One of things I would like to do is create a time line for the different phases of restoration so that we don’t get distracted and that we keep on track. Many things to do in this type of restoration we envision. The list is extremely long. We hope to get the majority of the work done within a year.

Right now we’re getting the grunt work out of the way. We’ll spend about two weeks just cleaning grimey rivet heads on the fuselage. Sounds easy but the amount of time you can spend on one rivet is surprising.

Anyhow, I’ll be sure to post pics and keep everyone updated as the project comes along.

A Delta captain I’ve been speaking with believes the airlines will start hiring again in 2011 and 2012. With flying it’s all about being in the right place at the right time to land that elusive dream job. The good news is that they do exist but it will take an unconventional effort on your part to achieve it. You have to take on the attitude of the poor artist mentality and volunteer your pilotage whenever you can to gain those valauble flight hours. “Just like the guitar player who’s trying to make it big time; the ones who made it were the guys who were just playing all the time, for everybody, for anybody, for nobody, for money and for free. Flying is the same… just fly - everything you can get your hands on.”

Make the connections and start networking. It’s really all about the people you know and meet along the way. Period. If you just sit around and wait for something to happen most likely nothing will. Hang out at airports, go to fly-ins, join EAA, do charity work, offer to sweep up hanger floors, anything. THe ones who aren’t proactive will be left in the dust while their neighbor lands a job in the left seat. When the hiring waves come ashore you have to be there right at the crest.

Avoid the $50,000 plus programs which “guarantee” jobs at the end. These outfits can be real misleading. Many people have been stuck when the affiliated airline(s) stopped hiring.  The aviation business is tough and airlines make promises with the best of intentions then are just unable to keep those promises later. A guy who spent nearly nothing could get the same job without the debt overhead and without all the risk. All airlines will interview you if you have the profile they’re looking for at the moment no matter how you get the training.

In addition, the fact that these schools need big chunks of money up front before you fly at all is just plain scary. Never never pay up front. Pay as you go. You’ll be broke as hell before you even fly 20 hours. The key as forementioned is to be creative and strategic on how you approach your training. Remember, no matter what path you choose, everyone has to pay their dues. Stick to your gameplan and you’ll eventually find yourself in the left seat working two weeks a month. Good luck and happy flying!

For more great advice on training I suggest Darren the CFI.

Read the full story and more on the Ares I rocket at NASA’s website dedicated to the program.

“Aircraft Nose Art is an online resource and community where aviation fans can learn about the wonderful stories behind the artwork on military and civilian aircraft.

Military aircraft nose art acted as the superstitious protector during times of war. The nose art identified the aircraft and gave its crew the mark of individuality in the even tenor of the military. Often controversial, most of the artists who paint the aircraft remain anonymous.

Our goal here at ANA is to create a community where information is gathered and shared on these historical works of art that defined a generation.”

I hope everyone takes part and enjoys the new site! Here is the link again:

AircraftNoseArt.org

Military aircraft nose art acted as the  superstitious protector during times of war.  The nose art identified the aircraft and gave its crew the mark of individuality in the even tenor of the military.  Often controversial, most of the artists who paint the aircraft remain anonymous.  Here is a great collection of nose art put together by Deputy-Dog.

“Popovich’s first rule of firearms is pretty simple: The man who tells you he’s going to shoot you will not shoot you. So without so much as looking back, he got on the plane and flew it right to Chicago. “My job is to grab that plane,” Popovich says. “And if you haven’t paid for it, then it’s mine. And I don’t like to lose.”

The lear jet repo man

WikiHow’s take on How to Land an Airplane in an Emergency.

A huge list of aviation humor.

Fighter-Planes.com is a very informative and entertaining source for well, you guessed it, military aircraft.

The list will end today with some amazing 2008 aviation and motorsport  photography by Tim Adams.