New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

[Surfrat]

By way of introduction, my name is Rik and, although I’ve been visiting the site for quite some time, I am excited to have finally decided to join the COG. I’m an instrument rated pilot but, unfortunately, I haven’t been flying for the last 5 years or so (let’s just say, divorce is expensive). In that I’m really tired of looking at every plane that fly’s overhead, since I’ve always maintained my medical, I’ve decided to finally jump back in and have initiated my retraining.

As many of you might be able to relate, the Commander has always been my “Dream Aircraft” - at this point though, I’m unable to have a profile picture that is representative of some of the beautiful aircraft that many of you fly. However, I am hopeful that may change in the not-to-distant future (yes, I’ve already started talking to Judi, who has been very helpful and a wealth of knowledge).

I live a very unique and gratitude filled life splitting my time between residences in Costa Rica and the Central Coast of California. If any of you are traveling to Costa Rica on vacation, please don’t hesitate to contact me – I might be able to help you out on some of the things to see and do.

Allow me to thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and involvement in such an incredible endeavor. As I stated above, I’m really happy to be aboard.

Best Regards to All,
Rik

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

By way of introduction, my name is Rik and, although I’ve been visiting the site for quite some time, I am excited to have finally decided to join the COG. I’m an instrument rated pilot but, unfortunately, I haven’t been flying for the last 5 years or so (let’s just say, divorce is expensive). In that I’m really tired of looking at every plane that fly’s overhead, since I’ve always maintained my medical, I’ve decided to finally jump back in and have initiated my retraining.

As many of you might be able to relate, the Commander has always been my “Dream Aircraft” - at this point though, I’m unable to have a profile picture that is representative of some of the beautiful aircraft that many of you fly. However, I am hopeful that may change in the not-to-distant future (yes, I’ve already started talking to Judi, who has been very helpful and a wealth of knowledge).

I live a very unique and gratitude filled life splitting my time between residences in Costa Rica and the Central Coast of California. If any of you are traveling to Costa Rica on vacation, please don’t hesitate to contact me – I might be able to help you out on some of the things to see and do.

Allow me to thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and involvement in such an incredible endeavor. As I stated above, I’m really happy to be aboard.

Best Regards to All,
Rik

Welcome, and what timing - Was just down there a few weeks ago, staying in Tamarindo. Had to stop by the airport to check it out. Was thinking how great it would be to fly there.

 

[Surfrat]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Joel: Thanks for touching base - it's too bad, in that Tamarindo is where my home is and I was there when you were. Yes, the airport there can be a bit challenging (long enough but, not to wide). Although they just repaved the runway (it hadn't been done in over 20 years), it wasn't too long ago that you had to buzz the runway to get the cows off of it before you landed. Best, Rik

 

[N4843W]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

how about a fly-in to Costa Rica next winter!

 

[gmores]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Welcome Rik!

 

[janderson]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Hi Rik! Great to see you on board.

Try and hook-up w/114 owner Gonzalo Paez down there @ (MRPV). he's a recent 114 owner of '77 114, TI-COS.
We met him and his wife @ KIPM last yr! a member of the Group and sure he'll chime in!

Judi

 

[nruzic]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Look forward to meeting you Rik, thanks for the invites.
Gonzalo Paes and his wife are very nice fun people hope you both meet soon.
As Scott pointed out perhaps a group US Commanders flight to Costa Rica.

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

I've always done it as a single ship, (Bahamas) - just Charyn and I. Hard to find others that are o.k. with quiet time on a deserted beach (and no shopping).
Need to be flexible and just roll with the punches. Can be difficult to stick to a schedule. Sometimes weather dictates when it is best to head out, and how many nights you stay on any island.
Go there once and you will be hooked. I am looking forward to the next trip back.

 

[navair67]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

I've always done it as a single ship, (Bahamas) - just Charyn and I. Hard to find others that are o.k. with quiet time on a deserted beach (and no shopping).
Need to be flexible and just roll with the punches. Can be difficult to stick to a schedule. Sometimes weather dictates when it is best to head out, and how many nights you stay on any island.
Go there once and you will be hooked. I am looking forward to the next trip back.

HOOKED!
Angela and I are headed back in a couple of weeks. This is going to be our 3rd visit in 4 years ( Stayed in MVY for a couple of weeks last year). Once you do it your done.

 

[wiguy]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Welcome. Costa Rica is a great place to visit.

