Lee Beery from Kelseyville, Calif., sent in this tip: I have a very simple way to stay current that will work for everyone. I have printed on strips of light cardboard “flight tasks” we have all had to do at one time to become licensed pilots.
Because I like aerobatics, I have a few of those maneuvers, but the majority are stalls, power off and power on, slip to landing, short field landing, slow flight with turns, off field landing, go around, the impossible turn, etc.
When I go for a flight I pull several of these “task” strips out of a coffee cup and go have some fun and fly with a purpose.
This is essential for me because I am 85, fly a Corby Starlet taildragger, and there are many eyes watching me.
Wow! I wish I had the experience that all of you have at this point in my life. I am 67 and am now between 1/3 to 1/2 the way through my training for my PPL, depending on how many total hours it will take. What a trip it really is. I wish I had gotten this bug many, many years earlier but I definitely have it now. Of course, the same money and time constraints would have been more restrictive back then. I appreciate all the comments you guys make as a source of encouragement. Keep flying everyone…..and learning.
Wonderful to read all these replies from guys who are 80 or over and still having the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I hope you’ll all consider joining me and about 1500 other fly guys and gals as members of the United Flying Octogenarians — UFOs for short. We’re online at unitedflyingoctogenarians.org Yearly membership costs less than a half hours’ flight and there’s wonderful comradery, regional and national get-togethers, a fine newsletter, online photos of our members and their activities and so much more.
John barrett, still getting it up there in Danbury, CT
I was a member. Sorry to say I found the group had little to offer. The one meeting I flew to was sort of a turn- off for me. I decided to spend the dues money on gas.
HI Lee
My name is Wayne Cunningham from Mosgiel here in New Zealand.
I would like to ask you some questions about your Corby Starlet.
My personal email address is
[email protected]
Just turned 68 and having more fun now than I did when I started flying back in 1978. Present plane is 1980 C172RG. Plan on fluting her until my medical won’t renew. Hopefully I can go as long as you have Lee. CONGRATS. Dave
Hi fellow aviators
I’m 69, a pilot for 50 years this coming June
Owned 2 172s flew for 28 years sold airplane bought sailboat and sailed
Great Lakes for
19 years bought Stinson 108
3 years ago, new medical, 2 hors dual, new biennial, tail wheel endorsement recaptured the spirit of aviation
Congradulations. Me i returned flying Since a pause of 12years. The responsable is my wife who putme back to the skies. So i told her at one condition for the 5th. Plane was to buy a Lancaie320. After traveling close to cal. Now i am ready for acrobats. All i need is you to show me. I am 67. Keep flying. Erwin oborne
Cheers on your “tapping” into the secret behind being an active pilot past 80 ! It is to constantly exercise all aspects of both your physical and mental endowments. In my case, I am 83; started flying in J-3s as a 15 year old in 1947, and today fly a 1950 Bonanza. I constantly fly in Bravo airspace over KPHX [ through the corridor ] in my work as a consultant. Last summer, I flew solo to attend a convention in Toronto, etc. The “secret” is to ” use it or lose it,” so that exercise, a proper diet, and active mental problem-solving can [ and will ] make a big difference. Dr. Richard Komm [ AOPA # 88711 ]. Author, “Cubs to Bonanzas” [ A 65 yr. perspective through a pilots eyes ],
This is a great tip regardless of age! Whether you just solo’d or have thousands of hours. Flying with purpose will keep a pilot sharp. Thanks for the tip!
good going Lee I got my commercial and cfi in june and july of 1965 and Im 71 and still flying my cfi is current
Great going Lee I am 72 , 73, this coming May. I have peen a licensed pilot since 1998. had heart surgery in 2002, Aortic valve replacement. Got my medical back in less than a year, and am still flying.
I plan to fly as long as I can pass my medical.
