By Tyler Skeeler

Although I was very interested in airplanes and flying for as long as I can remember, I never knew anyone who was a pilot while growing up. Flying seemed like a dream that was completely out of reach.

After graduating from college and beginning my pro­fessional career, I focused on paying off my student loans and traveling. The idea of learning to fly got pushed to the background. When the world slowed down due to COVID, I finally decided I would take my first flight lesson. I was instantly hooked!

I bought my 1969 Piper Cherokee 140 Cruiser while I was still working through my primary training. At the time, I was training in Cessna 172s, but the instructors I flew with had most of their experience in Pipers. My in­structors all preferred the handling characteristics of low wing planes. After my first few landings in a Cherokee, I understood why. I looked at several low-wing makes and models but kept coming back to the Cherokee because of its simplicity, availability of parts, and the comparatively low cost to own and operate.

I completed my check ride and earned my PPC on February 20, 2023, at the Huntsville Municipal Airport (KUTS) in Hunts­ville, Texas. My little PA-28-140 has since become a second ve­hicle for me. I have family and friends scattered from corner to corner in Texas. Driving five to six hours one-way meant I was only able to visit everyone once or twice a year. Having the ability to fly, reducing a six-hour drive to a less than three-hour flight, has been a game changer for me. I take full advantage of it — flying about 150 hours each year.

A Diamond in the Rough

When I purchased this airplane, the main selling point was its upgraded interior. The seats and carpet had recently been redone. It also had a slew of upgrades (radios, GPS, gap seals, lights, etc.), but was still a blank slate in several ways. The Cher­okee had a standard six pack and vacuum system. It also had original paint (what was left of it, anyway). Given that the fac­tory’s original paint was in very poor condition, and there was no corrosion to be found, I was excited about the idea of getting to choose my own new paint scheme. In short, it was somewhat of a diamond in the rough.

The next upgrade, which I hope is a very long time from now, will be to a 160hp variant of the Lycoming O-320. I’m still plan­ning for that by weighing my options, doing research, and talk­ing to people that have done this upgrade in the past. I would appreciate some extra power when I’m climbing up to cruise altitude, especially during the summertime Texas heat.

I’ve never had any major parts issues while upgrading and maintaining my Cherokee. I think in the post-COVID era, we have all gotten somewhat used to various supply chain issues, but I’ve never had the plane down for any length of time waiting on a part. I think the number of PA-28s that are still in service lends itself to long-term support for parts from a variety of sources.

There have only been a couple of problems with the upgrades; a few electrical gremlins that were sorted out and finding an alternator belt with the life expectancy I would like. I hope ev­eryone knocks on wood as they read this!

While I’m more than happy to comply with Service Bulletins and Airworthiness Directives, I do tend to shy away from un­needed or invasive maintenance, which I believe has helped me avoid any major issues. I appreciate having an A&P who can verify that my plane is not affected by a particular problem or take appropriate corrective action to fix anything that’s amiss.

Looking into my Piper’s logbook with my A&P was a cool trip down memory lane. Mental images kept forming of how the airplane’s appearance changed over the years. It would have been really cool to see its evolution in person. I wonder what the original owner would think if he or she saw it today?

Pros and Cons

There are many things I love about my Piper PA-28-140. When it comes to ease of operation and simplicity of mainte­nance, it’s hard to beat. And with its new look and upgrades, it’s a pleasure to fly.

Of course, nothing is perfect. The airframe could be a little sleeker to allow it to cruise just a little faster, though no one buys a Cherokee 140 for speed. I might consider changing out the old school bow-tie control yokes, but don’t really think it’s worth the time or cost at this point. And air conditioning would be nice. Thankfully, most of my flights are longer cross-countries, so I’m only miserable in the Texas heat for a few minutes of each flight.

The only real challenge I had when I first started flying N224BB was adjusting to the Hershey-Bar wings. It flies differ­ently in ground-effect than a lot of planes and it sinks faster than many planes at lower power settings.

On Mission

As I mentioned, I love flying anywhere I get to see family or friends. But if I had to pick a favorite flight, it would have to be the adventure my 87-year-old grandfather and I went on to­gether. We took a scenic flight above his hometown of Blossom, Texas. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to see the farm he grew up on from a few thousand feet above. I don’t think he had ever gotten that perspective before.

I cherish every moment I get to spend with my grandparents as they get older. We had a great time on that flight! To this day, he still shows people the pictures he took from the skies. The fact that it was such a special moment for him has made it a special memory for me — my best, so far!

I also enjoy visiting one of my favorite airports of all time; West Houston Airport (KIWS). It’s got a nice runway, an amaz­ing terminal for a general aviation airport, and the people are so nice. When I think about how fortunate I am every time I get the privilege to fly, it’s hard to pick a favorite place. Minor things are bound to come up here and there (scheduling challenges, minor repairs, inclement weather, etc.), but I’m looking forward to flying as much as possible over the next few years.

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