St. Simons Island, Georgia

 

One Week Out

This morning I had to cancel our Hertz rental in St. Simons Island GA. Just to recap, I broke my wrist on August 4th and was told 8-12 weeks if everything heals as it should, if not surgery time. Thankfully the scaphoid bone is showing signs of healing and I can remain in a hard splint. Unfortunately, I am still grounded.

What was going to be a fun flying week will now be an extended ground pounding session. We are planning to depart Ocean City on the 16th at 3am arriving at the Ocean Inn & Suites around 2pm just ahead of check in. the trip will take 10 hours and 30 minutes, and works out to 695 miles.

Departure Day 9.16

Rise and shine...it's 3 am and time to hit the road. For this Georgia get-away we are going to take our new to us Porsche Cayenne. Time to give the new kid a road test, besides, new blue can rest up since she will be the ride of choice when we head to Florida in January. Old blue will rest easy in the hangar and enjoy her partial retirement alongside 3 Tango Charlie.

We have the Porsche packed, fueled, and fresh off her recent Maryland inspection. The only thing we need to do this morning is pack the snacks and water.

The trip down to Peninsula was very quiet. When the sun finally came up, it was overcast most of the way. We made a fuel stop just east of Emporia finding an Exxon for 2.88 a gallon and and took on 10 to top off. We ran into some weather, heading down through Virginia and came upon one really bad accident. A large SUV went through the guard rail and almost stood up on the left front quarter panel up against the trees no idea what happened to the people. Continued on from that point south and I ran with two trucks a large 18 wheeler with our given nickname big red and a hot shot dually Dodge pick up pulling an empty car trailer. The three of us ran really well together. Into the Carolinas traffic backed up and we crawled along for about 40 minutes, there was another SUV coming northbound that went into the median, rolled over on its left side into the trees and caught fire. I’m talking a big fire. I was driving so I didn’t really get to see much but you couldn’t miss the flames. Mary said she saw a family standing not too far away from the accident scene and the fire department was there so hopefully they’re all fine.

We arrived in Saint Simons Island about 12 hours from our departure time. We were up at 3 AM left at 3:30 and we got into Saint Simons about 4pm. We walked right into the hotel and checked in and then went to find some dinner. 

For dinner, we decided on Georgia Sea Grill. We got one of the last reservations at 5:30, the place filled up rather quickly. Mary had the scallops over a medley of Sweet Potato, Farro, White Rice Peas, Wilted Spinach, and Basil Aioli. The scallops were large and Mary said it was delicious. 

I had the blackened flounder over Charleston Gold Blue Crab Rice, Carrots, Green Onion, and Citrus Soy Aioli, it was excellent. 

We decided on dessert, Mary had chocolate cheesecake and I had bourbon pecan pie with vanilla gelato. Neither Mary or I could finish our dessert, just too much food.

Exploration 9.17

After our long drive yesterday and very filling dinner, we slept in until 7:30 this morning. Across the street from our dinner choice last night was a breakfast place Called Mallery Street Café, we decided to check it out. 

Mary had apple crêpes with a cream cheese drizzle and the apples were fresh cut. It looked awesome and Mary said it tasted delicious. Yours truly had the conventional two eggs over medium hash-browns with fried onions and cheese and a biscuit. The hash browns were very crispy. Mary even had some and liked them, and the biscuit was large and awesome.

Once we finished breakfast, we decided to head north and check out the Fort Frederica National Park.  At least we could walk off some of our breakfast.

Fort Frederica was once a thriving British town and fort founded in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe. The Fort was designed to defend the northern colonies against Spanish attack. 

After exploring Fort Frederica, we watched about a 20 minute video that talked about the history of the fort and the people there. The short piece did a great job explaining the area and all the goings on.

After spending time at Fort Frederica, we headed south and made a stop at the Red Fern Village. There were various shops to explore and plenty of restaurants. Since it was just about 1 PM, we decided to stop for lunch at Bubba Garcia’s, a great little Mexican place. 

Mary had a shrimp taco with a pineapple salsa and I had I had a carne asada, marinated steak with onions and cilantro. Both dishes were very good.

On the way back to the hotel, we made a slight detour since the lighthouse is not far from where we’re staying. I went out on the edge of beach and took a picture. It’s a beautiful area and the waterfront was very clean.

Mary and I tried Del Sur for dinner. The restaurant was just around the corner from our hotel on the street that leads to the pier. Service and food were very good. I had rigatoni bolognese, my bride had salmon. No dessert tonight. We checked out the shops leading to the pier then made one stop to pick up a battery for my key fob.

Heading to Augusta 9.18

We were up early and checked out, deciding on breakfast at Mallery’s before driving to Augusta. 

