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Continue reading →: Cloud Surfing and Chart Hustling: Completing the FAR 61.65 IFR Cross-CountryWhy is this flight so important? Let’s start with the official reason: FAR §61.65(d)(ii)(C). Sounds thrilling already, right? Okay, maybe not at first glance—but it’s a big deal if you’re working toward your instrument rating. This regulation requires a 250+ NM cross-country flight under IFR, with three different instrument approaches,…
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Continue reading →: From Green Clamps to Bluetooth Dreams: My Headset Upgrade After 20 YearsBack in 2005, when I first took to the skies, I picked up a pair of David Clark H20-10s—arguably the aviation headset of the era. They were the green standard: light, rugged, comfortable, and quiet enough with their passive noise reduction to keep the engine drone at bay. That headset…
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Continue reading →: The IFR Approach Briefing Routine That Works for MeBackground There are numerous excellent resources available that cover IFR approach briefings in depth, and approach plates themselves are ergonomically designed to facilitate a structured, streamlined briefing. However, as an IFR student, I’ve found that developing my own routine—one that consistently captures the most critical aspects of the briefing—has been…
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Continue reading →: Why Two Isn’t Always Enough: : Why I Chose an External Alternator for the Sling TSiIn an age where glass cockpits, autopilots, GPS systems, and electronically controlled engines dominate general aviation, having a rock-solid electrical system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. That’s especially true for the Sling TSi, a sleek and modern aircraft that relies on digital avionics and electronic fuel injection to keep…
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Continue reading →: Becoming an Owner-In-Command: Lessons from Mike Busch’s Essential Books on Aircraft Ownership and MaintenanceAs a future airplane owner, I’ve realized that flying is only part of the equation—owning an aircraft introduces an entirely new set of challenges. From maintenance to insurance, storage, diagnostics, and planning cross-country trips, the learning curve is steep. Thankfully, Mike Busch’s books have been an invaluable guide through this…
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Continue reading →: Chute Happens: Why I’m All-In on a Parachute for My Sling TSiWhen I first learned that the Sling TSi could be equipped with a whole-aircraft parachute, I was all in. The Sling has always struck me as a modern, innovative airplane—embracing new technology like the Rotax 916iS engine and advanced Garmin avionics. A parachute system seemed to fit right into this…
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Continue reading →: Bend, Drill, Rivet: My Hands-On Experience at the EAA Metal WorkshopOne of the most exciting parts of building an experimental aircraft is the sheer volume of new things you get to learn. Whether it’s understanding the intricate details of avionics or the not-so-intricate art of riveting metal sheets, every step is a hands-on education. It’s part airplane construction, part life…
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Continue reading →: Cracking the Code: How to Set Up Arbitrary DME Holds in Garmin GTNWarning: IFR Geekery Ahead! If you’re deep into IFR training or just love aviation tech, welcome! If you’re here by accident and wondering what the heck a hold is, you might want to sit this one out—unless you enjoy unnecessary levels of detail about flying in circles. Today, we’re diving…
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Continue reading →: Why I Chose the VP-X Pro Over Traditional Circuit Breakers (And How I Resolved My Biggest Concern)One of the major electrical system decisions in my Sling TSi build was whether to use traditional fuses and circuit breakers or upgrade to the Vertical Power VP-X Pro electronic circuit breaker system. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided that the VP-X Pro was the better choice for…
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Continue reading →: First Time at the NW Aviation Conference: Learning, Planning, and Talking AirplanesThe Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show is a staple event in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses for a weekend of exhibits, seminars, and conversations about all things flying. This year was my first time attending, and with my Sling TSi build and IFR…
Eating an elephant one bite at a time.
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Slingology - Building and Flying a Sling TSi 