Mission Two, déjà vu

It's been a crazy few days here at the beach. Mary is still up north, in Wilmington, and I am home with the zoo. As noted in my last post Mary is staying with her Brother Mark and his wife Lynn so she can help out when Mark has his back surgery. My bride is also loving on her great nephew Brennan as much as she can before she has to come home.

Speaking of coming home...We decided since I had to fly north for a viewing, and weekend weather is calling for boomers, Mary would come home with me today. Mark is headed directly to rehab upon discharge from the hospital since his back surgery was so complicated. I'm sure we will be returning to help out in any way we can if Lynn needs us.

Thankfully Mary called me this morning and got me out of bed at 7am. After feeding the zoo I had climbed back in bed and just passed out. I wanted to be in the air by 8:30 so my bride could meet me at 9:30 at flyADVANCED.

I had completed a pre-flight on Monday and sumped fuel so 08Romeo was ready to go. When I opened up the hangar I did a quick walk around, loaded the sun screens and made sure my carry on case with a few tools, oil and cleaning supplies was on board. I was ready to go.


Ocean City in the haze

08Romeo came to life on just a blade or two, she was also ready to go. I did a final weather and NOTAM check before I taxied out. The runway of choice today is three-two which pretty much points me on my 357 degree course. It was hazy this morning, yes I got off on time, and the ride was smooth. Once trimmed out I sat with my hands in my lap just enjoying the view. Since I didn't file IFR today I did contact Dover approach for flight following, it's nice to have the extra eyes watching. North of Dover I picked up a target on ADS-B moving towards crossing my path just a few hundred feet below and climbing. Obviously they also had ADS-B since their tail number was painting on my screen.

No radio contact from the Piper PA32R-300 and by the time Dover alerted me I was already starting to climb to avoid any problems. I advised Dover when they called out the traffic that I was climbing for separation. The remainder of the first hop went well and instead of landing on the runway in use (27)n Wilmington gave me a straight in for runway 1.

C&D Canal, looking west towards the Chesapeake Bay

The ramp at FlyAdanced was busy with jets, but they found room for my Sundowner. I ordered fuel to the slots (this will give me a total of forty gallons on board) then headed in to meet Mary. Mary changed into a dress she asked me to bring and I grabbed my sport coat to go with my gray polo and dark tan khakis.

It was a short drive to the funeral home, we actually sat outside for ten minutes or so enjoying the air conditioning before walking in.  My friend and former coworker, Mark, was just 53 years old. It breaks my heart to see his bride and two handsome boys standing by his side. I've lost three friends in the last two years, two younger and one just a few years older, it really makes me think about life and how short our time is here. Mark, you will be missed, your sense of humor and your laugh always made me smile. Good times when we worked together my friend. It was a quiet ride back to the airport.

The FBO tugged 08Romeo out of a hangar where they had parked her. I got Mary's bags loaded and we were soon off for the hold short at the taxiway leaving the ramp. I called Wilmington's tower offering just my tail number. I was scolded and directed to call with full info on call up. The tower guy didn't see me flip him off from inside 08Romeo.

busy ramp at flyADVANCED

I once again contacted him at full speed with full call, advised I was at the Flyadvanced ramp with information victor ready to taxi for departure, VFR to Ocean X-ray Bravo, Ocean City Maryland. The tower responded taxi to runaway one via Alpha, hold short in a monotone voice. When I flipped over to the tower a young lady offered me a wait time for wake turbulence from the departing jet on runway one or immediate departure on runway three-two. I took three-two and was cleared to cross one, cleared for take off three-two.

Fort Delaware

I climbed out pointing south on a 175 degree heading direct to Ocean City. I like to track the DuPont VOR when heading to or from Wilmington, it helps the tracking skills.  The ride was smooth at 3.5 until well south of Dover. I had once again picked up flight following and cancelled once south of Delaware Coastal (KGED). One call out for traffic, a C130 heading north bound passing through our altitude. I never thought of grabbing the camera, it was a perfect view of the 130.