Happy to hear you have your medical back. I had the BIG C but was able to get my medical back, I then began my search for a Light Sport that would make me happy. Now I am having the most fun ever so I did the right thing. So Pete go that route you can forget about the medical. My plane cost less than 13K and there are many light sport planes for under 20K. LB
hey Lee
Unfortunately I live in Bermuda, a British Colony, I have a U.S. FAA license, still have to have a FAA issued medical. I fly here in Bermuda , there is only one light airplane , a Diesel engine C-172.
As a non U.S. resident I cannot obtain a drivers license, my Bda one do`nt count lol.
Good going, Lee. Guys like us with their Corby Starlets know how to have fun.
Bernardo Melendez
Corby Starlet n45bm
Elm Creek Airpark, Seguin, TX
I’d love to correspond with you. Here’s my e-mail address: [email protected]
Is that a Varga wing in that picture?
It is! How did you pick up on that? No one knows what a Varga is. My wife started the VG-21 Squadron 25 years ago. She was the owner of the first Varga built. Our hangar was the “Varga Service Center” where I worked on many Varga acft for free.
Hi Lee,
Please send me an email with your contact info. Thanks.
Bernardo Melendez
Corby Starlet n45bm
Hi Lee,
Second attempt:
Please send me an email with your contact info, including phone numbers, if you wish. Thanks.
[email protected]
Bernardo Melendez
Corby Starlet n45bm
Bernardo let’s try again. Home 707 279 0259 i phone 707 533 9027 Lee
And here’s my email address Lee.
[email protected]
Or call me at 281-536-9052. Thanks.
I am 87 and still current at least another year. Like most I really get a thrill every time I go flying,
My goal is to keep it up until I am at least 90
Congrats to all of you “old” guys as I am only 63 and working on getting my PPL right now.
Blue Skies to ALL!
Nice to see you young guys flying. At age 92 I still fly my T210 regularly. Have been flying for 73 years. Glad to see that I am not out there alone.
Walt that is out standing. Keep it up! lb
At 83 I cannot picture giving up my yoke……had to downsize to a 162, but the thrill is still there.
Wonderful to see how well you’re doing at keeping sharp. At 83 I know how hard that can be. As a flying club member I’m frequently aware of eyes on me that wouldn’t have been there in my younger days. I like your method of continuing training, should add interest to every flight. Never say never.
John barrett
Thanks for the kind words John lb
I’m 65 and just about to solo. I hope to fin I should up getting my certificate by the time I turn 66 this sumer. I hope and pray to be able to fly for st least 25 years.
Paul says I am 90 and have not had a biannual review in 3 years, physical is current. I have logged approx. 3500 hrs in the last 58 years. Planning on biannual in next few months.
I have been flying for 63 years, am 81 and still enjoy that same thrill that I had on my first sole. hope to make many more years. My wife is 74 ( don’t tell her I said that) got her license when she turned 50 and we are having a fantastic time every time we fly.
Nice going Jim. I started flying in 1955. My wife got her license when she was a grandmother. Before back surgery took her out the cockpit we flew his (Baby Great Lakes) and her’s (Vargra 2150), to local airshows around northern California. Lee
Way to go Lee! Great idea and nice plane too.
Jim and David – Congratulations and welcome to the skies. It’s guys like you that are inspirations to so many I talk with that tell me, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to, but I’m too old now.”
Way to go Lee! And you are an inspiration. At 72 I just received my Pilot’s Certificate, and plan to fly for13+ years.
I too am 72 and planning on working on and completing my private ticket by summers end. Nice job Lee
Best to you. Happy landings. Enjoy dirty side up now and then. I’m 89 and still going strong.
I get the rubber up on most flights. Hope you are still flying when you transpose the numbers of your age. lb
I am turning 67 in 2 weeks and I have 18 hours of training under my belt but between our central California winter weather (thank the Lord for rain and snow and unfortunately fog) and the shorter days I haven’t flown in 2 months. It’s good to see others my age and older still flying or pursuing their ticket. After that first takeoff it’s addicting.