After 45 years of trying to make a living, and nearly 15,000 hrs of flight time, I had found that the fire had gone out.
I did 30 odd years in what arguably was the best time in GA. From new Barons, Chieftains, Islanders, Queenairs, Kingairs to Challengers. Thrown in was Chief Pilot and C&T.
The fire did not go out, the money in GA dried up. Airlines did not appeal. I was told that I was too experienced in one informal chat over a beer with an AOC holder!!
So I have spent the last 20 odd years helping others start their dream in GA.
I could talk to my peers in CASA without any them and us mentality.
But last year was time to quit. I enjoyed my 50 odd years in GA, but would dread starting out now with the forever changing goal posts.
I did miss the flying, but not the times when I had to descend from clear blue skies down through the red and yellow.
But I can still fly as SLF and critique the flight with my First Mate.