My new year resolutions.

I guess depending where you were in the market, some of us might be very happy to see 2008 in our rear view mirror. However in 2008, we met a lot of new friends, spent a lot of time in the air, and for the most part, we were healthy and happy. From my perspective, that's a pretty good year. We have a lot of exciting plans for 2009 that you'll definitely want to be a part of. More about that to come, but for now.....

In the spirit of the season, I've compiled a list of my New Years resolutions.

1. I resolve not to lose weight. At least not so I can load my airplane legally. The Remos has an industry leading useful load of 650 lbs. and a cabin width 7" wider than a Cessna 182. So.... if I happen to lose weight, it's for my health.

2. I resolve to spend more time with our out of town friends and family. The Remos GX is a serious cross country aircraft, in speed, range and load capacity. It makes those day trips to see kids, or grand kids comfortable, and a real pleasure.

3. I resolve to spend less money in the air. Let's face it, I'm not going to fly less, but every hour I spend in the Remos, I burn 4-5 gallons an hour less than the Cherokee or Cessna, and maintenance is a lot less as well.

4. I resolve to meet new friends this year and introduce them to the Remos GX. I'll be at Sebring http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com/ on Friday 1/23/2009. Please give me a call, I'd love to meet you there.

5. Most of all:

We're already the most experienced, but I resolve to be the best dealer, with the best prices, service, and information available. When you get ready to buy a Remos, give us a call. We sell and deliver anywhere in the U.S.

From my family to yours, we wish you a very Happy New year.

Why not leave a comment telling us your resolutions?

The weather outside is Frightful.

I sure hope the weather where you live has been more favorable to flying than here in St. Louis. We’ve had such a mix of wind, ice, and low ceilings that I haven’t been able to fly much at all. This is the time of year I spend a lot of time on the simulator, or taking some online air safety course. I enthusiastically recommend these courses. http://www.aopa.org/asf/online_courses/ They are really excellent, and bonus, they're free. This is a great time to brush up on weather, aerodynamics, airspace, or anything you haven’t thought much about since that written test. While you’re at the computer, take a look at this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8. It kind of reminds me of flying into Chicago airspace during Christmas. How do these guys do this?

Speaking of Christmas, we’ll have the whole family together this year. We’ll take some time off, do a little traveling, visit friends, and exchange some gifts. I pray that you and your families have a very joyous Christmas, and happy New Year. I want to thank you all for the year we’ve had at Gateway Sport Aviation, and the new friends we have made. Don’t worry, the weather will get better, and we’ll be flying again in no time at all. Most importantly, I leave you with this….

Luke 2

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

God bless us all.

BBQ Ribs and Primary Flight displays.

Perhaps I took my own advise too much to heart last update, but I managed to take quite a bit of time off flying to spend with family and friends, enjoying this holiday season. I did spend an evening out at 3SQ last week attending a seminar for instructors teaching the Garmin G-1000 integrated flight and avionics platform. I won't go into here, but it struck me how similar it was to the Dynon unit that is installed in the Remos Light Sport Aircraft. The Dynon doesn't have a lot of the sophistication of the Garmin unit, however information is displayed, and menus are selected, in very similar fashions. This makes the Remos an even better fit for flight schools teaching Technically Advanced Aircraft, or owners wishing to be on the forefront of aviation advancements. Besides, once you get past how cool they look, you'll appreciate the functionality.

Of course, avionics, or flight displays aren't what is most important as far as I'm concerned. What matters most is are we having fun, and where are we eating! We took the opportunity to fly down to Dexter, Mo. for some of the Hickory Logs famous BBQ ribs. This trip has become one of our family traditions, and not just for the great BBQ. The Hickory Log goes all out on it's Christmas decorations, and it's close enough to Poplar Bluff for Cheryl's parents, and assorted brothers or sister to meet us there. KDXE is a nice little airport with a restaurant right on the field for weekend fly-in breakfast. KDXE is attended irregularly, but they do have a courtesy vehicle, and the Hickory Log is only 4 miles away. My advise? Go hungry, eat the ribs, and don't get your fingers all over the multi-function display on the way home.

Why not start your own "flying family tradition"?