Photo Gallery
Cirrus (& other aircraft) Flying & Teaching: 2021 – 2025
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More of the planes, the people, and the places associated with flying & teaching in Cirrus and other aircraft. During this segment of time, I wrapped up my 10th and final year flying the Airbus A-320-Series and flew my first 4 years as a Boeing 737 Captain. My teaching activities continued to focused mainly on Cirrus and Swift aircraft, plus some other general aviation aircraft as opportunities arose. My exploration of other various aircraft types (mainly for my writing activities) was higher than ever before during these year. That is touched on in this album, but certainly not comprehensively.
Click on any image below to see a larger version, including a descriptive caption.
Mothballed
As 2021 began, the COVID downturn was still in full effect. Here, 14 of my airline's 737s are "mothballed" in Ontario, CA (ONT), awaiting busier times ahead.
Lake or Ocean?
Steep turn practice with a Cirrus SR-22 client along the Lake Michigan shoreline on a cold and snowy Jan. 2021 morning.
Screen Time Limit Exceeded
Teaching an advanced avionics course in a VERY well equipped Cessna P210 in the Bay Area of CA. Jan. 2021.
Shadow Dancing
Climbing out of San Carlos airport (SRQ), CA in a Cessna P210 on an avionics and IFR training flight. Redwood City is in view, above our own shadow. Late Jan. 2021.
Clearance Denied
In March 2021, the country was a full year into the Covid downturn. I was still flying into several LA area airports routinely. The Pacific ports of Long Beach were clogged with cargo ships from Asia that could not dock or unload. Some waited at anchor for months to offload. Others were forced to return home with everyone and everything they arrived with still onboard.
Chi-town Skyline
Flying the shoreline southbound, past downtown Chicago and over Navy Pier. In a Cirrus SR-22 in March, 2021.
Shoreline Route
In April, 2021 I was flying the last leg of a ferry flight in an SR-22 from the N.C. coast to Milwaukee. While flying the Lake Michigan shoreline route, under the Chicago Class B airspace, one of my client's snapped this picture of my from the window of his downtown Chicago high-rise condo.
Mixed Crew
April 2021: Some impromptu tailwheel fun with an airline buddy in his Cessna 140. Since he'd already transitioned to the 737 by this point, but I was still flying the Airbus, he added some notes to this pic taken by his on-board camera. On short final to Woodland State Park Airport (W27) in WA. Landing on their 25' wide Runway 14.
Deja Vu
In April 2021, I helped the new owner of this late-G1 SR-22 get it from FL to WI and to complete his transition training. My company had been hired to complete the factory acceptance, delivery, and owner training on this same aircraft 18 years prior.
A Tame Taildragger?
Taxing out in Renton, WA airport to fly my airline buddy's Stinson 108-3 Voyager. He flies a cargo 747-8 for a living, but like myself, still loves old taildraggers. This is the easiest landing taildragger I've ever flown. May, 2021.
Mooney Mentoring
Flying with a young freshly-minted Private Pilot in a 1968 Mooney Statesman. I was requested to be another set of critical eyes on him (as his dad had been his only CFI up to that point). On final approach to Runway 08 at Pearson Field, Vancouver, WA (Oregon and Mt. Hood across the river). June 2021.
The Last Supper
Sept. 8 & 9 of 2021 was my last trip on the Airbus A320 fleet. Eating on the most comfortable flight deck in the airlines. I still miss the tray table! Enroute between Portland, OR and Washington, D.C.
One Phase Ends, Another Begins
Flying past the Washington Monument on the River Visual 19 approach in Washington National Airport (DCA) in D.C. This was my last Airbus trip and my last landing in the A321NEO on Sept. 8, 2021. Soon after, I began training to transition to the Boeing 737 for my airline.
The Goodbye Gang
My crew and I after arrival in Washington, D.C. (DCA). This was my last time flying the Airbus A321NEO.
Meet the Crane Family
Taxiing in at Burlington, WI Airport (BUU) while giving instruction in a Swift. BUU is one of several airports in SE that I frequent which has a resident family of Sandhill Cranes living on the airport. For the most part, they coexist well with the airplane traffic at "their" airports. Sept. 2021, likely not long before this family headed south for the winter.
Flying the Maule Lunar Rocket
In Nov. 2021, I was invited to fly this monster Maule. Built as an MX-5, its been heavily modified and is now and MX-7-235 (aka: Lunar Rocket). Harvey Field in Sinohomish, WA (S43). Those are 31" main tundra tires and a "baby bushwheel" tailwheel, in case you're wondering.
