COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 6:22 pm
by fastj22
My state, Colorado, has issued a lockdown of all citizens to a very small list of activities (food, med, critical work). Recreational aviation, although essential to my mental health, was not one of them. My glider club has shutdown, even though I live at an airpark, I really don’t feel like taking the Sonex out of the barn for a few laps around the dog patch. Just does seem right to be having fun while others are stuck. I really shouldn’t go poke my head in my neighbors hangars to shoot the @#$%.
So what to do? I have two planes to care and feed. Maybe do another condition inspection on the Sonex. Polish the glider. Glider trailer needs some TLC. Clean and organize the hangar. Sort my big tray of misc nuts and bolts.
Looks like at least two more weeks at the earliest. What are all your plans?
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 7:50 pm
by pfhoeycfi
Same at PGC. Pa is essentially shutdown. I was able to do the last bunch of tows before we stopped glider ops. Would like to get the wings on and drilled but that will have to wait. Still there’s plenty to do.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 7:59 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Working at home from my hamster wheel desk.
Also working on the kid’s new 1984 Honda Magna, the other kid’s hovercraft, the '98 Saturn, and my KX155.
COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 9:48 pm
by caveman371
Not a total lockdown in Nevada yet so trying to get to my airport once a week to play or fly. I have been home for the last couple of weeks from my airline job. When I go back will try to keep my distance from folks . Lots of reorganization in my garage too
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 10:25 pm
by Fastcapy
Luckily here in WI outdoor recreation is considered an essential activity and per statutes private aviation is considered a outdoor recreational activity!
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2020 10:47 pm
by Rynoth
Can one still ride a snowmobile in Colorado? If so, I’d think you could fly an airplane (while maintaining social distance of course.)
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:21 am
by MichaelFarley56
Regardless of the published rules here in Ohio, I’m trying to take advantage of the down time by working on my Waiex’s Jabiru 3300 engine swap. I’ve been at my hangar nearly every day and I’m slowly getting there. New cowling is nearly finished and baffling is also nearly done. If I can get that completed in the next few days I’ll be ready to focus on electrical connections and whatever other small tasks are needed so I can get this baby running again! I’m anxious to get this little project completed!
Otherwise I’m busy hanging with the kids, and drinking plenty of BEvERages!
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:25 am
by DCASonex
Despite what has been called a stay home order, outdoor activities are still permitted in New York State so long as it is not in groups. Since I can enter the local airfield, pull out and fuel my Sonex without need to interface with anyone, about 5,000 ft. of vertical social distancing seems about right.
David A..
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:16 am
by builderflyer
I live on an airpark in California where few residents fly their planes, even under normal circumstances. But one fellow did fly recently and I’ll be flying my Sonex as soon as it is back together. We have no reported cases of the virus in our entire county, for whatever that is worth.
Flying helps maintain my sanity. Someone may have to take my keys away or lock up the fuel pumps to keep me out of the sky.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:43 am
by WesRagle
From the beginning I took a rather nonchalant attitude about the virus. I just thought of it as the mother of all flu seasons. I’m paying for that attitude now. So, if any of you guys with flying planes could fly over my house and drop some toilet paper I would appreciated it. I would ask for eggs too, but that probably wouldn’t end well.
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:47 pm
by builderflyer
WesRagle wrote:So, if any of you guys with flying planes could fly over my house and drop some toilet paper I would appreciated it.
Wes
Wes, what is your address and would unrolled paper be ok?
Art
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:09 pm
by XenosN42
DCASonex wrote:Despite what has been called a stay home order, outdoor activities are still permitted in New York State so long as it is not in groups. Since I can enter the local airfield, pull out and fuel my Sonex without need to interface with anyone, about 5,000 ft. of vertical social distancing seems about right.
David A..
I live in one of the six counties in PA which is ‘locked-down’ and my plane is hangered in NJ which is all ‘locked-down’. Despite that I’ve driven, by myself, to the airport and flown, by myself (it’s a OneX, so no choice), and not come any where near anyother person.
I really wish the authorities would stop conflating ‘stay home’ with ‘social distancing’. I can stay out all day and have absolutely no trouble avoiding being near another person.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:17 pm
by fastj22
Rynoth wrote:Can one still ride a snowmobile in Colorado? If so, I’d think you could fly an airplane (while maintaining social distance of course.)
