New Guy, Intro

[tonycondon]

Hello. Tony Condon here from Wichita KS. I got my tailwheel endorsement in a 140 in early 2004. It was the first thing I did after passing my CFI checkride. Most of my tailwheel time was in Super Cubs towing gliders during college but occasionally would get in a 120 or 140 with a friend. I became a DPE last fall and started maintaining tailwheel currency seriously then in a local 120 so that I could conduct practical tests in tailwheel airplanes.

Last week I completed the deal and the plane was delivered. I purchased N2395N, Serial #12644, a 1947 Cessna 120. It spent its whole life in Michigan & Northern Indiana.

Wife and I made our first flight in it on Friday.

I've already gotten much more value out of the forum and website resources than the cost of membership. Great technical info. Have a few interesting bugs I'm chasing down and planning on a few upgrades (Shoulder Harnesses #1). Mostly looking forward to having a nice cheap to fly bird for short commutes and fun.

[6183]

Welcome aboard Tony!

[6863]

Welcome Tony. I am John Kliewer from up the road in Newton. Your Soaring The Sky podcast interview titled "Downwind Dashes & Grand Prix" was very inspirational and your 13.5 meter Glider Pilot World Championship is impressive. I was also impressed with how simply understated you were in that interview. You have lots to brag about but you were in no way braggadocious. I understand you are also President of the Kansas Soaring Association and have also done some flying at McMasters. Used to tow there in the 185 as well as in a Pawnee at Homestead General south of Miami FL. I'll fly my 120 up to Sunflower one of these days to say hello.

Since the Downwind Dashes & Grand Prix is such a good, already public reflection on you Tony and gives us more information on who you are I'll take the liberty of posting the link here for the benefit of all.

https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outl ... reserved=0

Cheers!

[6643]

Gee, I was going to say "welcome", but now I feel self conscious....

[tonycondon]

Thanks John that's very kind. Soaring is my first love flight wise for sure. Looking forward to seeing you around! I'm keeping the plane at Jabara since that is where I basically live. I fly a corporate King Air 90 for LifeSave for my real job.

[8233]

Welcome Tony!

I live up in KC and often fly out to the area. Would love to meet up for lunch some weekend at 1K1 or near by and check out your new bird. I went out to Newton to visit John a few weeks ago. That area is very rich in history and knowledgeable resources regarding our 120/140s.

I have a couple of stops on my to-do list in the area. One of which is to visit the son of the pilot who did my 120's initial factory test flight.

[5469]

Welcome to the Community, Tony !

I don't know what you exactly understand by "Short commutes", but if one day you travel to Argentina, you have a C140 waiting for you !
Thanks John for the link, very nice to follow it.
I will do my best to attend the next Convention in Georgia.

Cheers !
Horacio

[tonycondon]

Welcome Tony!

I live up in KC and often fly out to the area. Would love to meet up for lunch some weekend at 1K1 or near by and check out your new bird. I went out to Newton to visit John a few weeks ago. That area is very rich in history and knowledgeable resources regarding our 120/140s.

I have a couple of stops on my to-do list in the area. One of which is to visit the son of the pilot who did my 120's initial factory test flight.

Cool let me know when you're in town. Wilfred Mardis was the pilot who made the first flight on mine.

[6863]

Nick Mardis is Wilfred's son and lives at Lake Waltana just west of ICT. He has a very tricked out Cessna 180 which he claims is the fastest one in the world.

[8233]

Welcome Tony!

I live up in KC and often fly out to the area. Would love to meet up for lunch some weekend at 1K1 or near by and check out your new bird. I went out to Newton to visit John a few weeks ago. That area is very rich in history and knowledgeable resources regarding our 120/140s.

I have a couple of stops on my to-do list in the area. One of which is to visit the son of the pilot who did my 120's initial factory test flight.

Cool let me know when you're in town. Wilfred Mardis was the pilot who made the first flight on mine.

As John notes below, Nick lives in the area and Wilfred also performed my 120's test flight. I think it would be a lot of fun to take both planes together and visit Nick and get a few pics. Nick lives on a private strip and I have that location. I need to reach out to him and connect on planning a visit. I've seen his 180 and it's a really nice plane.