Yes, we are headed to Augusta GA for the Commander Owners Group Annual Event. More on this event in my next post.

Time For a New Ride

We decided it was time to retire my Mercedes Benz ML320, she will be resting in the hangar for now after 250k miles of faithful service. Fear not, I still have plans for my old blue. 

Today Mary and I purchased a Porsche Cayenne to be my new ride. We are awaiting delivery scheduled for Monday.

               

Garmin 480 - Create/Edit Checklists

 

The Garmin 480 will store 8 checklists with 100 lines each. This is an overview of the procedure to set up and edit a checklist.

In order to activate a completed checklist click on the CHK function to view the list. Highlight the list you want then hit ENT/Menu. As each item is completed push CHCK to move down the list. When finished push LIST to choose the next checklist.

Garmin 480 - System Configuration

 

Garmin 480 - Map Data Set-up

 

From Map 1 select map 2-4 with the large outer courser knob. These three maps have selectable data fields. Push Menu/Enter and then NAV DATA, then a SEL DATA key is available. Push the SEL DATA and the courser will highlight the first data field name. You can scroll through the options with the small inner couser knob. Have fun exploring the many options available for your flying experience.

Grounded!

 

Garmin 480 - Monitor Feature

Garmin 480 - Monitor

ForeFlight Dynamic Procedures

Information is from the ForeFlight Web Page

Streamlined workflow with a procedure sidebar

The new Dynamic Procedures sidebar provides a clean, collapsible information display panel with all of the information necessary to brief and fly an instrument approach in one place. Because it is context-aware, it presents just the information you need in a highly structured and streamlined format, and integrates other existing features like 3D View to provide value above and beyond any pre-composed chart.

Exciting features of the Dynamic Procedures sidebar include:

• Change Approach and Hide Chart buttons make it easy to view or hide the sidebar and access other approach options with a single tap.
• A consolidated briefing strip pins essential procedure information to the top for easy access.
• Communication frequencies are clearly organized for quick reference.
• Notes are intelligently filtered to show only the information that applies to your current approach.
• The dynamic route display provides heading and distance metrics, per-segment speed and altitude restrictions, as well as additional notes for special segments like course reversals and arcs. 
• Integrated 3D Airport view allows the user to preview the runway environment and approach lighting systems from two simulated perspectives. Toggle between Approach Lights and Short Final views, and quickly open the airport in the full 3D view to switch between night and day modes, providing a complete picture of the runway’s approach lighting configuration as well as local terrain and obstacles.   

Plane Wash

 

Following our annual we had some interior work done to upgrade our seats. New foam, leather and sheepskin inserts.  How do the seats feel? Amazing! The lumbar support is a win and with fresh foam the ride is really comfortable.  

Since annual was completed she was tugged over to the interior shop. We only had seats and a armrest done so our girl had to sit outside for two weeks. Wow, the birds and the wx really left 3 Tango Charlie a mess.  Today I fixed that, she is now clean and happy.

Interior Upgrade

 Interior Upgrade

Out with the old

Mary and I decided it was time to update our seats. The foam is pretty much shot and it would be nice to upgrade. We also wanted the center console pad to be updated with new foam and leather. After talking with Jon we decided to go all out and replace the original blue check fabric portion with sheepskin. Jon recommended the new interior shop on the field to do the work. Mary and I had a nice chat with Roberto(shop owner)and he gave us a few options. What a nice man, he was so easy to work with. Roberto is going to remove the seats while the plane is in the shop awaiting an IFR cert and knock out the seat frame restoration and when materials arrive the seats will be completed. 

Road Trip

Mary and I were planning on attending my great niece Brooke's graduation party so we are headed north. Our first stop is at New Garden, N57 to check on the plane and pay the invoice for 3 Tango Charlie's annual. Next we decided to meet with Roberto (Roberto Aircraft Interiors) to get a peek at the new seats and get a completion date. I will still need to schedule transportation back to N57 to take 3 Tango Charlie home. 

New foam w/ lumbar support

It was nice to meet Roberto and discuss the seats and headrest custom stitching. The foam for the seats is complete. The new padding with bolsters and lumbar support should make for a nice comfortable ride. The only downside was seeing our baby tied down outside, that’s a first. On a positive note we got to see the plane cover for the very first time. 

Roberto sent a few pictures of the progress. Everything will wrap up this week and we hope to fly home Friday or Saturday 

A before and after pic of the interior. Not a great shot of the old but it's all I could find. We had the front seats and the center console (padded armrest) updated. The shop quoted me a good price to door all the door cards, window trim, and headliner if we get it done in October.  We’re giving it serious thought. 