The Governor’s order specifically states that all travel except for the purpose of traveling by car or public transportation to an essential business is prohibited. Pretty much covers any pleasure vehicles.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:41 pm
by Direct C51
Is it really “travel” if you end up in the same place you started, and never made any stops?
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 2:43 pm
by WesRagle
Hi Art,
builderflyer wrote:
WesRagle wrote:So, if any of you guys with flying planes could fly over my house and drop some toilet paper I would appreciated it.
Wes
Wes, what is your address and would unrolled paper be ok?
Art
997 North Bend Rd
Weatherford Tx. 76085
Unrolled is fine if that is all I can get. But please, no second hand stuff.
EDIT: Art, hurry every chance you get. I think my need will soon be dire. My wife and daughter have decided that the best way to deal with this is to get festive. So, in that great southwest tradition, we are about to have stuffed jalapenos and some BEvERages.
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:12 pm
by fastj22
Direct C51 wrote:Is it really “travel” if you end up in the same place you started, and never made any stops?
In this time of need, all of us need to show each other that the sacrifices are shared. Finding ways to justify our behavior to satisfy an itch.
In the immortal words of the wisest Vulcan, “The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. Live long and prosper.”
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:45 pm
by Direct C51
fastj22 wrote:
Direct C51 wrote:Is it really “travel” if you end up in the same place you started, and never made any stops?
In this time of need, all of us need to show each other that the sacrifices are shared. Finding ways to justify our behavior to satisfy an itch.
In the immortal words of the wisest Vulcan, “The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. Live long and prosper.”
Sorry John, I have way too much invested in the freedoms of our country to just throw them away like you are suggesting. I am following the rules. I’m not coming within 6 feet of anyone. I’m not posing any danger whatsoever to myself or others.
In the immortal words of me, “a little common sense goes a long ways.”
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:11 am
by dbdevkc
XenosN42 wrote:I really wish the authorities would stop conflating ‘stay home’ with ‘social distancing’. I can stay out all day and have absolutely no trouble avoiding being near another person.
Agreed. No one can seem to explain to me how I could possibly endanger anyone, or infect anyone by taking my car our for a joy ride. And yet, authorities will assume my “guilt” of being out and planning to do something that will bring me in contact with others. We all should be doing the right thing by others, but enforcing a “stay at home” declaration by having police pulling over vehicles seems draconian.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 8:07 pm
by fastj22
Ouch, another factor. Talking to my trusty CFI, he said he wouldn’t do a flight review until there’s a vaccine. My flight review is due in June. Unless I can find a CFI who’s willing to sit next to me, I might be grounded. I have a list, but most are over 65 and high risk.
Also, I got to thinking, if my state is under a shelter at home directive from the Governor, and I launch, my ADS-B is recorded by the FAA and if they really wanted to get nasty with me, could violate me on not behaving. Interesting times. I think I will not be selfish and follow the mandates of my government.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2020 11:22 pm
by Rynoth
May or may not be appropriate for this thread, but it may indeed apply to me or anyone else with an upcoming medical expiration.
https://www.faa.gov/news/media/Enforcem … signed.pdf
If your medical was set to expire between March 31 and June 30, and you aren’t able to renew it due to the unavailability of examiners during this crisis, no enforcement action will be taken by the FAA if you fly anyway with an expired medical during this period.
To be clear, I’m not saying this is a good idea, but for those who fly for a living this may be helpful if your local examiner(s) are busy fighting the good fight.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2020 4:41 pm
by mike.smith
fastj22 wrote:Ouch, another factor. Talking to my trusty CFI, he said he wouldn’t do a flight review until there’s a vaccine. My flight review is due in June. Unless I can find a CFI who’s willing to sit next to me, I might be grounded. I have a list, but most are over 65 and high risk.
Also, I got to thinking, if my state is under a shelter at home directive from the Governor, and I launch, my ADS-B is recorded by the FAA and if they really wanted to get nasty with me, could violate me on not behaving. Interesting times. I think I will not be selfish and follow the mandates of my government.
Mine is up tomorrow. AOPA said they have petitioned the FAA for relief from all manner of things, including the Flight Review. But if nothing comes out then I’m grounded as of tomorrow.
And for what it’s worth, I’ve flown twice in the last week. House, to airplane, to house. Self serve fuel with latex gloves, which I threw in the trash can after. Never saw or got near another soul. I believe I’m being socially responsible.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:53 pm
by WesRagle
Hi Guys,
I’m a very white boy. In my younger days I loved water skiing, swimming, etc. Sun burn and pealing skin was just part of the ambiance of Summer. Well, I’m paying for it now. I had a dermatologist appointment scheduled for next week. My wife took a call today and was told that I needed to change my appointment to a tele-appointment. How does that work? Do I need to go get a can of C02 and take care of this while the doc talks me through it?
