. Also, being an ultralight, I can do all the maintenance myself. That way when it came time to retire I could still fly my own vehicle without the costs associated with owning a certified aircraft.
At Sheboygan County Airport - Sheboygan WI
Picture Links
While flying Rufus was great fun and an inexpensive way to fly, on March 11 2026 I sold Rufus. It's now in Idaho where I'm sure the new owner will have tons of fun flying it.
So back to the question "Is Mike done with flying?" Again, the answer is NO! It is my intention to purchase another small aircraft, such as a Cessna 150, and fly that until I'm too old to do so. In preparation I have recently had a flight review and a physical for my Basic Medical (link opens on a new tab). I am now legal to fly certified aircraft again! I am now actively looking for the new-to-me aircraft.