Annual 2025

Annual

3 Tango Charlie is tucked in the shop at New Garden for her annual inspection. I dropped the plane off on Friday and work began on Monday morning. Mary and I headed north in order to check on the progress. 

Our ride north on SR1 was an adventure. I was doing 70 with traffic when two cars blasted on by like I was parked, absolutely crazy. The best was a white Honda changing lanes like the frogger game obviously trying to advance through the traffic. I said to MAry I wish there was a cop around to bust these crazies. Sure enough maybe ten minutes up the road sat the white honda with a Delaware State Trooper parked behind him with the lights flashing. My day is now complete, justice served. Good job DSP.

Speaking of roads, the new access road to the airport has been repaved, what a smooth ride. The new road made for a good start for me, having done miles of paving in my construction days. Mary decided to wait in the SUV while I investigated the airplane inspection process. 3 Tango Charlie was just getting ready to be let down from the jack stands following the completion of the gear swing test. I asked if an emergency drop was done and if the reservoir will be checked. I received a yes to both questions. 

I asked how the inspection was coming along since I no longer do owner assist. Actually the last few years it's been more of owner watch, ask questions, offer Commander advice since I can't crawl around in and out of the plane any longer. I was told she's in great shape and pretty much done. 3 Tango Charlie  did have one cylinder give a very low reading on the initial compression test but the engine was cold when tested. The plan was to do the leak test and let 3 TC run to warm up. Once the retest was done the questionable cylinder, number 2, came up from mid 40's to 75/80. That's a relief!

Hinge pin (10)

I have a loose gear door hinge/pin on my left main. I have been monitoring the play in the hinge and it's time to address the issue. The shop also noted a bit of oil seepage from the number 1 cylinder rocker panel so they replaced the gasket. I needed a tail nav light replaced. The oil was changed and camguard added. I appreciate the shop adding the camguard for me since I forgot to bring it with me for annual. 3 Tango Charlie was also due for an IFR cert and that was completed with everything checking out perfect. All AD's were complied with, the most important is the elevator spar checks. Here's the breakdown.

Next up the interior upgrade!!

Garmin 480 - The Diversion

 

 

This video is a review on how to set up the Garmin 480 for a diversion. I stumbled through this on my recent flight review but quickly recovered with a nearest selection and then direct. Hope this helps all you 480 users! I had to review the ActFP vs DB selection. Buttonology requires practice so we don't lose our skills. Fly Safe!

Reposition for Annual

Once again it's that time of year...Commander 3 Tango Charlie is heading off to annual. The weather was not looking good for an early flight over the weekend and there were airshow TFR's. My start day on Monday looks even worse, although no TFR's to contend with. 

I tried to coordinate with Charles G for a possible ride home today but he is land locked due to ramp and taxiway paving. My hangar neighbor Chet is headed to New York. Hmmm...I may have to rent a car. Charles said he would ask his instructor who is always looking to fly if he would drop me off here at Ocean City. Julian and I traded text messages and then a call, agreeing to meet at N57 early morning.

I got up around 5:15 and wandered around trying to fully wake up. I had set out my airplane log book (Adlog) and a small bag to carry my ADSB in, a few cameras, battery brick and iPad. I loaded up my SUV and headed to the airport. I had to complete my preflight and sump my fuel. I was ready to start up so I texted Julian to let him know I was getting ready to go and my flight time to New Garden N57 would be 45 minutes. Julian acknowledged. 

I picked up flight following with Dover and rode along in the smooth air Canadian smoke. It was just as bad as my flight review flights. Dover handed me off to Philly as I watched Julian take off from Summitt. The timing was perfect as I crossed midfield to enter the left downwind for runway 6 and Julian soon followed. I made a nice landing and taxied to the shop to shut down and secure. 

Once my log book was handed off along with a spare key set I headed out and climbed aboard the mighty Warrior. The ride took a bit longer but it was smooth. It felt odd being shoulder to shoulder when the Commander has so much room. Nonetheless I was very appreciative of the ride. Julian and I enjoyed the ride chatting airplanes, airlines, and CFI/student teaching practices. It was good to hear the view from the other side. I was so happy to hear that he teaches safety and courtesy, common sense stuff. I was also happy to hear that he teaches a sound departure brief and his students will benefit from that practice. I told him about my accident and that my training saved our lives. I talked about my PPL and instrument instructors and what they drilled into me. I also explained about my friend Mike B. Mike was the driving force in making me a safer pilot and as much as I hate to admit it, I really miss his torture sessions.

Julian nailed the landing at Ocean City, slow and smooth. After topping off the fuel we parted ways. I thanked him again and offered seat time in the Commander whenever he wanted to fly it. 

