The new Dynamic Procedures sidebar provides a clean, collapsible information display panel with all of the information necessary to brief and fly an instrument approach in one place. Because it is context-aware, it presents just the information you need in a highly structured and streamlined format, and integrates other existing features like 3D View to provide value above and beyond any pre-composed chart.
Exciting features of the Dynamic Procedures sidebar include:
Change Approach and Hide Chart buttons make it easy to view or hide the sidebar and access other approach options with a single tap.
A consolidated briefing strip pins essential procedure information to the top for easy access.
Communication frequencies are clearly organized for quick reference.
Notes are intelligently filtered to show only the information that applies to your current approach.
The dynamic route display provides heading and distance metrics, per-segment speed and altitude restrictions, as well as additional notes for special segments like course reversals and arcs.
Integrated 3D Airport view allows the user to preview the runway environment and approach lighting systems from two simulated perspectives. Toggle between Approach Lights and Short Final views, and quickly open the airport in the full 3D view to switch between night and day modes, providing a complete picture of the runway’s approach lighting configuration as well as local terrain and obstacles.
Following our annual we had some interior work done to upgrade our seats. New foam, leather and sheepskin inserts. How do the seats feel? Amazing! The lumbar support is a win and with fresh foam the ride is really comfortable.
Since annual was completed she was tugged over to the interior shop. We only had seats and a armrest done so our girl had to sit outside for two weeks. Wow, the birds and the wx really left 3 Tango Charlie a mess. Today I fixed that, she is now clean and happy.
Mary and I decided it was time to update our seats. The foam is pretty much shot and it would be nice to upgrade. We also wanted the center console pad to be updated with new foam and leather. After talking with Jon we decided to go all out and replace the original blue check fabric portion with sheepskin. Jon recommended the new interior shop on the field to do the work. Mary and I had a nice chat with Roberto(shop owner)and he gave us a few options. What a nice man, he was so easy to work with. Roberto is going to remove the seats while the plane is in the shop awaiting an IFR cert and knock out the seat frame restoration and when materials arrive the seats will be completed.
Road Trip
Mary and I were planning on attending my great niece Brooke's graduation party so we are headed north. Our first stop is at New Garden, N57 to check on the plane and pay the invoice for 3 Tango Charlie's annual. Next we decided to meet with Roberto (Roberto Aircraft Interiors) to get a peek at the new seats and get a completion date. I will still need to schedule transportation back to N57 to take 3 Tango Charlie home.
New foam w/ lumbar support
It was nice to meet Roberto and discuss the seats and headrest custom stitching. The foam for the seats is complete. The new padding with bolsters and lumbar support should make for a nice comfortable ride. The only downside was seeing our baby tied down outside, that’s a first. On a positive note we got to see the plane cover for the very first time.
Roberto sent a few pictures of the progress. Everything will wrap up this week and we hope to fly home Friday or Saturday
A before and after pic of the interior. Not a great shot of the old but it's all I could find. We had the front seats and the center console (padded armrest) updated. The shop quoted me a good price to door all the door cards, window trim, and headliner if we get it done in October. We’re giving it serious thought.
3 Tango Charlie is tucked in the shop at New Garden for her annual inspection. I dropped the plane off on Friday and work began on Monday morning. Mary and I headed north in order to check on the progress.
Our ride north on SR1 was an adventure. I was doing 70 with traffic when two cars blasted on by like I was parked, absolutely crazy. The best was a white Honda changing lanes like the frogger game obviously trying to advance through the traffic. I said to MAry I wish there was a cop around to bust these crazies. Sure enough maybe ten minutes up the road sat the white honda with a Delaware State Trooper parked behind him with the lights flashing. My day is now complete, justice served. Good job DSP.
Speaking of roads, the new access road to the airport has been repaved, what a smooth ride. The new road made for a good start for me, having done miles of paving in my construction days. Mary decided to wait in the SUV while I investigated the airplane inspection process. 3 Tango Charlie was just getting ready to be let down from the jack stands following the completion of the gear swing test. I asked if an emergency drop was done and if the reservoir will be checked. I received a yes to both questions.
I asked how the inspection was coming along since I no longer do owner assist. Actually the last few years it's been more of owner watch, ask questions, offer Commander advice since I can't crawl around in and out of the plane any longer. I was told she's in great shape and pretty much done. 3 Tango Charlie did have one cylinder give a very low reading on the initial compression test but the engine was cold when tested. The plan was to do the leak test and let 3 TC run to warm up. Once the retest was done the questionable cylinder, number 2, came up from mid 40's to 75/80. That's a relief!