Anyway, any of you guys with upcoming proctology appointments should probably start getting mentally prepared.
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:46 pm
by lgsievila
Hi Wes,
The way things are looking I am not sure if we will be down your way in June or not. Sounds like school is done for the year and haven’t heard anything about a graduation ceremony. Your plane looks really good in the pictures and I know the pics don’t really do justice to your work since I have seen it in person. Will keep you posted.
With regard to the TP issue/shortage one theory I heard was that when one persons sneezes, 100 people crap their pants. Luckily before everything hit the fan my wife made a Costco run and got a big package like she normally does when we start getting low. Everybody stay healthy out there.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2020 2:08 pm
by WesRagle
HI Loren,
Well, it is what it is. I enjoy your visits, but I understand the situation. The Gov. just had a message sent out telling us all to stay home. That’s no problem for me. I’ve probably been out twice in the last two months. Once to check paint prices and another to borrow scales. The guy that loaned me his scales is already pinging me to bring them back. Hope I don’t get arrested.
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 8:45 pm
by lpaaruule
I finally flew for the first time in a couple months. Between the almost constant windy days, and our stay at home order here in Michigan, I’ve been apprehensive about flying and having my ADS-B broadcast what I’m doing.
However, a friend of mine convinced me it would be fine, as he had flown his plane, and hadn’t been contacted by anyone.
My main concern was that I knew I would have to fuel up before I could fly, and didn’t want to get near anyone at the fuel pump (which usually isn’t a problem).
So, as I was fueling up, a plane pulled up behind me. After I finished fueling, I pulled the Sonex away, threw away my nitrile gloves, and started buckling in. At that point I hear someone coughing, and walking towards me. An old timer had got out of his the plane, and all but poked his head right in my plane, and started asking me all kinds of questions about it.
Normally I would be happy to talk, but this really ticked me off. I was polite, but in hindsight probably should have asked him so step back.
A good flight, engine ran great, but I can only hope that he wasn’t infected.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:47 pm
by jrs
Setting out on the porch this afternoon and heard one going over if you flew north towards Grand Blanc it might have been you. Sure is quiet up there.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2020 7:21 am
by GraemeSmith
Any USA airport that took Federal Funds through the AIP program cannot be shut down by local government without the agreement of the FAA. FAA letter of guidance attached. I carry a copy right now in case I run into some zealous LEO who might think otherwise. The airports are part of the national infrastructure and might be needed for relief or similar work. Something we all did during Superstorm Sandy up our way a while back. Flying (mainly) high energy food, some water and warm clothing into airports all over the Jersey Shore which was otherwise “closed”.
Airports that didn’t take FAA funds local government may have a say (especially if it’s a town or county owned airport).
However the governor here in RI can have a say as to what happens if you arrive in an aircraft from out of state and step off the airport property - mandatory 14 day quarantine - just like cars coming in from over the border.
That said - when I went to fly my “round” of the 7 public use airports in RI yesterday (see RI is small) - I skipped my usual call at Block Island where the residents are downright trying their hardest to self-isolate the whole island - like the more publicized request of Tangier Island in Chesapeake Bay. Even a touch and go would just plain upset people unnecessarily. I judge to the detriment of GA - even though - sitting solo in the cockpit is about as socially distant as you can manage.
It’s a matter of balancing exercise, not getting cabin fever, keeping the engine exercised, and not pissing others off on the ground who think we must be doing SOMETHING wrong.
For al FAA current exemptions to rules caused by COVID-19 see here:
http://fsims.faa.gov/Wdocs/AFS-1%20Memo … VID-19.htm
And remember - just because the FAA have made an exception - your INSURANCE company might not. The most obvious being flying on an expired medical. Check with your insurance company to see if you are still insured.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2020 12:39 pm
by lgsievila
When I was outside yesterday I heard the sounds of several planes that sounded like RVs. I looked up and saw 5 planes playing “Follow the Leader”. They were practicing good social distancing, at least 2500 ft MSL and1/4 mile apart as they meandered up and down the Columbia River from the Oregon side to the Washington side. I watched from my home at 1100 ft MSL and lived vicariously through those pilots at that time. Then I thought about the poem-“High Flight” and was grateful that I have experienced the things RCAF Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee wrote about:
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
“Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
We’ll get through this together
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:03 pm
by WaiexN143NM
Hi Loren, all,
Very nice , thanks for sharing.