Ketchikan Popcorn
As odd as it seems, the popcorn with jalapeño peppers is considered pretty special to passengers and crew passing through the Ketchikan, Alaska airport (PAKT). So, on this morning in Mar. 2022, I bought a bag for each member of my crew to start the day off right. You would have thought I'd bought them each a filet mignon!
Sweeping Sunset
Taking family members for a beautiful sunset flight out of Gwinner, ND (GWR) while visiting in June, 2022. Aircraft is a Gen. 3 Cirrus SR-22T.
Int’l Peace Gardens Airport (S28)
In June, 2022, via a Cirrus, I finally got to visit this beautiful and unique airport right on the US/Canada border in N.D. From the airport, you can walk through customs and visit the Int'l Peace Gardens which straggles the border. June 2022.
Mentoring the Next Generation
In Aug. 2022, I flew a Cirrus SR-22 to Indiana on a mentoring mission. I flew with Lily who had a passing interest in aviation and needed some exposure to flying and coaching. I'm proud to say, afterwards she began her initial flight training and, soon after, was accepted into the U.S. Air Force Academy. I went to high-school with her mom and aunt, who reached out to me about Lily's aspirations.
Dissimilar Formation
In Aug. 2022, while on an airline layover in Ontario, CA. I was flying with the owner of a Cozy III (its canard in the foreground) and we did some fairly aggressive formation flying and maneuvers with this Super Swift. Very fun and just as challenging.
O’ahu
Just a pretty picture of Diamond Head Crater while descending to land at Honolulu Int'l Airport (PHNL) in Aug. 2022.
New Glass Panel in an Old Cessna
Short final to Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle, WA. Teaching the newly installed avionics suite in this Cessna P210 to its owner in Aug. 2022.
Family Circle
About to depart on a family vacation in a borrowed Gen. 1 SR-22 with my daughter. She's a few months shy of 18 in this pic. She had her first airplane ride with me in this same SR-22, in 2005, when she was only a few months old. Aug. 2022.
Impressive Engineering
On short final approach to Runway 02 at Perry Co. Airport in Tell City, IN (TEL) in a Cirrus SR-22 (Gen. 2). A very unique runway in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, with its medieval looking retaining wall that allows a significantly longer runway than the terrain otherwise would. A Sept. 2022 intermediate stop on an all day training from Wisconsin to Kentucky and back.
Ruby; The Dornier
A nice air-to-air photo of me flying the unique and now very rare Donier Do.28A. This 1960 aircraft is one of only 2 A-models left flying. I flew it for a magazine article in Sept, 2022 (See Published Works, Pilot Reports).
Photo Shoot Crew
Relaxing after a successful air-to-air photo mission at Funk Aerodrome, northeast of Green Bay, WI. I flew the red Do-28 with its owner (2nd from right). The green Do-28 was flown by its owner (right) and the gentleman next to me (2nd from left). The C-172 photo-ship pilot in the center.
Major Milestone
On Sept. 5, 2022 at precisely 9:50pm, I hit my 20,000th hour of logged flight time (while flying near the Scotts Bluff, NE area). I'd been flying the 737 for about a year at this point.
20,000th Hour Crew
My entire flight crews for my 20,000th hour flight on Sept. 5, 2022. Taken after arrival in Seattle (from Nashville).
Barrel Roll
Reaching the apex of pitch in a barrel roll while flying the one-of-a-kind Temco TE-1A. The TE-1A was a prototype version of what would eventually become the T-35 Buckaroo. Nov. 2022, outside of Atlanta, GA.
Landing the TE-1A
Only two TE-1A's were built and only one survives today. In Nov. 2022 I was honored to be allowed to fly it. Here, I'm landing at Mallard's Landing (GA04), a private fly-in community, southeast of Atlanta, GA.
Birddogging
In Nov. 2022, I had an opportunity to fly a fairly rare dual-control version of a Cessna L-19 Birddog (TL-19A). This is departing Mallard's Landing Airport (GA04) outside of Atlanta, GA. These aircraft served through the Korea & Vietnam War eras and were based on the Cessna 170 airframe (with only two seats in tandem, bigger engine, and all manner of military equipment installed in various versions).
