Our Cessna 172 can FLY again... but only ONCE?!

Join Chris Palmer, a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor from Homer, Alaska, as he navigates a series of bureaucratic and technical challenges to get his Cessna 172, known as 23U, back into flying condition. This episode provides a rich narrative detailing the complexities of maintaining and flying an aircraft, filled with lessons on airworthiness, regulatory adherence, and pilot preparation.
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🛩️ Episode Breakdown:
▹ Registration Roadblocks: Chris begins with a seemingly minor yet crucial issue-a mere $5 piece of paperwork-that resulted in the grounding of 23U. This segment sheds light on the critical importance of timely aircraft registration renewal, a fundamental aspect of general aviation management. Chris's detailed explanation helps both seasoned aviators and student pilots understand the potential pitfalls in aviation administration.
▹ Annual Inspection Insights: The lapse in 23U's annual inspection presents a significant learning opportunity. Chris elaborates on how the aircraft, while now registered, cannot be deemed airworthy without this crucial inspection. He discusses the broader implications of airworthiness from a CFI's perspective, making it an essential guide for anyone in aviation training or managing their own aircraft.
▹ Navigating the FAA Ferry Permit: Faced with the need to move 23U for maintenance, Chris delves into the process of obtaining a ferry permit from the FAA. This is a critical procedure for flying an aircraft that is not currently airworthy to a location where it can receive necessary repairs and inspections. His step-by-step walkthrough of the process, including discussions with the local FSDO and the meticulous preparation required, is invaluable for pilots, offering a real-world example of how to handle such situations.
▹ Tech Upgrade - Garmin Autopilot Installation: As 23U heads to Palmer for its overdue maintenance, Chris plans to enhance its capabilities with a new Garmin autopilot system. This upgrade segment focuses on the integration of advanced technology in general aviation aircraft, discussing the benefits and complexities involved. This is particularly relevant for those looking to upgrade their flight systems or learn more about modern aviation technologies.
▹ Pilot Protection Services and Support: Throughout the video, Chris highlights the support he received from AOPA's Pilot Protection Services. He explains how their guidance was pivotal in navigating the layers of aviation bureaucracy, emphasizing the service's value to private pilots and flight instructors who face similar challenges.
👨‍✈️ Chris's Commentary:
Chris uses this episode to reflect on the multifaceted responsibilities of being a pilot and aircraft owner. From detailed discussions on regulatory compliance to the personal challenges of ensuring aircraft readiness under pressing circumstances, he shares his experiences to enrich the learning journey for all aviators.
#Cessna172 #Flying #Aviation

[@angleofattack]

Well here we are... another chapter in the 'get flying again' saga. Make sure to like the video, leave a comment or a question.

[@jamesgargan4679]

that slow-mo of her taking off was absolute beautiful, just watching it gave me the same feeling i get every time i leave the ground, id just wana put it out there everyone talks about their first solo and how great it is and yes i love it but very nerve racking for me, but a week later i did my first area solo out of the circuit stayed within 10nm but that moment for was when you realized you've done things without even doing them, I had the attitude, power, trim, wings level everything just set right and the plane was just flying all on her own with very tiny inputs from me and i had to take a second and I realized to myself that wow this is really me I'm doing this all on my own and i have to find my way back home now and get us both safely back into the circuit and onto the ground, and now that, that is a day I'll never forget !!! watching your videos is just a great reminder of why i started and what I'm striving for and always trying to improve and be better, so thankyou keep up the great work and can't wait to see 23U back in the sky's.

[@mikercflyer7383]

Chris, I was overwhelmed with all the steps you had to follow, looks like all is good now for the new season. Safe travels

[@boogerwood]

AOPA is MANDATORY for any airplane owner. Period. They have been a help and a blessing to me. Can’t wait for more 23U adventures!

[@sohalvr]

Thanks for sharing this marathon, Chris! Sounds like it sucks in the moment but it makes you stronger and now you have more experience to share with the rest of us. Not that it makes it any less stressful I'm sure! How has it affected Sienna's training?! Hopefully not too much.

