Gary's Flight Journal

Beach Home on Wheels!

2012-01-29T01:30:00.003-05:00

08Romeo departing KILG - photo by Vince G.

Well after a few weeks of searching and looking at various units Mary and I closed on a motor home. Yes, we will now have a 'beach home' on wheels, in Ocean City Maryland. We gave some thought to a unit in Maine for just under what we set as our limit but decided to fly up and back at least twice and drive it home would balance out for what we were going to spend locally.

We decided to take 08Romeo to Allentown/Queen City airport' KXLL. The wx was perfect this morning and we had a nice tail wind. Mary got to try her new Bose headset and she loved it! She could hear the music and could hear approach control much better than before. We were both excited but we wanted to stick to our plan.

Limerick Nuke Plant - At PTW

This was a fun flight to a new airport on our list. We've passed over this airport many times on our trips to/from Wilkes-Barre. It was a smooth landing and taxi to the FBO on the field. We secured 08Romeo, checked in and called a taxi. A quick hop uptown and $10 later we were at the RV dealer. We were given a tour of the unit and then left alone to investigate and make a list of questions. We went through this motor home like two inspectors on a final walk through on one of my construction projects. I went through the outside and Mary started on the inside. We compared notes investigated some things again together and then met up with the sales person, Brandon.

The only thing we didn't do is fire up the AC units, heater and water flows. He assured me it all worked and they would have it ready to test when we came back to close the deal. We haggled on the price, got the roof to be resealed along the perimeter and penetrations along with a small punch list. Mary and I were satisfied and made an offer.

I like to horse trade but I did have to increase my bid a bit to close the deal. We were happy with the final price and the unit. We will fly back in a couple of weeks to drive our 'new to us' home away from home beach house back to Delaware.

We want to do a few things to the inside, like change out the curtains and give everything a real good cleaning, plus stock our "stuff" where it will now go. Of course we will have to get Maggie used to climbing in and out and letting her get settled in.

More to follow....

Avionics Scheduled

2012-01-27T13:17:00.001-05:00

I previously posted about upgrading the avionics in 08Romeo and today I agreed to my plan 'B' with Red Eagle and scheduled for March 1. I am going to keep the Collins Nav/Com equipment since they both work and just upgrade the transponder so I can have the Zaon traffic back online. Besides, the Garmin 327 adds many features the Collins 950 did not have.

The second part of plan B is the Garmin 530 WAAS upgrade. The 530W is approved to fly LPV “glideslope” approaches without reference to ground-based navaids of any kind. The 530W features an advanced 15-channel receiver capable of five position updates per second, GNS 530W also meets the FAA's stringent TSO C146a standards for WAAS "sole means" navigation, providing vertical and lateral approach guidance into thousands of U.S. airports previously inaccessible in IFR conditions.

The GNS 530W is an all-in-one GPS/Nav/Comm solution. It will feature a WAAS-certified GPS, 2280-channel capacity comm and 200-channel ILS/VOR with localizer and glideslope. Traditionally it would take a host of components to provide the capabilities of this one smart box. High-speed 5 Hz processing makes navigation calculations and map redraw rates five times faster than earlier GNS series navigators.

The Breakdown:

Garmin GTX 327 $1000

Garmin WAAS Upgrade $2995
Labor 16 hr $1120
Misc items $85
Shipping $60

TOTAL $5260.00

It looks like I will have two 430/530 Data cards for sale soon!

WAAS Trainning Video

Possibilities...

2012-01-26T20:57:00.001-05:00

Well Mary and I have added another RV to the search. We plan on flying to Queen City Saturday after checking out the local RV. The new unit added to the list is a 1997 Fleetwood Storm 35.

The Fleetwood Southwind Storm 35 has one slide-out (expandable living room)it sleeps up to six. The unit has a queen bed, sofa conversion, dinette conversion. Chevy Chassis, gasoline 454 cu.in., with automatic transmission with overdrive, tilt steering, cruise control, AM/FM/CD dash radio.

This motor home includes a patio awning, electric entrance step, hydraulic leveling jacks, rear ladder, 5.0 kW Onan generator, exterior storage compartments, two ducted roof air conditioners and dash air conditioning, ducted furnace, kitchen: with refrigerator, freezer, 3 burner stove top, oven, and microwave. The unit has a full bath and shower with skylight.

UPDATE: The first unit I looked at and Mary and I were scheduled to see agin on Saturday was SOLD. I just got a call this morning (Friday)from the owner.

A Closer Look

2012-01-24T22:15:00.001-05:00

I had some time today to meet up with the owner of the Fleetwood Storm 30, Class A Motorhome Coach we are thinking about buying. Finally a chance to get hands on and really give the unit a good once over.

Overall the unit looks good, it needs a good detail (wax). Generator fired up and ran fine, heater too. I forgot to write the tire date down but plenty of tread and no cracking or signs of dry rot. I'll get on the roof Saturday and get a closer look at the caulking, vents and solar charger. I crawled around the storage areas and found no signs of leaks. Awnings looked very good, no cracking, bright colors and all deployed/retracted well.

On to the interior. Carpet on the steps was dirty and stained. The remaining carpets were very good. Furniture cushions looked brand new and the cushions were firm. There were no signs of leaks in any cabinets or around any windows or trim. The only spot I did find was a small stain where you fill the water holding tank. It was inside a cabinet just to the left of the entrance and located directly below the fill hose clamp. The bathroom floor was tight and under the sink, leak free. The owner did mention he left the vent cracked open this past weekend when we had snow flurries. A few drawer faces had the veneer type wood grain peeling off, by the bedroom heat vent and kitchen heat vent, seems to be an feast fix.

The unit is winterized but if we decide to buy I want to test the total system, if everything works I'll pay to winterize again. The owner said he paid $90. If the systems don't work it's on him. I'll have to test the ac unit too. Saturday the Bride gets to see the unit and from there we'll decide. I did make contact with a few RV Parks and have multiple potential seasonal hook ups available.

More to follow....for our potential summer home on wheels.

Winter wx, Thoughts of Summer

2012-01-21T06:58:00.006-05:00

KILG early AM,,,,picture from Ben Clendaniel.

Overnight, Wilmington got its first real taste of winter with a coating of snow. The forecast was calling for a coating to one inch but after walking Maggie this morning I would say it's closer to three. Right now we are getting freezing rain so we'll see where the totals end up. Despite the outdoor winter wonderland Mary and I have been entertaining the idea of purchasing a Class A RV motor home.

Class A motorhome

A self-contained motorized RV that looks something like a bus, often referred to as 'a coach'. Built on a special chassis, the class A has all the comforts of home. Floorplans typically include separate living quarters, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, one or more bedrooms, and one or more bathrooms.It does not have a separate cab; The driver sits at the front of the coach. Class A motorhomes vary in length from approximately 25 feet to 45 feet, and can be powered by a gas or diesel engine. They are often equipped with a generator to provide 120V power for appliances.

We gave some thought to purchasing a condo but the financial ties would restrict our desire to really travel. Mary loves the beach so for the summer time weekend get-away and the opportunity to take Maggie with us the RV fills the need. A seasonal hook up and then winter storage will still allow plenty of travel to new locations with 08Romeo. A home away from home at the beach will be a welcome get-away from Wilmington and provide the opportunity to enjoy evening boardwalk strolls and the sun and sand during the day.

1995 Fleetwood Storm RV

We are going to look at a thirty foot Fleetwood Storm RV on Sunday. The unit seems to be in very good condition and it has low miles. It's exciting to think of the weekend hops in the plane to/from the beach and taking the time to relax without having to load up and fly home at the end of the day. Our plan is to bug out after work on Fridays and not return home until late Sunday afternoon or early evening. Either departure time will not be affected by the typical beach traffic that really backs up every weekend. More news to follow, hopefully with pictures of a new beach home, on wheels.

Approaches

2012-01-15T16:45:00.001-05:00

BRrrrrrrr...............

I got up around 5am and got Maggie outside then fixed her breakfast. My Bride was still tucked in bed, snug as a bug. I was surprised to see it snowing when Maggie and I did our abbreviated walk and I was worried the forecast had changed enough to cancel my flying for the day.

With the zoo taken care of I updated my flight plan. Actually the wx was looking great if you could handle the cold temps. 08Romeo was plugged in Friday so she was ready to go. I grabbed a bite to eat, left over Helen's sausage sandwich, and then hit the showers.

Not much traffic to the airport and the ramp was a ghost town, as usual. I guess they all have an excuse today, you have to be nuts to be out here in the cold. Well nuts fits me just fine I want to knock out some approaches. Mike, my normal safety pilot, was not available today so I posted on Facebook for a volunteer. Adam Z agreed and we would meet at Wings Field at 9 am.

Pre-flight completed and the last item is to pull the nose plugs, check my alternator belt and engine area then unplug the Reiff heaters and secure the oil access door. Seven shots of primer and 08Romeo roars to life with her oil temps well into the yellow and just shy of the green range. I made my call to Wilmington ground noting just VFR this morning since the wx was good (I had filed just in case). Wilmington gave me a squawk code which was really nice and I taxied to runway two seven for departure.

Frawley Stadium, Port of Wilmington, Twin Bridges

Wilmington turned me loose and Philly cleared me through the class bravo without asking, clean living I guess. Nice short cut in the 25 knot head winds that made the normal trip an extra 12 minutes. Traffic was in the run up area for runway two four as I crossed midfield for the left downwind runway six. Winds were 320-350 gusting, I'm not sure what the other guy was thinking but hey, he's the PIC for his flight.

Adam Z climbed aboard and we were soon launching for Pottstown Heritage field, KPTW. First up was the Localizer RWY 28 approach with vectors from Adam. I struggled with the foggles since my flip shades were broken, what a pain. I made my way in, holding a nice course but a bit fast. A low approach only followed by a climb out for the GPS RWY 28.

I made the swap on the iPad for the correct plate then got back to business. This approach went fine, good tracking and nice speed control all the way to the MAP. Did I mention that Adam failed my Attitude Indicator? Yep, he did, nice guy huh. I flipped the 496 screen to the six pack and had that as my back up since my scan now changed due to the failure. Again I went missed and climbed out for Brandywine Airport, KOQN.

Around the cooling towers of Limerick Nuclear power plant and on course for the GPS RWY 27 into Brandywine. It feels good to knock of the rust as I track nice and manage my speeds. Another low approach and a missed followed by a climb out to the Modena VOR (MXE). This VOR 'A' approach will need the Procedure Turn (PT) and then track inbound, back to the airport. I track ok as Adam catches me in the GPS mode on the 530, which I like to do. I am tracking the VOR on nav2 so I'm good to go. I like the GPS mode, I trust it more than the VOR/VLOC mode.

We finish up and point 08Romeo back to Wings field. Adam takes over and does that pilot stuff as he knocks out the GPS RWY 6 approach. For as bumpy as it was and time between approaches I thought he did a good job. As Adam said, "I would have gotten us here without killing us", I'd have to agree, good job.

I dropped Adam on the ramp and turned for home. I was cold and wanted to get home and watch some football. I scooted along at 2200 feet under the Philly Bravo airspace and contacted Wilmington 10 miles out to the north. I was directed to a right down wind for runway one report mid-field. I acknowledged then landed long for taxiway kilo, I was home.

Avionics Shopping

2012-01-13T17:36:00.004-05:00

In my previous post I made a quick stop at the airport to get 08Romeo plugged in for some pre-heated weekend flying. I failed to mention that I forgot my keys and had to ask the Avionics shop to lend me my spares I keep locked up with them. It saved me a trip back and forth and got 08Romeo taken care of.

One of the drawbacks to walking in the avionics shop is the urge to window shop. I had been on the fence about updating my nav/com 2 from the Collins 351/251 and my Collins TDR950 transponder. I really want the added standby frequencies and flip flop capability on com 2, along with maintaining the second glide slope with nav 2. My Collins TDR 950 transponder has a problem with my Zaon traffic unit presenting bogus targets following me at 200 feet high or low, it's annoying. I priced out a few different units and was offered a unit from Garmin, the GTX 327 for just one AMU, it's a great deal.

KX155 w/KI209

Garmin GTX 327

Soooooo......for the heck of it I asked for a quote and approximate schedule to install. The price breakdown follows:

KX155 Nav/Com Excellent Condition - 1500
GTX327 Transponder Excellent Condition- 1000
King Glide Slope - 750
Labor - 2300
Misc Parts - 100
Totals out at $5650

The resale value of the Collins 251/351 Nav/Com is around $350 for each and the TDR 950 is going for $600. I figure with resale I should recover $1000-$1300. $5650 initial cost minus the resale of current equipment $1200 leaves a balance of $4500.00.

I placed my name on the schedule....God help me.

Brrrr...COLD!

2012-01-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

It's that stinking time of the year, yes, winter is here. No snow yet but cold temps with a wind chill factor and gusty winds hitting 50 mph. I made the quick trip to the airport to plug 08Romeo in for the first time 'this year'. Maybe I can fly this weekend or Monday, since I am off for the Holiday.

Tools of the trade....

Three 100' 12/3 extension cords to get power to the plane.

My always faithful Reiff heaters, consisting of 50watt band heaters on each cylinder and a 100 watt pad on the oil sump. I've considered adding an oil cooler heating pad but since I keep it plugged in all night and cover with a padded moving blanket, 08Romeo will be fine.

Last but not least a gallon of Peak RV antifreeze and a one gallon pump sprayer for the frost.

I'll be on the ramp with a heavy jacket, leather fur lined gloves, ear muffs and scarf. I sure wish we had a hangar!

Update Mary's Headset

2012-01-11T18:54:00.001-05:00

Mary and I have went back and forth on her headset. Our first headsets were the David Clark H10-13S model, great headset. With the purchase of our own plane and many more hours of planned flight we each decided to upgrade to ANR's (Active Noise Reduction). I purchased the Lightspeed Zulu's with bluetooth capability. A great function when trying to pick up a clearance or release with the fan already turning.

Bluetooth compatible: Wireless phone and music interface with controls is embedded into the battery box. Comm. Priority Mute: Circuitry gives priority to incoming radio calls, automatically muting the aux music source. Audio System: Full wireless stereo interface with patented Front Row Center (FRC) audio circuitry. One wireless audio input and one wired. The Zulu FRC solves the problem of left/right channel isolation on stereo headphones. The processor closely matches the shadowing affect of the head for the crossfeed signal to the left (or right) ear. The signal is both amplitude and delay corrected to compensate for the increased distance the sound would travel. The results are extremely pleasing and akin to switching from mono to stereo.

Mary didn't want to spend the extra money for something she didn't need so she decided on the David Clark X11 headset. She really liked her first set and wanted to stay with DC's. We purchased the X11's and they served her well. Very lightweight (12oz) and no clamping pressure, this was the ticket. Over time we realized that the DC's didn't produce the same quality sound when we played the xm music and selections from her iPod. It was time for a change.

David Clark Company developed the Electronic Noise Canceling Headset System. (ENC).
Active reduction of unwanted noise is achieved by a process which amounts to cancellation of the noise by generating a signal identical in sound pressure level (SPL) but exactly reversed in phase to the offending noise; the effect being a cancellation.

We sold her X11's and purchased a set of Bose X. This is a really nice unit and will provide excellent sound quality when she turns up the tunes! Another set of minimum clamping pressure and again very light weight at only 12oz.

A rare combination of benefits helps distinguish this headset from all other pilot headsets. Most importantly, Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headset technology, pioneered by Bose, dramatically reduces the engine roar you hear in the cockpit.

Here's how it works:
Small microphones in each earcup monitor ambient sound. Innovative electronics immediately identify the unwanted noise and create an opposite signal to reduce it. The result? You hear dramatically less engine noise, and more of your communications. This advanced noise reduction technology combines with exclusive Bose headset design and active EQ to provide you with quality audio in a compact headset weighing only 12 ounces.

