FS MaNiA flies the Piper Cherokee 140 solo for the first time after a 17 year lapse in currency as Pilot in Command.

Deciding I was long overdue to get back in the left seat of a real world aircraft, I scheduled a few flights with a local CFI to knock the rust off of my wings. After obtaining a fresh 3rd Class Medical and about 5 hours of dual instruction the CFI signed off my BFR (Bi-annual Flight Review) which grants me full privileges to act as Pilot-in-command again. Oh happy day!

This video includes highlights from my first solo flight since October of 2000. After about a 45 minute local flight and a couple of landings I picked up my first two passengers. Mrs. FS MaNiA rode right seat and even tried her hand on the yoke.

I also managed to get checked out in a 2006 Cessna 172S with a Garmin G1000 based at KSUT Cape Fear Regional Jetport. Watch for a flight video in that aircraft coming soon.

It's great to be back in the air again as Pilot in command. Next up will be getting recurrent with my instrument rating, however, I will still be producing flight simulation videos as well. Staying involved with flight simulation was invaluable in helping me quickly get back in the air as Pilot-in-command (I was able to get checked out with the Garmin G1000 with only 1 hour of dual instruction even though I have only flown the simulator version of that navigator!!!)

Stay tuned and best regards from Tim G., FS MaNiA