Charleston, SC

Saturday 9.16 

Departure day draws near and final preparations are underway. I've been going through weather updates and long range forecasts for the last two weeks along with reviewing approaches and alternates for our flight. 

Sunday 9.17

We are getting Lucy's things together for her boarding. Prepping the dog food, favorite toys, happy pills, and some added meds to help her grooming before she comes home. The boys will have a familiar face checking in on them while we're away so that will keep them content, or at least we hope so.

I ordered 22 gallons of fuel yesterday and completed 3 Tango Charlie's preflight all except the fuel sump which I'll complete on Monday, departure day.

Monday 9.18 Departure Day!

To start our flying day I must stress the most important part of flight planning, ADM, Aeronautical Decision Making. It's now 7am and our planned departure time was 9am arriving just after noon. For now we are on hold until the weather opens up a bit to allow a safe departure and a better chance at returning if needed. The blue shading is icing forecast from 10k to 25k, and the purple shading is IFR conditions surface and above until 9am.

I finished up my preflight with a fuel sump and light check, of course a marker light was out. I checked the hangar and had no bulb in my parts cabinet.  I jumped in the SUV and went up to ocean aviation and secured one new bulb. New bulb installed and checked, we are ready to go!

It’s now 12:15 and that’s fine as the weather was supposed to get better along our route. I called the clearance delivery number on the OXB NOTAM but they gave me another number to call. I could not get my Bluetooth headset to connect so the I tucked the iPhone up under my ear seal and picked up my clearance and release. 

The ceiling was sitting at 900 feet when I launched, turning to a 270 degree heading as instructed upon entering controlled airspace. I broke out on top at two thousand feet and rode along at six thousand on top of the marshmallow fluff all the way to just west of Wilmington SC.

My bride finally woke up now that she had some ground contact to view. Most of the flight required a ten degree cut to maintain the planned course but at least the ride was smooth. 

I was handed off to Charleston approach and the controller turned me to the coast. I was thinking I was going to be vectored for runway two seven but she seemed content to send us out over the ocean. Going feet wet was not working for me and I asked for lower and direct Charleston Executive, then eventually canceled IFR when I had the field in sight. I made a nice landing on two-seven and taxied for the FBO, Signature. 

Our SUV rental was brought out to the plane and it already was cooled off, great job guys. I took on 34  gallons of fuel at $6.83 a gallon, then secured hangar space for, you best sit down, $100 a night. 

With GPS assist we managed to find our way to the Meeting Street Inn. Great location across the street from Charleston City Market.

We checked in and freshened up a bit then went to look for dinner. Just up the street was Meeting at Market restaurant. 

Mary ordered the catch of the day in brown butter with capers along with a salad. 

I had the smashed burger with onion, cheese, tomato and lettuce with a side of sweet potato fries. Both dinners were very good. For dessert we walked up the street to an ice cream shop. 

Tuesday 9.19

It was a long night and I didn’t get much sleep. I’m not sure what triggered my sinus but I wish I had a dollar for every time I sneezed or pulled a tissue from the box. I’m adding this to my blog at 4:20am. When you have to sit up to breathe it makes it difficult to really get a good nights sleep. I figured I may as well work on the blog post. I did take an Advil cold and sinus and that helped. 

After finally falling asleep I awoke around 8am, Mary was just waking up too. I desperately needed something to drink so we got dressed and headed out. The plan was to walk a few blocks to Millers, a real breakfast hot spot that fills up fast.  Instead, as we were walking we came across a small shop called Toast. I said to Mary, look Toast, it has to be a breakfast place. My bride said look at the sign again.

Hmmm, now I get it.  We did have an amazing breakfast and yes Mary honored the “Toast” with a peach bellini, I had my go to sweet tea. 

Eggs over medium with bacon, cheesy grits, and one huge biscuit for me. My bride had almost the same but had fresh fruit instead of grits knowing she would ‘sample’ mine. 

After filling our tummies we walked a short distance to purchase tickets for a carriage tour with  Palmetto Carriage Works.

We boarded at the stable house and we’re soon on our way. We passed many churches, homes of interest, the Market and learned about the local history. Thanks Teddy for all your clipity clop and a great ride. 

St. Michael’s Anglican Church, completed in 1761, is the oldest church building in Charleston. Several historic figures have worshiped in the church including George Washington and Robert E. Lee. 

St. Philip's Episcopal Church, constructed from 1835 to 1838, is one of Charleston’s most photographed churches. The church’s graveyard is home to many prominent people, including colonial governors, authors, and former Vice President of the United States. 

