I have not posted much in the last few years, preferring to lurk in the internet shadows and follow the adventures of others. I still answer questions quickly in PM sent through the web site. The 2005 CH601HD rests quietly in the hangar its systems "mothballed"..... ignored the past 2 years. Like an unfaithful boy friend my fancy had turned to another aircraft. A 1976 Citabria GCBC a friend with too many aircraft was generous enough to loan me. I learned to handle the evil "tail wheel" gear, the challenge was fun....and different.

"Because I am a Pilot" my medical health is monitored closer than the average person. Three years ago Transport Canada became "concerned" about my heart, and a in particular my heart murmur caused by a birth defect of the Aortic valve. Having never had an issue resembling a heart attack I was offended and challenged every test placed in front of me by Transport Canada and got my medical restored. The best part of this is I established an out patient relationship with Ottawa Heart Institute. The OHI would check me over annually (like you do your aircraft) and let me know if I was okay to fly. 

On Dec. 07, 2019 I flew the Citabria on wheels, in the 1st snow of the winter season. On Dec. 11, 2019 my annual visit to the OHI I was told I need the valve changed out ASAP or I would suffer a heart attack. On Dec. 14, 2019 I had a very mild heart attack, the sort of thing you would pass off as just getting winded because of advancing years.... being aware in advance of the event I paid attention. I was rushed to the hospital and proper care stabilized me prevent damage to the heart. Dec. 18, 2019 the OHI Cardiac Intervention Team placed 2 stents in an artery on my heart that was blocked 70%. I feel GREAT  I can walk the distances I did prior to my heart attack and feel better doing it. On Feb. 27, 2020 I go to the Ottawa Heart Institute for open heart Aortic valve transplant surgery. (had to wait for stents to heal)

Because I'm a pilot and my health is closely monitored. This is a good thing. The future of my pilot medical looks bright, its not due until June and by then the condition that so concerned Transport Canada will no longer exist. (0-timed Fuel Pump installed on Annual of Pilot).

Fly safe

Bob