| Mike Bayne |
Mike Bayne 1996
The scoop on Mike Bayne. I have been a licensed pilot since 1979-80 when I completed all of the requisite training. However, after logging ~100 hours I was forced to curtail my flying activity due to financial constraints so I took a 10 year hiatus from the sport. In 1992 the bug returned one day when I dropped by Leesburg, Godfrey Field (JYO) and saw the growth and changes that occurred during my absence. Being in a much better financial position to continue my training I wrangled a deal to rent a Cessna 172 to work on remedial flight training in December 1992. It quickly came back to me and I approached my training with renewed interest and enjoyment, wondering many times how I was able to stay away so long.It wasn't long before I met several other pilots, some of them who were interested in forming an ownership partnership. In early 1993, four of us formed a partnership in a 1977 Cessna 172 (N733BZ), very nicely equipped and in very good condition - currently hangered at JYO. In any case, I was quickly on my way to building hours. Since 1993 I have amassed 400+ hours bringing my total to just a few shy of 500. To fly so many hours I have completed my SEL instrument rating and earned my commercial certificate. My wife, Carolynn and I have also done a lot of traveling. We have made a couple of trips to Myrtle Beach, and have also flown to Bar Harbor, Maine; St. Louis, Missouri; Olathe, Kansas; Monroe, Louisiana; and many day and weekend trips to local places like Ocean City, Charlottesville, Lancaster and others.
For the future, although I have not jumped yet, it's in the cards. Certainly by mid-summer I hope to have had the opportunity. For now, I am content taking jumpers up and vicariously enjoying their enthusiasm and excitement. When I return from a jump run the response from the first time jumpers - be it tandem or AFF - is always the same. They beam with excitement telling about the rush of the air, the excitement and exhilaration and the satisfaction of completing yet another challenge in the episode of life. I hope to experience that too.
As far as other goals and aspirations, I have many. Before too long I hope to achieve my MEL (Multi-Engine Land) rating, own an aerobatic aircraft and maybe a taildragger like a Cub or some other vintage craft. I am also always looking to expand my training and piloting capabilities by adding ratings. Some that I have my eye on are: seaplane, sailplane, tailwheel, etc. Whatever I can afford and get hooked up with. I love it all. For now however, I am having a real blast flying jumpers. They are a fun group. I hope to see you at Skydive Virginia.
Mike Bayne 1997
Well, a year has come and gone and it has been a wonderful experience. I just cannot imagine not being on earth enjoying the joy of flight and friendships found in and around the sport and especially those I have made in the past year at Skydive Virginia.
My wife, Carolynn, and I continue to do some traveling, by general aviation of course, this year again to Kansas to visit relatives (why else would someone go to Kansas ;-), the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, a couple more trips to Myrtle Beach and several to Ocean City, Md.
I finally got to experience the joy of personal flight when I made my first AFF jump late in the Summer '96. It took a long time to accomplish because I was either too busy flying other jumpers, the weather wouldn't cooperate, or I was busy with other personal objectives in life. Oh well, I made that first jump and am looking forward to making enough this year to be certified. It was exhilarating and a personal accomplishment I will never forget.
On the flying frontier, I met two of my goals by completing my Multi-Engine Land (MEL) training receiving a MEL/Commercial/Instrument rating. If everything goes well, you may see me behind the yoke of a twin at Skydive Virginia this year. Keep your fingers crossed. I also received a tailwheel sign-off. Completing this sign-off in a Super Decathlon and a Citrabia Aurora at Warrenton Training Center has been a real buzz. I am looking forward to possibly getting into a part-ownership scenario in a Super Decathlon so I can continue my aerobatic training in the coming year. Inverted is so cool.........
Well, that's the update on Mike Bayne. Come see us at Skydive Virginia. Looking forward to throwing you outta my plane ;-)
