AlchemyGeek

MOSAIC Is Here: Why It’s Great News for Aging Pilots (Like Me) Flying is one of those passions you want to hold on to for as long as possible. But the reality for many of us—especially those with a few more hours in the logbook and years on the calendar—is that medical certification can become the biggest threat to staying in the left seat. That’s why the MOSAIC rule is more than just an interesting regulatory update for me.

MOSAIC Is Here: Why It’s Great News for Aging Pilots (Like Me)

Flying is one of those passions you want to hold on to for as long as possible. But the reality for many of us—especially those with a few more hours in the logbook and years on the calendar—is that medical certification can become the…

MOSAIC Is Here: How It Redraws the Map for General Aviation TL;DR: The FAA’s MOSAIC rule isn’t just a regulatory update for Light Sport and Experimental aircraft—it’s a potential turning point for the General Aviation (GA) industry. From flight schools and aircraft manufacturers to insurance providers and weekend pilots, the ripple effects will be felt across every layer of GA. What follows is a detailed analysis of how the industry is likely to evolve, drawn from a longer white paper exploring the market, economic, and competitive implications of MOSAIC.

MOSAIC Is Here: How It Redraws the Map for General Aviation

TL;DR: The FAA’s MOSAIC rule isn’t just a regulatory update for Light Sport and Experimental aircraft—it’s a potential turning point for the General Aviation (GA) industry. From flight schools and aircraft manufacturers to insurance…

MOSAIC Is Here: What Changes for E-AB Owners TL;DR: MOSAIC brings long-awaited changes for Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft—legalizing compensated instruction, allowing non-builders to earn a Repairman Certificate, and clarifying commercial use boundaries. These updates significantly improve the utility, resale value, and ecosystem around E-AB aircraft. Expect ripple effects in training, maintenance, and aircraft value. The E-AB World Before MOSAIC Before MOSAIC, E-AB aircraft lived in a regulatory gray zone.

MOSAIC Is Here: What Changes for E-AB Owners

TL;DR: MOSAIC brings long-awaited changes for Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft—legalizing compensated instruction, allowing non-builders to earn a Repairman Certificate, and clarifying commercial use boundaries. These updates significantly…

MOSAIC Is Here: The FAA’s Long-Awaited Leap Into Modern Aviation TL;DR: The FAA just issued MOSAIC—Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification—a long-overdue overhaul of how we build, fly, and think about light aircraft. It expands Light Sport Aircraft limits, opens new doors for Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) builders, and gives pilots more flexibility. It doesn’t fix everything, but it’s the most significant regulatory change in decades. In this series, I’ll walk through what it means for builders, the broader GA market, and folks like me who want to keep flying well into their 70s.

MOSAIC Is Here: The FAA’s Long-Awaited Leap Into Modern Aviation

TL;DR: The FAA just issued MOSAIC—Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification—a long-overdue overhaul of how we build, fly, and think about light aircraft. It expands Light Sport Aircraft limits, opens new doors for…

From Concept to Cockpit: Finalizing My Sling’s Avionics Panel TL;DR: After months of configuration decisions, I’ve officially approved the final avionics panel for my Sling TSi. Designed and built by the talented team at Midwest Panel Builders, this setup brings together modern ergonomics, crisp integration, and future-facing flexibility. Here’s a guided tour of what’s on the panel—and why I think it’s the functional, ergonomic, and elegant. Already covered:

From Concept to Cockpit: Finalizing My Sling’s Avionics Panel

TL;DR: After months of configuration decisions, I’ve officially approved the final avionics panel for my Sling TSi. Designed and built by the talented team at Midwest Panel Builders, this setup brings together modern ergonomics, crisp…

Blades of Glory: 3 vs. 4 on the Sling TSi TL;DR Sling Aircraft now offers the DUC FlashBlack/TigerBlack 4-blade hydraulic propeller as a factory option, alongside traditional 3-blade props like the Airmaster and MT. More blades generally mean smoother operation, better climb performance, and reduced noise — but with a number of trade off in complexity, cost, efficiency. The difference in diameter between 3-blade and 4-blade options is small (72″ vs.

Blades of Glory: 3 vs. 4 on the Sling TSi

TL;DR Sling Aircraft now offers the DUC FlashBlack/TigerBlack 4-blade hydraulic propeller as a factory option, alongside traditional 3-blade props like the Airmaster and MT. More blades generally mean smoother operation, better climb performance, and…

Vectors for Growth: A Pilot’s Guide to IFR Checkride Recovery In June 2025, I passed my FAA instrument checkride. But not on the first try. That’s right—my journey to the instrument rating came with a little detour: a disapproval notice. The FAA equivalent of a red card. And while it stung, it also taught me some of the most important lessons of my training. Let me take you through what happened, why the second checkride was dramatically better, and what you can learn from my experience—especially if you’re preparing for your own IFR practical.

