Flying the P-51

For a landmark birthday a few years ago, I arranged to fly the P-51 at Stallion 51 in Florida. I got to fly with Mr. Mustang, Lee Lauderback. It was a blast and my friend Art, flew with another pilot in the back of another Mustang. You can read about it here. And also watch a two minute video of me flying aerobatics. 

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Refining my Drone Skills

Earlier this year, I obtained my Part 107 Remote Pilot license when I updated my Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) license. I am now in the hunt for the right drone. It is challenging as the technology keeps getting better and better. Have any ideas? Connect with me and let me know. Photo credit: Capricorn4049 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

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Cruising the ICW

Part of our journey on America’s Great Loop was easterly on the Intra-Coastal Waterway (ICW) on the Florida Panhandle. This one leg of our trip (#79) had a little bit of drama on it. What would you have done differently? 

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Flying the U-2

In the middle of my USAF career, I was fortunate enough to apply and be selected to fly the U-2. It was a most interesting assignment and I got to see the world from high above all alone. I have dedicated a full page of things I found interesting and try to keep it updated. This year is the 65th anniversary of the U-2 – yes it is still flying and serving today!

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Checklists, Checklists

As we continue to learn cruising, I have become increasingly frustrated at the lack of clear manufacturer’s checklist for operation of a boat. So, taking my experience from aviation, I am applying that to cruising to include crew communication and clear description of each task to enhance safety. If you have ideas, let me know. I plan to launch a How To course on this soon. 

Why Checklists?

Cruising on the Great Loop

For retirement we planned to conquer America’s Great Loop – a 6,000 mile journey around the eastern part of the US and Canada. It is a year long (or more) journey and took some planning. We decided to chronicle each time we moved the boat so we could share our learning and experiences with others. Come join us and follow us as we complete the Loop!

YouTube Channel

Aviation

Sam completed a career in the USAF initially trained as a Navigator, then selected and trained as a Pilot. He flew the B-52G and U-2R, instructed as both a primary and advanced jet instructor, and served on staff in three director positions. Sam then went on to commercial aviation to fly the Boeing-747, 737, DC-9, Fokker-100, and the Airbus 320 family. He maintains a current CFII.

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Projects

Sam founded Crouse Training and Consulting, Inc. in 2004 where he served private, non-profit and government organizations. He holds a Masters from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Doctorate from the University of Texas at Dallas. Rev, along with Sam, founded What Yacht To Do in 2019 and Great Loop Academy in 2021.

Cruising

Sam is a USCG 100 Ton Master Captain and has been boating since his teens. With his wife, Rev, as first mate, they completed two trips around America’s Great Loop and started a third loop. Sam is available for instruction your boat anywhere along the Great Loop and from Maine to Texas.