 

[Gonzalo Paez]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

By way of introduction, my name is Rik and, although I’ve been visiting the site for quite some time, I am excited to have finally decided to join the COG. I’m an instrument rated pilot but, unfortunately, I haven’t been flying for the last 5 years or so (let’s just say, divorce is expensive). In that I’m really tired of looking at every plane that fly’s overhead, since I’ve always maintained my medical, I’ve decided to finally jump back in and have initiated my retraining.

As many of you might be able to relate, the Commander has always been my “Dream Aircraft” - at this point though, I’m unable to have a profile picture that is representative of some of the beautiful aircraft that many of you fly. However, I am hopeful that may change in the not-to-distant future (yes, I’ve already started talking to Judi, who has been very helpful and a wealth of knowledge).
I live a very unique and gratitude filled life splitting my time between residences in Costa Rica and the Central Coast of California. If any of you are traveling to Costa Rica on vacation, please don’t hesitate to contact me – I might be able to help you out on some of the things to see and do.

Allow me to thank you in advance for your time, expertise, and involvement in such an incredible endeavor. As I stated above, I’m really happy to be aboard.

Best Regards to All,
Rik

Hello Rik, my name is Gonzalo Paez I live in Costa Rica, and as Judi said I own a Commander 114. I live near the Juan Santamaria Airport and I own a small condo near Tamarindo (between Villareal and Huacas). I fly frequently to Tamarindo on weekends with my wife and kids, lots of landings in Tamarindo, used to strong winds in summer!!. Right now, I am renewing the panel of the 114, improving several stuff!! I think will have the plane ready by the end of this month. If you like give me your email to exchange our info to contact. May be we can fly one of these days!!
Regards..

 

[Gonzalo Paez]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Look forward to meeting you Rik, thanks for the invites.
Gonzalo Paes and his wife are very nice fun people hope you both meet soon.
As Scott pointed out perhaps a group US Commanders flight to Costa Rica.

Sid, Warm greetings to you and your wife!! Hope to see you soon!!

 

[Surfrat]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Hello Rik, my name is Gonzalo Paez I live in Costa Rica, and as Judi said I own a Commander 114. I live near the Juan Santamaria Airport and I own a small condo near Tamarindo (between Villareal and Huacas). I fly frequently to Tamarindo on weekends with my wife and kids, lots of landings in Tamarindo, used to strong winds in summer!!. Right now, I am renewing the panel of the 114, improving several stuff!! I think will have the plane ready by the end of this month. If you like give me your email to exchange our info to contact. May be we can fly one of these days!!
Regards..

Gonzalo: Very nice to "meet" you and thank you for your response. I'm excited for you on the new addition of your 114 into your Family. The flight in your 114 is probably a major improvement over the normal 4-5 hour drive to Guanacaste (for those who don't know, it's only 150 miles, but it takes almost 5 hours to drive). It sounds as though we are often in the same area (I live in Tamarindo) so, hopefully, one day soon we can go have lunch. However, my Mom just ended up in the hospital, so I had to jump on a plane to California the next day and, unfortunately, it might be awhile before I can get back to CR. Again, thanks for touching base and the best of luck with your new panel. Rik

 

[Commander91gm]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Didn't see any hangars at the airport (tamarindo) when I was there recently. Only a 182 on the ramp. Where do you keep your plane?

 

[Gonzalo Paez]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Gonzalo: Very nice to "meet" you and thank you for your response. I'm excited for you on the new addition of your 114 into your Family. The flight in your 114 is probably a major improvement over the normal 4-5 hour drive to Guanacaste (for those who don't know, it's only 150 miles, but it takes almost 5 hours to drive). It sounds as though we are often in the same area (I live in Tamarindo) so, hopefully, one day soon we can go have lunch. However, my Mom just ended up in the hospital, so I had to jump on a plane to California the next day and, unfortunately, it might be awhile before I can get back to CR. Again, thanks for touching base and the best of luck with your new panel. Rik

Hello Rik, yes we are very close to Tamarindo and as you said, better 45 minutes that 4 hours from San José!!. Sorry to hear about your Mom is at the hospital, hope she gets better!! As soon as you come again let me know and go for a lunch.

 

[Gonzalo Paez]

Re: New Member from Costa Rica and the Central Coast of CA

Didn't see any hangars at the airport (tamarindo) when I was there recently. Only a 182 on the ramp. Where do you keep your plane?

Hello Joel, you are right no hangars, I have to park beside the 182 or under the mango trees that are around the park area. My good friend Jorge takes care of the field and the planes. Regards.