Hinge pin (10)
I have a loose gear door hinge/pin on my left main. I have been monitoring the play in the hinge and it's time to address the issue. The shop also noted a bit of oil seepage from the number 1 cylinder rocker panel so they replaced the gasket. I needed a tail nav light replaced. The oil was changed and camguard added. I appreciate the shop adding the camguard for me since I forgot to bring it with me for annual. 3 Tango Charlie was also due for an IFR cert and that was completed with everything checking out perfect. All AD's were complied with, the most important is the elevator spar checks. Here's the breakdown.
This video is a review on how to set up the Garmin 480 for a diversion. I stumbled through this on my recent flight review but quickly recovered with a nearest selection and then direct. Hope this helps all you 480 users! I had to review the ActFP vs DB selection. Buttonology requires practice so we don't lose our skills. Fly Safe!
Once again it's that time of year...Commander 3 Tango Charlie is heading off to annual. The weather was not looking good for an early flight over the weekend and there were airshow TFR's. My start day on Monday looks even worse, although no TFR's to contend with.
I tried to coordinate with Charles G for a possible ride home today but he is land locked due to ramp and taxiway paving. My hangar neighbor Chet is headed to New York. Hmmm...I may have to rent a car. Charles said he would ask his instructor who is always looking to fly if he would drop me off here at Ocean City. Julian and I traded text messages and then a call, agreeing to meet at N57 early morning.
I got up around 5:15 and wandered around trying to fully wake up. I had set out my airplane log book (Adlog) and a small bag to carry my ADSB in, a few cameras, battery brick and iPad. I loaded up my SUV and headed to the airport. I had to complete my preflight and sump my fuel. I was ready to start up so I texted Julian to let him know I was getting ready to go and my flight time to New Garden N57 would be 45 minutes. Julian acknowledged.
I picked up flight following with Dover and rode along in the smooth air Canadian smoke. It was just as bad as my flight review flights. Dover handed me off to Philly as I watched Julian take off from Summitt. The timing was perfect as I crossed midfield to enter the left downwind for runway 6 and Julian soon followed. I made a nice landing and taxied to the shop to shut down and secure.
Once my log book was handed off along with a spare key set I headed out and climbed aboard the mighty Warrior. The ride took a bit longer but it was smooth. It felt odd being shoulder to shoulder when the Commander has so much room. Nonetheless I was very appreciative of the ride. Julian and I enjoyed the ride chatting airplanes, airlines, and CFI/student teaching practices. It was good to hear the view from the other side. I was so happy to hear that he teaches safety and courtesy, common sense stuff. I was also happy to hear that he teaches a sound departure brief and his students will benefit from that practice. I told him about my accident and that my training saved our lives. I talked about my PPL and instrument instructors and what they drilled into me. I also explained about my friend Mike B. Mike was the driving force in making me a safer pilot and as much as I hate to admit it, I really miss his torture sessions.
Julian nailed the landing at Ocean City, slow and smooth. After topping off the fuel we parted ways. I thanked him again and offered seat time in the Commander whenever he wanted to fly it.
I previously scheduled my flight review with Tim over in Millville NJ - KMIV. Today had an early start, Mary was up and out of the house for 6:30 MRI, I got up around 6am. I packed my flight bag and cameras last night and my log book which I had to sit and think where I stored it. I found it, tucked away in our safe with other important documents. It’s always in the last place you look.
I headed over to the airport so I could sump fuel and preflight. Everything was good to go and with that I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out to the ramp. I only ran tail and over the shoulder cameras. I started up, taxied for three-two then launched into the haze. Yep, we still have the Canada smoke covering the area. I crossed the bay at fifty five hundred feet, letting down as I went feet dry, now over NJ.
The pattern was crazy busy! There was another plane entering on the 45 for left down wind three-two. I bugged out making a right 360 to reenter. There was a Cessna crossing midfield to reposition with a teardrop and a plane landing and another on base. I told Tim I should pass the BFR for just arriving here safely.
The flight review went very good and this is just a very brief review of some of the ground portion and items covered flying.
I started out with a clearing turn and then set up for slow flight. I should mention I do not like slow flight at all. Right from the start I was up and down with holding altitude during slow flight maneuvers but squared it away as I quickly shed the rust. GPS work provided one brainfart as I stumbled through a diversion. I went through the correct process but did not select from database (DB) to enter the airport, instead, I was stuck in stupid on the flight plan (ActFP) page. I quickly recovered and selected nearest (NRST), scrolled down to the second choice Woodbine and hit direct. This was just another way of achieving the same goal with fewer buttons to push.
I knocked out multiple landings at Woodbine and then returned to Millville. As I was on very short final Tim called for a go around and I flowed through the process, Cram Climb Clean Cool Communicate. I got a very good and with that continued for my final landing.
The ground portion was a review of my flying, and procedures that included V speeds, emergency procedures and some regs. All in all productive and a fun learning experience.
