Wherefore art thou Romeo?
1969 Cherokee 180D - 2188R, who we affectionately refer to as just "Romeo". Started my piloting journey at 15 in the farm fields of Lancaster PA, and after a short 15 year hiatus, I got back into it on the other side of the state and achieved my PPL + IR. Have dreamed of owning since my first flight as a teenager, and was able to make that dream a reality a little over a year ago with the purchase of 2188R.
Spent the last year learning the airframe inside and out: Started with an interior restoration of the side panels and some plastics, had a small detour that resulted in a newly rebuilt carburetor, and ended with removing the vacuum system, adding two GI275s, a GNS 530W, new Audio panel, and much more. I enjoyed working on it almost as much as flying it (almost). I plan to make a separate post about the interior restoration at some point when I have some more time.
The paint is from 1999, so it could use some touching up, but I haven't seen a plane with more beauty since I bought it.
Looking forward to connecting with you all, learning from the group, and making some new flying friends.
Comments
Welcome to the group!
Ben
Hi Melhorn,
Nice looking Cherokee 180! Welcome to the Piper Owner Society! Keep us posted on your aircraft maintenance, improvements, and flying adventures.
Ahhh, Lancaster, PA! One of my favorite airports as I spent almost 30 years in the Baltimore area. I flew into Lancaster frequently for a grilled cheese and milkshake at the lunch counter at the old cafe before they rebuilt everything. Maybe Easton Maryland still has a good breakfast (no tower back then) and Bay Bridge had a good seafood restaurant a short walk from the terminal. Left shortly after the airspace changes. I use to fly from Baltimore Airpark 1W2 (no longer there) to College Park Airport and walk to class at the University of Maryland! Have not been able to do this since 9/11 😥
Regards,
Mike
Mel, you have an excellent airplane to start with way to go congratulations. Carl
48 yrs A/P IA DAL aircraft inspector. 172N
Melhorn;
First, welcome to the group! Second, beautiful bird!
Ask anything you want, there is a ton of expertise here on the forum.
Welcome!
Jim "Doc Griff" Griffin
PA28 - 161
Chicago area
Thank you all for the welcome!
Mike - I am currently based out of KBVI over near Pittsburgh, but family still lives back in Lancaster and I frequent N71 these days. Ben has a great avionics shop on the field (his son and him redid my panel last year). I’ve only done a few landings at LNS recently since they rebuilt the terminal - but the grilled chicken salad they have with cranberries is my current go-to.
One of my next goals is to visit Lock Haven where I believe my plane was built, bring it back home - so the speak.
Carl & Griff - thank you - it is quite amazing to own such a wonderful piece of machinery! I am sure I will be bending your ear over the next few months/years.
I am a new father to a 3-month old, so if you don’t hear from me for stretches you know why. Hopefully I can find the time here to pull from and add to the groups collective knowledge.
Hi Mel,
I stopped at Loch Haven twice last summer to/from Cape Cod from Kenosha Wisconsin KENW. Absolutely worth a visit. They have a wonderful Piper Museum on the field. Cherokee production was in Vero Beach, Florida though, but still worth the trip! Also add Kitty Hawk to your list 😀
Regards,
Mike