 

I made my typical calls for Ocean City and after hearing a few calls and some ground chatter I figured out there was a new pilot doing the three rounds of take off and landings. The new pilot did a nice job on the radio and with his landings. I had made a 360 for spacing when I had turned final, number two to land. The maneuver worked out fine and as the Cessna cleared I was on very short final.

08Romeo is tucked in her hangar with clean leading edges and windscreen. Mary and I made a stop at Panera's for lunch and then we headed home. I got to sit and type out my blog and Mary decided to run out to the store for a few things. My Bride has a wicked craving for fettuccini alfredo with chicken...guess what's for dinner?

Urgent Family Mission

Mary requested a flight to Wilmington, back to our old stomping grounds, but, with an important mission in mind. This mission is to visit our new great nephew; Brennan Michael Lemon, born 12:42 am this morning,7 lb 6 oz, 21 inches. Congratulations Amy and Hannah. Moms and Brennan Michael are doing just fine.

I wanted to head north this morning, before the air show TFR kicked in, but weather at Ocean City was reporting between 400 and 600 feet overcast. This low IFR condition held on past my point of no return, not being able to get back to Ocean city prior to the TFR going active. We scrubbed.

I watched the weather and now planned a 5pm departure immediately following the air show. Mary was packed and ready to roll and I was once again watching the weather. The winds had picked up at Ocean City, and the winds aloft would have me bucking a 15 knot headwind going north.

METAR KOXB 182053Z AUTO 20011G21KT 10SM CLR 26/23 A2989
METAR KILG 182151Z 20013G20KT 10SM FEW037 31/23 A2979

This is where the measly ten hours of flight time this year starts the wheels turning in my pilot brain. Ocean City is reporting ten miles clear but I'm watching the clouds moving into the area and they are starting to buid.

The pilot brain quickly throws out the saying "currency goes in the log book, proficiency keeps you alive." and lets it rattle around in my head a bit. It will be a bumpy ride and honestly I didn't feel like dealing with it. Maybe I just don't have the confidence I had prior to my surgery but I know enough that when it doesn't feel right, don't launch.

I decided to ground pound it to Wilmington, two hours each direction. We arrived at flyADVANCED at the Wilmington Airport and quickly secured the rental vehicle they were holding for Mary. We have become good friends with the staff and they said, "that's a surprise you arriving from the land side." I nodded in agreement and added, it doesn't feel right for me either. I did assure them I would be returning by air in 08Romeo to pick up my Bride.

Great Aunt Mary with Brennan

I made sure Mary was squared away in her rental and then I pointed the ML320 south for the ride home. I cranked up the hits on my iPod and jammed all the way, making good time. Mary called to let me know she was at the hospital and I sent her a text once I was home.

I plan to get some flight time this week while I settle in as a bachelor with our zoo. My bride will be ready to come home in a week and I'm planning to fly in order to pick her up.

OC Air Show 2017

Saturday Sequence of Flight

The OC Air Show flight performances will begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday centered at 16th street on the Boardwalk.

The OC Air Show flight performances will begin at 12:00 noon on Saturday centered at 16th street on the Boardwalk. The sequence of flight performances is as follows:

National Anthem – Flag Jump

Army SpecOps Black Daggers

Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts

USCG Search and Rescue Demo

B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber

David Windmiller in the Zivko Edge 540

USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo

GEICO Skytypers

Miss GEICO versus the Skytyper Race

Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo

USAF Heritage Flight A-10 Warthog

Dual P-51 Mustang Demo

B-2 Stealth Bomber

Army SpecOps Black Daggers

U.S. Navy Blue Angels

 Sunday Sequence of Flight

The OC Air Show flight performances will begin at 12:00 noon on Sunday centered at 16th street on the Boardwalk. The sequence of flight performances is as follows:

National Anthem – Flag Jump

Army SpecOps Black Daggers

Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts

USCG Search and Rescue Demo

USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo

David Windmiller in the Zivko Edge 540

GEICO Skytypers

Miss GEICO versus the Skytyper Race

B-25 Mitchell “Panchito” WWII Bomber

Mike Wiskus in the Lucas Oil Pitts

USAF F-22 Raptor Demo

USAF Heritage Flight A-10 Warthog

Army SpecOps Black Daggers

U.S. Navy Blue Angels

Cole Transport

The call went out late in the week for a Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel rescue transport. Mary and I discussed jumping on board and quickly signed 08Romeo up for the mission.