Vectors for Growth: A Pilot’s Guide to IFR Checkride Recovery

In June 2025, I passed my FAA instrument checkride. But not on the first try. That’s right—my journey to the instrument rating came with a little detour: a disapproval notice. The FAA equivalent of a red card. And while it stung, it…

Instrument Rating, Rated: My Favorite (and Least Favorite) IFR Study Tools I’m approaching my instrument checkride, and along the way, I’ve tried more resources than a Cirrus has cupholders. Some were game changers. Some... let’s just say I wish I could log that time under “lessons learned.” This post is my attempt to give future IFR students a clearer path—one that skips the dead ends, overpriced distractions, and time-wasters I ran into.

Instrument Rating, Rated: My Favorite (and Least Favorite) IFR Study Tools

I’m approaching my instrument checkride, and along the way, I’ve tried more resources than a Cirrus has cupholders. Some were game changers. Some... let’s just say I wish I could log that time under “lessons learned.” This…

Factory Build Assist and the 51% E-AB Rule When I decided to build a Sling TSi, I chose to do it through the Factory Build Assist Program offered by Sling Aircraft in Torrance, California. Rather than building the aircraft entirely on my own, I’ll be working on-site alongside experienced technicians who guide and support the process. This approach still qualifies under the FAA’s Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) 51% Rule…

Factory Build Assist and the 51% E-AB Rule

When I decided to build a Sling TSi, I chose to do it through the Factory Build Assist Program offered by Sling Aircraft in Torrance, California. Rather than building the aircraft entirely on my own, I’ll be working on-site alongside experienced…

Beating Vapor Lock: Why I’m Installing Boost Pumps in My Sling TSi Vapor Lock: A Hot Topic Vapor lock isn’t the kind of thing that keeps most pilots up at night — until it happens. Imagine climbing out on a hot day, your engine humming along, when suddenly the hum turns to a hiccup. The fuel is still in the tanks, but it's not reaching the cylinders. What just happened? Welcome to the world of vapor lock — a sneaky, heat-driven problem that can turn liquid fuel into useless vapor bubbles, choking off your engine's lifeblood.

Beating Vapor Lock: Why I’m Installing Boost Pumps in My Sling TSi

Vapor Lock: A Hot Topic Vapor lock isn’t the kind of thing that keeps most pilots up at night — until it happens. Imagine climbing out on a hot day, your engine humming along, when suddenly the hum turns to a hiccup. The fuel is…

ChatGPT My Co-Pilot: Learning to See the Skies Through AI Eyes As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we fly. This post kicks off a new series where I explore how AI tools like ChatGPT—and other large language models (LLMs)—can assist me as a pilot. From decoding weather charts to reviewing procedures and planning routes, my goal is to understand where AI fits in the cockpit… and where it doesn’t.

ChatGPT My Co-Pilot: Learning to See the Skies Through AI Eyes

As technology continues to evolve, so does the way we fly. This post kicks off a new series where I explore how AI tools like ChatGPT—and other large language models (LLMs)—can assist me as a pilot. From decoding weather charts to…

Flying Under the Radar (Sort Of): FAA’s New Privacy Rules for Aircraft Owner When the FAA introduced ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) as part of its NextGen modernization push, the goal was noble: improve traffic separation, enable more efficient routing, and enhance safety across the National Airspace System. Every aircraft would continuously broadcast its position, velocity, and identity, creating a real-time picture of traffic in the skies. A revolution in air traffic awareness. But even back then, a small voice in the back of every aircraft owner’s head whispered, “Wait… all of this data is public?” And so it was—and is.

Flying Under the Radar (Sort Of): FAA’s New Privacy Rules for Aircraft Owner

When the FAA introduced ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) as part of its NextGen modernization push, the goal was noble: improve traffic separation, enable more efficient routing, and enhance safety…

MT Hydraulic vs. Airmaster Electric Prop: The Push for a Truly Modern Sling TSi When I started this build, my goal wasn’t just to put together a capable airplane — I wanted to build a modern airplane. Something that reflects where general aviation should be headed: FADEC engine, glass cockpit, smart avionics, and yes, a propeller that doesn’t rely on oil lines, governors, and a 1940s-era blue knob. That’s why the Airmaster electric constant-speed propeller caught my attention early on. It’s elegant, automated, and purpose-built for the kind of pilot experience I’m after — one where I focus on flying the mission, not fiddling with knobs.

