Our Cessna 172 can FLY again... but only ONCE?!

Join Chris Palmer, a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor from Homer, Alaska, as he navigates a series of bureaucratic and technical challenges to get his Cessna 172, known as 23U, back into flying condition. This episode provides a rich narrative detailing the complexities of maintaining and flying an aircraft, filled with lessons on airworthiness, regulatory adherence, and pilot preparation.

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🛩️ Episode Breakdown:

▹ Registration Roadblocks: Chris begins with a seemingly minor yet crucial issue—a mere $5 piece of paperwork—that resulted in the grounding of 23U. This segment sheds light on the critical importance of timely aircraft registration renewal, a fundamental aspect of general aviation management. Chris's detailed explanation helps both seasoned aviators and student pilots understand the potential pitfalls in aviation administration.

▹ Annual Inspection Insights: The lapse in 23U's annual inspection presents a significant learning opportunity. Chris elaborates on how the aircraft, while now registered, cannot be deemed airworthy without this crucial inspection. He discusses the broader implications of airworthiness from a CFI's perspective, making it an essential guide for anyone in aviation training or managing their own aircraft.

▹ Navigating the FAA Ferry Permit: Faced with the need to move 23U for maintenance, Chris delves into the process of obtaining a ferry permit from the FAA. This is a critical procedure for flying an aircraft that is not currently airworthy to a location where it can receive necessary repairs and inspections. His step-by-step walkthrough of the process, including discussions with the local FSDO and the meticulous preparation required, is invaluable for pilots, offering a real-world example of how to handle such situations.

▹ Tech Upgrade - Garmin Autopilot Installation: As 23U heads to Palmer for its overdue maintenance, Chris plans to enhance its capabilities with a new Garmin autopilot system. This upgrade segment focuses on the integration of advanced technology in general aviation aircraft, discussing the benefits and complexities involved. This is particularly relevant for those looking to upgrade their flight systems or learn more about modern aviation technologies.

▹ Pilot Protection Services and Support: Throughout the video, Chris highlights the support he received from AOPA's Pilot Protection Services. He explains how their guidance was pivotal in navigating the layers of aviation bureaucracy, emphasizing the service's value to private pilots and flight instructors who face similar challenges.

👨‍✈️ Chris's Commentary:
Chris uses this episode to reflect on the multifaceted responsibilities of being a pilot and aircraft owner. From detailed discussions on regulatory compliance to the personal challenges of ensuring aircraft readiness under pressing circumstances, he shares his experiences to enrich the learning journey for all aviators.

#Cessna172 #Flying #Aviation

[angleofattack]

Well here we are... another chapter in the 'get flying again' saga. Make sure to like the video, leave a comment or a question.

[thejadebean]

Thanks Chris for the vulnerability and transparency as it helps us newbies!

[mikercflyer]

Chris, I was overwhelmed with all the steps you had to follow, looks like all is good now for the new season. Safe travels

[boogerwood]

AOPA is MANDATORY for any airplane owner. Period. They have been a help and a blessing to me. Can’t wait for more 23U adventures!

[mdriver]

Saw 23U in Palmer and thought, "Oh, I think that's the AOA airplane!" And I was right.

Steve does great work, BTW. See you at the Gathering!

[koalafan]

That situation seemed like a lot and it also seemed like better timing could have fixed it. Thank God that you have a such great community to help. I hope if I can ever get my certificate I’ll have a great set of friends too.

[denisconrad]

I wish we had similar support structures in France

[OliverHallberg]

Thanks for a great and not to mention an open and honest video. Takes a lot of courage to put yourself on the spot like this. :)

[sohalvr]

Thanks for sharing this marathon, Chris! Sounds like it sucks in the moment but it makes you stronger and now you have more experience to share with the rest of us. Not that it makes it any less stressful I'm sure! How has it affected Sienna's training?! Hopefully not too much.

[BrentDanley]

Awesome video, Chris. Yay Palmer!! Great explanations about aircraft ownership issues.

[madisonromero]

While you are waiting to get the plane back in order maybe you could show a pro video on how you clean your plane? Seriously would love to see what steps you have to take to

[ismaelR_C]

🫂Really hope everything gets sorted out for you and other aviators dealing with this or similar problems in the aviation industry.

[markmaccani]

Chris, Great job on the video. Glad you got through the registration issues and will be getting 23U back in the air soon. Good luck with the new autopilot.

[Makeshift_Housewife]

That was so much to deal with all at once! Hopefully the rest of the flying season is stress free!

[deanarndell]

Looking forward to seeing 23U up and running again mate. Greetings from Gold Coast Australia 🛩️🤙🏄🌅

[jessesplan]

It takes a village! That saying has been true for me over my few years of airplane ownership. I have become discouraged over annuals, hangar inspections, paperwork, registration, insurance, etc. I love owning an aircraft.

When I rented @BTF it was nice to be able to hand over the keys at the end of a flight and not have think about anything outside of the debrief.

[txkflier]

One of these days, you should get some orange paint and get that cowling looking a little better. Btw, those prop tips being at eye level gives me the willies. It looks hazardous..

[Avitor]

Time to paint the nose orange stripe. Take an inspection plate (or even a door) to a paint store and have them match it and put it in a spray can. Many auto parts stores can do it. Scuff, tape, paint.

[colddripgaming]

As much as I hate the clickbait title, it was nice to hear your registration issues were sorted

[jamestharp]

Hey Chris, you are certainly stressed.!
In the past when I have had lots of stress, I have tried lots of different things to cope. If you haven’t tried it yet, you might try yoga and meditation. It’s helped me a lot.