This mission required an initial pick up in Capon Bridge, West Virginia. After a quick search of the area I found two airports that would work for me; Winchester, Virginia and Martinburg, West Virginia. Both airports fit my requirements, now it will be which ever is easiest for the drop off driver, Kriss.

Winchester (KOKV)was the choice so I started on my flight plan. I always want good approaches and runway. Winchester fit the bill so I checked NOTAMS and weather forecast for my planned flight time.

Saturday Morning

Mary and I were up and out of the house by 7:30 and we made my planned departure time of 8:15. I had no luck picking up my clearance with Potomac clearance and delivery so I launched Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and checked in with Patuxent approach on 127.95. Once my position was confirmed I copied my clearance and was on my way. The ride this morning was smooth and clear. I did get one change to my initial filed flight plan and that was direct Baltimore (BAL) VOR which was basically the exact heading towards my first fix, JAYBO.

We enjoyed the view of the Chesapeake Bay as we approached the Bay bridges and lost count of all the sailboats north of the bridge. The only thing south was a large tanker looking vessel. Mary and I spotted jet traffic for Baltimore, crossing our flight path (well below)as we passed directly overhead the airport. Once clear of the Baltimore airspace we were turned direct Winchester, this saved some time and fuel.

Winchester was busy with traffic coming and going. I announced my position as I approached, working my way across midfield to enter the left downwind for runway three-two.

I made a nice landing and taxied towards a very busy ramp. EAA had a young eagles event and there were planes everywhere. The ground crew did an excellent job keeping the flow of traffic moving smoothly. We shut down in front of the FBO and headed inside to find  our furry passenger. Mary found Kriss and Cole in the parking lot while I made my way through the crowd to the service desk to order fuel for the flight home.

I saw a Mouse (Beechcraft Musketeer) fly in but the tail number didn't register right away. It was Bob P, a fellow BAC member and his plane has to be the cleanest mouse I have ever seen.

Mary and I loaded up both dog beds, a bag of paper work and toys along with a container of dog food. The Sundowner was filled. Cole easily slipped through the baggage door and made himself at home on one of his huge fluffy dog beds. Mary climbed aboard and I followed, it was time to get in the air.

Once again the ground crew was awesome. I was marshaled away from parking and sent on my way towards runway three-two. I pulled off in the run up area and picked up my IFR clearance for the flight. There was a slight change to my initial plan and I had to search for the fix I was given. I had planned to head north-east to the Martinsburg VOR but that was changed.

Clearance - OXB Ocean City
Route - COGAN WOOLY V214 BAL AF
Altitude - 3000/7000
Frequency - 120.45 (Potomac)
Transponder - 5xxx

I advised I am number two and I would call when number one for departure. I quickly zoomed in on the IFR low chart and looked for COGAN, I found nothing.

I switched over to the VFR chart thinking it may be a fix listed there for some bizarre reason, nadda.

I used the new flight plan feature and clicked on the KOKV bubble and brought up the approach plates and then sent them to the map. First was RNAV 32, sure enough, there was COGAN the final approach fix (FAF)for that approach.

I dragged the course line over, made the change and sent it to the Garmin 530W via the flight stream 210 and was ready to go.



Clearance delivery gave me my void if not off by time and I advised I was rolling for runway three-two. 08Romeo climbed out and I departed the area on the down wind, making our way to COGAN and checking in with approach. Potomac approach quickly cleared me to 7,000 and I asked if I could have five instead. The response, "sure can if you want to head west but to go east you'll need seven to clear arrivals." I thought, crap, its hot and 08Romeo has a full belly of fuel. I advised approach, west would be nice, but not today, we'll take that seven east bound. Approach laughed and said "I might be able to step you down after clearing the arrival path for Dulles." It was a long slow climb in the heat.