[@m8driver578]

Saw 23U in Palmer and thought, "Oh, I think that's the AOA airplane!" And I was right. Steve does great work, BTW. See you at the Gathering!

[@bjornmclir5015]

Steve is a real good guy.

[@OliverHallberg]

Thanks for a great and not to mention an open and honest video. Takes a lot of courage to put yourself on the spot like this. :)

[@BrentDanley]

Awesome video, Chris. Yay Palmer!! Great explanations about aircraft ownership issues.

[@Makeshift_Housewife]

That was so much to deal with all at once! Hopefully the rest of the flying season is stress free!

[@deanarndell4609]

Looking forward to seeing 23U up and running again mate. Greetings from Gold Coast Australia 🛩️🤙🏄🌅

[@markmaccani9411]

Chris, Great job on the video. Glad you got through the registration issues and will be getting 23U back in the air soon. Good luck with the new autopilot.

[@angleofattack]

Fingers crossed!

[@WarrenKimpel]

nice informative video thanks

[@jessesplan7759]

It takes a village! That saying has been true for me over my few years of airplane ownership. I have become discouraged over annuals, hangar inspections, paperwork, registration, insurance, etc. I love owning an aircraft. When I rented @BTF it was nice to be able to hand over the keys at the end of a flight and not have think about anything outside of the debrief.

[@danasoiett998]

Enjoy your channel. Beautiful mountain views. 😊

[@Avi8tor857]

Time to paint the nose orange stripe. Take an inspection plate (or even a door) to a paint store and have them match it and put it in a spray can. Many auto parts stores can do it. Scuff, tape, paint.

[@Rockdoon]

Pretty sure it’s intentional l, almost like an homage to the airplane it started out as

[@kevinsislo7160]

Great to see your friend Daniel again. Was wondering what happened to him. Does he have an aviation business? Channel?

[@jamestharp7880]

Hey Chris, you are certainly stressed.! In the past when I have had lots of stress, I have tried lots of different things to cope. If you haven’t tried it yet, you might try yoga and meditation. It’s helped me a lot.

[@OneManOneVote1776]

Chris, thanks for taking us along for the behind the scenes, and like another pilot and KZbinr would say "Keep the blue side up."

[@RetreadPhoto]

And the opposite is true of course: “keep the brown side down.”

[@madisonromero3529]

While you are waiting to get the plane back in order maybe you could show a pro video on how you clean your plane? Seriously would love to see what steps you have to take to

[@garon43]

What do you have on the leading edges of the wings and the horizontal stabilizer. Anti-icing? I never noticed that in previous videos. Is it new?

[@bjornmclir5015]

Saw 23U doing a runup today at palmer today👍

[@j700jam4]

Homer

[@bjornmclir5015]

@@j700jam4 saw 23U in palmer doing a runup at the avionics shop👍

[@bjornmclir5015]

​@@j700jam4palmer airport PAAQ in palmer alaska is where i saw 23U being worked on.

[@ismaelR_C172]

🫂Really hope everything gets sorted out for you and other aviators dealing with this or similar problems in the aviation industry.

[@jasonkonieczki2194]

Are you going to get the paint fixed on the front of your plane during its annual? The faded stripe makes it look pretty shabby, even though it's an amazing example.

[@TheYodaman22]

What do airplanes run on? Dollars! They run on dollars. $$$

[@angleofattack]

And bureaucracy.

[@rodos2001]

Yes, but they are aviation dollars. Generally, those bring more joy

[@j700jam4]

Only one way to end up with a small fortune in aviation, start off with a big one.

[@ryanhorner1675]

So many headaches in the first 5 minutes! 🤯😂 I think I'd get it annualed in the hangar while it's grounded just to avoid all of this...can always take it to someone else after

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

I think all you need is a ferry permit.

