I am/was a Commercial Rated pilot with 6,000+ hours. I have been current in just about all Cessna, Beechcraft and Piper aircraft with recip engines, no jet powered. I have sailplane time, didn't care for it and stopped. Have helicopter time, no rating (too damned expansive).
Largest aircraft flown Boeing 707, BAC111, Boeing 727 and P2V-5E Lockheed Neptune (Two 3350 Pratt Whiney and two J34 jets) P2V's were Anti-Subarine Aircraft. My P2V was not an ASM but a flying tested for some classified scientific equipment. The flight crew was required to have a security clearance of at least Top Secret with DOD endorsement.
Then I had to heat surgery done. Quad bypass. Therefore the Commercial ticket is not available to me. I have been told I might be able to restore my Private ticket.
Just a fair warning "once av. gas or JetA gets into a pilots blood he is hooked on aviation for the rest of his life."
Since I can not be Pilot in Command any longer I stay close to aviation by being a docent and historian at the
Frontiers of Flight, Smithsonian Museum Associate. I like airplanes and people who like airplanes.
BTW my favorite single engine aircraft was the Piper Comanchee with the 250HP. I am not a Piper fan but I loved this aircraft. High performance and a "Pilots" airplane.
I hope you continue to fly. Build your time, get an ATP rating. Airlines and Corporations are now hiring civilian trained pilots. Get your CFI rating and or ferry aicraft to build time.
Warmonger, a CEGer is in helicopter training in the Army.
Best Wishes,
Bill
