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.