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.

Annual 2023 Part 1

It's that time of year and once again annual is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23rd. I covered my squawk list on a previous post and have compiled the necessary items to be replaced or repaired. 

Instead of arriving on Tuesday morning I will fly up Monday to leave the plane, parts, and keys at the shop at New Garden, N57. I already called to add a Monday to my car rental and Mary added Monday to the room reservation. I will drive over to my sisters house early Tuesday so we can head north to Wilkes-Barre to attend my Aunt Erma's funeral.

It's hard to believe that all blood aunts and uncles are gone on both sides of the family. I can still see and hear my aunt and my mom sitting together and laughing so hard they are both in tears and no voice coming out of either one of them,as they try to catch their breath. As in any Italian family you can not visit without eating something, maybe cookies, maybe home cured meats (Lonsa), even a porchetta sandwich (Erma's was the very best.) Great memories with family and of my mom with her sister. 

Monday

My preflight was completed Sunday and I am ready to head north to New Garden, N57. I decided to fly VFR and pick up flight following with Dover approach.

The ride north was smooth but hazy as I contacted Dover then eventually was handed off to Philly approach. I cancelled once clear of Wilmington’s Delta airspace and let down for New Garden.  

Hertz delivered my rental and I was soon off to check in at the Montchanin Inn. Mary had me drop off gifts for the great nephews and it was nice to catch up with sister-in-law Lynn.

My sister and her husband invited me over for dinner and dessert. It’s always fun catching up and having good laughs. Dinner was excellent, great job Dave, and Denise made a very tasty coconut cream pie. 

Tuesday

Honest, there will be annual info and pictures soon. I was up early to shower and get dressed for my aunts funeral. I hitched a ride with my sister, arriving at their house by 6:30am. The trip north to Wilkes-Barre was two hours and twenty minutes to the church. The service was excellent and I wish that priest was at our church. Following the service we headed to the Italian cemetery where my aunt was buried next to my uncle Walter which is  right next to my parents. Many memories of my Mom and Dad came rushing back in my mind and the family stories flowed as we walked through to visit my grandparents grave and other aunts and uncles. I can remember when they all bought the plots joking how it would be a party on the other side, well I hope that was the case today.

Wednesday 

My first day of taking part in 3 Tango Charlie’s annual! My lower cowling was sent out to a shop to be painted, hopefully it won’t take too long. 

I removed the elevator inspection plates, tail cone cover and the dorsal fin. I helped remove the front seats, what a PIA. 

Gear plumbing and hydraulic pressure switches

Flap Actuator  

Hydraulic gear check valve

When inspecting the nose gear doors I found a rub on one of the connecting hinges. It needs to be replaced, or a doubler added. 

Nose gear hinge

The ELT was removed and the battery expiration is noted as 08-2023 so a new battery will be ordered. While removing the battery pack there was a foam type spacer that was removed to provide a better access to the battery wire connection on the circuit board. Check out the label…who did that to require such a warning?

I stuck around long enough to find out my engine  compressions were all in the high seventies. With that noted I called it a day and headed out to lunch, then the hotel to watch the Phillies baseball game.

Thursday

With plenty of rest last night I made an early start for the shop. I walked in as the oil change started. The screen was removed and looked good as well as the filter.  

Flexible funnel

I have been working the phone trying to find a gear door hinge, should have news this afternoon. 

The A&P that worked on my plane last year will be in tomorrow to do the inspections to include the few items in my squawk list. I’m headed back to the hotel to have lunch and pack up for my departure tomorrow. I’ll return when the plane is complete and ready to go, most likely waiting on the paint shop at Smoketown to finish my lower cowl.

Friday

Packed and loaded up the rental, heading to the airport. Charles offered to fly me home and the rental company will release me from the last four days of my reservation, win win. I’m not sure what I was thinking when I hatched this rental plan but I did forget it was memorial weekend.  What a nightmare it would have been driving south to the beach and then returning up north next week. Obviously a CRS moment. 

Charles and I headed south around lunch and it was a very nice flight. Some bumps along the way but the view was worth it. When asked if I wanted to fly I politely refused, instead, wanting to take in the view I typically don't get to see when left seat.

Big time shout out to Charles G for offering me a ride home, I wasn't in any shape to make that drive as bad as I was feeling. Thanks for the save!

Buttonology and Proficiency

I have been working on proficiency when it comes to the buttonology of my Stec 60-2 autopilot, and my Garmin 480 GPS. 

Today was a quick hop in the bumps to shoot the RNAV GPS 4 approach into Delaware Coastal, KGED. Purely on autopilot and the Stec performed flawlessly. I wanted to shoot at least one more but didn’t want to ride the rodeo horse to get it done. 

I broke off my approach into GED and pointed for Ocean City, OXB. A fun day in the air and it got the oil pumping too. 

 

Captured from FlightAware

I hope to get a few more flights in before annual on the 23rd of this month at New Garden, N57. 

My Squawk List

Annual 2021

With annual just a couple of weeks away I am fine tuning my squawk list of items I want addressed. Lets get right to that list.

Commander N453TC Squawk List 

1. IFR CERT (Needs to be scheduled)
2. WING ROOT SEAL (I have wing root seal – 25ft silicone product)
3. MP/FF GAUGE CLEAN/REPLACE  (I have replacement gauge if original snubber valve doesn’t clean up)
4. PAINT BOTTOM COWL  (I have paint for cowl)
5. AUDIO ALERTS ASPEN  (do not hear any alert tones)
6. HARD WIRE USB POWER POINTS  (I would like two (2) additional USB power points installed)

(1)The IFR Cert can be done at the shop if they have their equipment back in time, if not, I'll schedule FlyAdvanced Avionics to come up and get it done. 

(2) I purchased 25 feet of wing root seal from aircraft spruce. It's a new material, silicone, and it's supposed to be easier to install. We shall see. The silicone seal is 3/16" wider then the typical overlap section which should provide better coverage.

(3) Manifold Pressure/Fuel Flow gauge. I had some trouble with this gauge back in August of 2019 and had the guys at Cecil aero removed it, cleaned the oil clogged snubber valve, tested it, and reinstalled. I've had no issues until recently.  Just in case I purchased another gauge that was working when removed from another Commander owner/pilot. I gave some thought to going digital but I rather not spend an additional $1500.

(4) The bottom cowl needs to be painted to fix the chip that came off during 3 Tango Charlie's last spa day. The shop spray booth is pretty busy but I hope they can work me in while in annual. I do have all three colors for the repaint that I chased down after purchasing the plane.

(5) I want to get the audio alerts working on my Aspen and Autopilot. Currently my minimums blink and change color, and my auto pilot disconnect does nothing to alert me. We'll see what can be done.

(6) Additional USB power points. I would like two additional power points installed. One on the top panel, above my audio panel, next to my bluetooth device, and the other on the top of my glare shield that stays intact, closer to the windscreen. Obviously one to power the bluetooth Taotronics device so I don't have to recharge and the other to power my video cameras for front view and crew cam.

That should wrap up my wish list, we shall see how they all play out during annual. I'll be attending the annual but as far as taking part I think I'm past those days of crawling around.

Garmin 480- Adding a Waypoint

A quick buttonology review for me on my legacy Garmin 480 GPS. I figured while doing the sim practice time I would knock out a short how-to video on the subject, and add it to my YouTube playlist.