I'm a student pilot at KHIO; about 30 hours in my logbook as of today. I was planning a cross country from KHIO to KCVO and was looking for a youtube video of an approach to KCVO just so I could familiarize myself with the sight picture of that airport. I stumbled across chosstronaut's youtube channel and ended up watching every single video there. I did some quick work with google and it led me here. I spent a good 8 hours over the last few days reading threads, watching video, and admiring the community. I also learned of chosstronaut's accident. My condolences to those of you who knew him.
I was born and raised in the Willamette valley, just outside of Philomath. I joined the Navy at 18, and spent the next 9 years as a nuclear electronics technician. I lived in several states (including Hawaii) and visited several countries, but I couldn't get Oregon out of my blood. I brought my wife here 12 years ago and settled down just outside of Seaside.
I've always been interested in aviation, but had no friends or close family who were pilots. I was never at a point in my life where I could afford the time or the money to get my PPL, until now. In May of this year I enrolled at Hillsboro Aero Academy and started flying a C152. I have a few solo flights under my belt, but it will be a few more months until I have accumulated the necessary hours and experience for my check ride.
Here's some footage from my second solo flight: https://youtu.be/02CcDS3ptd8
I'm very interested in the fly-ins and remote airstrips I am finding here! I've explored a fair amount of Oregon in my off-road rigs; the Millican area east of LaPine, Steens mountains, and Alvord desert areas are a few of my favorites. I spend several days each year on the Deschutes in my raft. It was a pleasant surprise to find those destinations here, and see them from the air!
I hope to get the opportunity to join in some of the fly-ins that you have in the future, and participate as my skill level and experience increase. I'm already shopping my my own airplane