Construction on the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist started in 1890 and was completed in 2010 with the addition of the steeple and bells. The church, which opened its doors in 1907, is built on the foundation of the original 1854 cathedral destroyed by fire. 

The current Circular Congregational Church is the third structure on the site. The church was organized in 1681 by English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians and French Huguenots who were seeking religious freedom. The first church erected on the site was known as the White Meeting House, for which Meeting Street was named. The church’s congregation was growing quickly, so the original church was replaced by a larger circular structure in 1806. 

The second church was severely damaged by the Great Charleston Fire of 1861 and then leveled by the 1886 Charleston earthquake. Services were held in the much smaller parish house until a new church could be built. The current Romanesque church, completed circa 1892, was constructed using bricks from the previous structure. The church's graveyard is the city's oldest burial ground, with one monument remaining from 1695.

Charleston Market

In 1788, Charles Cotesworth Pinckney ceded the land to the City of Charleston for the express use as a public market, and he stipulated that the land must remain in use as a market for perpetuity.

To fulfill this requirement, the low buildings—sheds—that stretch from Market Hall to the waterfront were built between 1804 and the 1830s. These sheds originally housed meat, vegetable, and fish vendors; each booth rented for $1.00 per day, or $2.00 if the booth had a slab of marble used to keep the meat or fish cold. 

Once we walked the Market from end to end we decided on the Charleston Aquarium for our next stop. We had valet parking so the car was brought to the hotel entrance and from there we plotted our course. 

Mary and I always enjoy aquariums and the local zoo. We enjoyed reading about all the exhibits and seeing some of the other critters close up. 

As we walked out of the Aquarium we had a clear view of the  USS Yorktown across the Cooper River at Patriots Point.  On the way to our rental SUV we planned for an early dinner but first a quick picture shoot only at patriots point. I had walked plenty today and I didn’t feel like doing all the stairs to tour the Yorktown, maybe tomorrow.

F4 Phantom on deck

 

Time for Eats!

It was time for a late lunch early dinner so we headed back over the bridge to the waterfront to eat at the Fleet Landing restaurant. I had a fried flounder with red rice, Mary had cod with red rice and green beans. This was a first for me eating a whole fish that was fried with bone in. I learned quickly that you can’t saw into it or cut pieces off, instead, use your fork like a snow shovel and each side (squares) fall away from the bones. 

Dinner was excellent and so was the service. We each ordered key lime pie to go for the hotel room later this evening.  We’re both beat and my hips are a bit sore from all the walking. Time to call it a day and head in for some down time. 

We did get a few pictures and video of Lucy playing with the other dogs at the new to her boarding facility. She seems to be having fun exploring and making new friends. 

Wednesday 9.20

What the heck! It’s 4:05am and the garbage truck is banging around dumpsters complete with a back up alarm beeper. 

Yes, that was our wake up call. Thankfully we both fell back to sleep and managed to sleep in until 7:45. Mary asked me, was that a garbage truck this morning? Yes babe, it was really a truck at 4am. 

We are up and out the door for a quick breakfast at Toast. I decided to have bacon and cheese on one of the gigantic biscuits with a side of grits.  Mary somehow ordered all sides; eggs, grits, fruit, and rye toast. The sides came out in large bowls, my brides expression was priceless, a win for me since she shared the fruit. 

I am sore from all the walking yesterday so we decided to drive to different shops starting with antiques. Most of the shops in the historic district are very ‘proud’ of their items. We did check out a Polish pottery shop, there was many beautiful pieces on display. 

We tried to find a few of the sweets shops but could not find parking.  The two we wanted to visit most were just a short walk adjacent to the market shops across the street from our hotel. 

I handed over the keys for valet parking and headed up to the room, Mary went to check out a few shops in the market. 

I should add here while driving near the college some students wander along texting, you have to be very cautious. What was worse as we drove along the market shops I came up to a stop sign and there stood a middle aged man, face buried in his phone, right in the middle of the road. I know the Mercedes SUV is quiet but I had to beep the horn after sitting there to get this guys attention. Oh how I wish I was in my ML320 with my train horns. The dumbing down of America is a scary thing.

We hung out at the hotel until dinner. It was just a short walk to Hymans Seafood but much of the menu was fried, so we passed. Instead, we went back to the first nights selection and enjoyed our meals. 

Thursday 9.21

Rise and shine, I get to fly today. We were up early and packed, only needing to check out and put fuel in the rental. 