It was another smooth ride but you could really see the haze starting to limit the long distance view. I was handed off to multiple approach controllers as we made our way over Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay. The last Potomac controller turned us direct Ocean City once clear of Baltimore and we rode along listening to all the radio chatter. Cole did get some sleep but he would sit up and look out the window every now and then.

Once we started to let down for Ocean City the cool fifty degree temps started to climb. By the time we were at three thousand the temp was closing in on eighty. The jump plane was busy and he had just called two minutes to jumpers as I closed in on short final for runway one-four. There was a Cessna holding short as I crossed the numbers and tried to land long for the taxiway closest to the terminal. I cleared as quick as I could and the Cessna had lined up waiting to launch, I heard his radio call.

As we pulled in I could see the anxious foster family at the terminal. Caroline and Alan made their way to the plane but I had to motion for Caroline to stop. I didn't want someone to walk near the prop until I was completely shut down with the master off and keys in my hand. Once out of the plane, greetings were exchanged and then we each had something to carry to their vehicle, Cole did not travel light. We took a few pictures and then said our goodbyes, Cole is in good hands.

Mary and I fired up 08Romeo, her mission completed, and taxied her to her hangar. Once tucked away I cleaned the leading edges and Mary cleaned the windscreen. I plugged in the battery minder, repositioned the Ranger pick up and closed the door on the hangar and todays flight. It felt great to fly a mission and a dog rescue made it even better.

We ended our day with friends Pam & Ted, who invited us over for dinner. The eats were excellent and the company even better. What a perfect ending to our day. We sat and watched the sunset, having some laughs, a few mermaid lemonades and enjoying the time with best friends.

ForeFlight, Reverse

UPDATE!

I posted on Facebook about the reverse button missing and ForeFlight responded.  The button for reversing the existing flight plan is now located inside the Route Editor window next to the clear button.  See attached.

They didn't just add it, I missed it when checking out the other new function to access the airport info. Actually, looking back at the pictures I previously posted, one can clearly see the reverse button in its new location. I'm just so observant...not.

More ForeFlight Features

Reposting this from a Facebook post. ForeFlight keeps making it easier, take a look at this airport info feature from the flight plan screen.

You can quickly activate ForeFlight's Plates on Maps feature without leaving the Maps view. Tap on an airport bubble in the Route Editor and select "show plate" to browse from a list of airport diagrams and approaches.

I decided not to post the associated video because it was too short and no sound. I think screen shots from my iPad mini3 are easier to see and follow along.

 

 

The one change I do not like is the elimination of the reverse button and instead replaced with the Estimated Time of Departure (ETD) button. ETD can be selected or changed when you file, no need to see it here.

 

 

 

Time to Spare...Go by Air

 
Time to Spare...Go by Air is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Click here

This book represents the stories of my flying. You will read my ramblings, aviation terms and random thoughts along the way. I wanted to share my flying; from joining a flying club, becoming first time airplane owners, our travels, dog rescues, date nights by flight and miscellaneous odd information. It’s the recounting of events as they happened, in the plane and on the ground, while exploring new places and meeting new people, even making new friends along the way.

We have only scratched the surface of the places we want to see and explore. So, sit back and enjoy, have a few laughs and maybe by reading about our travels it will motivate you to expand your own travel comfort zone.

Buttonology, Intersecting Points

On one of my flying forum reads I came across a post that presented a navigation issue for the poster. How to enter a fix designated by two different VOR radials. Here is the post.

On a PnP trip between KDTO to KOWP (near Tulsa) Saturday, we were provided this routing in our clearance.

FUZ348 ADM179 ADM V161 OKM DIRECT KOWP​

I was along for the ride as dog wrangler and to gain some exposure/experience in this Bonanza. But both myself and the PF (pilot flying) were stumped how to define in the GTN750 equipped on the plane and Foreflight on our iPads the point in lateral space defined by the intersection of those two radials (348° off of the Ranger VOR and 179° off of the Ardmore VOR). This was my first time to be given a clearance such as this.