Lighter is better
With lighter, more compact earcups, Aviation Headset X requires significantly less clamping force than most noise reduction headsets. Many pilots say this easy-on-the-head design makes a big difference in how they feel after a long flight. The solid magnesium headband is also extremely lightweight and durable. A sheepskin cushion eliminates hot spots, and soft ear cushions provide an effective seal, even over glasses.

Long battery life, smart controls
Proprietary AdaptiSense® headset circuitry gives you at least 40 hours of headset use from just two AA alkaline batteries. This Bose innovation automatically adjusts the headset's need for power according to the levels of cockpit noise and radio communications.

TIA's

2012-01-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

TIA's, no this is not an aviation term, however, it is a serious medical condition. Flying seems so trivial when we are faced with medical emergencies that effect us and/or our family. My beautiful Bride had her blood pressure spike which resulted in signs of a stroke.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief period of time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms for up to 1-2 hours. A TIA is different than a stroke. After a TIA, the blockage breaks up quickly and dissolves. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause brain tissue to die. TIA's do not cause lasting damage to the brain. High blood pressure is the number one risk for TIA's and stroke.

Symptoms begin suddenly, last only a short time (from a few minutes to 1 - 2 hours), and go away completely. They may occur again at a later time. The symptoms of TIA are the same as the symptoms of a stroke and include sudden:

Abnormal feeling of movement (vertigo) or dizziness
Change in alertness (sleepiness, less responsive, unconscious, or in a coma)
Changes in feeling, including touch, pain, temperature, pressure, hearing, and taste
Confusion or loss of memory
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty writing or reading
Inability to recognize objects or people
Lack of coordination and balance, clumsiness, or trouble walking
Muscle weakness of the face, arm, or leg (usually only on one side of the body)
Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
Personality, mood, or emotional changes
Problems with eyesight (double vision, loss of all or part of vision)
Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking

Learn the many warning signs of a stroke. Act FAST and CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY at any sign of a stroke. Use FAST to remember the warning signs:

Mary is home and doing very well. Life is back to normal, whatever normal is in our home. The cats are happy and our Italian Mastiff is happy that Mom is back. I can not tell you how happy I am that Mary is home, with no lasting affects and able to continue with life as we know it. We each got a good scare this week. The need to continue with our revamped diet and add more exercise to our routine hits home even more.

Georgetown Breakfast

2012-01-01T13:25:00.002-05:00

I decided to start the year off right with a short flight today. The wx is perfect and it's going all downhill the rest of the week. Mary passed on breakfast so I sent Vince a text and posted on Facebook. Jeff in Woodbine posted that the Woodbine pilots are heading to Georgetown -KGED, great, I'm in.

I quickly uncovered and pulled out the one gallon sprayer I had stowed in the baggage compartment earlier in the week. A few pumps for pressure and a light spray had the frost rolling of the wing. I completed my pre-flight and turned 08Romeo into the sun while I parked my SUV outside the gate.

I sent Vince a text that I am wheels up in five minutes, no answer. I was already warming up the oil at low idle and had just released the brake when he sent a text. I responded,taking off - catch up next weekend. I felt bad but I really wanted to get to GED while the Woodbine pilots were still there.

C5 Climbing over the Bay

I launched for Georgetown and once turned on course and approved for a frequency change I turned up the music. I did dial in Dover Approach since I would be flying over the air base at three thousand feet. I watched a C5 take off and turn out towards the Bay and the young lady flying that heavy was alerted to traffic south bound at my altitude, yep, it was me. I contacted Dover, stated my position, altitude and that I had the heavy climbing over the Bay. They gave me a squawk code and we road along together.

Northbound - East view over the Bay on DE shoreline

I guess I was ten north of Georgetown when I canceled flight following and announced my position on unicom. There was a plane working in the pattern, one just ahead of me joining number two behind the pattern guy, myself and one other heading in. I crossed midfield for the left down wind runway two two and made an ok, "flat", landing. I taxied in and secured 08Romeo then headed for the restaurant.

Breakfast bunch

Jeff's Mooney

Finally some tail winds!

Good eats at the breakfast buffet and great conversation, always good for some laughs. We squared away the bill and headed out to the flight line. I was number four for departure and heading north. The winds had picked up but I would have a tail wind for my ride home. The sky was clear, despite the brown mucky layer in the distance. I rode home with good ground speeds and listened to the 70's hits. I did monitor Dover since I would once again cross over the field. Got lucky again as I watched a 747 take off opposite direction and climb out towards the bay. I wonder if I look like a bug on their windscreen?

747 Departing Dover AFB

View of Wilmington turning base to final

Delaware memorial Bridges on down wind

I contacted the Wilmington tower and acknowledged a left down wind for runway one niner. I felt better with a smooth landing on this leg, having to add power to make the first taxiway. All secured I said goodbye to 08Romeo and headed home. Welcome to 2012!!

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-25T09:42:00.005-05:00

It's time for my annual year in review and a look forward to some new goals for 2012. Here are the goals I set back in January.

2011 in Review

Hours: 105, Total flight hours 649
Ratings: Nothing new this year :(
Airports: N71, KSEG, KPTB, KLKU, KPVG, KPOU, K22, KJWN, KROA, KITH
States: None this year :(
Aircraft: Nothing new this year :(
Rescues: Donna&Zippie,Sadie,Jackson,Angel&Polo
Medical: The hip is doing great. I'm down only 16 pounds, still working on the weight thing.
Fun Flights: Nashville, TN for a Labor day get-away - Ithaca, NY for the Beech Aero Club Festival - Nags Head, NC our favorite get-away.
First Time Flyers: Just one this year, Vince's brother Joey.
Notes: Auto Pilot fixed. Had a really good annual with no surprises. Flew just over 7000 miles.

2012 Goals

Hours: At least 100 and I hope to pass a total time of 700 hours
Ratings: Commercial, if they drop the retract gear and I hope to finally add a tail wheel endorsement
Airports: My typical, as many as possible! States: Again, as many as possible!!
Flights: More date night flights with my Bride and more flights to/from the beach. We want to attend the BAC fly in in Gulf Shores Alabama in late September, The Florida Keys is still very high on the list and a Bahamas trip. Visit Jeff out in Champaign, IL (KCMI).
Aircraft Upgrades: Add the LED Taxi light, Replace the remaining washer CHT probes with the bayonet probes. Replace the Collins Nav/Com radios with the KX155-165 series and a new transponder, GTX 327, which will correct my traffic alert issues.

Holiday Hop

2011-12-24T20:34:00.065-05:00

Mary and I started the day heading to the airport to get some power flowing to the Reiff heater system. I got the chance to use the new generator we purchased earlier this year and hooked it up to get the oil temps up prior to my engine start. We completed the engine pre-heat hook up and headed south another fifteen minutes to the Veterans Cemetery.

Mary and I met up with her Mom and her brothers family to place a wreath and American flag at her Fathers grave site. It's hard to believe its already nine months since he passed. We all miss Pop and I especially miss our conversations and laughs.

Mary and I headed back to the Wilmington airport so we could fly north to my parents grave site in Wilkes-Barre,PA and place a wreath there too. I called to see if my sister Denise wanted to go for the ride but she was making cookies with her granddaughter Brooke. Instead my brother-in-law David joined us. We all met up at the Red Eagle ramp.

I filed an IFR flight plan and picked up the following clearance with Wilmington ground.

C- Cleared to KAVP

R- Fly runway heading, radar vectors to PTW then as filed.

A- Altitude 2000, expect 6000 in ten

F- Frequency, 119.75 (Philly)

T- Transponder 4621

We were soon wheels up and enroute for Wilkes-Barre, KAVP. Of course I forgot my camera and only had my iPhone for pictures today. There was no snow covered ground shots but I did have plenty of clouds to contend with. Mary gave up the front seat to David and curled up in the back with a blanket. Normally the Sundowner is toasty but today the temps outside at altitude were a tic under 15 degrees, Brrrrr...that's cold. 08Romeo was keeping it in the high 60's inside. Philly kept us at 4000 and that was fine with me as we punched through cloud after cloud bank. We finally broke out south of Allentown. When Philly handed us off to Allentown they gave me 5000 which put us in the clag for a short time. Yes, pitot heat on and an added watch for ice was part of my scan. We broke out south of Wilkes-Barre's TRSA airspace and enjoyed the view of the mountain lakes and Blue mountain and tunnels.

KABE

Once handed off to Wilkes Approach I was vectored left 340 degrees for the ILS 4 approach. The first step down brought us just into the tops but it seemed like we were vectored just enough to avoid the clouds. As we got closer I was turned right to 350, maintain 4000 until established, cleared ILS RWY 4, I acknowledged and was handed off to the tower. I entered the approach just outside the Final Approach Fix, JISAG which is guarded by a few monster towers on a mountain top. Sometimes it's better being in the clag and not seeing whats there, kidding.

Big Boulder Ski Resort

I think this is Camel Back Ski Resort

Once on the ground we taxied to the FBO, Saker Aviation. I ordered fuel and Mary secured the courtesy van. It's a quick trip across the valley and with one stop at the flower warehouse we picked up tomorrows dinner table centerpiece and a wreath for the grave site. From the warehouse it's but a short drive to the cemetery. I placed the wreath and said a few prayers, apologizing to Mom for no white Christmas that she loved so much. I wondered what my Father would have thought about flying to/from Wilkes-Barre instead of driving all those years, I think he would have loved it!

Southbound, SW view

As fast as we got there we saddled up for home. I put a few gallons of gas in the courtesy van and we made a quick stop for lunch at Arbys. I squared up my fuel bill with the FBO and got 08Romeo started following the fuel test. By the time we were ready to roll there was not a cloud in the sky so I decided on a VFR trip home. I should have filed but who knows what possessed me.

I was cleared to take off runway 4 and climbed out with a right turn on course approved. Wilkes ground had given me a squawk code for flight following and asked for an altitude, looking back over my knee board notes I asked for 5000. Over the mountains we went enjoying the view and watching the ski resorts make snow. Once handed to Allentown the controller asked, "is there a reason your 5000 vfr"? Ahhhh....Hmmmmmm..I keyed the mic, no, climbing to 5500, thanks. He responded, "no problem". I started to laugh then keyed again and said Approach I'm so used to filing its second nature.

The trip home saw a constant 130 knots which made for a good time. We were eventually handed off to Philly then turned loose for Wilmington. Another nice landing and taxi for Red Eagle. Just over two hours of actual air time vs almost 5 hours of drive time, flying works for me!

We ended our day with dinner at one of our favorites, Culinaria, with Mary's Mom and my brother Joe and his wife Janice. We ended our day with a tour of the Christmas light displays in our local area.

Lost Com Review

2011-12-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

I have been reading and reviewing about flying IFR since I haven't put in many hours left seat in the last month. While reading my favorite subscriptions, IFR Refresher and Aviation Safety, I happened to log into the AOPA home page. I noticed one of the subjects is lost communication procedures, IFR Fix: A loss for words. Good reading and always a good review.

I also stumbled across a very good Internet read that provides a simple and easy to follow example of how to work through this process.

IFR Lost Comm Procedures
by Jason Schappert

It’s turbulent, getting dark, you know your approach will be down to minimums. Now to top it all off you haven’t heard anyone transmitting on the radio for a few minutes. You call up nonchalantly and ask for an altimeter setting, no response. You go back to your previous frequency and try to contact someone, anyone, to no avail.

Where do you go? When do you get there?

Flying IFR can be strenuous when everything is working, let alone when something goes wrong. Studies show people can remember things better when they are broken down into acronyms, as pilots acronyms are something we’ve learned to be very fond of. Our acronym for IFR lost comm’s is A-V-E-F M-E-A

Not to bad to remember Avenue F MEA. It’s much better then some of the other one’s I’ve seen. Lets take a closer look. There are two portions to our acronym the first part A-V-E-F (Avenue F) has to do with our route of flight.

You are to fly your route based on your last:
Assigned (Your last assigned heading)
Vectored (If nothing is assigned fly your last vector)
Expected (If no vector fly what was expected in your clearance)
Filed (Finally fly what you filed)

For altitude we use the MEA portion of our acronym. Fly the HIGHEST of the following.

Minimum en-route altitude
Expected altitude
Assigned altitude

Let’s apply this to a situation.Your clearance reads as follows:

“Cleared to the Ocala airport via V-441 to Gators then as filed. Climb and maintain 3,000 expect 6,000 10 minutes after departure.”

Shortly before takeoff the tower tells you “turn right heading 210 cleared for take off runway 14.”

You take off and enter IFR conditions at 500 feet. After 4 minutes of flying you experience communications failure, your altitude is 2,500 feet and heading is 210.

The MEA along our route is 5,000. What might you do in this situation?Let’s break down our acronym.

A – We were assigned heading 210 so we’ll continue to fly that
V – In our limited communication with the controller we never received radar vectors
E – Our clearance instructed us to fly V-441 to Gators VOR then as filed
F – After we fly what was expected, we’ll fly what we filed.

So we’ll continue to fly 210 until we intercept V-441 and proceed to Gators VOR. Upon reaching Gators we’ll continue as filed which in our case is direct Ocala.

What about our altitude? Remember we want to fly the highest of our

M – Minimum en-route altitude (5,000 in our case)
E – Expected (6,000 as given in our clearance)
A – Assigned – We were not assigned another altitude by another controller.

So after 10 minutes of flying “expect 6,000 10 minutes after departure” we will climb and maintain 6,000 feet with a heading of 210 until intercepting V-411 to Gators and then continue direct Ocala as filed.

If Ocala is IFR we will enter a hold over the Ocala VOR. This is why it is crucial to always
file to a fix rather than an airport. It works out in our case because Ocala has a VOR. But when flying to an airport with out a VOR file to a fix on the field this way you can hold until you reach your time of arrival you filed for.

We will hold over the Ocala VOR until we approach our ETA on our flight plan, from here we can commence our approach as prescribed on our approach plate. Remember to squawk 7600!

Thanks to Jason Schappert for an easy to follow walk through on lost Coms. I found Jason's article on MzeroA.com along with many other helpful tips and discussions for pilots!

Breakfast Run!

2011-12-17T16:39:00.002-05:00

Finally some flying! Thanks to my brother Joe the kitchen floor was completed yesterday with just the stair nose remaining for install. Joe's wife Janice also helped out when she checked in on us and brought us lunch. Mary and I owe you guys a nice dinner out at the club, we could not have done it with out you.

This morning I got up and finished the stairs to the kitchen from the family room. I'll stain the steps this week once I can round up the cats and lock them up, leaving the windows open to help with the paint smell while we are both at work.

On to the flight. Mike and I traded text messages Friday afternoon and this morning. I advised I would be good to go around 10am and Mike agreed. I cleaned up the mess I made inside and out in the garage. Once showered and dressed I was heading out to the SUV and calling in my fuel order. A quick text to Mike and he was ready to go.

I had the pre-flight completed and was parking my truck when Mike pulled in. We got 08Romeo started and while the oil temps came up we picked a breakfast destination. Mike would fly left seat on the first leg and we decided on Easton, KESN.

Once in the air we could not seem to control the temps due to a strong breeze blowing in the cockpit. We each checked our doors again and then I reached back to check the back seat vents, they were closed. Baggage door was closed and locked with Mike doing a second walk around as an abbreviated pre-flight. I unbuckled and checked the baggage are vents and although I could not reach them I could clearly see they were wide open. As a side note the temp at takeoff was 42 degrees. Mike decided on making a stop just south of the canal at Summit airport, KEVY. We mixed with traffic and once on the ground taxied to the ramp. We didn't bother to shut down, instead I tried to reach the vents but couldn't fit between the seats or reach for that matter. We swapped control of the plane and Mike wiggled back and managed to shut both vents.

