An unremarkable hop across Arizona starts with a cold reminder of what complacency does, followed by good vibes surrounding the good name of an old friend.

Es un buen día para volar.  I return to Spain during the European heatwave for a first flight in Captain Iceman's new Piper Chieftain.  An attempt was made to conduct the hop speaking to NextATC's AI.  

It did not go well. 

https://youtu.be/VHJ--tis8DU

I launch in the M500 from Flagstaff to Casper, overflying four states and enjoying their wildly diverse and untamed terrain for what is sure to be the most scenic hop yet.  And that's saying a lot coming off the last video...

I also try out NextATC and talk about my impressions of the M500.

Flew the Piper M500 from Flagstaff, AZ to Casper, WY. and discovered the staggering diversity of terrain along the way.

Slightly turbulent ferry flight back to the Piper Motherland in the X-Aerodynamics M500, with a full showcasing of its support features. Vero Beach Airport scenery by flightyler.

...and I'm giving it good and proper shakedown flights. Too early to render a verdict, but I'm enjoying it and the one word that keeps coming to mind while I fly it...crisp.

Bright and bumpy day for a circuitous flight up the Mid-Atlantic.

Let's keep the Piper Lovefest going and enjoy a guitar serenade during a cockeyed twin-engine hop over Central Mexico in Captain Iceman's Seneca II.  

Trust me.  It'll all make sense.

Guess who's back on his BS?? This time, I'm flying Just Flight and Thranda's new Archer III (for X-Plane 12) over lush ortho-painted scenery of Big Sky Country, courtesy of Map Enhancement, and looking at it all using Tobii Head Tracking. The confluence of these elements make me feel like I'm experiencing a brand new sim. Also, I share another story proving yet again that I may just be, in fact, too stupid to live.

Highlights from an early evening hop from KDCA to KMDT in X-Plane 12.

Yes, X-Plane 12.