MT Hydraulic vs. Airmaster Electric Prop: The Push for a Truly Modern Sling TSi

When I started this build, my goal wasn’t just to put together a capable airplane — I wanted to build a modern airplane. Something that reflects where general aviation should be headed: FADEC engine, glass cockpit,…

Rotax iRMT Training: From Classroom Theory to Hands-On Practice to Certification One of the most rewarding parts of the Sling journey—beyond the flying itself—is diving deep into how the plane works, especially the engine. I’ve read Mike Busch’s books on aircraft engine ownership and maintenance cover to cover, and they left me with a strong sense that if you’re going to fly it, you ought to understand it—and be able to care for it. That’s what brought me to Rotax service training. This training isn’t just about tightening bolts or changing oil. It’s a foundational course in understanding the Rotax engine’s design, operation, and required service intervals.

Rotax iRMT Training: From Classroom Theory to Hands-On Practice to Certification

One of the most rewarding parts of the Sling journey—beyond the flying itself—is diving deep into how the plane works, especially the engine. I’ve read Mike Busch’s books on aircraft engine ownership and maintenance…

Back to GA after 15 Years: New Toys, Old Problems, Same Sky Back in 2005, a younger, more wide-eyed me walked into Galvin Flying at Boeing Field and took the plunge into general aviation with a Cessna 172S (N174GF). She was a fine ship, high-winged and ready to show me the clouds (just not in them—yet). I trained under the steady hand of Mike Oswald, a retired commercial pilot with wisdom and patience that would make a monk blush. Got my ticket on March 12, 2006. Started instrument training, and then… Hoquiam (KHQM) happened. One hairy IMC flight, a cockpit full of steam gauges, and the sudden realization that my continued survival depended on a vacuum pump roughly as reliable as a ‘90s dot-com startup made me take stock.

Back to GA after 15 Years: New Toys, Old Problems, Same Sky

Back in 2005, a younger, more wide-eyed me walked into Galvin Flying at Boeing Field and took the plunge into general aviation with a Cessna 172S (N174GF). She was a fine ship, high-winged and ready to show me the clouds (just not in…

Inside the Panel: My Garmin-Powered Sling TSi Avionics Suite One of the joys—and let’s be honest, headaches—of building an experimental aircraft is that you get to choose everything. It’s a blank canvas with wings. Paint? Your call. Interior? Knock yourself out. Avionics? Welcome to the deep end of the rabbit hole. For the avionics in my Sling TSi, I made the decision early on to go almost all-in with Garmin. Why? Because when you're building something as complex as an IFR-capable airplane, it pays to go with a cohesive, well-supported ecosystem. Garmin doesn’t just make radios and glass panels—they make a full suite of integrated systems that talk to each other natively, supported by a vast user community, rock-solid documentation, and specialized builders like Midwest Panel Builders who know these components inside and out.

Inside the Panel: My Garmin-Powered Sling TSi Avionics Suite

One of the joys—and let’s be honest, headaches—of building an experimental aircraft is that you get to choose everything. It’s a blank canvas with wings. Paint? Your call. Interior? Knock yourself out. Avionics? Welcome to the deep end…

The Red Knob Is Dead: Why GA Needs to Embrace FADEC, Now 🚨 New White Paper Alert! 🚨 A new deep-dive technical and cultural analysis is now available: “The Red Knob Is Obsolete: Why It’s Time for FADEC in GA Aircraft.” Whether you're a builder, a tech-forward pilot, or just someone tired of fiddling with mixture at 10,500 feet, it’s a thoughtful read worth checking out. Download Paper TL;DR: What’s in the Paper? This white paper examines the evolution of engine management in general aviation, focusing on Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and why it's high time we ditch the antiquated combo of magnetos, manual mixture controls, and carburetors.

The Red Knob Is Dead: Why GA Needs to Embrace FADEC, Now

🚨 New White Paper Alert! 🚨 A new deep-dive technical and cultural analysis is now available: “The Red Knob Is Obsolete: Why It’s Time for FADEC in GA Aircraft.” Whether you're a builder, a tech-forward pilot, or just someone tired of…

Cloud Surfing and Chart Hustling: Completing the FAR 61.65 IFR Cross-Country Why is this flight so important? Let’s start with the official reason: FAR §61.65(d)(ii)(C). Sounds thrilling already, right? Okay, maybe not at first glance—but it’s a big deal if you’re working toward your instrument rating. This regulation requires a 250+ NM cross-country flight under IFR, with three different instrument approaches, at three different airports, and using real or simulated instrument conditions. Basically, it’s the FAA’s way of saying, “You sure you’re ready for this?” And I’ve been ready… except the weather hasn’t. Grounded by Ice (and not the Cool Kind…