A Rare Grasshopper
In Nov. 2022, I flew this beautiful and rare Interstate L-6 (one of only 5 known airworthy examples at the time). This WWII liaison "grasshopper" aircraft is unique in many respects. For my full article on the aircraft, see Published Works, Pilot Reports.
Old Friends Flying
In Nov. 2022 beginning a training mission. My student is Joe, one of my best friends since college. He and I learned to fly together while enrolled in the Aerospace program at Indiana State University. We always have a great time when he comes to me for flight reviews, IPCs, or just to do proficiency training.
Christmas Canine Client
"Training" my second canine student. Duke is taught to accept and not fear the noise and vibration of the airplane, with the support of his (and the airplane's) owner, Bruce, while I fly the airplane. Note Duke's canine headset hearing protection. Dec. 2022.
Vinyard Shadow
A photo taken by my First Officer while on final approach into Santa Rosa, CA (STS) in a 737-800. Passing over some of the many vinyards that the Napa Valley is famous for. Jan. 2023. In the early 2000's, I delivered several new Cirrus' to the Napa/Sonoma areas and trained their new owners. So, its always fun to return to this picturesque valley.
The Venerable Six
After flying the famously sturdy Piper Cherokee 6 for the first time in Feb. 2023. I was in the Tampa, FL area and the aircraft belongs to a great airline buddy of mine (who's updated it and maintains it beautifully).
Grumman’s Pre-Cat
I have a long-time Cirrus client who also owns this super fun Grumman AA-5 Traveler (the first model of Grumman's AA series of aircraft, before they started giving them all cat names -Lynx, Tiger, etc). I routinely fly the aircraft for the owners and occasionally teach them in it, as well. For its modest horsepower (150), it is a very sporting aircraft to fly. March 2023.
The Airway To Hana
20 years after flying a Cirrus in Hawaii, I finally got a chance to return to the 50th state to teach in a Cirrus again. Taken on final approach to Hana Airport (PHHN). Flying to Hana is far easier than driving the scores of hairpin turns and one-lane bridges on the famous Road To Hana. Flying with my friend and client, Lorne, in his 2004 SR-20, in May 2023.
Elephant Rock
Off the eastern coast of the island of Molokai, Hawaii, a rock juts up from the sea. Can you see the shape that gives it its name? Hint, the trunk is pointed left (or away from the Cirrus wing leading edge on the right side of the pic). This rock can be easily spotted while flying from (or past) Molokai on the way to Maui (southeast bound) or on the way to Oahu (northwest bound).
Topside Molokai
Flying the GPS-B approach into Molokai Airport, Hawaii (PHMK), while conducting an Instrument Proficiency Check in a Cirrus SR-20. May 2023. Molokai Airport is sometimes referred to as "landing topside" to prevent any confusion with Kalapapa Airport, which is also on the island of Molokai, but is situated some 400-plus-feet lower on a Kalapapa Peninsula.
Always a Student
If you were a Univ. of N.D. aviation student in 1996-97 and you were learning tailwheel flying, spins, or aerobatics, there's a high probability you flew with one of these guys! In July 2023, I reconnect with "the other" tailwheel/acro guy from all those years ago. We both settled in WI (he's a native) in our respective aviation careers. When I needed an insurance checkout in a Piper Pacer, Todd was the perfect choice for many reasons. Not the least of which was that he owned one.
The Epic Journey Begins
On Aug. 8, 2023, I departed San Diego's Gillespie Field (SEE) in my new-to-me 1958 Piper Pacer conversion (PA-22/20). In all my previous years of flying and hundreds of long ferry flights, this would be the first time I would ferry an aircraft with my name on its title.
Texas Hill Country
On the last leg on Day #2 of ferrying my Pacer home from San Diego. Gazing out upon the Texas Hill Country (south end of the TX panhandle) on my way to Oklahoma. This photo would later be used in an advertising campaign for LightSpeed headsets. Aug. 9, 2023
10 State in 2.5 Days
In a Cirrus, I've landed in 10 states in a single day. But, in an antique taildragger, crossing huge western states, its a different equation. As I planned out my journey home with my new-to-me taildragger, I realized my route would cross (or come very close to) 10 states. So, while I didn't need that many stops for fuel, I resolved to land in all 10 of those states, just because! Aug. 8-10, 2023 with landings in CA, AZ, NM, TX, OK, KS, MO, IA, IL, and WI.