The original poster did note that he worked through the issue and figured it out.

For Foreflight, it's super easy. In the flight plan edit box, you type in "FUZ348/ADM179" and that will define the point. So the entire entry in Foreflight is

KDTO FUZ348/ADM179 ADM V161 OKM KOWP​

I'll add some screen shots. Actually I left off the OKM VOR.



For the Garmin GNS series (430/530) it will take a few more steps but it can be done. The training sim is ancient so OWP is not listed, instead the identifier is 0F8.

Select the WPT last screen to create a waypoint. Give the point a user (USR) name, I selected FUZ1. Next toggle through the boxes and fill in the reference waypoint (REF WPT) and radial (RAD) for each point of reference. The distance filled itself in when the two waypoints were added.





Once the waypoint info is entered select create, which will be replaced by modify when you click on it.



Go to the flight plan (FPL) page and enter your saved waypoint (FUZ1) into your flight plan. 

I hope this info helps working with the GNS series a bit easier. I can not give enough praise to the FlightStream 210 that syncs the iPad to my Garmin 530, it's a big time saver when amending routes.



St. Michaels Revisted

I had to look back through my blog posts to jog my memory, I could not remember the last time we visited St. Michaels. The typical visit is in December for their Christmas Parade, always a fun time. I really had to go back, December 2009 was our last visit into St. Michaels, we have since made stops for breakfast at Easton Airport (KESN), just nine miles outside of town. Looking back and rereading my posts brings back good memories of flying with friends and family.

2006 2007 2008

In all our visits I never took the time to provide some history on this historic town, today I'll fill in the blanks.

The town of St Michaels dates back to the mid-1600s when it served as a trading post for area tobacco farmers and trappers. In 1677 the Christ Episcopal Church of St Michael Archangel parish was founded in present day St. Michaels. In 1778 a British land agent, James Braddock, purchased 20 acres and deeded 58 lots. This created St. Mary's Square, the historic center of St. Michaels. To this day, this charming seaside resort town reflects its colonial past, as many of the area's homes date from the late 1700s to the late 1800s.

During the War of 1812, St. Michaels gained its name as "the town that fooled the British". The residents of St. Michaels, having been forewarned that British barges were positioned on the waters to attack with cannon fire, hoisted lanterns into the trees above the city. This first successful "blackout" fooled the British into overshooting the town's houses and shipyards. Only one house, forever since known as Cannonball House, was struck.

Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, St. Michaels was a Chesapeake Bay economy focused primarily around the shipbuilding and seafood processing and packing industries. Only in the last 30 years has the economy of St. Michaels shifted to a tourism concentration. 
St. Michaels is a treasure on Maryland's fabled Eastern Shore, about halfway between the Susquehanna source and the Atlantic mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. This vintage harbor port, whose origins date from the birth of the colonies, is nestled on the beautiful Miles River.

Mary and I headed to the airport with our Ziva girl, she was going with us today. 08Romeo was ready to work, I only wish I had a distant final destination for her. Instead, it will be 54 miles to Easton, just a short hop.

Ziva climbed up on the wing and I gave her the final boost. Our baby girl has no problem getting settled, but, I think she wanted me to speed up the process and get the fan turning. Mary and I climbed aboard and I read through my checklist. Not my normal routine but I still don't feel back on my A game and think that safety beats ego.

With the fan turning and the door cracked open Ziva finally got comfy. The breeze felt great as we taxied for departure runway three-two. I completed my run up and then held short for the crazy people who jump out of airplanes, for Gods sake, WHY? Once the meat bombs were safely on the ground and clear of the runway we were holding for Op's who hustled a turtle off the centerline that the last plane landing called out. Op's cleared the turtle and let me know the runway was clear, I confirmed departing and thanked John for taking care of the critter so my Bride didn't feel compelled to jump out and save it. Trust me, she has bailed out of my SUV while rolling to a stop to help other critters.