Cloud Surfing and Chart Hustling: Completing the FAR 61.65 IFR Cross-Country

Why is this flight so important? Let’s start with the official reason: FAR §61.65(d)(ii)(C). Sounds thrilling already, right? Okay, maybe not at first glance—but it’s a big deal if you’re working toward your instrument…

From Green Clamps to Bluetooth Dreams: My Headset Upgrade After 20 Years Back in 2005, when I first took to the skies, I picked up a pair of David Clark H20-10s—arguably the aviation headset of the era. They were the green standard: light, rugged, comfortable, and quiet enough with their passive noise reduction to keep the engine drone at bay. That headset stuck with me through every cross-country flight and checkride until I stepped away from flying in 2009. Fast forward to 2024. I’ve returned to the cockpit, this time with a Sling TSi project and an IFR rating in progress. And guess what?

From Green Clamps to Bluetooth Dreams: My Headset Upgrade After 20 Years

Back in 2005, when I first took to the skies, I picked up a pair of David Clark H20-10s—arguably the aviation headset of the era. They were the green standard: light, rugged, comfortable, and quiet enough with their passive…

The IFR Approach Briefing Routine That Works for Me Background There are numerous excellent resources available that cover IFR approach briefings in depth, and approach plates themselves are ergonomically designed to facilitate a structured, streamlined briefing. However, as an IFR student, I’ve found that developing my own routine—one that consistently captures the most critical aspects of the briefing—has been invaluable in reducing stress and ensuring a timely, efficient process that keeps me ahead of the aircraft. For additional resources on IFR approach briefings, expand to see articles and video How to Brief an Instrument Approach (Step-by-Step) Instrument Tip: Putting the brief in briefing…

The IFR Approach Briefing Routine That Works for Me

Background There are numerous excellent resources available that cover IFR approach briefings in depth, and approach plates themselves are ergonomically designed to facilitate a structured, streamlined briefing. However, as an IFR student, I’ve…

Why Two Isn’t Always Enough: : Why I Chose an External Alternator for the Sling TSi In an age where glass cockpits, autopilots, GPS systems, and electronically controlled engines dominate general aviation, having a rock-solid electrical system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. That’s especially true for the Sling TSi, a sleek and modern aircraft that relies on digital avionics and electronic fuel injection to keep everything running smoothly. Powering the Modern Cockpit: The Rotax 915/916iS Electrical System At the heart of its electrical system is the Rotax 915 iS/916 iS engine, which comes with a built-in dual alternator setup. But as I dug into the details of how these alternators work, I realized that while they provide a solid baseline of power, there are situations where adding an external alternator makes a lot of sense.

Why Two Isn’t Always Enough: : Why I Chose an External Alternator for the Sling TSi

In an age where glass cockpits, autopilots, GPS systems, and electronically controlled engines dominate general aviation, having a rock-solid electrical system isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. That’s…

Becoming an Owner-In-Command: Lessons from Mike Busch’s Essential Books on Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance As a future airplane owner, I’ve realized that flying is only part of the equation—owning an aircraft introduces an entirely new set of challenges. From maintenance to insurance, storage, diagnostics, and planning cross-country trips, the learning curve is steep. Thankfully, Mike Busch’s books have been an invaluable guide through this process. His writing covers every aspect of aircraft ownership, and he manages to make even the most technical topics engaging, practical, and—believe it or not—fun to read. Who Is Mike Busch? Mike Busch is a legend in the general aviation (GA) community.

Becoming an Owner-In-Command: Lessons from Mike Busch’s Essential Books on Aircraft Ownership and Maintenance

As a future airplane owner, I’ve realized that flying is only part of the equation—owning an aircraft introduces an entirely new set of challenges. From maintenance to insurance, storage,…

Chute Happens: Why I’m All-In on a Parachute for My Sling TSi When I first learned that the Sling TSi could be equipped with a whole-aircraft parachute, I was all in. The Sling has always struck me as a modern, innovative airplane—embracing new technology like the Rotax 916iS engine and advanced Garmin avionics. A parachute system seemed to fit right into this theme, adding a substantial safety net for cross-country flying. Excited to dig into the details, I posted in the Sling Pilot Forum to ask which of the two available parachute systems would be best for my build. I expected guidance on brands, deployment parameters, and maybe a few anecdotes from experienced pilots.

