Getting My Currency On

This morning Charles and I swapped text messages, agreeing to meet at a mid-point airport. We selected Ridgely (KRJD). Ridgely recently changed ownership and has a freshly paved 3200' runway. I was interested in possibly moving 08Romeo there while the T-hangar taxiway work was ongoing here at OXB, but, the drive is an hour and a half and that would make for a long day.

After running errands with my Bride I scooted out to the airport. I met the fuel truck, having 08Romeo topped off to 54 gallons for todays work out. I used the new tug to pull the plane out and it worked well, however,it will take some getting used to.  08Romeo soon came to life and I sent a text to update Charles, I was on the go. Charles confirmed he was rolling too.

I motored along at 2,000', below the scattered clouds getting my butt kicked. It was really bumpy and I needed the work out. I made position calls at ten and five miles out from Ridgely. Runway of choice for today is three-zero, I entered on a left base. Saving brakes I rolled out full length on the new pavement, it was smooth and the markings were jumping out at me.

This is where the happy ended. I followed the signs for the ramp despite it looking like a well worn tractor path. Trust me, I'm being nice, what asphalt remained was filled with potholes and bits of hot mix waiting to ding my prop. I pointed the nose into the grass enough to avoid the some of the holes and as I rounded the bend, around the tractor, I swear, there were cones blocking the path. Crap!

I made a u-turn and headed 08Romeo back to the main parallel taxiway. There was another route to the ramp and it was in better shape. As I turned off Charles was landing, good timing. I shut down in front of the fuel island and Charles shut down in the grass just off to the side of the fuel ramp.

Once Charles climbed aboard we did a quick brief on control exchange and got the fan turning. I climbed out and we swapped control so I could put those God forsaken foggles on. First up was the RNAV GPS 12 approach.

I reminded Charles that I was very rusty and at anytime he thought there was an issue just call 'my plane' and I would be hands off. I had 08Romeo pointed at the initial fix ANAYA at 2000' holding altitude and course. The weather check was confirmed through Easton and the GUMPS check completed. A Malibu checked in shooting the opposite GPS 30 approach, and with a little coordination we each broke off to our right keeping plenty of space between us. Next up I was going to shoot the practice GPS 30 approach and I set us up for the initial fix, ORLOE. The decision height was for the LNAV was 660', I made a low approach only, going missed and climbing out to DAKEY for a loop in the hold. I was once again instrument current, at least until the end of June.

I added some video I shot of us flying back to RJD so Charles could pick up his plane.

Charles and I each departed Ridgely Airpark. I watched his Piper climb away from the runway as I exited the area on the down wind for three-zero. I thanked Charles for his help, bid him a safe flight then switched over to Dover approach. Once passing Delaware Coastal (KGED) I switched to Potomac approach then a final flip to Ocean City to monitor traffic.

I announced my position for Ocean City at ten and five miles. I was number two for the field following a Cessna. Winds were 200 at 7 knots and the Cessna was landing on two-zero. I was headed that same route but once he cleared I decide on a straight in for one-four. I need some cross wind practice so why not have at it. I crossed the numbers and with a slight wing waggle softly set that right main followed almost immediately by the left, a very nice landing. I actually felt I could still do this pilot stuff. 

I gave 08Romeo a good cleaning since she was covered in sacrificial bugs. Once clean I hooked up the battery minder, squared away the cabin and closed up the hangar, I was tired and headed home.

I have a total of 4.4 hours for the year, seriously depressing, but, there are some flights planned and I could always use some basic air work. I have plenty of time to fly and for now I'm enjoying the fact that I can finally just climb aboard and get in the air.