The Plane

    Today I was able to take a break from the demands of Abbey Animal Hospital.  Was able to go out and look at our plane.  She is a 1969 pa32-300, a Piper Cherokee Six.  She has a useful load of about 1500 pounds.  This type of plane has been used for hauling freight and so it is perfect for moving small loads to hard to get into places like the small airports on some of the outlying islands.  I am sometimes amazed at how much you can put in her.  When hauling for Bahama Habitat during the Haiti earthquake, we stuffed the fuselage and had no problem with weight.  One time we were able to haul a windshield to the outer islands... something easy to find on the mainland but not so much in the islands, and this was greatly appreciated as they had been waiting for months.  Almost everything that is built down there has to be imported.  Something as simple as door hinges have to be flown in.  Fortunately most of the building supplies gets donated... its just a matter of getting it to the places that need it.

Me and Tom at his busy desk.

     The Six is certified for IFR flight and I am in the process of becoming rated to fly IFR.  I have passed the ground school and now have to finish up my instruction (more learning for this "Old Dog"). The Six is outfitted with a certified GPS connected to a nice multifunction display (MFD).  This helps me stay on track and tells me where I am.  I remember the days before GPS and I think its very comforting to have something that tells you where you are.  I am reminded of the old hymn that says "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path".  Well there is a great Bible lesson waiting to happen... "What the Bible and GPS have in common"!

     While I was out at the airport I looked up my friend and Aviation Guru extraordinaire Tom Stevens.  He has been steeped in aviation for his whole life.  His father was a legend at this airport.  His whole family is involved with aviation. You can view his website at  Learstevensaviation.com .  A wealth of knowledge, he is ALWAYS a GREAT help when it comes to keeping me in the air!  I am sure that I will have more to say about him as we go along.  I also have the privilege of treating his beautiful Chocolate Lab "Cleo", a great dog and a constant companion of Tom at the airport.

    Well, have to get back to the house and cook a meal for the Wednesday family night dinner.  We try to get together every Wednesday with family and friends to keep the week going.  Think we will have some beef and veggies tonight.  Pray for me so we can keep this adventure going.  Bye for now, Robin