The TAF is calling for morning showers in the vicinity until 11am. The MOS weather shows rain ending by 8am, we shall see. My route home will be pretty much the reverse of the flight south. The rain ended by eight and it was a dry drive to the airport.

I decided to depart VFR and pick up my clearance in the air if I needed it. I did amend my route prior to departure on Foreflight, eliminating the fix CUBBY and instead going direct CRE to avoid the Charleston Class Charlie.

I could hear the radio chatter and Myrtle Beach was IFR so when I was handed off from Charleston to Myrtle I opened up my flight plan, or so I thought. The controller cleared me to my filed altitude of five thousand but I had said 5.5 when she asked. When I replied to her instructions I said maintain five thousand and she did not correct me. When I watched the video I heard myself ask for 5.5, When I was handed off to Wilmington approach they asked if I was VFR or IFR. I responded IFR but he had me in the system as VFR. With that swap of info I was once again cleared as filed maintain five thousand. I have to say that was a first for me. My take-away is that I was not clear enough in my communications and the controller was very busy.

I was watching the clouds build ahead of me and the ADS-B was painting ugliness too.  I requested direct KOOKE to skirt around the west side of all the red cell activity. The plan worked for the most part, plenty of IMC with light rain and a very smooth ride.

I logged .7 IMC, finally breaking out into VFR as we approached the CVI VOR. It felt good to relax a bit, at least until we crossed the Chesapeake Bay. Hovering over the CCV Cape Charles VOR was a line of building clouds. I asked to deviate east to do an end around and it worked. 

Eventually I was handed off to Patuxent approach for the ride north east up the Peninsula. Once I had the weather at Ocean City I canceled IFR and let down for home. 

The AWOS winds changed three times in ten minutes. Winds were 080, 110, and finally 100. I ended up crossing midfield, entering the left down wind with a circle to land runway one-four. It’s good to be home! Time to pick up Lucy and then head to the house to see the boys. 

Just an added FYI

We were scheduled to fly to Myrtle Beach for a Thursday through Saturday stay on the beach at the Wyndham. I canceled that stop prior to leaving home on Monday. The tropical storm just forming made its way to the east coast for this weekend. Thankfully we are home to ride it out. 

Garmin 480 - The Missed Approach

I spent some time today working through approaches on the Garmin 480 sim.  If not flying it’s good to keep the buttonology fresh. While looking through my How-To playlist I noticed I haven’t addressed a missed approach. The process is straight forward once descending to the decision altitude and making the go missed choice. Cram, climb, clean, cool, communicate, and with the 480 it will cycle to the missed.  

Audio and Gear Indicator Fixes

 

My last flight video lost audio, somehow I unplugged the cable. I decided to make a connection that will not unplug, which worked perfect when I tested it. I also had a left main gear indicator light go out on final after it had glowed bright green. I gave it the push test and it worked, besides I felt all three gear drop. When I powered up the plane this morning all three gear lights were bright green. I removed the bulb anyway and cleaned up the connection then reinstalled. All good to go.

Chesapeake City for Lunch

Mary and I made a last minute decision this morning to fly north to Summit (KEVY).  The plan was to borrow the courtesy car and make the short drive to the veterans memorial cemetery to visit Mary’s parents grave.  We grabbed a small American flag from the garage, flowers from Food lion, and a fresh can of WD40 from the local hardware store. 

I needed to preflight then sump since I took on fuel yesterday. Everything looked good to go and with that we climbed aboard and got the fan turning. Winds favored runway two and after completing my run up we launched. The ride north was cool at fifty-eight degrees with a few bumps along the way. I monitored Dover approach and made my calls for Summit as we approached.  I lined up for three-five and greased one on. 

We secured the plane and once checked in asked about a courtesy car to make the short drive to the cemetery. The van was in the shop but since we were making such a short drive they offered a shop truck. Mary and I were very thankful and I handed over my info to get things rolling. As I stood at the counter Frank texted me that he would pick us up. I gave Frank a quick call to let him know we were headed to the veterans cemetery then we could meet for lunch, he immediately offered to pick us up and make a stop at veterans cemetery. What a generous offer, Mary and I accepted and we were very grateful. 

photo from previous visit

Mary placed the flowers in the special container while I cleaned the bronze marker with the WD40, made it shine like new.  I placed the flag and with that said a few prayers. Mary’s mom always made me dessert so I let her know her daughter has been doing an excellent job with dessert too. We all had a good laugh. Once we finished up we drove a short distance to Bev’s parents grave. There was a flag already there and flowers. I sprayed some WD40 and Frank gave it a good rub and shine. It felt good paying respect to both our family members. 