The ride today was bumpy and we pounded into a twenty knot headwind, it pretty much sucked. I did notice in cruise that my number one EGT reading was jumping up and down, one hundred degrees off the remaining three cylinders. The CHT's looked fine, so I continued on. I made my call to the Easton tower once I had the ATIS noted, we will be landing on runway three-one. I was number two following a Cessna and I had a Baron following me in. I made an ok landing with just a note of stall horn...pretty much flat.

Nanticoke River

I had called in advance for a courtesy car/van and they didn't mind us having Ziva. When we walked in the terminal the van was given out just ahead of us so we decided to rent for the day. Sixty-five dollars lighter in the pocket and we were off in a new ford Excursion, what a beast. Three rows of seats and I would have needed a step ladder to get in the back, yes, Ziva really needed a boost. Once she was secure I opened the drivers door and the running boards extended, I was waiting for someone to help boost me in.

We were finally headed into town. Neither Mary or I remembered all the buildings, businesses and store fronts that now populated each side of the roadway. As we got closer to town the surroundings became more familiar, at least on the outside. Inside, there were new stores, new owners and new restaurants. Times have changed this sleepy little town.


watching for mom in the shop across the street.

We found the parking lot and after an additional back up and realign the grey beast was parked. We strolled through town enjoying the breeze and noting all the new names on the signs. Mary made her way through the shops while Ziva and I found shade to hang out on the street and people watch. One couple walked by and said "so handsome". I acknowledged with a thanks and my baby girl here is pretty cute too, yes? They laughed and said she is beautiful.

We headed down one side of the street and up the other checking everything out. I think we'll head back again, sans the pup, and enjoy a nice afternoon lunch at one of the new dining establishments. For now we decided to head back to the beast and then go find the lighthouse in the air conditioning. Oh, FYI, no cane today just the repaired foot in a Nike shoe, it's feeling better each day.

The Hooper Strait Lighthouse, has not always resided in its current location. In 1965 it had been condemned by the United States government and was slated to be demolished. The Museum purchased it from the demolition contractor for $1,000 and through the generosity of the Arundel Corporation, barged it sixty miles north to its new home on Navy Point in 1966.

 

I made my way through town driving the beast, that drives like a bus, and found Mill Street. With a right turn we were headed to the marina and found the lighthouse. I didn't take a picture but provide a file photo and some history for your pleasure.

 

We finished up at the Marina and headed back to the airport. I decided that the GPS was taking us on some back road I didn't know so I went off on my own. Big mistake! When I got to the familiar big road it was backed up for miles, road construction. Thankfully two nice folks let me merge in and cross both lanes for the turning lane, now everyone's u-turning lane. I doubled back towards the airport, stopping to top of the beast (1.28 gallons) and made it to the terminal parking lot. I paid for the ten gallons of fuel for 08Romeo and then opened up the plane. Mary sat in the terminal where it was nice and cool. When I was ready I waved to her to come out and my Bride and the pup headed for the ramp. A Cessna started up right next to us while I was pulling the sun shades and they just sat there, leaving just ahead of us rolling away from the tie downs. Ziva could care less as she walked up and boarded 08Romeo, she settled right in, planes just don't bother her.

The ride home was just as bumpy! However, I had that twenty knot, now a tailwind. Ziva fell asleep and Mary and I chatted about all the changes in town. We see the same things happening here in Ocean City. I made my call at ten and five miles out, falling in number two for the field. I was looking for the traffic, a Stearman. Once I had the traffic I announced that I had that pretty yellow plane and would follow him in, now entering the left down wind for three-two.

This is a Boeing-Stearman 75 (Internet picture)

I pulled the power since I was getting pushed pretty good with the tail wind and set up for landing. Once turning final and getting below five hundred feet I was dancing on the pedals and adjusting power. As the Stearman cleared I was coming over the numbers and got 08Romeo settled in, making a decent landing. Op's came on and said nice job Gary, I acknowledged I had my dancing shoes on. The Stearman pilot said he was rockin' pretty good too.

 

Not much fly time today but plenty of fun. I hope to get up again this weekend.