Once again we were in the air and headed to Easton. Mike shot the GPS RWY 33 approach reporting the TUKIE final approach fix as directed. Mike made a firm landing ;) that he beat himself up over, but got us to the terminal ramp in one piece. We enjoyed a great breakfast and chat at Sugarbuns then saddled up for my left seat time. We got the fan turning and cranked up the heat while I planed my leg of the flight. My plan was to make the short hop to Cambridge, KCGE and shoot the GPS RWY 34 approach. I was a bit rusty and my altitude varied more than I like and I too beat myself up. Mike got me back as he role played ATC for my approach noting 08Romeo verify current altitude 2,700 - maintain 2,500. Dang, that hurts.

Ok, crossing the field and turning outbound on the 155 heading then making my turn to intercept the 335 heading. I was slow to loose altitude but worked my way to 1800 then the MAP of 560 which was wrong because I used the on field altimeter setting so I should have descended to 480 say 500 feet. I was allowed to raise the foggles at 1.5 miles and 560 to find myself in perfect position to land. Only two notches of flaps followed by a nice landing and immediate roll for takeoff.

We headed for home, I was enjoying the flight and Mike was working with his recent iPad Foreflight geo-reference upgrade. We were leaving the sunshine and flying north to the overcast at 5000 ceiling. We scooted along at 3000 and eventually cleared to enter left base runway three two. Another smooth long landing and we taxi to Red Eagle. Mike ended up with 1.2 and I had 1.6 for the day. We each had an approach to log so that was worth the flight time.

More Kitchen

2011-12-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

Honestly.....I hope to get a few more flights in before the new year!!

Kitchen progress: Cabinets delivered and installation is 95% complete. A few doors need to be hung and then the trim work starts. My Brother Joe will be leading the floor install on Friday since he did his floors. It will be an on the job learning experience for me. Counter top guy should be here today to template and I hope to have the counter and sink delivered/installed next week. I can see me now...Christmas Eve hooking up the plumbing!

Cabinets everywhere!

Kitchen Progress

2011-12-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

I sure miss flying....

The kitchen is moving along, slowly but surely. The electrical is 95% completed, only having to complete the panel hook up to activate the new receptacles and the direct wire under counter lights. We also have to hang the ceiling fan and track lights over the eating area, now that the paint is completed. Just some touch up work remaining for the painter after the cabinets are installed.

Cabinet delivery got pushed back from this past Friday to this coming Thursday with install to be completed on Friday. The counter top guy will template and be back in a week with the granite. It looks like it will all wrap up by the 23rd, fingers crossed. Christmas eve I'll be plumbing the sink and helping Mary finish stocking the shelves and getting everything put in its new place. The last remaining item will be finishing up the stairs into the kitchen from our den. I may have them done prior but who knows.

The Before Kitchen photos

While we are doing the kitchen I'm trying to finish up two classes at Wilmington University and yes, finals are next week. My current work contract has me back and forth to Lewes Delaware a few times a week and that's an 1.5 each way. Busy doesn't begin to cover it!

Air Time/Quiet Time

2011-12-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

This morning I decided on a quick hop to Millville, NJ - KMIV. I just wanted to make sure the battery was holding a charge and get the oil circulating in 08Romeo. Pre-flight was fine and I took on an additional ten gallons of fuel to bring my total to forty gallons. I primed as usual but 08Romeo didn't catch on the first try. Another shot or two of primer and she roared to life, ready to get in the air.

South View, Salem Nuke Plant and Delaware Bay

North View, New Jersey and the haze layer

I took off on runway one nine and made a left turn on course tracking the DuPont one forty three degree radial. I didn't feel like chugging and plugging on the GPS. Once I had the field in site I plugged in direct MIV so I had a position report with reliable distance. I made a straight in on runway one four and taxied clear for a quick turn around.

Delaware River looking NW, Twin Memorial Bridges

08Romeo climbed out at eight hundred feet a minute while I was busy looking for traffic. I had a Cherokee entering the down wind and I turned cross wind behind him. I pointed 08Romeo towards Union lake and kept in the climb for home. I leveled at two thousand five hundred and was cruising along at a hundred twenty five knots. I settled in to enjoy the view and the gentle moan of the engine in my Lightspeed Zulu headset. I love flying, it clears my head and makes me smile.

West view, Delaware City refinery

I noted Wilmington's ATIS and contacted them for my clearance to land. I acknowledged, Report midfield left downwind runway one niner. I had a Cessna shadowing me on the right down wind and confirmed visual contact. Base to final has me a tad high but a slip to the numbers followed by a smooth short field landing has me adding power to clear the runway. I secured 08Romeo and headed for home, 1.0 hours in the book.

Cross Wind Practice

2011-11-27T21:19:00.001-05:00

I decided to once again take to the sky! My drywall/painter canceled this morning but not early enough to allow me to meet up with the Woodbine Airport bunch that headed out to Sky Manor - N40 for breakfast. I did manage to get some homework done and did some reading for the quiz due for each class by tomorrow morning. It's too nice to sit here and read, I decided to head to the airport.

Philly in the distant haze

I sent a text to Vince to see if he wanted in and he said he would meet me at the plane. The plan for today was just to get some cross wind practice in at a different airport with a runway that isn't as wide as Wilmington's 150 feet. Brandywine - KOQN, with its 50 foot runway width is just a short hop to the north and the winds can be fun as you cross the gully at runway two seven, that's my plan. I took on a few gallons to replenish yesterdays fuel burn and completed the pre-flight.

I was launching off runway one niner and making a right turn on course, the winds were kicking! I had a great tail wind pushing me north at 120+ knots. I tracked the Modena VOR and then broke it off to enter on the forty-five passing between two water towers like a football heading for a field goal. I announced a three mile forty-five and continued in. Down wind, base and final has me high and fast. I pull the remaining power and slip to the numbers adding the last notch of flaps as I clear the gully (roadway). Not bad for round one as I taxi clear.

KOQN Short Final RW27

The second round has us climbing out of Brandywine and headed to Chester County-KMQS. The winds here should be a direct cross wind and add to the challenge. Winds were from 200- 210 and I pointed for runway two niner. I had plenty of Aileron in as I touched down and still got a bit of a side load push until my right main was solid on the ground and the flaps were retracted. We taxied clear and headed back for the hop home.

On the ramp at KOQN

Departing runway two niner and maintaining noise abatement I turn cross wind to the south. I hear a call from an aircraft on the forty five for the left down wind two nine and start an immediate climb at 1000 fpm to get above pattern. Searching for the traffic at my one o'clock Vince makes the call, traffic low right to left passing under us by at least 500 feet. See and avoid at all times, at least he made his calls.

More bumpy air as we contact Wilmington with the current info, intentions and final parking request. We are directed to make a straight in for runway one niner and after avoiding the VP's TFR we line up on a 3 mile final approach. I grade this landing as ok while my main concern is clearing the runway with three aircraft behind me. I make the first turn off and clear one niner as I spot the Archer passing over the numbers. There was a jet behind him and another piston pounder as #3 to land.

A fun quick hour of bumps and crosswinds! Ok, my fun is over, back to the kitchen remodel.

Lunch Hop to WWD

2011-11-26T19:40:00.000-05:00

I had enough of kitchen remodel and decided I needed some flight time. Mary had a few things to do so I posted on FB then Vince sent me a text message. We decided on a 1pm departure from Wilmington. Vince sent a second text asking if his brother could join us, I responded no problems but I just took on 40 gallons of fuel, what's Joey's weight? Ok punching in the numbers I come up just 3 pounds under gross and that's before start up and taxi fuel burn, we're good to go.

The brothers followed me in the gate, it was good timing. Vince and Joey followed me around while I did the pre-flight and I was worried about the battery acting up. I didn't get any stall horn when I checked. We all climbed aboard after the pre-flight and fuel sump and crossed our fingers. Come on STEC starter do you magic! Maybe three blades and 08Romeo roared to life, there wasn't much battery power left. The amp gauge showed a charge and we waited for the oil temps to come up in the green.

File photo Bellanca Triple Tail

Vince made the calls and I taxied for the runway. I had my hand on the controls but let Vince get us in the air, he did a nice job despite pitching up a bit to much on wheels up but he quickly settled in and held a nice steady climb. I had him make the call for a turn on course and had him keep in the climb, he was rock solid at 500 a minute and a smooth turn, impressive.

We continued into Cape May and since we had traffic in the area I took controls and got us on the ground with a good landing. There were a lot of planes to see on the ramp. I counted five Yakovlev Yak-52's a Soviet primary trainer aircraft and a pair of Bellanca Cruisemaster's the "triple tail" 14-19-2 model. We also passed a bright yellow Pitts.

file photo YAK-52

We had a quick lunch then saddled back up for home. Once again Vince did a fine job on the take off and positioned us over the edge of the Delaware Bay to gain some altitude and let his brother enjoy some of the view. We turned for home and eventually made the call to Wilmington for landing instructions. We were to report a 3 mile left base for runway two seven. Vince took us to short final and then we transferred control for my landing. I'll grade this one as an ok, kind of firm, should have let it keep flying a bit more.

The three of us covered and secured 08Romeo then bugged out for home. Thanks guys for a great time flying, hope we can do it again soon! Joey you did great for a first time ever flyer!

No Flying?

2011-11-24T07:46:00.001-05:00

I haven't been flying in almost two weeks, not the norm for me. It's been busy here at the Mascelli home as we worked through the design and now demo of our kitchen. I get to play project manager, bringing what I do everyday home, as we coordinate the schedule and various crafts to get the job done.

Before pictures with old appliances

Our custom cabinets are going to be made in Amish country, New Holland, PA. John B is, to say the least, a master craftsmen. Bruce drew up our final design and put in on paper, providing a 3D concept view. Yours truly is the demo man along with help from my brother Joe to remove a half wall, appliances and eventually install the new floor.

Ongoing Demo!

Electrical is almost complete with eight new recessed lights, new track lighting over the breakfast nook area and a new ceiling fan. Joe E added multiple outlets above the additional counter space and to accommodate our wine refrigerator. John D will begin drywall repairs and painting on Tuesday and be completed with plenty of time to spare for the scheduled cabinet install on December 9th.

Thanksgiving you ask? Yes, we will enjoy Turkey day with Mary's family at her Mothers home. From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Please remember our troops and the sacrifices they, and their families make so we can sit at the table with our loved ones.

Back to Basics

2011-11-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

One of the many "favorite links" listed on the right side column of my blog is the N631S Blog. Frank posted a video that was posted on the AvSig online forum that really hits home to those of us who fly with IFR certified GPS equipment.

I don't want to steal Frank's thunder so please, take the time, read the blog post and post your thoughts. Here is the direct link to the post; Children of the Magenta Line.

Frank, thanks for sharing!

Breakfast Hop to KGED

2011-11-13T15:36:00.005-05:00

Direct to KGED flight plan

Swapped facebook messages yesterday with Jeff D from Woodbine about a possible breakfast run this morning. Wx looks great and the VP's TFR starts around noon so I will be good to go and not have to file. I contacted Vince if he wanted to fly right seat since Mary took a pass.

South View

I walked through the gate and loved the chilly breeze blowing, it smelled clean. I went through my pre-flight and had to sump fuel since AeroWays delivered per my request last night. Everything looked great, cleaned off some bird souvenirs and climbed aboard. Vince texted me saying he would be 15 minutes late getting to the plane. I started up and got the oil warmed then shut down in front of the Red Eagle hangar. Vince climbed up on the wing and I picked up my check list and proceeded with an engine start.

Looking SE, Delaware River and Bay

I climbed out of Wilmington with a head wind just off the nose to our right and managed to hold 100-102 knots heading south. The Gods hopefully will reward me for not complaining and provide tail winds coming home, we shall see. Vince wanted to do some radio work since flying was hands off and feet on the floor. He contacted Dover approach for flight following and we flew together until 10 miles out of Georgetown.

Dover AFB Ramp, C5's

Dover Museum

I have really been working on the shock cooling and now nose over with slight reductions in RPM, sort of stepping down the power or at least trying to be even more aware of it. As we descended below 2,400 feet the winds really kicked in, it was like riding a bucking horse. There was a Cherokee joining the pattern coming from the south west and he followed me in number two to land. I crossed mid-field and entered the down wind. We each reported our positions and as I turned base to final I had visual contact. Two notches of flaps and riding the winds, dodging a few turkey buzzards just over the trees on short final. I decided to add a final notch of flaps even though that's not normal for me in gusting winds. Sure enough, I ballooned but made a nice landing with a quick turn around and taxi off to the terminal. The Cherokee followed suit dealing with the winds but his attempt looked better than my landing felt.

On the ramp at KGED

Jeff's Mooney at KGED

Vince and I secured the plane and I talked with the two men in the Cherokee. I had given him a heads up about the buzzards on final and had mentioned my previous close encounter with the red tail hawk at Wilmington. Small world, he said "you write that blog" ah, yep that's me. He said he reads along and follows my travels, that always makes it worth my time to document my ramblings. He had mentioned Bill ( Bills RV-7 Project and Travels) from Essex Skypark, one of my favorite reads on aviation. I hope one day to cross paths with Bill and see his RV7, the pictures are awesome.

The Breakfast bunch!

Jeff and John rolled in in Jeff's immaculate Mooney, I think bugs avoid him. We had a nice breakfast, good food, aviation chatter and of course watching the planes come an go on the ramp. When we finished up we saw a B25 taxi by, it was Tom Duffy's Take-Off Time based at Millville. It was nice to say Hi to Tom and I did ask about his recent purchase, a Mustang. The Mustang is being painted and he gave us a snip of info on the scheme.

Tom Duffy's B25 - Take Off Time

I followed Jeff's Mooney out to runway two two and completed my run up. I launched into the gusty winds and bumped along to 3,000 feet and smooth air. No flight following on the way home, just enjoyed the flight and chatting with Vince. We were spotting some aviation related items; the Smyrna VOR (ENO), Delaware Airpark 33N and a picture for my friend Jeff who moved to Champagne IL, Smyrna Airport - 38N and its grass strip.

Beat the VP TFR, nice tail winds!

I had the ATIS info for Wilmington and made my call. I confirmed, report mid-field down wind runway one nine. I extended so a jet could depart then made a nice landing with enough power to taxi clear on Kilo. Vince cleaned the leading edges and I covered and tied down. A fun day flying and catching up with friends.

Thank You....

2011-11-11T10:59:00.001-05:00

Night Current/Safety Pilot

2011-11-09T05:30:00.001-05:00

On the ILS RWY 1 at KILG

Mike and I traded text messages late in the day trying to schedule some flight time, it was to nice not to be in the air. We agreed on 5ish and I bugged out of work for my haircut appointment. I got in the chair early and was walking out the door exactly at the scheduled time of my appointment, I love being early. I had to turn and burn at the house to take care of the Maggie muffin and grab my flight bag.

I was heading south and ran into the traffic snarl on I-95 as I approached the ramp. I diverted to a back up plan of heading into Wilmington and then jumping on south of the back up, it sounded good. I managed to get back on I-95 and make the crawl to the plane.

Mike was running late so I got the pre-flight completed and climbed aboard. I was left seat tonight and got myself set up as Mike climbed on the wing. Mike did a second walk around then climbed in for the flight. Traffic was busy at ILG with corporates and the Air national Guard flying. We taxied to runway niner at kilo 5 and once cleared we were headed towards the south east, to Millville, KMIV. Mike shot multiple approaches, the ILS RWY 10 and VOR A and I mixed in three landings and take offs for night currency.

I made two nice landings and one really crap, and I hate to call it a landing, more of a bounce it on in. I had decided to bring up the lights on high intensity when turning base, wow, they look nice. However, on short final I could not see the runway from all the glare and the bright lights messed with my night vision. Like I said, I found the runway and it wasn't pretty.