Frank drove us to Schaefers Canal House for lunch. Frank and Mary had margaritas, Bev a Daiquiri, and the pilot a sweet tea. First things first, a toast to Jimmy Buffet since he passed Friday morning.

We ordered our lunch; Mary had crab cake, Bev had shrimp tacos, Frank had fish tacos, and I had blackened chicken tacos. We all passed on dessert instead opting for hand dipped ice cream at a local favorite, The Real McCoy. The banana pudding ice cream was fantastic. Excellent banana flavor with a creamy taste and crumble mixed in. Mary had salted caramel truffle and loved it, actually as I type this she said damn, that was good. 

We were stuffed! Frank drove us back to Summit and we finally remembered to get a group shot. I did a walk around then we saddled up. The AWOS was not working but Wilmingtons weather was reporting winds variable, so we taxied for three-five. Thanks to Frank for all the airplane shots and the start up and take off video. We left the pattern on the down wind and pointed for home. The Dover and Rehoboth TFR’s were still inactive but their times updated to 7pm vs 7:30pm.  

The ride south was bumpy with two good jolts feeling like our seats had dropped out. After two margaritas Mary slept through most of the bumps. I eventually canceled flight following with Dover and tuned CTAF at Ocean City as we set up to land on runway one-four. I made a nice landing and taxied for the hangar.  Too tired to clean up so I’ll be back tomorrow morning for cleaning and fuel. I am also going to secure the audio connections and correct the angle of the main camera.

Showing the Commander

I have been swapping text messages with a pilot located in New Jersey who is interested in the Commander Aircraft. Lester currently owns a Mooney but is looking for a bit more comfort now flying in retirement. I should note he recently had a total hip replacement and by recent I mean in the last two months. I have to say he gets around really well and I'm sure him not waiting forever to have it done helped his recovery. Of course my "dislike" for hospitals and having to be at the point of unable to walk didn't help my muscle mass. I am who I am...and have paid the price for my hard headed ways.

Lester and his son Joseph met me at Hammonton NJ, N81. It was a smooth flight across the Delaware Bay at five thousand five hundred passing just west of the Atlantic City Class Charlie. I floated a bit on landing but held off a nice wheelie, although not as long as my landings of late.

The three of us sat and enjoyed breakfast, talking airplanes and work history. Once we finished up Lester and I headed out to fly so he could test the fit and feel of the Commander 112A. I brought along a step stool that Mary and I use and it helped him climb aboard. My only complaint about the Commander is how high the step is to get in.

I taxied back out to runway three and completed my run-up then launched for a short flight. We left Hammonton and pointed towards Millville (KMIV) then to the practice area north west of Union lake. Les commented that the plane trimmed out nice, and handled very well. I said but the Mooney has a lot more snap to it, he agreed. We knocked out some steep turns and then made our way back to Hammonton. The mid-day heat was now starting to make for a bumpy ride.

Once I landed we sat and chatted a bit more then I headed for home. I knew once I had to put the plane away I was going to be soaked in sweat and tired. We have dinner plans tonight so a quick shower and some R&R before we have to leave should recharge me. 

The flight home was smooth cruising along at six thousand five hundred and 145 knots. Once midway across the Delaware Bay I made a slow and steady descent to fly just west of the local beaches. People were out worshiping the sun, it looked like ants at a picnic. 

I let down for two thousand and swapped calls with an inbound King Air. This King Air is based at OXB and the pilot is a really nice guy. I advised I would point to the beach and re-enter on the forty-five for the left down wind runway one-four. As we passed on my extended down wind I turned base and advised number two for the field. The Waco that gives rides fell in line number three and everyone played nice, as it should be.

As I figured, it was hot and I was drenched after cleaning off the bugs and placing all the covers on. I'll come back tomorrow to clean the wind screen, I was cooked. Time to head home.

Garmin 480 - VOR Test Log

I did a quick video on how to access the VOR test log info so you can update your Garmin 480. Since I did it in the hangar it had a bit of glare so I'm taking a few screen shots of the simulation even though it does not let me access the "Test Log" info.

First click on the VOR button 

Next, click on the MENU/ENTER  button

Click on the TEST LOG button

Click on the EDIT button then push the CURSOR knob and rotate the outer and inner knob to fill the the test log fields.

