Preflight

Greetings. I have created this blog for two purposes: to allay concerns and worry by loved ones (especially Collin's mom, and ok, my mom), and to provide relevant information for other prospective aviators who may wish to, but are fearful of, flying around Mexico and Central America.

A couple of months ago, after a successful adventure through Thailand (that is a completely different story), I decided that I wanted to fly my plane to Central and possibly South America. For those of you who know me, this probably is not a huge surprise. Why do it? If one considers the opportunity for finding surf, sun, sand, and interesting people, coupled with the adventure of flying internationally (and across open water), the more reasonable question becomes, why not do it?

The cast of characters consists of me, Collin, and my plane. I assume if you are reading this, you know me (John). I am an instrument rated pilot with about 500 hours, mostly in my 200 HP 1964 Mooney M20E (tail number N7154U). I have been flying for about three years. Collin, my copilot and friend, is 23, is a CFII (certified flight instrument instructor), and has about the same number of hours as I do. He is a graduate of Emory Riddle, which is a very well known aviation school in Florida. He also surfs. Which is why, in my Mooney, we will have a friggin 6'2" quad riding along with us. For those of you who know Mooneys, you are probably laughing; will be sure to take a pic of the board sitting on top of Collin's head.

If you are not familiar with my plane, it is a complex (retractable landing gear, variable speed propeller), relatively small 4 seater, and is known for its speed, fuel efficiency, and airframe strength. Think MR-2 of the sky. My plane has just recently undergone an engine overhaul along with installation of a new prop and blades. This is actually a double edged sword (more on this later) but to date the plane is running well. I will have about 20 hours on the new engine before we head to Cozumel.

Today, tuesday, January 4, is the night before the trip begins. In the morning, I will fly the red sled (no, the plane's not red; i just like the name) to Winchester, where Tom of Aero Engines will do one last inspection of the newly overhauled engine. We plan to remove the oil filter and inspect it, and visually inspect everything else. That will take maybe three hours. After a clean bill of health, the plan is for me to pick up Collin at VKX (Potomac airfield, MD) and then for us to fly to OMN, near Daytona Beach, via MAO (fuel stop). We will spend the night in Daytona Beach at Collin's buddy's place, then thursday morning, head to Cozumel via X01 (Everglades Airpark).

OK I gotta go check the weather. More later.