The only traffic at Millville was a King Air departing on an IFR flight to the Carolina's. I watched him depart as Mike was on the VOR A inbound. We headed back to Wilmington and Mike worked Philly approach for the practice ILS RWY 1. We got one vector towards the final approach then when we should have gotten a turn to intercept we were instructed to turn away about ten degrees for traffic. Approach followed up with a large right turn from heading 280* to 030* to intercept. Mike captured the localizer and road the rails to the runway, super nice job.

OCMD Meet Up

2011-11-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

Facebook has it benefits. David and I started to correspond through facebook since we "friended" each other through another pilot. I followed Davids posts on his Instrument Rating quest and he tortured himself enough to read a few of my blog posts.

Crossing ENO looking south west

Out of six for four

Fast forward to this weekend. David and I traded a few posts and decided that we would take our Brides to Ocean City Maryland for an afternoon lunch at the Captain's Galley. Mary and I launched for the beach around noon and made the fifty minute trip. We climbed out of an overcast Wilmington on an instrument flight plan and soon entered the clag. The layer was smooth and around a thousand feet thick. We broke out on top in the bright sunshine and enjoyed our ride over the sea of white.

South of ENO

Looking out over the Delaware Bay

Philly handed us off to Dover and they turned us over to Patuxent. Patuxent descended us from six thousand to four which had us now sitting just under the layer. I did manage to log some actual and that made it fun. I got a few traffic call outs as we broke the ten miles out mark. I canceled in the air with approach and flipped to the CTAF to make my calls. I entered a left down wind for runway two and followed with my base to final turn and a nice soft landing.

David and his Cherokee 235

Dave, Mary, Lynn and Danelle

We taxied in and secured 08Romeo then noticed a text message from David alerting us to some battery problems. I ordered some fuel on check in and then settled in waiting on David and his family. I didn't know it but he was flying a Cherokee, a Cherokee 235 that really hauled the mail, they got in just fifteen minutes past our 1PM scheduled time.

RT 50 Bridge

Ocean City, MD

We grabbed the cab out front and made the quick trip to the Captains Galley. The menu had a wide range of sandwiches, appetizers and soups. I had shrimp salad that came with a cup of beef barley soup. Mary spilt the crab dip appetizer with me and had a bowl of cream of crab soup. We really enjoyed our lunch get-away with David, Lynn and Danelle and their friends Don and Dori.

Indian River Inlet Bridge

After lunch we decided to saddle up and head for home. The wx had cleared and the flight plan I previously filed was left unopened. Mary and I launched and climbed out of Ocean City turning north and enjoying the view. The Lewes ferry was coming in to port ,the tankers were making their way out of the Delaware Bay and it was a nice flight home as the time change ushered the sun to its early setting.

POA Dinner

2011-11-05T22:23:00.002-05:00

Me, Mary, Adam, Tam, Gary S, Anthony, Jennifer

Anthony from Pilots of America (POA) posted;

"Its been a while since the Wings FlyBQ, and a while since we've gotten together as a group. Anybody interested in meeting for drinks/dinner in King of Prussia or somewhere relatively central for us? Spouses included."

This sounded like a fun get-together so Mary and I responded that we would attend.

We had started our day with a nice ride south to Helen's Sausage House, a local favorite. I have made the stop on many occasions while heading to work at our Delaware Airpark facility or the Lewes Ferry facility. This would be Mary's first stop. The ride south was gorgeous, finally getting a chance to enjoy the fall colors since our Halloween snow fall.

The food was great! We couldn't finish our sandwiches so we saved them for tomorrow's breakfast. Mary and I purchased five pounds of raw sausage to take home so we could give some to Mom and her Uncle Reds. Full tummy's for both of us and we were ready to head back home. We made one additional stop at Willey's Farm Market and of course we brought some new holiday decorations home with us.

Once home we putzed around for a bit. I decided to stop stalling and take my two tests for my Wilmington University courses and Mary took a nap. We were up, showered and dressed to go by 5:30 for the dinner run to King of Prussia and the Rock Bottom Brewery.

We ran into construction traffic on the way, but sat it out and kept on course. When we finally arrived at the mall I found a parking spot in the first row, no good deed goes unpunished. I made a quick call to Adam Z to find out where this place was located in the mall and he talked us in. About that no good deed, well that great parking spot was on the opposite side of the mall from our destination, you can tell how much I shop at that mall, or any for that matter.

We were seated quickly and our food and drink order was served in very short order, impressive. Dinner was great, conversation even better. The ladies decided to send the men to one end of the table so we could talk airplane stuff while they gathered at the other end to chat about who knows what.

Great call Anthony! We had a fun night out with friends and we look forward to the next get-together.

Annual 2011

2011-11-01T15:36:00.008-05:00

Day 1 - Monday 10/31/11

I hit the road early with a few tools, lunch and my flight bag. I always get excited at annual, the chance to work on the plane, play with power tools and hang out with the guys in the shop. I made a stop for donuts for the guys and a large tea for me. Frank was already in the shop making coffee and answering the phones, it seems to start early. Keith and Stan rolled in and after the morning coffee we got started.

Stan on the nose wheel

8Romeo was quickly coming apart. Keith and Stan did the compression checks (79 PSI each cylinder)as I was opening up all the inspection covers. Each wing has four inspection covers with eight or ten screws holding them in place. The gascolater has a cover along with the wing center spar.

Dirty plug

Lead build up from a bottom plug

Inside the bead blaster. Where's the moon rocks?

I moved to cleaning the plugs. The bottom set had a lead build up, more than I remember from last year. I used a dental type pick to clean out the deposits then a quick scrub in the parts cleaner to remove the old anti-seize from the threads. Next was a trip to the bead blaster and time to play with the machine. Once the plugs are set inside I lock down the door and get the air flowing. There is a foot pedal to get the fine grit blowing and it's fairly responsive.

Spark plug gap tool

Gap tool with clean plug ready to set

The next phase of the plugs is to prep for install. New copper washers for the top plugs and none for the bottom since they have the CHT washer probes. I also gapped the plugs and that was a first, for airplane plugs, God knows I did more than I care to count for cars. The gapping tool was interesting, I attached a few pictures. It was sort of like a mini press that only needed gentle pressure. How do I know you wonder, I gapped a few to tight and could not pass the .015 gap gauge through the plug.

Gap gauge

No go .019, good to go .015

With the plugs and wires complete I moved on to other fun stuff. Stan finished with the nose wheel while I buttoned up the inspection covers. The vacuum system filter needed a change and obviously the designers at Beechcraft had a sick sense of humor, who the heck put that there? Keith took the under panel position and I took the topside to double team the vac filter, Keith also changed the relief valve filter. Day one comes to a close and we pack up for the day and clean up in prep for tomorrow.

From the outside, vac system filter nut

Day 2 - 11/1/11

Is it 6am already? Another early start to my day with a large dunkin tea in hand. I didn't pack lunch today, instead, I planned on a treat at the local deli for an Italian hoagie, sub or whatever it's called where you live.

Ready to roll out for the run up and leak test!

I arrived at the shop ready to go and Frank already have the coffee on. Everyone rolled in and got right to work. Frank and Paul were working on the Cardinal parked behind 08Romeo and they were just about done. I buttoned up the tail cone, installed both batteries that checked out fine and closed up the interior. Keith cleaned up the engine room and then oiled the chain that connects/drives the yokes as the last cabin item "to do". I helped hang the bottom cowl and then finished up the touch up on any scratch or chip on the plane. Roger had all three of my colors in stock since the shop cracked the wing tip my very first annual in 09.

I did some clean up, including the belly, and made sure any finger prints were removed. Keith and I went over the check list of annual items. Keith told me to plan on new brake hoses next year for the mains and I think we will also replace the rubber door and baggage seals since we found a few areas just starting to crack. The last two remaining items that should be in today is the ELT battery and the Bracket air filter.

08Romeo was pretty much complete and ready for her run up and leak test. We all moved the planes around so my Sundowner and Paul's Cardinal could perform the required tests. Both aircraft did fine and we followed up with some high speed taxi brake test to burn in the new set of brake pads. I taxi to the main ramp area and secured 08Romeo complete with her covers, I'll be back for her tomorrow.

I decided to head for home and get some work done around the house. Mary and I swapped text messages and decided that we will drop off my SUV at Wilmington Airport tomorrow morning then she can drop me off at Cecil Aero before heading to work. Another annual in the books!

Items addressed:
- Brakes
- Oil filter (oil was changed 10 hours ago)
- Repair nav light wire so new LED will work
- Vac systen filter
- Relief valve filter
- Bracket air filter
- ELT Battery
- Install fuel sump (I already had the part)
- Replace one C-Spec fastener (lower cowling)

Dead Battery

2011-10-30T17:37:00.000-05:00

I went to the airport this morning relieved that I didn't have to remove ice or frost from 08Romeo, in fact the cover was dry and control surfaces good to go. Mary dropped me off and headed south for 58M, Cecil County Airport in Elkton Maryland, about a forty minute trip. I completed a pre-flight and saddled up for the ten minute hop.

Not even a half blade turn then click, click click. Hmmm, that's not good. I climbed in the baggage area and removed the cover exposing the rear portion of the fuselage. My battery box looks like an army ammo box complete with a clip to keep the lid secure.

I called Mary to give her a heads up that I need her to turn around, mission aborted. With the multiple calls and text sent I strolled across the ramp. Joe was washing his Warrior and he introduced me to his new partner in the plane. I asked if he still had the solar battery charger that I thought was on his plane, he said no but he did have a jump start battery unit. I had one too, it was sitting at home. We gave the jump start unit a try but no go. When Mary pulled in we headed for home so I could grab a few tools, jumper cables, my new little 800 generator and extension cords.

I removed the battery that was low, thanks to Joe's meter providing confirmation. Jumper cables hooked up and charging, now sit and wait and cross my fingers. I gave it almost thirty minutes then disconnected and reinstalled the battery. A flow through my start procedures and 08Romeo comes to life. Wooo Hooo!!

I let 08Romeo run, hopefully charging the battery even more. The JPI says the battery is looking good by the numbers and the amp gauge looks fine. I shut down, park my SUV outside the gate and saddle back up for another try. I give Mary a quick call and she heads towards Elkton. Clear Prop! was followed by two blades and a rapid start, Houston, we're go for throttle up!

A bumpy ride to 58M but happy that 08Romeo is secure. I can drive to the shop in the morning instead of dealing with wx and scheduling rides. Annual starts tomorrow, look for posts on my progress to follow.

Safety Pilot Time

2011-10-25T21:36:00.004-05:00

I flew with Mike tonight as his safety pilot. We left Wilmington under the VP's TFR as a VFR flight, despite filing just in case. The tower asked if we wanted to cancel the IFR plan, I advised if we can depart VFR then yes. We were soon off heading south towards Summit, KEVY.

SE View at the Salem plant and Delaware Bay

Mike set up for the RNAV GPS 35 approach after the procedure turn at WENDS. Mike did a real nice job despite his claims of being rusty. A smooth landing and taxi back for another round. We traded info with a Cessna 150 that had no audio and I asked him to confirm with mic clicks, it worked out.

Sunset over the Chesapeake

Round two had us off for some flight maneuvers including steep turns,a power off simulated engine out and set up for landing. Mike flew without missing a beat and I enjoyed being eyes out, loving the evening sky and gorgeous sunset.

Short final ILS RWY 1 at KILG

After some air work I provided info for a random hold. Mike set up for a direct to the intersection KIRKK and knocked out the hold with a nice wind correction. The final approach this evening was role play ATC and vectors to the ILS RWY 01 at Wilmington. A few turns and a long 9 mile entry had us intercepting on short order. I stink at ATC and turned Mike to close to final.

I contacted the Wilmington tower and as directed reported inbound the outter marker, HADIN. Mike was on it as he guided 08Romeo in for a smooth landing with a 6 knot crosswind from 290 degrees. A much needed night in the air for me after a long day at work. Fun flying as always followed up with a debrief at EATS.

ForeFlight v4.2

2011-10-21T15:37:00.002-05:00

VFR Sectional with TFR's and WX

What's New in ForeFlight Version 4.2

4.2 is a big release including:

* In flight SiriusXM weather via Baron Mobile Link
* An all new data-driven map engine with global basemap coverage
* ForeFlight Global Winds
* Map layering (e.g. radar on sectionals)
* Super-zoom enroute maps
* Interactive TFRs, Airmets, Sigmets, and PIREPs
* Print the NavLog
* Improved performance of the File & Brief view

IN FLIGHT, DATA LINK WEATHER

Data link weather has landed on ForeFlight. The first device supported is the Baron Mobile Link, providing complete in-flight weather coverage of the US, Canada, Puerto Rico/Caribbean, and Hawaii. Data link weather is elegantly integrated with all ForeFlight maps and airport pages. The radar and satellite images are color-matched, creating a consistent experience when transitioning between Internet and data-link based weather.

MAPS

4.2 introduces a brand new, data-driven, vector-drawn global mapping engine that displays cities, towns, roads, borders, populated areas, lakes, rivers, coastlines, and more. The entire world is packed into a small 19MB download.

Also new:

* Interactive TFR map showing active and pending TFRs. Tap a TFR for more details. TFRs active within 24 hours shown in red; others shown in yellow.
* Interactive AIR/SIGMET map showing active and forecast flight hazards. Tap an AIR/SIGMET for more details. Covers IFR, winds, turbulence, convective, ash, and other hazards.
* Interactive, global PIREPs map. Tap a PREP marker for details. Includes PIREPs transmitted by commercial aircraft ACARS.
* Super-zoom capability on enroute maps providing an extra level of detail and zoom for customers that requested this.

FOREFLIGHT GLOBAL WINDS

4.2 provides access to the ForeFlight Global Winds engine (the "GWE"), which provides winds aloft forecasts for any point on the planet and up to FL540. The GWE will provide wind effects for any flight plan entered, including custom user waypoints and arbitrary lat/lons.

iPad Proficiency

2011-10-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

iPad Proficiency for Pilots

by ForeFlight

iPad Proficiency for Pilots from ForeFlight on Vimeo.

Lima Beans!

2011-10-08T20:10:00.005-05:00

I swapped a few messages with Ryan and Kathy from Williamsburg, VA and Ted and Susan from New York during the past week. Mary and I decided that we wanted to attend the Cape May wine festival along with the West Cape May Lima Bean festival. What better way to spend the day then with friends, the plans started to take shape. Mary asked her Mom to join us and she accepted. I managed to scrounge up a few discount coupons at work for the wine tasting entry fee and made the call to AeroWays for fuel to the slots plus two each tank.

Friday 10/7/2011

Mary and I got a surprise visit from my cousin Ralph and his girl friend Dawn on Friday night. They rolled in on their Harley's taking a break from their road trip to Ocean City Maryland. We decided on a dinner out at the local sports bar, Stanley's. After dinner we headed home and watched the Phills get bounced out of the playoffs, there's always next year. I also received a text message from Ted telling us they had previously committed to a pig roast at their home airport, they would not be able to meet up with us in Cape May.

Dawn's Harley

Tucked in the garage for the night

Today...

We scooted out the door by 8:30 making a stop at Brew Ha Ha for Mary's Chai then the short hop to pick up Marys Mom before heading to the airport. I rolled through the gate and we went through the pre-flight routine. Mary's Mom boarded and I finished up with a fuel sump. Aeroways shorted my order filling to the tabs plus two gallons each tank to total 17 gallons per side vs my order of slots plus two each side that would have provided 22 a side. I'm safe with the lighter fuel load, its only twenty minutes each way and a climb to three thousand.

Taxiway Kilo at Mike

We were soon climbing out on course in a clear blue sky taking note of the excellent view this morning. As we crossed the Delaware river pointing east you could see the Atlantic city skyline and almost the tips of Cape May NJ and Lewes Delaware, I would need a bit more altitude.