Rubber Ducky

CRISFIELD, Md. - The Worlds largest rubber duck will soon be waddling its way to Crisfield. The town is expecting thousands to come out for the three day visit and the duck is already the talk of the town. At 6 story's tall and around 15 tons, the inflatable rubber duck surpasses the height from peoples condo balconies. The duck is expected to bring residents and tourists from all over.

Mary and I decided we would fly out of Ocean City and cut across the peninsula to the town of Crisfield so we could get a few pictures of the rubber duck. I set up my new camera that shoots in 4k on the tail tie down, and set up my usual over the shoulder cockpit view.

Ocean City was very busy with school planes and jet traffic with all the hoity-toities leaving after the fishing tournament. I guess that's not a fair statement at all so lets push that label to some of the jet pilot crews trying to dictate departures. People are people and if I had the $$ I would be departing the same way.

Once I had the fan turning we taxied out for runway two-zero, the favored runway for the winds at the time. I could have used one-four and had a crosswind component, but I wanted to stay clear of the jets. I was number one for two-zero and had to taxi around from the hold short to pick up clearance delivery and a super secret squawk code thanks to Biden being in town. Once I had the code secure I switched back to CTAF and made my call for departing two zero. One of the jet crew pilots let me know she was trying contact me then let me know they were all trying to contact me and being on with clearance delivery was not an excuse. Hey, I was number one and jets have no priority over bug smashers, this is an uncontrolled field. My response to the pilot giving me crap was, good for you. 

I launched for Crisfield and on climb out contacted Patuxent Approach for flight following. More on the departing jets when we return home.

We came up empty over Crisfield, rubber ducky was a big flat puddle in the parking lot. Well that sucked. I made my turn for Accomack and cut across the bay. I cancelled the flight following with Pax and let down for Accomack. After crossing midfield I entered the left down wind for runway two-one and greased one on.

 

I secured 3 Tango Charlie and headed in for a courtesy car. I advised I'll take fuel when we get back from breakfast. The courtesy car was a Cadillac Escalade. The ride was nice and in seven miles we were pulling up to Janet's General Store and Café.

Today there was no pretty awnings or comfy benches to rest upon, instead the windows were covered and the place was permanently closed. We were so disappointed. I turned the SUV around and headed back to main street to try and find another place to eat. I'll admit I found a good parking place and from there we saw the Bizzotto's Gallery Café'. We crossed the street and gave it a shot.

Gallery café'? Okay, lets give it a try. The place was very nicely laid out and I like that they kept the original tin ceiling tiles, I just like the old school look.

We were the first in for lunch and of course the service was excellent. Mary ordered veal parmigiana and I ordered the chicken parm. I drank ice tea, have to do the pilot stuff, and Mary had a Pino Noir. Typically Mary doesn't care for a red wine but she really enjoyed this wine with lunch.

My Chicken Parm

Mary's Veal Parm

I'm not a big sauce guy, ate it my whole life, and I forgot to ask for light sauce. I was pleasantly surprised when I ate the pasta, the sauce was very good, perfect taste.  We were both too full for dessert and with that settled the check.  Mary did ask the two ladies sitting close to us if they were locals and they said yes. She asked what happened to Janet's Café. They both spoke up telling Mary that Janet retired and nobody wanted to continue with the business. At least she went out on her terms, we both wish her well in retirement.

The Gallery 

Heading Home

We retraced our steps back across the street but we saw a bakery. Don't be ridiculous, of course we stopped. I went to start the SUV and get the AC on and my bride came back with a half dozen donuts, atta girl.

It's just a seven mile hop back to the airport with a stop to top off the vehicle. Mary and I had a nice time chatting with the line guys, both men were very nice. The one gentleman said "you found the bakery" as we walked in. Yes we did and a new to us restaurant.

I got the fan turning for the short taxi to the pumps for some $6.03 a gallon 100LL. Once I took on my twenty-two gallons Mary climbed aboard and we taxied clear for a Cessna that just came for fuel. 

I launched for home having to pick up flight following and the special code to get back into the outter ring of the TFR.  A quick uneventful hop and we're home. Just pushed the plane in the hangar, she'll get the debug, covers, and battery hook up tomorrow morning.

The Rest of the Story

Back to the Jet crew lady that gave me a hard time. Once I shut down a friend came over to meet us. He had been monitoring the radio when we left and agreed I was number one and the jet pilot was a bit over the top. The line guys had to deal with the mess all morning and at one time they had eleven planes lined up. Guess who was complaining, yep the jet crews. The best part was the jet pilot that was giving me crap had left her phone on the wing of her plane and it fell off and may have been runover by another aircraft leaving the ramp, it was destroyed. Karma's a bitch. I wish I could have been there to take her call looking for the phone. 