We sat and debriefed while the log book entries were completed. I squared up with Big Sky for the CFII time and then headed out to the plane for my ride home. I made a nice landing in Ocean City and tucked 3 Tango Charlie in the nest. I ordered fuel, taking on twenty gallons for my Friday flight to reposition for annual at New Garden N57. I cleaned plenty of bugs from the leading edges and my gear, it was gross. You're welcome NJ for me reducing the bug population.
I received a message from friend and fellow pilot Dave S asking if I wanted to meet for lunch on Wednesday at Cape May, KWWD. I had an early morning doctors appointment at 7:30 but after that I was good to go. The plan was for a 12:30 meet, perfect.
I headed home after the doctor and filled Mary in. The conclusion is I have arthritis in my joints. My knees are the worst with the hands and shoulders a very close second. The doc asked when did I break my back? I responded my lower back in the plane accident. What about the area, insert some doctor speak, oh between my shoulder blades, no clue. I know sometimes I have pain there like someone is trying to poke a hole through me and he said that would be the spot. I also informed him that not one doctor addressed my back injuries after the plane accident. The look on his face was priceless. ANyway that's the results and I keep moving forward from there.
I met a Commander 114 driver as I entered the airport. It was nice to meet Mike and Carrol. I gave them a ride to the terminal.
Ok, back to the airplane stuff. I completed my pre-flight and fuel sump before tugging 3 Tango Charlie out on to the ramp. I set the tail camera and climbed aboard.
Winds favored runway two-zero so I taxied out for departure. With my run up complete I departed and climbed away turning north to follow the shore line. The ride wasn't bad at all and my plan was to cross the Bay at five thousand five hundred. The smoke from Canada had reached the eastern shore and really ruined what could have been a perfect day to fly. After picking up the weather in Cape May I joined the left down wind for runway two-eight to flow with traffic even though winds favored one-nine.
Dave's Cherokee 235 C
Dave and Bob were already seated having arrived ten minutes ahead of time. Dave and I had omelettes and Bob had a fish sandwich. It was great to catch up with both guys. Special congrats to Bob for retirement!! Way to go Bob, enjoy your time as you see fit. Once we finished eating we chatted for a bit then headed out to get back in the air.
1947 Republic RC-3
I was number one to go after a Bonanza landed. I circled over the lighthouse area to build altitude and keep clear of the inbound jet traffic. The smokey haze was just as bad as the ride north so I settled in to enjoy the air time. Once I let down for Ocean City the ride got a bit bumpy. I made a nice landing on runway two-zero and taxied for the hangar. Another fun flight in the log book!
I opened up a post on the Pilot's Place forum that listed a Saturday lunch meet at the Cambridge Airport- KCGE. I haven’t seen fellow aviator Ron (Cap’n Ron) in over ten years and I also had the chance to meet Tom (TomJ) for the first time.
I set up a couple of cameras and then got the fan turning so I could build some heat in the oil prior to taxi. Once well into the yellow I released the brakes and headed for runway three-two. Winds at ocean city were 320° 13G23. At least the winds were straight down the runway. Once completing my run up I rolled for the runway a set take off power. I was off at the one thousand foot markers and climbed away.
It was a bumpy ride with twenty knot headwinds all the way to Cambridge. I thought the ride would be a bit smoother when I let down but it was worse. I made my position calls at ten, five and final. I managed a nice landing on runway three-four and taxied for the ramp.
The three of us enjoyed lunch and the airplane talk that followed. Ron is a wealth of knowledge and we enjoyed discussing IFR flight, approaches and some of the recent accidents. Tom, retired Navy, has a aviation maintenance shop in Tappahannock Virginia KXSA. It was interesting to hear his take on maintenance and what I noted as the A&P shortage. I think we were at the table for three plus hours.
We finally decided it was time to saddle up for home. I should have ordered fuel but I didn't. I could have saved sixty-two cents a gallon compared to the Ocean City fuel price. Tom taxied out first in his recently purchased Piper Arrow. I rolled away from the tie down second and Ron followed third. After completing my run up and a short back taxi I turned into the wind, 300° 15G21, and launched.
The ride home was just as bumpy. The tailwinds really provided a nice push with ground speeds between 140 and 150 knots. I entered the pattern on a three mile 45° for the left downwind three-two and rolled 3 Tango Charlie on.
Mary and I recently did the road warrior gig to take care of her mom and dad’s cemetery plot. The just under two hour trip led us to the Veteran's cemetery in Bear Delaware. Following our clean up, new flag install and fresh flowers we headed to Chesapeake city md. We had the chance to meet up with fellow pilot Frank of AirDorrin. His lovely bride was busy helping out at the fire house so we certainly missed miss Bev.
Fast forward to this morning and we are headed to the Ocean City airport ready to head north. Today is my parents turn for flowers, mulch and general cleanup. I had completed the preflight inspection Sunday when I took on fuel. The last thing I needed to do was sump the tanks and tug the plane out. Our gardening tools and two gallons of water were loaded into the baggage compartment followed by us climbing aboard.