Leaving KILG looking down the Delaware River

Heading east, looking south west towards the Chesapeake Bay

The flight was smooth as I rode along hands in my lap and pretty much feet on the floor. Traffic seemed light as we passed through the Millville area listening the remote Millville radio broadcasts. We crossed Port Norris and had Cape May in view as I started my descent and advisory calls. Ryan chimed in on frequency that they were fifteen minutes out.

Fort Delaware

Landing R/W 28 Cape May

I made a smooth landing after blending with the one Cessna in the pattern doing touch and goes. Mary and I buttoned up 08Romeo and awaited Ryan and Kathy's arrival. A Glassair taxied in and another Cessna followed by the Bellanca Super Viking. The gangs all here! Ryan and I got the rental car squared away at Hertz, formerly Ace Sharper. Ryan had a $50 discount coupon from a recent trip he had taken so that really helped the overall price. The total for the day was $19.95, what a bargain!

All aboard! We loaded up for the Lima bean festival, three ladies in the back and the men working the front office navigating our way into town. Ryan made use of the cell phone to look up the park that we need to find. Kathy suggested asking the mailman walking down the street so Mary put the window down and did just that, we all got a good laugh. Yes, the men would have never done that conversation followed as we passed a large message board sign noting the festival.

With the passengers safely dropped at the main entrance Ryan and I scouted out a parking spot. We found a good location just a few blocks down the street. It was great to catch up and talk flying as we made our way back to the park and find the ladies. Once all gathered up we investigated each table and booth making our way with the flow of the crowd, and it was crowded. One of the first stops was finding breakfast, well at least something to eat. We all agreed on the Lima bean chili and found an off the path place in the shade between vendors to enjoy.

We continued the stroll, ladies working through each vendor while Ryan and I talked aviation keeping our party located with traffic call outs. There was a little something for everyone as we made our way, books, clothing, jewelery, food along with every antique and collectible you could imagine. We managed to make it through the entire festival and ended up at our original entry point. The men walked for the car and returned to pick up the ladies, the plan worked flawlessly.

Traffic was pretty heavy as we made our way out of town and back towards the ferry terminal for the wine festival portion of the excursion. I forgot my work badge so no chance at special parking, instead we dropped the ladies at the main passenger terminal entrance and then scouted parking. Ryan and I made a few laps and found a good spot but there were a few cones, obviously left behind or misplaced taking four spots at the far end of a row. With our thought process spinning we agreed cones are advisory in nature only and helped group them together to feel more secure, which by chance opened up a parking spot. Good job team!

We joined the ladies already in the long line to purchase tickets. The line moved ok and opened up to a third line for cash purchase. We had our coupons in hand and were excited right until someone working the event said it cost $25 per person. The men had to remain dry, we were flying later this afternoon, and the the ladies gave it some thought mixed in with the we still needed to find a late lunch/dinner and judging by the size of the crowd we would be standing to eat. The group huddled up and collectively decided to head back towards town and find a nice restaurant serving seafood. That didn't take long, we were walking for the wheels.

We were loaded up and heading back into town with a slight route change. I took a different road that Mary and I once tried and it seemed to shave off some time. Ryan mentioned this looked familiar as we tried to make our way to the ocean, he was right, we were passing the Lima bean festival coming in the opposite direction, our previous exit strategy,we all had a good laugh. Back to the beach and board walk area searching for a restaurant. Yours truly while looking and talking and following traffic slowly drove through a red light as Ryan tried to alert me. Ok, I'll pay attention to my driving while everyone else looks for places to stop.

Oddly enough we selected the Lobster House, the same place we ate last time the group was here. Today we decided on eating indoors and had maybe a thirty minute wait. Our seating was pretty good and we could watch ships come in and out of the docks. There were two large yachts that made their way in and they were impressive, what slow economy?

Service was very good and the meals were too. I had the stuffed flounder, filled with crab meat and scallops topped with shrimp and mornay sauce. Mary had a chilled half lobster with potato and shrimp salad, Mom had lobster salad, Kathy had crab imperial and I can't remember what Ryan had.

We all passed on desert and coffee, we had our fill. I should have mentioned our timing, we were ahead of traffic or driving the opposite way of the backups all day, leaving the restaurant would be no different. As we walked out of the dining area the line to enter had backed up through the restaurant and out to the main doors, it was packed!

Kathy, Mary's Mom and Mary

We decided to call it a day now that we had some good exercise followed by the perfect meal. We headed out of town and back towards the airport. I missed the right turn as I was instinctively heading back to the ferry as if I was working. A few right turns later we were at the airport entrance and heading to the aircraft. We returned the car and made our way through the terminal out to the ramp. I snapped a few pictures and we said our goodbyes vowing to catch up again soon with Ryan and Katy. Maybe a trip to Williamsburg or a show at the Ferguson Center in Newport News.

Only the Shadow Knows......

Mom and Daughter

I did a quick pre-flight and got everyone squared away in 08Romeo. I was soon at idle getting set up for home as Ryan taxied by. We followed number two for runway two eight. My run up completed and watching the Bellanca climb away towards the Bay, we rolled for take off. It was another smooth ride, this time back to Wilmington. Once again a great view on a clear day watching the sun to our left making its way towards sunset. I contacted the tower with the current info and made my way for a straight in runway three two, report mid river. I had pulled the power for slow flight down the runway, approved to land long. As I sat 08Romeo down on the mains a huge flock of purple marlins took flight, left to right and head on, honestly they were everywhere. Two bounced of the windshield and one hit the side of the plane. I reported to the tower that there will be few dead birds on the runway just past our touchdown. The tower asked me to call and advise of any damage. We taxied in and shut down giving 08Romeo the once over. Leading edges looked fine and the only residue left was some dusty dander patches on the windshield. I called to let the tower know there was no damage. Operations came by to confirm no damage and advise I had reduced the feathered population.

Looking up the Delaware at the Twin Bridges (my work)

Crossing the numbers R/W 32 at KILG

All in all a great day out in the sunshine and spending time with friends! 08Romeo saved hours of ground travel and made for an enjoyable trip to and from the fun times in Cape May.

Next up annual, 08Romeo gets to spend some quality time with Roger and the crew at Cecil Aero.

Distractions at Work

2011-10-06T20:36:00.028-05:00

How can anyone concentrate on the job at hand? I was working at the Millville airport this week helping out a co-worker on his project. I was riding the work site and getting my daily report filled out when this AH-1W enters the pattern and lands just north of me on the Big Sky ramp.

Thanks to Joe Clemente for the Awesome shots!!

Me at work....no not flying, thats me in my work explorer.

AH1-W Super Cobra, You wanna dance?

IFR Certification

2011-10-05T15:40:00.002-05:00

It's that time again, IFR Certification time. Yes, that biennial event that we hope goes without a hitch since avionics seem to cost so much. Red Eagle had 08Romeo in the shop and called to say she was finished up, but, Yikes I hate but, give a call to discuss the Altimeter.

Gulp.....funny how just dialing that number makes it hard to swallow. I talked with the tech and he said 08Romeo was good to go but he wanted to give me a heads up on the altimeter. He explained it as being "slow" and inquired if I noticed it was slow to respond or if it had a tendency to jump, as if catching up to my altitude. I really hadn't noticed that but I did ask if the "slow" condition would cause the barometric needle adjustment to hop around as I dial it in, needing to move back and forth to get the needle to sit on the correct elevation,the answer was yes. He said the unit passed every test but he advised thinking about a replacement.

I went through the store room with the owner and he had a recently removed unit from a Beechcraft Baron that was not an encoding unit and would let it go very cheap. I recently added the Trans-Cal Nano blind encoder. Encoders may be either a separate unit, blind encoder or integrated into the aircraft altimeter encoding altimeter.

The replacement altimeter was very clean, numbers were bright white no yellowing and it was recently tagged from an inspection. I gave the go ahead to make the swap and update my IFR Cert and Adlog sticker to reflect the avionics change.

08Romeo will be good to go for our Saturday flight to Cape May, NJ for the Wine festival and Lima Bean Festival.

BACFest 2011 Ithaca, NY

2011-10-02T17:43:00.005-05:00

BACFest is here! Mary and I decided to attend BAC fest this year since it's almost in our back yard and we really want to see our friends from Texas. The event is going to take place in Ithaca, NY just one hour and forty minutes flight time north.

It's been hectic trying to plan a few trips and still get ready to demo our kitchen and have everything ready for the cabinet maker to do his install. One of the chores is to pack everything up prior to demo, I think this is the biggest PITA but obviously a critical step. The demo part will be fun, what guy doesn't like tearing things apart. I do have to remind myself that all this will happen at the same time 08Romeo goes in for annual and I'll be spending three days, of my week vacation, rolling around on the shop floor only to have to come home and start the demo.

I digress, this write up is about BAC fest. I just thought some background into what's going on at home would offset any senseless ramblings off the beaten path, I rest my case.

Maggie has a boarding reservation for Friday and the cats are good to go. The plan is to be out of the house early and at the plane by 7am. I will have the fuel topped and maybe the cover removed the night before but at least we will be ready to launch by 7:30ish. The logistics are pretty much covered now we await the wx and Saturday's departure.

UPDATE: Friday 9/30/2011

A change in the plan! Our conversation walking out to our vehicles on the way to work this morning went something like this. The wx is not looking good for a flight to Ithaca on Saturday so we both decided to take a half day today and literally get on the road in our SUV. A few hours later as the wx updates it looks very doable for a Friday departure and it's looking better for a Sunday return home, that would work and we really don't want to drive.

Departing two seven at ILG

We make a few calls back and forth and decide on leaving work around 11AM. We only need to drop off Maggie by 2PM so that would be our only time restriction. I arrive first and start to pack, Mary pulls in shortly after me a she starts packing. The dog knows somethings up but she has no clue she won't be going with us. Bags tossed in the SUV flight bag and Marys headset bag loaded along with her GPS from the car. Maggie is all excited and struggles to sit-stay until the kennel command releases her to board the SUV.

It's only a few minutes to the Vet and she is not a happy gal, by the way I always get to drop the dog off so I guess I'm the bad guy. Ok Mary has dropped her off a few times. We are soon pointed south and heading towards 08Romeo, who is waiting with a full belly of fuel ready to fly.

Mary and I flow through the ritual and have 08Romeo ready to fly. I contact ground and pick up my clearance.

C- KITH
R- RH RV PTW FJC V149 CFB ITH
A- 2000/6000-10
F- 119.75
T- 4272

wx ahead!

eyeball confirmation

Pocono racetrack (NASCAR)

We took off from runway two seven and flew runway heading (RH) until Philly gave us a direct Pottstown (PTW) from there we got four thousand and direct Allentown (FJC)riding along waiting for the hand off to Allentown Approach. Once handed off Allentown we were cleared to five thousand and then in time handed over to Wilkes-Barre Approach. Wilkes-Barre gave us direct Binghamton (CFB)and a climb to six thousand. We were handed off to Binghamton then Elmira eventually getting stepped down for the arrival into Ithaca. A smooth landing in clear conditions with a taxi to the ramp full of Mice (Beechcraft Musketeers). We were here, start to stop just two hours with one hour forty minutes of that flight time.

KITH

Cayuga Lake

Final One Four - KITH

KITH Tower

The lineman brought out our car, a new grey Volkswagen tiguan. Neat lil SUV with plenty of room. We loaded up then took a call from Bo and Tom who were waiting in the FBO parking lot, they had tracked us on FlightAware. SO nice of them to come get us since they weren't sure if we had a car scheduled for today's amended arrival plans. We followed them to the hotel. a short few minute drive.

We got everything unpacked and realized we forgot sweatshirts and heavy jackets, the temps were in the low fifties. We will make do and once finished getting things put away we headed downstairs to meet the BAC Fest attendees. Mary and I headed to the bar for a drink and some good conversation. It was so nice to see Bo and his Bride Sandra. Mary and I mingled and I got to put faces to the names on the Beech Aero Club forum.

The group gathered for a "happy hour" in a private room in the hotel. Munchies were great and so was the chance to walk around and meet people. There were so many new faces and names, I'm not sure I can remember everyone.

The Rose

The folks at our table and a few others decided to walk across the parking and have dinner at The Rose, Tap room and grill. Food and service was good and the conversation never stopped from the hotel to the Rose and back to the hotel. Mary and I decided to call it a night since we had been up since 5AM. We were happy to be here a night earlier than originally planned.

Saturday 10/1/2011

Saturday was our day to explore. The plan at breakfast was to invade the Ithaca Farmers Market, Apple Festival, Indian Festival and a second run to the chocolate factory, well at least a first visit by Mary and I. I think we had four cars in the party and once staged we were off to have fun. Most of the men stayed back for the business meeting, I took a pass, I sit in meetings all the time and I didn't need to make this one.

Farmers Market

First stop was the Farmers Market. This place had a little bit of everything and a lot of produce, breads and wine. Here are a few pictures to enjoy, it's better then reading it all. The picture of Mary and I is taken with Cayuga lake and the boat ride dock behind us. It was cold and windy but the pavilion helped block most of the wind.

At Farmers Market boat dock on lake Cayuga

Sandra took a pass on returning to the So Sweet Chocolate factory with us so Mary and I went on ourselves with the trusty GPS to guide us. The roads and homes reminded us of Wilkes-Barre, PA....only the names and address was different. Small town USA is everywhere. We both noticed how clean and updated everyone kept their homes, again home town pride. We passed a State Park sign and a sign that read Taughannock Falls, we would need to investigate this after the chocolate stop.

Life's So Sweet Chocolate

We made a U turn at the car wash and found on street parking. This was old main street, the buildings were very old but most had a shop of some sort making a go of it, I like the old towns and the architecture of the buildings. I parked out front of an antique store just a few steps from the Life's So Sweet Chocolates. We walked in and immediately could smell the chocolate! The young lady working the counter gave us a lot of good info and she knew the products and process.

Mary and I literally were like two kids in a candy store! We purchased the following; peanut clusters in milk choc, macaroons, pecan clusters in milk choc, sweedish fish, some chocolate with little white dots and we each got a chocolate bar, one with cashews and one with toffy crunch sprinkles.

With our sugar rush in high gear we saddled up for a ride back down the hill to the state park. We passed the antique mall that was noted for a potential afternoon visit and finally turned off the highway for the falls. We had our choice of hiking through the woods to a river level falls view or drive on through the park to the scenic view, we opted for the overlook.

The falls were gorgeous and now we understand why the Life's so sweet clerk said most graduates have their pictures taken there. We hoofed it back up the slate stairs and back to the SUV. We weree keeping an eye on time since the BAC Fest had a scheduled luncheon and general members meeting scheduled at noon. I pulled the Volkswagen into the lot with a few minutes to spare and we headed inside, out of the rain, to clean up for lunch. The meetings were split between members and spouses, I think the ladies had more fun but I will admit I learned about the club and how we operate.

By the time the social hours wrapped up we had enough time to grab a few winks,shower and dress for cocktails before dinner. We all met outside the ballroom to mingle and enjoy a drink or two. I was knocking down sprite since I was flying in the morning. We enjoyed a nice dinner and we had an excellent speaker from Aero News Network, the Editor in Chief, Jim Campbell. BAC also handed out awards and our friend Bo(Flights of the Mouse)took home a gorgeous plaque for his efforts. Congrats my friend!!!

I didn't hang out to late with the group but I hear the party lasted past midnight. I turned in around 10:30 wanting to check on Mary who had left not long after dinner due to a diverticulitis flare up. My bride was resting comfortably and feeling a little better. I'm glad she decided to lay down and rest since we would have a possible bumpy flight home in wx.