Chute Happens: Why I’m All-In on a Parachute for My Sling TSi

When I first learned that the Sling TSi could be equipped with a whole-aircraft parachute, I was all in. The Sling has always struck me as a modern, innovative airplane—embracing new technology like the Rotax 916iS engine and advanced…

Bend, Drill, Rivet: My Hands-On Experience at the EAA Metal Workshop One of the most exciting parts of building an experimental aircraft is the sheer volume of new things you get to learn. Whether it’s understanding the intricate details of avionics or the not-so-intricate art of riveting metal sheets, every step is a hands-on education. It’s part airplane construction, part life lesson—and maybe a bit of therapy, too. I joined the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) last year after deciding to build my Sling TSi. Since then, the EAA has proven to be an incredible resource for learning and connecting with the builder community.

Bend, Drill, Rivet: My Hands-On Experience at the EAA Metal Workshop

One of the most exciting parts of building an experimental aircraft is the sheer volume of new things you get to learn. Whether it’s understanding the intricate details of avionics or the not-so-intricate art of riveting metal…

Cracking the Code: How to Set Up Arbitrary DME Holds in Garmin GTN Warning: IFR Geekery Ahead! If you’re deep into IFR training or just love aviation tech, welcome! If you’re here by accident and wondering what the heck a hold is, you might want to sit this one out—unless you enjoy unnecessary levels of detail about flying in circles. Today, we’re diving into how to use the Garmin GTN 650/750 to set up IFR holds, specifically arbitrary DME holds, which aren’t as straightforward as the more common published holds. Why? Because being prepared is never a bad thing when flying IFR, and having a strategy to configure these holds quickly can make a huge difference—especially when flying single-pilot IFR in busy airspace.

Cracking the Code: How to Set Up Arbitrary DME Holds in Garmin GTN

Warning: IFR Geekery Ahead! If you’re deep into IFR training or just love aviation tech, welcome! If you’re here by accident and wondering what the heck a hold is, you might want to sit this one out—unless you enjoy unnecessary…

Why I Chose the VP-X Pro Over Traditional Circuit Breakers (And How I Resolved My Biggest Concern) One of the major electrical system decisions in my Sling TSi build was whether to use traditional fuses and circuit breakers or upgrade to the Vertical Power VP-X Pro electronic circuit breaker system. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided that the VP-X Pro was the better choice for my build due to its ability to simplify wiring, free up panel space, and provide real-time electrical system monitoring through the EFIS. Substancial real estate on the Sling TSi panel taken by the fuses To help illustrate the benefits of this system, I will include a picture of a Sling panel showing how much real estate traditional fuses take up, as well as a YouTube video from Midwest Panel Builders that explains the advantages of the VP-X Pro in detail.

Why I Chose the VP-X Pro Over Traditional Circuit Breakers (And How I Resolved My Biggest Concern)

One of the major electrical system decisions in my Sling TSi build was whether to use traditional fuses and circuit breakers or upgrade to the Vertical Power VP-X Pro electronic circuit breaker…

First Time at the NW Aviation Conference: Learning, Planning, and Talking Airplanes The Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show is a staple event in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses for a weekend of exhibits, seminars, and conversations about all things flying. This year was my first time attending, and with my Sling TSi build and IFR training in full swing, it couldn’t have come at a better time. The event had a solid mix of vendors, training resources, and expert talks that lined up perfectly with my current aviation goals. 2025 NW Aviation Show ProgramDownload…

First Time at the NW Aviation Conference: Learning, Planning, and Talking Airplanes

The Northwest Aviation Conference & Trade Show is a staple event in the Pacific Northwest, bringing together pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation businesses for a weekend of exhibits, seminars, and conversations…

How FlySto.net Helps Me Learn from Every IFR Flight

Instrument training requires precision, consistency, and the ability to make the right corrections at the right time. During a flight, it can be difficult to recognize small mistakes or pinpoint exactly where things went wrong. That’s why…

Oxygen Without the Hassle: My Decision for the Sling TSi Flying at altitude comes with both legal and practical oxygen requirements, and selecting the right system for my Sling TSi was an important decision. The FAA’s oxygen requirements under FAR 91.211 state: Above 12,500 feet MSL up to 14,000 feet MSL – Pilots must use supplemental oxygen after 30 minutes at these altitudes. Above 14,000 feet MSL – The pilot must use oxygen at all times. Above 15,000 feet MSL – Passengers must also have oxygen available. While these are the legal minimums, the general wisdom among pilots is to use oxygen above 8,000 feet, especially at night, to prevent fatigue and maintain cognitive sharpness.

Oxygen Without the Hassle: My Decision for the Sling TSi

Flying at altitude comes with both legal and practical oxygen requirements, and selecting the right system for my Sling TSi was an important decision. The FAA’s oxygen requirements under FAR 91.211 state: Above 12,500 feet MSL up to 14,000…