[@colddripgaming]

As much as I hate the clickbait title, it was nice to hear your registration issues were sorted

[@bbutcher112]

Has anyone used coflyt for keeping on top of some of the records and upkeep talked about in this video? If so was it a good experience or bad experience? What do you all know?

[@mbtech2003]

Serious question. Why is it so close to the ground in the back? Looks like it’s sagging down

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

Personnely,as an A&P and private pilot if I owned the aircraft,I would fly it to get the avionics installed and than I would do my own annual inspection on the plane.I would take responsibility for any reputations of my actions.Its just how I feel as a mechanic and pilot Look at whats happening with Boeing and the FAA on the 737 max-8.

[@edwinarnold6580]

Are they repaving the rwy Chris?

[@angleofattack]

Yes.

[@skyepilotte11]

Thx Chris...tough working with "government " after all they're there to help. Glad everything is working out...good to see 23U in the air again . Hope you have a great summer season.

[@RetreadPhoto]

Everything is waiverable. Get a waiver.

[@angleofattack]

Waiverable for what exactly?

[@xenadu02]

Important to note that the FAA made things a lot easier on aircraft owners not very long ago by making registration 7 years instead of 2 years. They aren't being deliberately mean. A lot of people at the FAA are GA pilots themselves, though not everyone. If you think the FAA sucks try being a pilot in EASA territory and you'll be extremely thankful for the FAA. Or try it in Japan (much more difficult), or China (until recently illegal and even now still so difficult most Chinese airline pilots train in the USA or EU!) That said the government gives you a license to fly over other people's property without asking their permission or paying them. That's a privilege and responsibility. Part of that is paperwork, though it sucks if your business depends on it and you run into problems. Hopefully this info helps others dot their "i"s and cross their "t"s to avoid problems.

[@neiwar]

Sounds like it was poor planning on your part to ensure everything was current and up to date…and as a result, you’ve got self created drama. Lots of lessons there to be learned I’m sure. Lol. Safe flying.

[@johnfralc9551]

Chris, I am a big fan of your channel and I’ve been watching it for a couple of years. I enjoy watching your student learn how to fly. I have even made a couple of donations to her training. You seem to be an excellent instructor. I am probably going to get a lot of thumbs down on my next comment. This video was difficult to watch, because frankly you are a victim of your own actions. I’m guessing most of your problems could have been solved if you would have been more proactive. However what I hear is a lot of whining about the process. Most successful business owners understand they are not proficient in everything it takes to run a business. They focus on what they do best, and leave the rest to outside consultants, like Attorneys and Lawyers. It sounds like Pilot Protection Services is a very handy consultant to have and if you would have contacted them sooner, perhaps you wouldn’t have all of these problems. Lesson learned I’m sure. But instead of whining about most of it, you could have spun it in a more positive light and learning experience. You asked for viewer perspective and this is mine. I hope you accept this comment in the spirit that it was intended.

[@casualobserver9113]

He isn't whining. If you watched the first video you would see that he started this process a long time ago and it's because of the FAA and their carelessness to the plane owners that they oversee that he's in this position.

[@xenadu02]

Because he didn't read the instructions and filed incomplete registration paper work. Yes that sucks and it is annoying... but either pay an aviation attorney or be extra careful if you're gonna file it yourself. As I noted the FAA not long ago made registrations 7 years instead of 2 years to make life easier on aircraft owners. They aren't deliberately setting out to make life difficult. Their website has instructions that cover this very issue. Chris just didn't pay attention closely enough. The inspection lapsing is just bad timing.

[@kevinsislo7160]

Chris admitted it was his fault. Let this be a lesson for the rest of us.

[@RetreadPhoto]

Not much of a feverish rush, if you had time to plan a video and commercial.

[@SideslipT]

Dude you look so tired

[@angleofattack]

I WAS/AM!

[@wheelairrentals7132]

AOPA IS A WASTE OF MONEY.

[@garon43]

AOPA has helped me navigate medical issues in several occasions. Not a waste for me. Plus the lobby they do in Washington to make sure GA is represented.