It was windy today, 310 11 knots gusting 18 knots. At least it was right down the runway for departure. We faced a constant headwind as we climbed to six thousand five hundred feet. Since Philly didn’t want this bug smasher in the bravo, clearly evident by the expected route change, I decided to fly VFR and skirt Philly and Allentown.
We rode along on top and I was starting to concern myself with the thought of should I have filed or I may need a pop up to get through this layer. Thankfully there was an opening and I let down for Wilkes-Barre, KAVP as we crossed over the wind turbines. I was cleared to land runway four and ride the bucking bronc to the runway winds 300 16 gusting 19 knots.
Headwinds
I took on 16 gallons and with that the ramp fee was waved. I was charged a landing fee of $13. Mary secured the curtesy SUV and once our supplies were loaded we head to the cemetery. The Pittston Walmart had the mulch and a large selection of flowers to choose from. Twenty minutes later we were digging in the dirt and planting flowers.
Tailwinds
A beautiful day to fly and an annual event that is near and dear to my heart. I miss my folks everyday and to honor them by completing this flight and preparing the grave for Memorial day is very important to me.
I decided on a quick hop today since Mary was out with the Women's Club of Ocean Pines. The weather was perfect, I was feeling good, and 3 Tango Charlie was ready to go.
I had to sump tanks to complete my preflight and then tug the plane into the sunshine. As I climbed aboard I watched the jump plane taxi out, great, meat missiles are hot today. 3 Tango Charlie started up then after a bit stumbled, almost seeming like she was starved for fuel. I quickly turned the pump on and the idle was soon as it should be.
I taxied for runway one-four, completed my run up and waited for the jump plane that was now on final. I back taxied and turned into the wind for my departure. The climb out was smooth and at a good rate. Once the gear was tucked away I flew the pattern departing to the north from the down wind leg.
I followed the coast to Lewes Delaware taking pictures of the inlet bridge and some good tail cam shots. I noticed dark shapes scattered along the beach as Cape Henlopen was over the nose. I think it was the seals that have beached to rest and soak up the sun.
I made a pass over the Cape May Lewes Ferry that was headed into lewes and then pointed for home. I enjoyed the ride today and as Mary says doing that pilot stuff. I decided to shoot a practice approach, the RNAV GPS 14 and set up to fly the updated T approach. I set up for direct OLAND and with no Procedure Turn made a left for PFAIR. I didn't exactly fly this by hand, instead, I flew with the heading bug only. It's a fun exercise and I did just fine.
Another fun flight to cheer me up since Galveston is not looking like a go. We don't have any flexibility on the return home days but we can leave early and add to the adventure. Sadly, heavy rain and thunderstorms will dominate this weekend and into our original departure target of Monday. There will always be another day to check off this bucket list destination.
The mission for today was to reposition the pilot. The pilot? Yes, the pilot. My friend and fellow pilot Charles G was driving to Ocean City so he could store a car at the airport so he had ground transportation when he flies in. I was going to be his ride back to his home base, N57, New Garden.
I had my ace wrap and knee brace on today just for added protection. I had driven my bride to her doctors appointment in Lewes Delaware earlier this morning. The typical 45 minute trip took an hour and fifteen minutes and that's on the back roads. So many new developments, traffic circles, stop signs and traffic.
Once Mary was given a clean bill of health we decided on grabbing lunch at Capriotti's. I ordered a Bobbi and Mary had the Cole Turkey.
What a great lunch and we saved the other half for dinner. I headed over to the airport to get the cameras installed and wait on Charles for a 1pm meet at the terminal. We ended up getting off to a late start, a push from 1pm to 3:30pm. Charles was running late due to business and I was now running out of steam. We went back and forth about completing the mission and decided to get it done.
I had some problems with the audio as we taxied out. I just replaced both headsets batteries, not that I think that caused the problem. While button pushing I isolated the crew which disabled the rear seat audio and thus the flight video audio. I discovered this screw up on the way back to Ocean City.
The flight was bumpy and busy heading north so I picked up flight following. Dover was non-stop and when handed off to Philly they were even busier. I canceled once clear of Wilmington (KILG) and let down for New Garden (N57).
Charles was now safely back at his home base so I made the turn and burn for home. I climbed out of New GArden and pointed direct for OC. The ride was once again bumpy, but not as bad as the north leg. The radio was quiet so I passed on Flight Following and enjoyed the quiet airtime.
Somewhere south of Dover I noticed the isolate was switched on so I selected all for comms. While editing the video the audio returned. I made my calls for home and joined the busy pattern for three-two. 1.8 hours added to the total time for this year and I'm looking forward to getting in the air again soon.