Sunday 10/2/2011

I guess we wandered downstairs around 8:30 and met up with fellow club members for breakfast. Everyone looked no worse for wear as we all planned departures, most by car some of us by plane. I checked on the latest updates and it looked like a 1PM departure was our best bet but by the time we finished eating the updates rolled in and they looked worse. Radar was painting an ugly picture (that I forgot to snap) but it was moving west through Ithaca. Once that band had passed we were at least good to go for avoiding heavy rain and winds. Here is a shot I just took at 4:51, six and a half hours after we left. Update was from 4:30.

Waiting on a Mooney to land, hold short 32

Wheels up ready for IMC

Here we go!

We launched into 800 overcast with a comfort factor knowing I could get in on the ILS if I had to. I kept the fuel load a bit lighter just in case we needed to climb out of a layer to avoid the icing area. Temps were in the forty's when we left and the freezing level was at eight thousand. I had planned for seven thousand but after looking at the Minimum Enroute Altitude(MEA)I opted for five.

Broke out at 3000'

Thanks Wilkes Barre, heading back into IMC

I sat at the hold short watching a Mooney land and he reported tops at three thousand. That report gave me a warm and fuzzy. Once cleared for takeoff the tower passed along his info and I thanked the Mooney pilot. We were on the roll ready to enter Instrument conditions. A nice steady climb out at six hundred feet a minute with a radio flip over to Elmira departure. I was cleared direct Binghamton (CFB)and eventually handed off to Wilkes-Barre Approach. WB cleared me to six thousand (in the clag) and I road along checking outside temps sitting at thirty five degrees. Light rain sprayed the windscreen but didn't even make any noise. I kept a close watch on the temp probe and the corner of my window where I could watch rain drops dance, as long as they keep dancing.

IMC and the rain

Broke out north of Allentown

Thanks Allentown, descends me into IMC at 4000

Pitot heat was on just to be safe as I logged almost an hour straight in the crap. About seven miles north of Allentown I finally broke out for some sun but could see potential layers daring me to enter. I requested a deviation to the right twenty degrees to avoid some large build-ups then quickly returned to course. It was looking like I could make it well into Philly airspace and almost to Wilmington at this altitude.

almost in the clag

The pipe dream didn't last long as Allentown lowered me for Philly traffic. I thought this might happen but had wished for the best. Goodbye sunshine, into the clag we go. I got blasted with showers but the outside temps were now near forty degrees. Allentown handed me off to Philly and they turned me direct Modena (MXE)instead of my as filed Pottstown (PTW). I didn't make it to Modena, not even close as Philly decided to turn me towards their airport and vector me for the RNAV GPS 27 into Wilmington. The young female controller advised to expect KAHOE.

DRBA War Memorial and offices ( thats my office)

Misty rain....

Landing two seven at ILG

I chugged through the Garmin 530 but did not see KAHOE on the GPS 27 on the Vectors To Final selection (VTF). It was listed on my approach plate as an Initial fix and available if I choose RUUTH or Woodstown (OOD). No problem I was on vectors so I selected RUUTH then direct KAHOE so I was ready. I got the final vector for KAHOE and was directed to maintain at or above three thousand. I crossed KAHOE, making my right turn to a loooong final at three thousand. I was looking good on course and altitude clicking off. Down to eighteen hundred at GUSTE. Eight sixty at JEKVO and four eighty say five hundred for the Missed Approach Point (MAP). I caught a glimpse of the twin bridges and then nothing. Back inside then a peek out still nothing. Mary calls out ground, six hundred descending and I see the Air National Guard C130's off to the right of the runway and finally the runway as I pass through five fifty.

A smooth landing adding power to make the first taxiway. We are home! Almost two hours of actual and another Approach towards currency. The Instrument rating got us home today, on schedule. We would have been stuck in Ithaca until Wednesday waiting for the ceiling to lift.

Minimums

2011-09-29T14:38:00.001-05:00

On top for a few minutes heading to 58M

Minimums, Yes today would provide my first real test of my instrument skills. Yes, I've been in the "soup" on various flights but today would test my skills to minimums. Wilmington was looking good for departure so I filed for the ten minute hop to Cecil County, 58M in order to have my leaking fuel sump replaced. Ground read my clearance to me; runway heading, radar vectors, two thousand, one one niner point seven five squawk 4626. I read everything back correct then advised holding for release.

Philly finally gave Wilmington the ok and I was cleared to takeoff. I was in the clag, soup, IMC by seven hundred feet comfortable knowing I could get back in on the ILS or GPS approaches if needed. Once handed off to Philly I followed my first vector heading two two zero. I advised I had the wx at Cecil County, (noted from Summit airport) and continued on. Next turn was to two three zero and then a final turn to two nine zero, cleared for the RNAV GPS 31 approach maintain two thousand two hundred until established, showing heavy rain in the area, cancel with me or on the ground...blah....blah ...blah. The just shy of three thousand feet by seventy foot runway was going to be a welcome sight.

Rain passed 58M now I get to deal with it at ILG

Ok, the 496 hasn't shown any rain and the info is maybe 4 minutes old but it's best to trust approach. I can't see a thing outside as I follow the approach inside calling out altitude and on course. I make my final GUMPS call and spit out the missed approach procedure so I can hear myself. I was just out side WESIL the final appraoch fix (FAF) and descending to one thousand seven hundred, still no ground view.

Finally a glimpse of terrain but gone just as fast. I am descending to the six hundred foot minimum descent altitude (MDA) and was making ready to go missed. I check out front and see nothing, look to my ten O clock and spot the Elk river. Passing through just under seven hundred I get blasted with heavy rain, I'm almost to the river. I have ground contact, six fifty, six forty I have the airport and runway. I add a notch of flaps and continue in deciding not to flip back to cancel with Philly but to call once on the ground. That was my very first approach to minimums, what a rush!

The guys at Cecil Aero are the best and they worked me right in to swap out the sump. I hung out for a bit giving the wx a chance to clear. Things looked better at Cecil but what I flew through on final was now over Wilmington. I waited until 9:30ish and decided to pick up my clearance back home. I called the 800 clearance delivery number and was ready to go. Once in the air I pointed direct Wilmington until I received vectors for the RNAV GPS 19 approach into KILG. I was in the soup from eight hundred feet after departure and only had some bright sun peeking through to let me know I was close to the tops. I followed the vectors for JIGUP and shot the RNAV GPS 19. I flew a good approach breaking out at seven hundred feet, two hundred twenty above the minimum.

A great feeling knowing I can do this instrument stuff and be safe. I like the work load and the details not to mention the result of that hard work. Sorry no pictures today, I was to busy flying the plane.

Sump replaced and we are ready for the trip to Ithaca, NY.

08Romeo's Pampered

2011-09-22T15:10:00.002-05:00

Look....no bugs!!

Mary and decided to have 08Romeo pampered at the FBO we use for fuel. Their prices were very competitive and the location (across the field) sealed the deal. I taxied 08Romeo over to Aero Ways, Inc on Wednesday morning and assured her she would love the treatment. I did ask the line guys to please leave her inside if she is not covered due to the air vents on the top of the cowling just forward of the windshield. I don't like to get the collectors wet and chance a leak, even though they have worked perfectly and 08Romeo has been watertight. I was told to expect her to be done Friday depending on how busy they were in the shop.

I received a call today at lunch that our girl was ready to go. I got a ride over to Aero Ways from a coworker and squared up the invoice. First a look around to check out the work. From a distance across the hangar you could see the shine. 08Romeo looked just as nice as the day she rolled out of the hangar in Texas, spotless and a crystal clear reflection of her surroundings. I ran my hand over and under the wing and down her sides, the multi-color red stripes had a rich glow and were smooth as silk.

I was very satisfied with the results. I cannot wait to go fly. Since I had to return to work, a short taxi across the field would have to suffice. GREAT JOB AERO WAYS!!!

The Breakdown:
Degrease,Wash - 1.5 hours @$45 $67.50
Aero Glaze - 4.0 hr - @$45 - $180.00
Total Spa Day treatment $247.50

Awesome looking plane - PRICELE$$

Breakfast Hop

2011-09-17T16:24:00.004-05:00

I decided to take advantage of the cool temps and get some flight time in today. Mary took a pass since she said we will be flying the next three out of four weekends, which translates to, she will have her fill of flying. I headed south for Wilmington trying to decide where to eat. I sent Vince a text to see if he was available to fly and he replied "see you there".

The VP's Gulfstream

I took on some fuel at ILG but wanted to run the right tank low so I could replace the fuel sump that started to drip. The parts should be in soon, I'm waiting for Roger to give a call from Cecil Aero. We both climb aboard and I finish up my pre-start checks. No TFR's scheduled today so we get the fan turning and plug in Vince's choice, Cambridge Maryland - KCGE. Good choice Vince, now get us set up and make the calls, it's your trip today. Wilmington immediately puts us in a ground hold, Air Force Two will be taking off shortly since they just called on the ground frequency. Great, nothing like a heads up. Oh well, we sat for maybe ten minutes and at least the oil had additional time to warm up.

With the V.P. climbing away from Wilmington in his Gulfstream, I am directed to proceed to runway nine via taxiway kilo, hold short at Kilo 5. Vince makes all the calls and does a fine job. Once cleared to take off I roll onto the runway and climb out. Cleared on course and with a follow up check by Vince with the tower he has us turning right to a southwest heading.

Vince made the call for flight following to Dover and we were good to go. There were jumpers at Ridgely just six miles off the nose so we kept a close watch for meat missiles and the jump plane. Vince soon had a visual on the jump plane and we turned farther east to give more room for jumpers that were going to be falling through the layer above us. We didn't want to meet anyone up close. By this time we had been on with Potomac approach and we advised them of the deviation for the jumpers.

Ready to go at KGED, clearance to ILG

Departing rwy 10

The wx started to show on the garmin 496 and it confirmed what the eyeballs were telling us. It looked like heavy rain now moving into the Easton and south area covering our intended destination. I made a call to Potomac and diverted to Georgetown, KGED. Georgetown was busy with traffic and Vince and I both were looking. There was plenty of cloud cover so it took some scanning to spot traffic.

That's right where we're headed

Yep, 496 is correct

Just starting to sprinkle

washing off the bugs

I was tooling along reporting my position and intentions to land on runway one zero. As I got closer reporting a five mile final something didn't look right, there were no numbers and as Vince noticed there was someone on the "runway" potentially going head on with us. Nah...this is not right, that's the taxiway. 08Romeo is going around, I have the Mooney crossing midfield, we were outta there. I circled to join the left downwind for one zero and turned base to final with the picture now looking much better. All the markings were now correct and the numbers where they they should be. A super smooth landing with a nice roll out to clear the runway.

Ah....that's ugly

just under the layer, no bumps in the cool temps

We secured 08Romeo and walked into the terminal to order fuel and grab some breakfast. I was still re-flying the go-around and reviewing what I was looking at and what I should have done better/faster to pick up the problem. I should have just kept flying the plane, keeping just the mental picture of traffic and not obsess with making visual contact with each target, it distracted me from my landing, lesson learned.

At least the rain quit

The worst is behind us

Breakfast was good as we sat and talked about flying. I decided while we sat at the table to file for the flight home since conditions were getting worse. Not terrible, but the scattered layer was now broken and moving in. Despite what the AWOS was reporting the layer now looked much lower. We finished up, paid for fuel and did an abbreviated pre-flight.

Localizer Alive!

Nice Intercept Angle from Philly

Glide Slope Alive

We taxied out and I contacted Dover Clearance Delivery for my release. I was waiting on a cirrus inbound on the GPS 4, circle to land one zero. He came in hot and long, I didn't think he would clear the trees climbing out but he did. We sat for another five minutes before Dover released us. The amended route had us direct Waterloo (ATR) then as filed. We were soon given the climb to three thousand direct DuPont (DQO). The thick cloud layer sat above us at three thousand two hundred, dumping a light rain on us until we were just south of Dover.

@100 above DA, a mile out, needles in the donut and speed looking good

ILG's new EMAS

Dover handed us off to Philly and they asked if we wanted the ILS 1 or visual approach. I accepted vectors for the ILS RWY 1. I got one turn to the left which had me on a nice intercept for the localizer. I was restricted to hold three thousand until I was established on the localizer, and so we did. Once I intercepted I started my descent for two thousand holding there until HADIN the Final Approach Fix crossing that point at one thousand nine hundred. A real nice glide slope intercept and a smooth ride slowing to ninety knots making small corrections. I was eyes in and out since I could not have the foggles on with no safety pilot. Another smooth landing and taxi to Red Eagle. Thanks Vince for all the pictures!!

October Fun Trips

2011-09-16T06:04:00.004-05:00

Mary and I have a few adventures planned in the next few weeks. Once 08Romeo is finished with the spa day (degrease, wash and wax) we gave her at AeroWays, we plan on attending a couple of fly-in get togethers.

First up will be the Beech Aero Club BACFest. This will be a short hop to Ithaca, New York in the Finger Lakes region. The event is scheduled from September 29th - October 2nd. This is a perfect opportunity to find out about the Beechcraft Musketeer, Sundowner and Sierra and Sport.

One of the largest tourism regions in the state, New York’s Finger Lakes covers 9,000 square miles from the southern shore of Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border and encompasses 11 parallel lakes spanning the center of New York State like a giant handprint. The most popular lakes located in the Finger Lakes region are: Canandaigua, Cayuga, Conesus, Owasco, Otisco, Honeoye, Keuka, Seneca and Skaneateles. Although each has a name of its own, these thin glacial lakes are most often referred to as a group: the Finger Lakes.

EDIT/UPDATE: 9/16

It looks like we may attend the Cape May Lewes Ferry Wine Festival on October 8th located in Cape May. NJ. Mary and I haven't locked in yet. There is also a Lima bean festival that same day, which we wanted to attend last year. As of today it's looking like Lima beans.......

Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF) officials announced that a series of four (4) Wine Lovers Sunset Cruises on the Delaware Bay will be offered in late September and early October, beginning on Friday, September 23. The Lewes cruises will depart the terminal on four consecutive Fridays at 4:15 p.m. while the Cape May cruises are scheduled to leave the terminal on successive Saturdays at 6:00 p.m.

The West Cape May Annual Lima Bean Festival is the one event you must attend. Great food, quality vendors, antiques, entertainment and fun. Come out and celebrate West Cape May's farming heritage. You will never think of legumes the same way again. Located in Wilbraham Park from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. October 8, 2011, Rain date October 9.
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Next up is the Pilots of America fly in to Windwood Resort, October 14-16 , located in Davis, WV. This was the first overnighter when we purchased 08Romeo in October 2009. It was a fun filled trip from Texas to get to Windwood and log our first night landing.

Windwood is located in the heart of beautiful Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Sitting high in the Allegheny Mountain Range, this alpine valley is the highest plateau east of the Rocky Mountains. Its unique cool and moist climate allows for cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers. The valley is surrounded by the Dolly Sods & Otter Creek Wilderness Areas, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls & Canaan Valley State Parks, & 900,000 acres of National Forest Land. Canaan Valley is well-known as a four-season paradise.

New York will be an overnight followed by a day of winery exploration or a short hop over to Rome NY to visit with friends. Windwood WV will be a day trip only this year. Mary and I went back and forth about overnight or making it a weekend but without ground transportation and having to board Maggie it was decided to day trip only.

I am flight planning and arranging transportation for New York, completing the hotel and Saturday banquet reservations. Windwood is just a day trip so for now it will be a wx watch and simple IFR flight plan to file.

Oil Change & Service

2011-09-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

I went into work early since I had no shot at getting out of Wilmington at 7am. The fog settled in right over ILG and I could not see the hangars across the field from my tie down at Red Eagle. It was clear blue sky above and from I95 I could see the twin spans so visibility was greater than five miles at least, well, everywhere but the airport.

