08Romeo's New Home

Last day on the ramp at ILG

Today was a strange day for me, a little bit of sadness leaving Wilmington Airport because it's the only home base I have been associated with. Yes, I'll miss the tower folks and the long runways but life keeps moving forward.

I had to file today with N57 reporting from KMQS 100'ceiling and 1/4 vis. Ok, I just left there 30 minutes ago after sweeping out the hangar, the sky was clearing. I advised ready to taxi and for the first time sat for maybe 15 minutes waiting for my release at Kilo and runway 19. Maybe a parting shot?

UPDATE:




I wanted to make this update since Vince posted his 'Go Pro' video from our reposition hop.  I also wanted to show off Vince's excellent radio work on an IFR flight plan and capture the special flight to the new home.  Thanks Vince!!


Once I was in the air and heading to New Garden it all changed to excitement. I was anxious to shot the approach and make a nice landing and I could hardly wait to taxi my way back to 08Romeo's new digs. There was plenty of activity this morning as I made my way in on short final. I could see Mikes car parked by the hangars, two Cessna's waiting on my landing to take off, it was almost too much to absorb.

I made an ok landing at best and taxied to the last turn off. This is home, our new airport, new people to meet, the self serve fuel, that will be a new adventure I'm used to the fuel truck pulling up to my plane. There is life stirring along the row of hangars and a school plane is doing its run up as I wait to taxi past. Once the student passed I taxied to my new home, Hangar 209.

The lines painted on the floor worked fine for 08Romeo and I tucked her in for the first time. Plenty of room all around! My neighbor to the left is a Saratoga (turbo) and to my right is a super cub and I noticed a glider trailer tucked in too.  I need to pick up some rugs to put on each side to keep the interior carpets clean when we are in and out of the plane. I want to make a bench for some tools and storage for oil, an extension cord, California duster and cleaning supplies.

Speaking of cleaning supplies, I hooked up with one of the guys who details planes and cars. I'm getting 08Romeo washed, waxed and spiffed up. I'll give the inside a once over one night this week.