Lunch Date St. Michaels, MD.

My last flight time was June 19th. Yikes! It's been a minute. With some vacation trips coming up Mary and I thought we should get some air time. I could use the flight time to knock off a bit of rust and Mary wanted to do lunch.

 
With the Cambridge restaurant closed and Easton's café' temporarily closed we figured on lunch in St. Michaels. We both like Limoncello so I'll surprise my bride with Italian for lunch.

Weather is looking great for our flights so we will be in the air around 11am and make the thirty-five minute hop to Easton (KESN). I'll either grab a courtesy car or a rental to make our way into St. Michaels.

The Flight

It’s a busy morning at OXB with school planes and White Marlin Open traffic. Jets and King Airs are starting to fill up the ramp along with drop and go missions for each of the above mentioned.

I taxied out for three two, completed my run up and launched for Easton. Temps on the ground hovered just over eighty and at three thousand sat at sixty-five. The Easton ATIS called out runway three-three so that would be a straight in. I made a nice landing and taxied to Maryland Air to secure the plane. Courtesy car was first come first serve so we had to do a rental to get into town. It was 8.7 miles each direction to downtown and our place of choice for lunch.

Lunch

We did not have a reservation at Lemoncello but there were tables open. Mary ordered lobster ravioli and I had risotto with shrimp. The food was very good, and filling. We finished up and decided to check out a few shops then head back to the airport. I returned the rental to the tune of $45 and headed out to the ramp. 

Return Flight Home

We climbed aboard and got the fan turning, it was getting warm. Thankfully we did have a good breeze today that made it somewhat comfortable on the ramp and in the plane prior to start up. I picked up the current ATIS and called for my taxi clearance. Easton ground and tower were busy, and did a great job dealing with school Cessna's and jets.

I was cleared for takeoff and launched for home, making a left turnout for a downwind departure. The ride was smooth and the Patuxent Approach frequency was busy. I saw Mary nod off and quickly ask about traffic call outs. What amazes me is that she can wake up and call out the traffic immediately. 

I made my call at ten miles with intentions to join the left downwind for three-two like all the school planes and Marlin Open jets and twins. As we made our way in I heard a Sundowner call with his intentions, shooting the RNAV GPS 14 approach. I swapped calls as did others to try and let this guy know the active was three-two. I know, it's an uncontrolled field Boo-Hoo, get in line with the others, it's VFR for Gods sake and it's busy. What made it worse he was calling out fixes on the approach, no miles out, no time out, or direction, and nothing on how the approach would terminate. For all I knew he had every intention of landing. Maybe we all should have just turned south, fly away, then re-enter once the Sundowner sorted it all out. Why would anyone shoot approaches at such a busy place and the opposite direction of traffic, clueless. 

I was happy to get the plane on the ground. I will debug tomorrow, plug in the battery minder and secure the covers. 1.1 in the book and a great day with my bride getting us out of the house for the afternoon along with an excellent lunch. 

I’m IFR current once again! I took advantage of the Ocean Aviation sim, and had a very good CFII, Ryan, for todays session.  

I flew three RNAV GPS approaches here at KOXB, an ILS at KSBY, and two RNAV GPS approaches at KLRO Mt. Pleasant South Carolina, in prep for our Charleston vacation.  

I flew the Cessna with the G1000 avionics set up for some extra pressure, too many bells and whistles for me. 😉 I hand flew all six approaches and the sim is still good for the next pilot up.

Summer and Fall Plans

It has been a hot and wet July here in Ocean City MD. Thunder boomers have been in the forecast just about everyday. It's just not worth pulling the plane out to sweat like crazy to bore holes in the sky.

Mary and I have been looking for places to visit and explore while we remain cool here at home. The plan to attend the BAC Fest in OSH was abandoned since there wasn't a lot to do or great places to eat. I would have liked to tour Lambeau field again but other than that not much excited us. We canceled our room at the on field Hilton and looked for new destinations. The Commander group (COG) selected Boyne Mountain in Michigan for their annual get together. Unfortunately it's one week after BAC Fest. We did not want to hang around that long and be away from the zoo, so we won't be attending the COG event either.

I will also need to schedule some time in the sim or hope for a nice day and a safety pilot to extend my Instrument currency beyond July.  My friend Mike B and his bride Kim will be overnighting here the end of the month but I don't think Mike and I will have time to fly.  