I managed to get a few things done and check on my contract work across the bridge in Carneys Point. With the contractor busy and the tenants happy I scooted back to work and turned in a leave slip for a half day. The wx was looking much better at ILG and after a few extra gallons of go go juice and a sump I was headed to 58M. 08Romeo had fifteen gallons in the left tank and maybe five to seven in the right, she jumped off the runway! It's just a short hop to Cecil County and as soon as I hit 2000 feet I was nosing over and announcing my midfield crosswind entry for runway three one. An nice landing and slow roll out for the taxiway, I was down and clear.

Roger marshaled me in and I shut down in front of the hangar. Keith was going to do my oil change today so I gave a hand removing the top cowl. I did remember to take an oil sample so I can send that off to the lab, results will be posted. Roger removed the right wing sump to check on replacing both O rings. The Beech auto-valve 971D1 cannot be disassembled, it has a machine pressed pin that will not stay in place once removed. Only the base seal can be replaced. Roger is ordering the part, stay tuned for the rest of the story. In the picture below you can see where the machine pressed pin would lock in place just above the "crimp" area.

The Gascolater sump was also having an issue, not leakage but some blockage. I tried to clean out the sump but didn't have much luck. Keith removed the unit with a special made tool that was a socket cut out to accomodate the cross pin. With an additional clamp to hold the socket tight and an adjustable to hold the gascolater nut in place it slowly broke free and spun off. Keith had to use a small dental pic to clean out the mud dauber deposits. Some additional compressed air to finish the clean out and a spin on the wire wheel and the part was ready to go. Once reinstalled and tested we confirmed the flow rate was back to normal. I hope I don't have to get a "remove before flight" cover to keep the critters out.

The wing tank sump needed to be ordered so I will either have it replaced at annual in November or make another vist to the shop. The F75, pictured above, has a clip that can be removed and both O rings replaced, this is the replacement part for the 971D1 Beech Part.

As I was getting my sticker for 08Romeo's log book a gentleman walked into the office and introduced himself. Charlie has been a long time reader of this blog and we have corresponded a few times via email and through the comments feature on the blog. We finally meet!

I had seen a sweet looking Cherokee come in (green over white) and commented to Keith while we were finishing up in the shop. Keith said the owners name but it didn't register. Of course I just got done crawling around the plane helping with the oil change and fuel sumps so I must have looked like I just crawled out from under a rock. We all chatted and agreed to catch up for a lunch run, you know it doesn't take much to twist my arm to fly.

Charlie's Cherokee

Charlie had a ride back to N57 scheduled. I asked if he wasn't already in the air I would give him a lift back to New Garden. He thanked me but said his ride was on his way. I finished my transaction in the office and was on my way. I was second in line to depart runway three one behind an aztec. As I went wheels up I saw Charlie wave so I rocked my wings and climbed out for home. A total of .8 in the book, fun times working on the plane and meeting new friends!!

Charlie, where are we going to meet up for lunch?

N/A Fun at Work

2011-09-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

Air Photo for reference

I got a chance to have some fun at work today. I went to the top of the Twin Spans and took a few pictures but really just enjoyed the view. Not as much fun as flying, but fun stuff none the less! I have taken many pictures as we fly in and out of Wilmington, I never get tired of looking at such cool structures.

Delaware over my shoulder

Wilmington in the background

West view from on top of the New Jersey Tower

Here is some backgrond info on the bridges where I work.

The world's second longest twin suspension bridge

The Delaware Memorial Bridge links Delaware and New Jersey in graceful twin suspension spans that soar high above the Delaware River, just north of the mouth of the Delaware Bay. The twin spans touch down in New Castle, Delaware, and in Pennsville, New Jersey. The Delaware Memorial Bridge is a self-supporting toll bridge operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state agency.

The bridge is a lasting memorial to those soldiers who gave their lives in World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. Each year on Veterans Day, a special ceremony is held at the Bridge War Memorial, which overlooks the Twin Span.

Nashville

2011-09-05T08:56:00.006-05:00

This abbreviated vacation started to take shape in late August. Mary's birthday is just around the corner and we wanted to take a few days to bug out of town. Reservations were locked in and arrangements for our "zoo" was complete. It was time to make final flight plans and check 08Romeo's ready status.

FRIDAY 9/2

Mary and I bagged a days work and headed for the airport. The plan was for an 8am departure with a lunch and fuel stop in Prestonsburg, Kentucky at Big Sandy (K22). 08Romeo was filled to the limit with fuel and paid for that full belly as she labored to climb to eight thousand in the heat, just twenty pounds shy of gross. Slow and steady we climbed and soon entered the clouds over northern Maryland. We were instrument conditions for thirty minutes or so then broke out and road along on top requesting twenty to thirty degree deviations for build ups along the way. Some of the buildups were huge, it was like driving in downtown NYC but now dodging buildings.

IMC ahead and above

On top

crossed the front

Three hours and fifteen minutes later we were entering the pattern for K22, Big Sandy (Thanks Chris for the tip). I cancelled IFR with approach and made my call on unicom. The airport manager, Gary, advised winds and welcomed us in. I made a nice landing and taxied in for the fuel tanks. We climbed out and had a nice chat with Gary and were fortunate enough to learn some things about the airport and restaurant. I knew I had to make the climb back to eight thousand but only ordered fuel to take me to a total of forty six gallons. The density altitude was over three thousand and it would be a work out to get to altitude. Did I mention how hot it was?

Final into Big Sandy, K22

We walked back behind the FBO and entered the restaurant, Cloud 9. The front porch was lined with rockers and flowers planted across the front of the building. Once inside the ceiling was done like a blue sky with wall decorations to mirror the surrounding mountains and puffy clouds. We ordered potato skins with cheese bacon and onions, they were excellent! Mary had a BLT and I had BBQ Pork sandwich minus the bun. We finished up lunch and walked back to the newly renovated FBO to settle our fuel bill. We said our goodbyes and headed out to the plane. I made the call to clearance delivery with the blue tooth connection on the light speed zulu's and noted the clearance info along with void times.

With a notch of flaps we were on the roll for departure. We climbed out staying in ground effect then once showing positive climb I retracted the flaps. Something wasn't right, I felt buffeting and realized I had an open door. I must have said at least three times, fly the plane. The airport is surrounded by hills and it was a bit of work listening to the stall horn chirp as I got back to final. A pucker moment in high density altitude conditions with a heavy fuel load, a learning experience. I hadn't even switched over to approach yet so I landed, closed the door and taxied back.

Ok, round two has us climbing out and contacting approach just under the void time in my clearance. We were headed to Nashville! No IMC conditions but plenty of huge buildups to dodge. I felt like the asteroids game but in real life. Eventually I was handed off the Nashville approach and together road along to position myself for a landing on the west side of town at John C Tune, KJWN. Another nice landing followed by a short taxi to the ramp. The line crew was excellent, one man brought the car out and offered to load our bags, another took our fuel order and a third came out to give us a message that our friend Jeff would be driving not flying in to meet us. I thought this was a pit stop rehearsal, these guys are good and make the piston crowd feel as important as the jet setters.

Our wheels for the get-away would be a Rav4, plenty of room and very good on fuel. Mary packed the GPS we purchased for her car and it came in handy. We programed the hotel location and saddled up to attack the Nashville interstate system. Nothing was moving to fast and our hop to the hotel was at a standstill due to an accident at our exit. Finally off the highway we made good time getting through the city to the Hampton Inn and Suites on South 4th Street. We unpacked then made plans to take the Gray Line tour for the Nashville Nights. We got cleaned up and changed for a 5:30 pick up deciding to be in the lobby a few minutes early to people watch. We got to see plenty of people, the tour was still not at the lobby by 6:45. I called to cancel and have our purchase refunded but was now faced with finding dinner. Based on a Hampton staff recommendation we choose the Sole Mio restaurant, a short walk across the parking lot. The food and service were excellent, we recommend this restaurant stop. Oh, the cannolis were to die for, yeah yeah, I know I killed the diet but it was worth it.

SATURDAY 9/3

Saturdays game plan had a few changes due to tropical storm Lee making its way on shore in New Orleans. It was heading our way and would be bringing rain mixed with wind conditions late Sunday afternoon into Monday, extending through Tuesday. The plan changed for a Sunday departure so we had a lot of ground to cover today. We decided to deal with the change and make the best of it so off we went to grab a light breakfast at the hotel. As we sat to enjoy the breakfast buffet Jeff and his family walked in to meet us. Great timing and what a surprise!

Our first stop was the Nashville Zoo. We met up with Jeff and family for a fun day at the zoo. Tickets were reasonable and Mary and I love animals so it was a good deal. We walked through the gates and followed the shaded path. Most of the trails you follow are very well shaded which helped beat some of the heat. The forecast today was 100 degrees, yikes! I paid for that canolli by sweating of the lbs walking today, whew, I was drenched. I could go into details about all the exhibits we visited but I'll just let the pictures share the story. Enjoy!

After covering the zoo, in just over three hours, the group was getting hungry. We were directed to a place at the recommendation of the zoo staff. Cousers Southern Restaurant just across the street from the park was the lunch choice. We were quickly seated and orders taken. We were all really thirsty! The food was good, service pretty quick and prices very reasonable. I would eat there again. After filling our tummy's we were headed to the Grand Ole Opry. Once again the GPS comes in handy and gets us there without a problem. The parking is wide open and we manage to land a spot close to the entrance. The Opry has to large guitars out front and gorgeous wooden doors and window framing,a real work of art. We signed up for the backstage tour and then headed to the gift shop to wait on our time in the air conditioning. Yes, we bought a few things but it was worth the cool air.

It was time for the backstage tour. Our group was ushered in and we watched a video about the Opry and it's history. The flood of May 2010 was also mentioned and the reopening in September 2010 of the Opry was an important milestone. The backstage tour provides a look at the behind the scenes. We were walked along the very route the stars take as they enter the building and into the "front desk" area for family check in's. There was the wall of hall members, an area of post office boxes for all the members to collect fan mail and multiple themed dressing rooms. All the rooms along the hallway followed a path to the typical tv "green room" a waiting room. At the Opry they call it the family room and it was very comfortable with pictures documenting the history. There was a metal bar added to signify the 2010 flood water height in that room, approximately four feet. I left the camera in the car so I only had my iPhone for photos, enjoy the pictures!

After the Opry tour Mary and I wanted to check out the TV show American Pickers Antique Archaeology store located on Clinton St. in Nashville. Once again the GPS makes it a quick trip and easy find. The store was located in an old building now filled with shops. The Marathon Motor Works was an early automobile manufacturer, based in Tennessee. It grew out of an earlier company called Southern Engine and Boiler Works, founded in 1889, which made industrial engines and boilers in Jackson. As such, the firm had metal-working and power plant experience which could easily be transferred into the then-new and rapidly expanding automobile industry. It turned its attention in this direction shortly after the turn of the twentieth century. From 1911 to 1914 the company manufactured the Marathon automobile. Enjoy some of the "picks" we had a chance to see.

After our American Pickers walk back through time we decided to head for the hotel. Mary and I were beat! I wanted to shower and change before dinner and maybe take a short nap. We both got to relax for a bit prior to heading out for dinner, it was a welcome relief to my feet! The plan was to meet up at the Wild Horse Saloon on South 2nd Street, just off Broadway. Mary and I headed out early so we could find a parking spot and walk the row of shops and honky tonks.

A long day as a tourist finished up with a good steak and cold beverage in a perfect dining and entertainment destination. We made our way out to the street and over to the Hard Rock Cafe' to check out a few items in the gift shop then decided to call it a night. We had a short walk to our car just across Broadway on 2nd street. It was going to be an early start on Sunday since we would be leaving for home a day early thanks to tropical storm Lee.

Sunday 9/4

After watching the wx I decided it would be best to not retrace our flight down but instead run for the east coast as an added safety factor. The plan was to leave Nashville and make a fuel and stretch break in Roanoke, VA. It would also be a new airport and a challenge getting stepped down over the mountains and into the valley for a landing, if I only knew.

Nashville clearance/delivery cleared me as filed climb three thousand expect seven thousand, it all sounded good. We climbed out following the departure noted and at three thousand received vectors to clear Nashville International, KBNA. Once clear of the airport I was turned on course to resume own navigation. This leg was in the soup, I logged an hour of actual. We had multiple hand-off's along the way; Memphis Center, Indy Center, Washington Center and finally Roanoke Approach. We were stepped down and flew close over the last ridge line into the valley. I was at the last minimum altitude assigned five thousand two hundred. I reported the field in sight, handed to the tower and cleared for the visual runway six. I had some altitude to lose in a hurry, I don't like to shock cool so I slowly pulled power along with "S" turns on my extended base to final. When I turned final I had four white lights on the VASI's. I had plenty of runway just in case but ended up with a real nice landing and turn off at the second taxiway just over the runway hump.

We made the stop at Landmark and were greeted by multiple lineman once again. One marshaled us in, one set the chocks and cones while the last man helped Mary off the wing, what service. I checked our fuel and placed our order. We decided to grab some munchies and something cold to drink for the last couple hour ride home. The nice lady at the desk was very helpful and got our bill squared away in short order despite the lineman telling her we took on two thousand gallons. Yes, this humor was received with eye rolls form everyone, such a funny guy.

KROA just behind the hill and to the right

I contacted ground for my new clearance and soon taxied out for departure, the last leg home. Once again I got the "As Filed" with an added on departure turn to 070. It was obvious that heading would keep us clear of terrain, we were sitting in a valley. I kept the fuel load a bit lighter and 08Romeo work her way to seven thousand as we climbed out of the valley and on course.

We once again dodged buildups and approach was very accommodating to all the pilots requesting twenty to thirty degree deviations. After navigating clear of the build ups you could hear all of us report back on course, it almost sounded rehearsed. I flew most of the way with my hand in my lap until approach advised he had a route amendment for me, advise ready to copy. I acknowledged ready and started to note the changes. The new route was direct TAPPA V16 PXT V16 ENO V29 DQO, a short cut that was going to take us directly over an air show TFR at Patuxent NAS. Hmmm, ok if that's where you want me I'll take it, I thought.

Last layer into Wilmington

Finally below the muck

We ended up getting another change to avoid the air show and then one last chage direct to Wilmington. All the changes saved us time and fuel, that's a good thing. Dover approach handed us off to Philly and I reported in with the current wx info. Philly stepped me down through the layer sitting over new castle county and we cleared just a few miles from the field. I was handed off to the tower for a visual into runway one nine. I was at three thousand and needed to loose two of that to get to pattern altitude, which I managed just prior to turning base. cleared to land on one nine I greased another landing and made the first taxiway. We were home!! We also made it in time to secure 08Romeo and get to the vet to pick up Maggie.

A fun trip despite being cut short one day. We hope to make a stop over in Nashville on the next trip south-south west to give us a chance to spend a day on Broadway and 2nd street and check out some of the beautiful architecture in the city.

Instrument and Night Current

2011-08-31T05:31:00.006-05:00

It was a great night to be flying! Unfortunately, I only managed to snap one photo while taking a water break after shooting two approaches rapid fire. This was the last "daylight" I would get to see before getting the foggles back on and getting back to flying.

Mike and I swapped text messages while I was working in Cape May (KWWD) finishing up a project. We agreed to catch up after another round of messages once I was back in Delaware and Mike finished up work. I made it back to the Bridge in one hour thirty seven minutes for the airport, and that's taking a new route due to Irene's left over flooding and required road repairs.

I made it to 08Romeo first and flowed through the pre-flight. I hadn't been in the air since August 12th for my date night with my Bride at PACC. I arrived as the fuel truck was finishing up my order and waited to sump the tanks. I recently updated the Garmin data card the day I moved 08Romeo from the T-Hangars back to her tie down so that was complete. We have a constant TFR in the area for the VP but today's check was showing a new large TFR due to the Hurricane relief work.

BEGINNING FROM THE SURFACE UP TO BUT NOT INCLUDING 6,500 MSL.

