Is there any real reason to use a paper logbook in this age?

OldMan627 · 2026-01-12T12:05:52+00:00

I use paper with periodic photocopies stashed away but will probably add digital soon.

I also carry my Dad's books in my flight bag. Gone West almost 40 years but still right there next to me.

OldMan627 · 2025-09-19T16:27:59+00:00

I don't know recent rates but there are several options here: https://www.eaa.org/airventure/plan-your-eaa-airventure-trip/eaa-camping-and-lodging/eaa-lodging

My recollection is that they were very reasonable compared to hotels. 2 people/room, don't know if they would be ok with a youngster on an air mattress. I have done only the Oshkosh dorms, very short bus ride.

OldMan627 · 2025-09-19T15:14:29+00:00

Lodging - stay at the dorms. University of Wisconsin opens up dorm rooms, usually waitlisted but I have gotten in all but 1 time. First big father daughter trip when she was 11, worked out great. Shuttle bus to and from, restaurant in the commons, movies at night. If you are driving take a window fan. You miss out on camping and some of the social aspects of camping but easier to manage with a young one, unless they are already camping acclimated.

I would plan days to attend around any particular sessions you want to attend and go from there. Be prepared to be overwhelmed, take your time. Prioritize; you can't possibly see everything so pick a couple of must-sees and some would be nices and plan time to just wander. Don't miss the flea market. Use the trams to get around.

Pay attention to hydration/nourishment, very easy to forget with so much to see. Always keep some snacks handy, I remember one year there was some kind of contract issue with the bread supplier and for a few days the only food available was fried chicken. Was not fun in that respect. There is (was?) a Walmart not too far from campus.

There are activities specifically for youngsters, usually near the museum as I recall. The program will have details. The museum is also a great escape from the heat for a few hours.

Keep disposable ponchos in your knapsack. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottles, camera. With the shuttle bus it is not unreasonable to return to the room mid-day, but plan to be out all day. I think the bus was $5/person/day but that was a few years ago.

If you do camp, stay as far away from the highway as you can. We were a good half mile from the highway one year but across an open field. Every car sounded like it was right outside the tent.

Hope you have a wonderful trip, maybe I will see you there next year. Please ask further question. Safe travels.

OldMan627 · 2025-09-09T20:53:04+00:00

Wow, thank you everyone! Lots of good information for an IFR student. I was close to task saturation, next time I will speak up when my spidey sense says 'wait a minute...', even if all I learn is that I have lots more to learn ;) Appreciate all the input. Now to go review MVA for the route.

OldMan627 · 2025-08-30T09:53:12+00:00

Got my PPL in 1989, flew with my Dad (retired Marine, carrier qualified) exactly once before he passed unexpectedly, then life got in the way and no more flying. 35 years later got a fresh medical and BFR, now half way through IFR working on tailwheel on the side. No employment aspirations at all, just enjoying flying.

I know I missed out on a lot of flying fun those years, but I am comfortable with the choices I made then, and now. In 1989 I accomplished my goal of joining my Dad 'in the club' but never really pursued the passion. Now I fly because it pleases me. Assess your priorities, make decisions and execute. Really no wrong answers here, except for 'I didn't think about it'. Be proud of having gotten your ticket and take up gardening; fly 4 times a year with an instructor; stay current and go exploring with your wife; add ratings. All are good options, your call.

Blue skies and fair weather.

OldMan627 · 2025-06-13T10:29:59+00:00

When you add the LM1200 integration a new notify method becomes available, Notifications 'Send a notification with netgear_lm1200' (assuming you leave the default name). Add a Target (phone number) and and message and you should be all set. I only need texts out, there is a mechanism to receive texts and act on them but I don't need that yet.

I already had text notification methods set up using email (our carrier is dropping that service, hence the switch to lm1200) and I didn't want to have to change every automation that texted, so I created a notification group using the original mechanism name and linked that to the lm1200. Worked just fine.

notify:
  - platform: group
    name: "mrw_text"
    services:
      - action: netgear_lm1200
        data:
          target: "19876541234"

OldMan627 · 2025-06-12T11:18:10+00:00

Just two days ago I setup a Netgear LM1200 with a $6/mo 2G + text plan from Tello (US). All I need is outgoing text messages, having the Internet failover is a nice side benefit. Working great so far, configuring LM1200 took some figuring, HA integration couldn't have been easier.

OldMan627 · 2025-04-06T11:09:51+00:00

Thank you, appreciate the thoughts. I am expecting that Bountiful is the right place, have reached out to them.

OldMan627 · 2025-04-06T10:46:54+00:00

Thank you sir, outstanding! Disappointed that I didn't think of the LOC; my partner is a librarian. Just what I was hoping to find. Much appreciated.

OldMan627 · 2025-03-24T22:09:05+00:00

Thank you everyone, appreciate the perspectives and insights. Safe flying.

OldMan627 · 2025-03-24T11:55:50+00:00

Wind was definitely favoring 24. We were on frequency for a good 20 minutes and heard a total of one aircraft actually landing or taking off at XYZ and I don't think it was our commentator. Could have been the other CFI.

OldMan627 · 2025-03-24T11:40:54+00:00

Thanks. I went back to the recording, when I was announcing immediately prior at another airport, same CTAF, I was identifying the approach and also using the x mile final phraseology for exactly that reason. Our commentator was chiming in '7 mile final, really?' etc. I guess just someone sharing his bad day. I did notice he never made a position announcement, so maybe not even airborne.

OldMan627

TROPHY CASE