Flight Review Day

I previously scheduled my flight review with Tim over in Millville NJ - KMIV.  Today had an early start, Mary was up and out of the house for 6:30 MRI, I got up around 6am.  I packed my flight bag and cameras last night and my log book which I had to sit and think where I stored it. I found it, tucked away in our safe with other important documents. It’s always in the last place you look. 

I headed over to the airport so I could sump fuel and preflight. Everything was good to go and with that I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out to the ramp. I only ran tail and over the shoulder cameras. I started up, taxied for three-two then launched into the haze. Yep, we still have the Canada smoke covering the area. I crossed the bay at fifty five hundred feet, letting down as I went feet dry, now over NJ. 

The pattern was crazy busy! There was another plane entering on the 45 for left down wind three-two. I bugged out making a right 360 to reenter. There was a Cessna crossing midfield to reposition with a teardrop and a plane landing and another on base. I told Tim I should pass the BFR for just arriving here safely.

The flight review went very good and this is just a very brief review of some of the ground portion and items covered flying. 

I started out with a clearing turn and then set up for slow flight. I should mention I do not like slow flight at all. Right from the start I was up and down with holding altitude during slow flight maneuvers but squared it away as I quickly shed the rust. GPS work provided one brainfart as I stumbled through a diversion. I went through the correct process but did not select from database (DB) to enter the airport, instead, I was stuck in stupid on the flight plan (ActFP) page. I quickly recovered and selected nearest (NRST), scrolled down to the second choice Woodbine and hit direct. This was just another way of achieving the same goal with fewer buttons to push.

I knocked out multiple landings at Woodbine and then returned to Millville. As I was on very short final Tim called for a go around and I flowed through the process, Cram Climb Clean Cool Communicate. I got a very good and with that continued for my final landing. 

The ground portion was a review of my flying, and procedures that included V speeds, emergency procedures and some regs. All in all productive and a fun learning experience.

We sat and debriefed while the log book entries were completed. I squared up with Big Sky for the CFII time and then headed out to the plane for my ride home. I made a nice landing in Ocean City and tucked 3 Tango Charlie in the nest. I ordered fuel, taking on twenty gallons for my Friday flight to reposition for annual at New Garden N57. I cleaned plenty of bugs from the leading edges and my gear, it was gross. You're welcome NJ for me reducing the bug population. 

Return from Cape May

This is a video of my return flight from Cape May NJ to Ocean City MD. A fun flight with a few bumps once I let down for Ocean City. 

Cape May NJ

Cape Henlopen DE

Runway 20 KOXB

Cape May NJ for Lunch

I received a message from friend and fellow pilot Dave S asking if I wanted to meet for lunch on Wednesday at Cape May, KWWD. I had an early morning doctors appointment at 7:30 but after that I was good to go. The plan was for a 12:30 meet, perfect.

I headed home after the doctor and filled Mary in. The conclusion is I have arthritis in my joints. My knees are the worst with the hands and shoulders a very close second. The doc asked when did I break my back? I responded my lower back in the plane accident. What about the area, insert some doctor speak, oh between my shoulder blades, no clue.  I know sometimes I have pain there like someone is trying to poke a hole through me and he said that would be the spot. I also informed him that not one doctor addressed my back injuries after the plane accident. The look on his face was priceless. ANyway that's the results and I keep moving forward from there.

I met a Commander 114 driver as I entered the airport. It was nice to meet Mike and Carrol. I gave them a ride to the terminal.

Ok, back to the airplane stuff. I completed my pre-flight and fuel sump before tugging 3 Tango Charlie out on to the ramp. I set the tail camera and climbed aboard. 

Winds favored runway two-zero so I taxied out for departure. With my run up complete I departed and climbed away turning north to follow the shore line. The ride wasn't bad at all and my plan was to cross the Bay at five thousand five hundred. The smoke from Canada had reached the eastern shore and really ruined what could have been a perfect day to fly. After picking up the weather in Cape May I joined the left down wind for runway two-eight to flow with traffic even though winds favored one-nine. 

Dave's Cherokee 235 C

Dave and Bob were already seated having arrived ten minutes ahead of time. Dave and I had omelettes and Bob had a fish sandwich. It was great to catch up with both guys. Special congrats to Bob for retirement!!  Way to go Bob, enjoy your time as you see fit. Once we finished eating we chatted for a bit then headed out to get back in the air.

1947 Republic RC-3

I was number one to go after a Bonanza landed. I circled over the lighthouse area to build altitude and keep clear of the inbound jet traffic. The smokey haze was just as bad as the ride north so I settled in to enjoy the air time. Once I let down for Ocean City the ride got a bit bumpy. I made a nice landing on runway two-zero and taxied for the hangar. Another fun flight in the log book!