PILOTS FLYING IN THE HURRICANE IRENE CENTRAL ACA SHOULD EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION DUE TO PRESENCE OF NUMEROUS FLIGHT OPERATIONS ENGAGED.

With the pre-flight complete and engine started I began my instrument workout. Upon departure I went under the foggles. I flight planned for direct KEVY but followed vectors from Mike (role playing as ATC) due to "simulated circumstances" that required me to chug and plug, work the radio and fly the plane. Eventually I was cleared for the KEVY - GPS RWY 35, direct WENDS intersection. A lap in the Procedure Turn and then inbound with a good approach. As Mike stated a bit fighter pilot-ish at the begining until I knocked off some rust and my standard rate and half standard rate turns were smooth. Drats! "simulated reports" from previous aircraft reported ceilings at 450 feet and closing. I wasn't allowed to look up and instead went missed as published. Everything seemed to flow very well and the rust was less obvious.

The second approach "my alternate" if you can call it that was 58M, Cecil County. I set up for the VOR DME RWY 31. Never mind the GPS approaches, this would be different, requiring some additional NAV work to identify intersections. I followed vectors to intercept the approach and since this is simulated crap wx, I went missed. This missed required a climbing left turn back to the VOR on a specific radial. I was all set up on NAV 2 for my cross reference from another VOR at Woodstown so I could ID intersection RANRE. Mike also failed my Garmin 530 GPS and allowed for communications and the VOR only portion. No pretty magenta line to follow. I did take advantage of the iPad foreflight georeferenced IAP feature to add some situational awareness, it was nice to have.

I tracked the radial as published and just prior to entering the hold I got to experience a "simulated" failure of my Attitude indicator. Ok, where's the flag for piling on? Fun stuff and a good work out as I am muti-tasking and working out of my normal routine. The Garmin 496 is still available so I switched to the screen that provides a mini five pack/panel of instruments, this does help in an emergency. I flew two laps in the hold partial panel and hit my marks, it felt great!

I needed my second water break at this point and transfered controls to Mike so I could take a drink and regroup. We had a discussion about the next set of approaches back into Wilmington and decided on the GPS RWY 19 bracketed by a pair of ILS RWY 1 approaches with two landings for my night currency. Mike made a loop in the pattern and notched a night landing in between approaches too. All in all a great night to practice and keep Instrument and night current.

Thanks Mike for a great workout!! We finished up the evening with a late dinner at EATS (Border Cafe) mixed in with a debrief and some hangar flying.

Safely Tucked Away

2011-08-25T10:54:00.002-05:00

08Romeo is safely tucked away at the Wilmington Airport. With all the talk and online tracking for Hurricane Irene I thought it would be best to to relocate 08Romeo or try to find a temporary hangar set up until Irene has passed. Some quick flight planning provided a two hour one way distance that would put me west of Altoona, Pa. and out of harms way.

I decided to try my home airport and see if there were any T-Hangars available.

As luck would have it there were a few hangars open. I quickly contacted my insurance company and requested a coversheet with the airport authority listed and inked a five day stay in one of our T's located just across the field from my normal tie down location. I'm happy to be out of the wx for the weekend and able to focus on home and family. Thanks Rick for the offer of your hangar at FDK and Frank for his hangar at GED.

BE SAFE, STAY DRY!!!

N/A Where were you?

2011-08-24T07:23:00.002-05:00

8/23/2011 - East Coast hit by one of its biggest quakes ever!

The top headline in today's paper followed by; "After fearful uncertainty, relief when little damage is discovered". The east coast felt the effects of an earthquake in Mineral,VA. The U.S. Geological Service reported intensity levels, a different measurement than magnitude, ranging from 3 (weak) to 5 (moderate) throughout Delaware. At the epicenter in Virginia, the intensity was a "very strong" 7, enough to cause moderate damage.

Intensity levels in Delaware have reached 3 and above at least 10 times since 1983, when an intensity 5 quake (magnitude 2.9) shook Wilmington's Forty Acres neighborhood. But nothing of the magnitude of Virginia's quake has hit Delaware since October 1871, when Wilmington had a quake estimated at magnitude-4.1. The quake, the strongest on the East Coast since 1944, was felt from South Carolina to Maine.

To answer the question in the title of this post, I was standing out at the Cape May Airport (KWWD) alongside taxiway E, inspecting a mill and overlay project. As the milling machine passed by I felt my legs wobble a bit and thought that's odd, I don't feel dizzy. I stood still wanting to make sure I didn't take a step and fall over and with that thought the "finding my sea legs" feeling passed. I continued working until our Op's person pulled up and alerted me about the earthquake. I contacted Mary to check on my Bride and then continued with the paving operation.

N/A Home Repairs

2011-08-21T07:39:00.002-05:00

Due to the recent heavy rains our basement got wet. Mary and I decided that we would install gutter guards to keep the leaves out from our two large trees out front and a large river birch out back. Mary was the ground team and I did the ladder work. I had many thoughts as to how we could be better spending this day instead of being responsible homeowners. About the time I had thoughts of us flying to the beach to enjoy a weekend get-away, I was jerked back to reality with immediate flashbacks of "piloting" the wet/dry vac (emphasize WET) in the early morning hours. UGhhhhh.....yes hottie hand me up a few more sections of the guards.

I also required new gutter clips to replace the few that had broken due to last winters ice storms. The guards were installed with only one whacked finger due to me trying to swing a hammer left handed instead of getting down and relocating the ladder for a new clip install with my right hand swing. Looking at that finger this morning I clearly see my badge of stupidity glowing in purple and dark red colors.

To cap my day of home chores I decided to add drainage collectors and pop up drains to the back two downspouts with the thought of getting the water farther away from the house. It's been many years since I had to wield a shovel to such an extent but at least I didn't turn any fingers or toes funny colors. Drains are installed but I don't think they are far enough away so I did not glue the PVC at the pop ups. I am going to add another eight to ten feet then make the pop up connection permanent. I'm ready to fly now!

Nashville Get-Away

2011-08-15T07:46:00.002-05:00

Mary and I have been thinking about a four day weekend get-away and something to do for her "29th" birthday. We had a few places in mind; Jekyll Island, GA., maybe finally making it to Charleston, SC., or our favorite place Nags Head, NC. Instead we decided on something different, a trip to the country music capitol of the world, Nashville, TN.

Plans are just starting to come together, locking in our hotel at the Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown last night and securing a place for our Italian Mastiff Maggie, hopefully sometime today. Mary is also working out the care of our three boys Jake, Inky and George, either in a cat hotel or have a family member check in on them.

There seems to be a lot to see and do while in Nashville. Mary and I like to do the tours on the first visit to a new location and then if/when we return we can investigate a bit more on our own. With this in mind we found that Gray Line Tours is available and will pick up in the hotel lobby. We want to see the zoo, do the riverboat dining tour and the downtown discover Nashville tour.

We will be close to the waterfront and there will be plenty of good places to eat and music to enjoy. We are both looking forward to the time away from work and the chance to explore someplace new.

Date Night

2011-08-13T06:31:00.001-05:00

Sunset on the ride home

Mary and I decided to make Friday night a date night and head to the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club for happy hour. I left work at 3pm and headed home to take care of the zoo then turn and burn for the airport. I saw an accident on I95 south while heading north back to the house so I decided not to push my luck and took I495 south back to the airport instead, good choice.

I had left 08Romeo uncovered last night after returning from First Flight so pre-flight was easier. I had ordered fuel earlier in the day so I needed to sump and then just set out our headsets and my knee board. Mary walked up to the plane and climbed aboard. She thought it was pretty nice that everything was ready to go and she was looking awesome I might add!

No flight plan this evening, just a simple VFR flight under the Philly Class Bravo airspace and some good tunes to sing along to. I did have Philly approach tuned in to monitor for traffic. We landed at Wings field and secured the plane. Mary did the heat shields for the windows and I tied 08Romeo down.

The Club filled up fast but we found an outside table and made some new friends. Nancy and Mike invited us to join them and we did. Good eats for happy hour is always the norm at the club. Hors d'oeuvres consisted of mini cheese steaks, I mean like three inches long, seafood wraps, BBQ wings, calamari, assorted cheeses and more. The pilot drank ice tea and my Bride enjoyed a well deserved Lemon Martini. Adam and his Bride Tam joined us along with Bob from Montgomery Aviation with his Bride and their daughter.

A fun evening out with friends made even more enjoyable not having to fight traffic on the blue route instead flying over top. We are looking forward to getting back to the club for dinner.

First Flight and Home

2011-08-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

The plans were set for a quick turn and burn to KFFA, First Flight, the meca of aviation, and returning to home base. 08Romeo was fueled to the top and ready to fly and Mike was already flowing through the pre-flight as I strolled in. I had left work and forgot to change so when I pulled up to the airport I figured I would change in the bathroom at Red Eagle. Of course with my timing the bathroom was occupied so I decided to make the quick change in the SUV. Why do I add this you wonder, well, it's been a good many years since I had to get dressed in a vehicle and somehow it's just not as roomy as one needs it to be. Ok, enough of painting that picture in everyones mind.

I emerged from the phone booth cape securely....oh wait, wrong story. I got out of the SUV and with flight bag in hand entered my double secret access code and entered the ramp area. 08Romeo was just about ready to go except for a problem with the garmin 496 not acquiring information. Mike did an online reset with his iPad and within fifteen minutes we were once again looking at wx information.

I picked up our clearance to First Flight; DQO ENO V29 SBY V1 CCV ORF ECG NORTN. We climbed out of Wilmington heavy with fuel and 08Romeo made her way at 500 fpm to eight thousand. Temps were cool at altitude and Mike had us following our course. I handled communications and took pictures taking advantage of the opportunity to just enjoy the view.

Delaware Bay off Left wing

Chesapeake Bay off right wing

Dover Downs

Crissfield

Philly handed us off to Dover and Dover to Washington Center. Washington gave us an early direct turn to KFFA just north of the JAMIE intersection which tracked us east of Fisherman's Island, VA and had us pass over the Bays; Hog Island, Outlet and South. We crossed the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and had a nice view of the Bay Bridge tunnel and the tankers lined up and waiting to deliver their goods. In the distance we could see the thick smoke from the TFR south of Norfolk climbing and the smoke trails blowing towards the ocean. A quick reality check as Washington hands us off to Oceania approach and they call out a pair of F-18's headed northbound at our two o'clock. I have the traffic, awesome sight to see as they flew tucked in together in formation passing almost a thousand feet below us. Mike had to bring me back online so I could focus, I just never get tired of watching military aircraft fly by.

Tangier Island

Cape Charles and across the Chesapeake

outlet bay and fisherman's island

about to cross the mouth of the bay

Fire TFR (red box)

Back Bay refuge south of Virginia beach

We decided to ask for a closer route along the shoreline and once the jets had passed our request was granted. We also got a descent to three thousand and cleared some of the thick smelly smoke we had flew threw. Approach turned us back over to Washington center and they held us until we were turned loose to call on unicom for First Flight. I called out our position and intentions for pattern entry but called the wrong runway...duh! A saratoga inbound chimed in and corrected me as I responded with my correction and a thanks. I started to laugh since he would see Mike getting out of the left seat when he landed just after us....hehehehe...I'm still cracking up.

Abemarle Sound covered in smoke

smoke clouds

Mike unloaded his gear and introduced me to his family, nice to meet his brother and his Bride. We chatted for a bit then I wanted to get back in the air. I should have listened to Mikes advice and pick up the clearance in the air but instead called the 800 Clearance Delivery number. After getting disconnected once I finally made contact and got the info. I taxied out and added a notch of flaps just to be safe for my departure. I was in the air quickly and with positive climb retracted the flaps. I made a last call on unicom then switched to approach. Hmmm, no answer. I climb a bit more and call again, still no answer. I double check my clearance and I have the correct frequency dialed in, still no answer. I flip my knee board sheet and look up our last frequency for Washington center on the way in and make a call to advise no contact. I was given a new frequency to try and that worked out fine.

Fires Burning

getting upwind of it all

I was given a few vectors for traffic and smoke but generally approach kept me pointed towards Norfolk now climbing to seven thousand. I broke through the smoke around six thousand seven hundred and reported to approach. An abbreviated PIREP of sorts since he had been looking for info from pilots. Washington handed me off to Norfolk and I was given direct Salisbury which shaved off some time.

Great sunset view

I decided to use the autopilot so I could review my fuel calculations and work some numbers. I had a slight headwind but after running my numbers against my times I figured on 12 gallons left on landing at KILG. Hmmm, first night time flying in a while, wx was looking great but I still had that better safe than sorry feeling. I planned for a fuel stop at KGED, Georgetown. After a quick review on the Garmin 496 I noticed KGED closed at 7 pm, I'm not making that one. As much as I wanted to take advantage of the twenty three cent a gallon motor fuel tax rebate in Delaware I was going to have to stop in Salisbury just a stones throw south of the Delaware state line, so close but yet so far. I was just twenty minutes out and made the call to approach that I was going to divert to Salisbury for fuel. He asked if I was fuel emergency or minimum fuel, yikes, neither I said, just being safe. The controller worked out the change and checked on a visual approach for SBY.

Afterglow on my home

I was handed off to the Salisbury tower and directed to enter a left base for runway three two. I was number three to land and worked my way in for a nice soft landing. I had already brought up the geo-referenced taxi diagram on Foreflight and followed along to Bayland Aviation with no problems. I ordered fuel to the tabs and took on fifteen gallons for the ride home making a total of 30 gallons on board. I contacted ground and departed VFR to Wilmington. A little bit of classic rock to sing along to and a beautiful sunset to fill the view. I did pick up flight following with Dover once the sun set figuring the extra eyes wouldn't hurt. Dover handed me off to Wilmington and I made another nice landing on three two behind a C-130 doing touch and goes.

A fun trip! Great play time with the new Garmin 530 to 496 data transfer and a big sigh of relief to know how much that frees up my flying not having to enter info on both units. I'll get some photos posted on the new switch and a better write up on the flight review soon.

Crossfill 530/496

2011-08-09T07:39:00.002-05:00

I finally broke down and gave into the crossfill capabilities on the Garmin 530. 08Romeo is back in the shop at Red Eagle with her panel opened up. I also decided to have the cables hidden that I had previously left accessible in case I wanted to take the XM antenna out of the plane. I haven't removed the 496 since it was panel mounted and we have a GPS for the vehicles if we need one. It was time to clean up the cockpit a bit.

I currently have the Garmin 496 panel mounted and love the wx and traffic (when coupled to my Zaon XRX). It is impossible to have both the 530 and Zaon coupled to the 496 at the same time so I will need a switch to be installed.

For now I will strictly use the direct cable connect from the 530 since my Collins transponder is in conflict with the Zaon, it shows a ghost target around me at +/- 200 feet.

Pros:

One time flight planning and no longer will I have to chug and plug on two units for every initial and amended route. A great feature when single pilot IFR.
Continuous updated flight plan on 496 in case of ships electrical failure, with hours of battery back up on the 496.

Cons:

I'll lose traffic on the 496 screen, unless I get the switch added.
Lose capability to flight plan ahead or change on the go for direct to information.
From what I've read I will lose private fields being displayed on the 496 (have to research this more).
When activating an approach on the 530 I will lose the final destination airport on the 496 and now have a final destination as the missed approach holding point.

Overall a good safety move for my flying. I will flight test the final destination issues and explore in greater detail the ability to toggle with the crossfill option on the 530 flight plan menu. Maybe this will allow me to crossfill the flight plan and then disengage and be free to use the 496 as normal. I will report back with my findings!

UPDATE:The plane is finished and the shop added a switch for the Zaon/GPS in an empty rocker switch slot. They knew I was on the fence and mentioned getting it added at a later date if/when I upgrade my transponder. He said it cost you a switch, all the wiring was there so I did it now. That works for me!

I hope to flight test the changes Thursday!