The Joy of Flight
With the safe arrival of my Pacer at its new home of Racine, WI (RAC), my ownership story could really begin. I waited 34 years to have a plane to call my own and to do some flying that was just for me. Not for work, for clients, for income, for experience building, for teaching or being taught. The Pacer is strictly for the joy of flight and sharing that joy with others. Aug. 2023
Gen X and Gen Z, Fly a Boomer.
The first passenger I carried in the Pacer was my son, Garrett. Age 16 at the time. He took great pleasure in laughing as I worked to perfect my landings in the squirrelly little taildragger. He's Gen Z and I'm Gen X, but the Pacer is a Boomer. Sept. 2023
It’s a Dingo!
Nate was my First Office for an airline trip and I learned of his deep passion for GA. A few weeks later when I needed a right across Washington state after a trip, he picked me up and allowed me to sample his incredible Lancair 360 racer, "Dingo." Big performance in a small package would be an understatement. Aug. 2023.
Spoiler Alert
In Aug. 2023, I flew this beautifully restored Taylorcraft L-2 and got to know its owner well, flying 3 of his aircraft in one day (see preceding and next slides). The L-2 was the reason I was there though and my full article about this wonderful little bird is under Published Works, Pilot Reports (entitled "Spoiler Alert").
Stearman Again
Aug, 2023 was not the first time I'd flown a Stearman. But, my previous experience was in a Navy N2S with 220hp. So, I jumped at the offer to fly this 300hp PT-17 Stearman (with a constant speed prop). What a sweet flying old gal.
A Piper Classic
I wrapped up my time with the L-2 & Stearman restorer by flying his Comanche 260. This 1960's classic was WAY ahead of its time and still a very relevant cross country machine to this day, whether it be for business or pleasure.
Kalapapa
Reconnecting with a Cirrus client in Hawaii, we incorporated a trip into Kalapapa Airport (PHLU). The Kalapapa Peninsula of Molokai is famous for being the remote area where Leprosery patients were forcibly isolated and perished by the thousands. A truly solemn place. Oct. 2023.
Vital Link
Using the Kalapapa airport can be challenging. It's only 2,700' long, can be subject to significant crosswinds and the heavy surf can send 40' waves crashing across the rocks and even onto the runway ends. Nonetheless, this is special place, solemn, beautiful, and isolated. The airport is a vital link to the outside world for the few remaining residents. Oct. 2023.
Fall Colors
Returning my daughter to college after a weekend at home. We enjoyed beautiful fall colors all along this 2-hour flight between Racine and Eau Claire, WI. Late Oct. 2023 (her freshman year).
May The Force Be With You
Always fun to fly one of the many special livery aircraft at my airline. This is the Star Wars plane (a 737-800ER), which comes complete with Star Wars boarding music. Nov. 2023.
Giving Thanks (For Good Weather)
After Thanksgiving 2023, I did a solo Cirrus SR-22 ferry flight from WI to Boise, ID. My pre-dawn departure from an overnight stop in ND allowed the red dawn to appear behind me as I climbed to cross the mountainous portions of the route.
Mountaintop Islands
Crossing Montana at 14,500' in a SR-22 with the tallest mountains popping up through the clouds. Late Nov. 2023, enroute to Boise, ID.
Fostering Adventure
For portions of 2023 & 2024, we hosted a German foreign exchange student. Alina was very adventuresome and the ease of using general aviation in the U.S. was exciting to her. She flew with me many times (in 3 different aircraft types). Here, she's getting some left seat time in my Pacer on a chilly Dec. 2023 day. This picture was later used in an advertising campaign for headset makers, LightSpeed Aviation.
Just Being Silly
My friend from Midwest Airlines days, John, visited in Dec. 2023. He got some stick time in my Pacer as repayment for letting me fly his Cherokee Six earlier in the year. It is any wonder my kids always referred to him as, "Silly John?" After Midwest died, he flew 747s around the world for a bit, then landed at Spirit airlines, where's he's been a Captain for many years now. But, he still loves GA and travels from FL to his native WI for Oshkosh AirVenture every year.
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2023 New Types Flown
Clockwise from top: Cirrus SR-50-G2+ Vision, Diamond DA-62, Beechcraft D50C Twin Bonanza, Temco Super Swift 180, Cessna 337 Skymaster, Temco-Riley 55A Twin Navion, Boeing 737-8MAX, Piper PA-20 Pacer.
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Matthew McDaniel • (414) 339-4990 • Matt@progaviation.com