WaiexN143NM
Michael
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 4:58 pm
by WesRagle
HI Guys,
Well, I’m just off a full couple days of grounds keeper chores. There’s nothing like getting a little outside time to put things in perspective. It brought into sharp contrast what’s going on in the “human world” with whats going on in nature as a whole.
This has to be the prettiest time of the year where I live. Everything is turning green again. The wild flowers are blooming and all of nature is anxious to reproduce. I’m not a photographer, but maybe you can get the idea.
A shot out the shop door:
Just to the right some wild flowers I couldn’t bear to mow.
I drove my little 50 year old tractor down to store it in the shed I build for Dad while I was in high school. I got this old gal in full blown attack mode.
Took a peek through the slats and saw why.
Any way, we’ll get through this thing. Some tears will be shed, some things will be a little different, but I’ll bet overall we’ll emerge stronger than ever.
Have a Happy Easter,
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:19 pm
by N418SX
Here in Georgia, we have Atlanta and Georgia. The sane folks in Georgia, with common sense, are taking Shelter in place precautions, while the majority disregard all health care warnings by making 3 trips a day to Walmart, the Vape Shops and McDonald’s. Nobody in Atlanta proper can really be considered sane.
Here in Hazlehurst, the airport that is usually quiet is now abandoned. With school being cancelled for the year, it is a great place to isolate with my daughters, 7 and 4, while mommy works at the local Emergency Room. While I work on the Sonex project, my girls play in the sprinkler, draw masterpieces with sidewalk chalk, do home schooling homework and play with flying Dollar Tree toys.
While this entire pandemic has been a nightmare for millions of families and businesses, God has blessed me with a closeness with my daughters that will never be forgotten. As we say prayers every night, my 7 year old daughter always includes the airplane guys. That is all of you. We pray you all stay healthy and safe.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 9:54 pm
by Rynoth
When the world seems upside-down, turn it right-side up!
That picture is old, but sort of sums up my experience right now. I.E. embracing the things that are actually important and discarding the things that are not. I’m all about friends/family right now while hoping folks don’t go nuts the longer this goes. Stay sane and stay safe, protect those around you.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:16 am
by lgsievila
Hey Robbie,
Thanks for the nice post and the prayers from your girls. When my 3 daughters were about that age my wife wanted me to get them out of the house for a while so she could concentrate on her thesis for her Masters in Nursing Education. So we headed to the airport and jumped in our plane and flew to a mall in South Dakota. We got home well after dark and my wife asked the girls what we did. They said “Dad took us shopping” and went on to tell her some of the stores they went to. My wife said " those stores aren’t at the Casper(Wyoming) Mall. Oh no they said-“we flew to Rapid City”. They have never forgotten that and your girls will remember their days at the airport with Dad and that is a wonderful thing even if they never get the flying bug.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2020 12:17 am
by lgsievila
Sorry-Robby
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2020 6:18 pm
by Bryan Cotton
Lots of flying going on in my community but not me yet. We did some isolated hovercrafting.
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 6:40 am
by GraemeSmith
AvWeb Poll Monday morning:
Poll: Did You Fly Last Week?
Yes. Social distancing flight. 32%
Yes, travel or personal business flight. 6%
No. I’m still hiding out. 53%
Yes, commercial airline trip. 2%
Other 7%
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2020 10:30 am
by builderflyer
Put me in the 32%. Not braggin’ but I flew 4 of the past 5 days and the itch to fly is still there. Its less contagious than going to the grocery store as my plane is in a hangar in my backyard and no socializing is, therefore, necessary. We are so fortunate to be able to build and/or fly these great little airplanes.
Art,Sonex taildragger #95,Jabiru 3300 #261
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 4:50 pm
by WesRagle
Hi Guys,
Before I revert back to the introspective state of one contemplating first flight, I thought I would share this.
Back at the worst of the COVID I posted the message linked below.
http://sonexbuilders.net/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=5480&start=20#p41689
Those two eggs now have the names Stinky and Smelly.
For those interested in the developmental stages of the common turkey buzzard.
May 5th
June 19th
I’m ready for them to fly away. I hope after they’re gone I never hear of the COVID virus again 
Wes
Re: COVID lockdown
Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2020 5:20 pm
by Sonex1517
Very cool Wes!