My medical is due by the end of August so I have that scheduled the first week of the month. With the crazy temps and wet summer Mary and I will plan a get-away up north, maybe Niagara Falls, or maybe back to the Boston area. September is looking better for our travels with a week away in Charleston followed up by a few days in a beach front condo in Grand Strand.  October or November could see a trip to Galveston Texas for a week away and a chance to knock out another HGTV location, Restoring Galveston.

Recently the COG group did change the location for the annual event since they could not secure enough rooms at the Boyne Mountain location. The new location will be Dayton Ohio. I was excited to attend and sit in on the service clinics but the timing is not going to work for us. We will be coming home from vacation on the second day of the fly in and I'm not up for an immediate turn around even though it's a short hop. 

For now we concentrate on Charleston and all the exciting things to do there. Our reservations are locked in and I only need to secure a rental car for both vacation stops.

Annual 2023 Part 2

Friday, June 2nd

I have been searching for a nose gear forward right hinge to replace my worn hinge. I'm not sure what caused the hinge to rub because the bearing is intact. The only thing that could have caused it was an improper alignment. Pictured below is the Parts catalog blow up drawing.

I asked the shop for any pictures they may have had and they sent a picture of each hinge configuration. In one of the pictures, I'd bet the right forward, you can clearly see the alignment where it's up against the connecting bracket. 

Correct Spacing on hinge

Forward hinge rub 

Aerodyme had a nose gear door hinge forward right in stock. The hinge was not bent where it connects to the gear door. I will have to have the shop bend the hinge on a sheet metal brake machine. I also ordered one bearing set parts number 3 and 5 on the above drawing. I was thankful that Jim Richards called to discuss my issue and his help resolving the problem. Also a shout out to Billy and Connor at the New Garden shop for their info and pictures, thanks guys.

Tuesday, June 13th

Good news! The paint shop is finished with the lower cowl and it’s in transit to the shop and my plane. Mary and I made a surprise visit to check on 3 Tango Charlie’s progress. 

The annual itself was good to go, completed, and they were finishing up with the wing root seal. The MP gauge was not gummed up, instead, the needle was stuck. The shop swapped out the gauge I purchased and provided, and now it’s also good to go. The USB ports were installed and the IFR cert will be completed tomorrow or Thursday. I should be able to fly 3 Tango Charlie home on Friday or Saturday. 

On our return trip to Ocean City, Mary and I made a stop for lunch at Mission BBQ in Dover Delaware. I had the traditional pulled pork sandwich and Mary had the pulled chicken with coleslaw and fries. We split the fries and they were very good. Lucy was happy to see us and we were glad to be home and off the road.

Saturday, June 17th

I got the call, it's time to bring 3 Tango Charlie home!  My friend and fellow pilot Charles G is in town for business and will be ground pounding home this morning, I’m catching a ride to New Garden.

When we arrived at new garden the seats still needed to be installed and the bottom cowl, which looked great sporting new paint. I was told a couple of more hours so Charles and I headed to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza for lunch.  The food and service was excellent. I had sausage, peppers, and onions on pita bread, very good eats. 

We returned to the airport and the last item was the seat install, a real PITA.  Any Commander owner will verify that last statement. With the seats installed 3 Tango Charlie was tugged out to the ramp. Scott cleaned off the windows and any fingerprints on the top and bottom cowl. 

Before

After

It took a bit of work to get the fan turning. At the initial start it sounded flooded but then sounded like not getting enough fuel. I restarted with a richer mixture setting and 3 Tango Charlie just purred right along.  Once I had some heat in the oil I did a run up followed by pulling the power and shutting down. No leaks found during the inspection and with that I was given the all clear. Yes, I Checked all control surfaces, inspection panels and seat track lock pins. 

I started up and taxied for runway two-four. With another run up completed and take off configuration set I rolled down the runway. With no runway left in view I selected gear up. No in transit light and still showing three green. I selected gear down and the pump shut off. I checked the breaker although I did confirm the pump running and remained in the pattern for a low pass check. Scott was on the hand held and confirmed three down and locked, confirming what my panel was showing me. I climbed out and made another circuit this time checking the emergency dump valve. It’s hard to see since it’s tucked in the center lower console and just below my right knee. Fly the plane is first on the list but I manage an E dump check and called it good.

Should be in the upper cut out

I made a “fun” landing in the twenty knot direct crosswind, ride em’ cowboy. I taxied in front of the shop so Scott could remove the dash pad to check the wiring for the in transit light. The connection was switched and verified, we were ready to try again. Instead we decided on going back up on jack stands for a better look at the nose gear doors and trouble shoot the gear. 

Scott saved me the climb in and out and took left seat. He went through all the same checks but stopped on the E dump. Scott asked if I left it in the down position, I respond no, just checked to confirm it was in the correct position. It was down and locked as if it was in use. What? I guess after the shop cycled the gear that’s how it was left. Well crap! The dump valve was reset and just like that we did multiple gear swings with no issues. 

Take two! Another start up and run up before departing on runway two- four. Scott positioned his truck at the far end of two four to watch the gear come up. Once again with no runway left I selected gear up. The in transit glowed, the pump ran for 10-12 seconds, and three gear came up confirming with three pretty green lights extinguished. I was heading for home. 

I departed late enough to miss the Philadelphia TFR but now Dover was active. I picked up flight following with a special squawk code and continued for the beach and final TFR. Multiple hand offs along the way, two Philly, one Potomac, Dover, and finally Patuxent. I heard Charles and his bride Lisa just eighteen minutes behind me checking in. I made a nice landing and taxied for the hangar. Mary was already there and was opening the hangar door. I shut down, climbed out, gave my bride a kiss and a hug followed by pushing 3 Tango Charlie into the hangar. I did clean the bugs off but left all my books, cameras, and flight bag in the plane. I’ll get everything sorted out tomorrow. Now it’s time for dinner with Charles and Lisa at the Pines Eatery and Pub. 

Annual Numbers:

I had additional work done on 3 Tango Charlie to include; R&R wing root seal, R&R MP/FF Gauge, install dual USB power supplies and adapters, R&R lower cowl for Repaint. My ELT battery was also due and that's a four year life lithium battery pack ($$). 

Checking on 3 Tango Charlie

It’s been a long relaxing Memorial holiday weekend. I know most folks do backyard BBQ’s but growing up our family always honored fallen service members and remembered family members who had passed. It was a ritual of sorts, the men were up early and visiting multiple cemeteries making sure everything looked perfect and placing the specific flower basket in the right place. Following the landscape phase we went and showered then dressed for a day visiting graves. I remember standing at each military gun salute and picking up spent brass. I also remember the fire departments along Main Street intersections passing the boot to each car for donations. Strange the memories that stick with you after all the years gone by. 

Thursday, June 1st

Mary and I decided to drive to Wilmington.  Mary wanted to pick up a painting at her sister in laws home that I didn’t pick up last week.  In all fairness I wasn’t told about the pick up and Lynn must have forgotten.

The first stop is to  check on 3 Tango Charlie. I had a brief phone conversation with the airport and shop manager on Tuesday discussing the Commander elevator inspection. I wanted to follow up and check on progress, hopefully catching the wing root seal install and/or the MP/FF gauge replacement.  

I’m not sure if the gear swing has been completed. I was told the annual inspection was pretty much complete. After looking over the plane I didn’t see any of my squawk list items addressed.  Needless to say I wasn’t very happy. I dropped off my old log books as requested and then headed towards Wilmington. 

We decided on lunch at Pizza by Elizebeth. Mary had the Hasselbeck; Original tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian meatballs, provolone & parmesan cheese. I had the Davis; Spicy blackened chicken, bacon, cheddar, and provolone, drizzled with honey-mustard sauce. 

We picked up the Paul Scarborough oil painting and sat and chatted a bit. I refilled our drinks with ice and with that we got on the road south for home.

Lucy was on her own for seven hours and was a very good girl. I did catch her on camera curling up on my seat on the leather couch. I activated the mic feature and reminded her I was watching and to get off the couch. Lucy looked around and  slowly made her way to her bed.

Lucy did get her revenge and decided to cover the great room floor with her version of confetti. My “attention” stick, an old (circa 1990’s) tall tv guide wrapped in electrical tape was everywhere. Now please understand I never hit her with this but when any dog I’ve owned doesn’t give me their immediate attention when I give a command I will wack it on a table or couch and the noise it makes…well, it gets their attention. We had also left this months Parkes Bench News booklet on the couch but that didn’t even have a dog eared corner. I believe Lucy’s act was clearly directed at me. Maybe the cats put her up to it since they have been on the receiving end of long range attention getter bombings. 

Just like this mornings ride it was two hours home. I sure miss my plane when making the  run back and forth to Wilmington.