It’s Airshow weekend here in ocean city MD. This year Mary and I will be attending with our friends Mike and Kim. Mike B is mentioned all throughout my blog posts over the years. We agreed to split the costs for Flight Line beach box seats with lunch included.
Thursday Night
Mike and Kim joined us for dinner at Sello's Italian Oven and Bar on Thursday night. The food and service was excellent, and the company even better.
Friday
Everyone had plans for Friday. Mary and Kim spent a good part of the day shopping in Berlin and the outlets. Mike played a round of golf at the Ocean Pines course, and I tried to video Airshow practice.
L-R Kim, Bev, Mary, Me, Frank, Mike
When the plans to attend the show were made Mary set up dinner for six at The Hobbit. We very much enjoyed meeting up and sharing meal time with our aviation friends and spouses. My bride and I met up with Frank (AirDorrin.com) and his bride Bev along with Mike and Kim. The food was excellent and the conversations and laughter filled the evening, definitely good times. I woke up Saturday sounding like froggy from our gang as a result of all the laughter during dinner.
Saturday Airshow
While most sun worshipers would have liked more sunshine yours truly was happy with the partly cloudy and sea breeze we were given by mother nature.
Mike and Kim
Mike and Kim arrived ahead of us via bus or uber and gave us the parking pass. We decided to leave a bit later and make a stop at the airport to pick up my lightweight directors chair. Yes, the beach box seats had chairs but they are hard on my hip and back, so I brought my own. Traffic was backing up on RT50 but moving along. When we got into OC most of the traffic was headed to the inlet parking, we headed north to 17th street.
The 17th street parking was full, not happy, but we were directed to 20th street, not so bad. Indeed 20th street had open spots and we ended up parking just five spots from the boardwalk. I grabbed my chair and Mary her beach bag and off we went, three blocks south. After some issues with the ticket reader we were sent to another access point and finally entered the beach flight line box seat area.
We were right on show center, great seats! Mary fixed me a plate of food, included with the Flight Line Club seats, and the four of us enjoyed lunch and settled in for the show.
First up were the Green Knights with the POW flag and then the Stars and Stripes landing show center with the national anthem playing. Yep, goosebumps galore, heck I have them now while typing this.
The Aero L39 Albatros was first up and I could not believe how quiet that jet was. The performance provided multiple passes including inverted and different maneuvers.
The coast guard did a SAR demo including swimmers jumping out of the helo and then being recovered with the powered sling. The Demo team was on duty today but took time to take part in the show.
B25 at KOXB
The North American B-25 Mitchell, Panchito, based just north of Oceans City at Delaware Coastal made an appearance. Those radial engines sure sound nice as she flew multiple passes along the beach. The B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Major General William "Billy" Mitchell.
Next up was the F18 Hornet "Rhino" based at Oceana NAS in Virginia Beach. The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft. What a great demo! When the F18 passed overhead it was so loud you could feel it in vibrate in your chest. Of course I had no hearing protection even though it was handed out when you came in the gate. What?
Next up was the Dover AFB C17 "Moose".The McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that was developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas.
Michael Goulian in his Extra 330SC put on one hell of a show. The straight vertical climb, hanging it on the prop then doing multiple tail flips was just insane. I was getting dizzy just trying to video his performance.
The Navy legacy flight did not perform nor did the SOCOM Para-Commandoes. I did capture some of the A10 four ship flight on video.
The main attraction, The Thunderbirds, were up next to close the show. They did not disappoint. The F16's screamed overhead west to east coming right over the hotels towards the show center box.
The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force. The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft.
The Thunderbirds performed multiple formations and maneuvers to keep your attention focused while the two solo aircraft would sneak in behind the crowd and blast your ears with thunder. It was a very well planned and executed flight demonstration.
We cleaned up our area and headed the very short distance to the boardwalk, followed by a three block walk to the SUV. The four of us decided on a light dinner and ice cream at Dumser's to close out the day.
Once again it's that time of year, airplane annual. I had a pretty good routine going with Sussex Aero at Delaware Coastal (KGED). I would have Mary drop me at the hangar and then she would make the forty minute drive while I tugged the plane out, preflighted, then make the ten minute hop. Unfortunately the A&P that did my annual no longer works there. The shop manager, Rob, is still there and I will miss his experience.
This year I am going to use the shop at New Garden Airport (N57). The switch opens a whole new can of coordination issues with hotels and a rental car. The last few years I could easily drive back and forth to Delaware Coastal, this year requires more planning.
Monday 5.2
The initial plan was to fly up to New Garden Tuesday morning and arrive early for my 11am shop appointment. The weather was looking really poor for Tuesday and by midday Monday the Wednesday weather was looking worse. Mary and I talked it over and we decided I would fly north today.
Earlier this morning Mary helped me preflight 3 Tango Charlie after she finished her walk with Ziva. The plane was ready to go, now I just had to get my head in the game.
I quickly packed my bag and called to have the rental car delivered a day early. I also called my sister to see if I could crash for a night at her place. Nick at Hertz said he would have the car at the airport in fifteen minutes, and my sister Denise and her husband Dave said the spare room is available for a border. I was a go to launch.
I taxied to runway two-zero and launched for N57. The ride was bumpy and I had a headwind to deal with making my ride north about fifty minutes. I picked up flight following with Dover Approach since I had eyes on a heavy doing landings. I watched the plane land on runway one and managed a picture once they had taxied clear. I also caught a shot of a 747 that was making his way to runway one for departure.
Once north of Dover AFB I was directed to climb and maintain at or above three thousand five hundred for a departing 747. I confirmed then made my climb, not wanting the 747 to have me as a bug splat. Eventually I canceled with Dover and made my way to New Garden, setting up and landing on runway two-four.
With the plane secure and rental keys in hand I headed to my sisters house. It’s about a thirty minute drive and the traffic wasn’t too bad. It was fun catching up and we had pasta with Dave’s homemade meatballs. They were really good, I’ll have to get his recipe.
Tuesday 5.3
I woke up refreshed and ready to go. Denise made scrambled eggs, bacon, toasted English muffins, and a fresh fruit cup of orange slices and blueberries. A yummy breakfast indeed.
We all sat and chatted until Dave left for a doctors appointment, all the while watching one of the three foxes hunt down squirrels. Three separate attempts about fifteen minutes apart left the score squirrels 3, foxes zip. Meanwhile the bird feeders were a buzz of activity, I could have sat and watched for hours.
I figured I should get motivated and head over to the airport, I still had the log books with me. I needed to open up the plane to release the brakes and remove the gust lock before 3 Tango Charlie was tugged in.
When I arrived at the shop 3 Tango Charlie sat quietly on the ramp waiting her turn to enter the hangar. Around 1pm I was told my Commander was coming in the shop, and sure enough she taxied around the corner and right in front of the hangar doors.
Day one and Mike will start on engine work, compressions, plugs, oil filter removal and replacement. The filter looked great, not even a spec of carbon. The Champion filter was replaced with a Tempest.
While disconnecting the cowl flaps Mike noticed the attach point brackets bolt hole was worn and now oversized. The plan is to add a bushing to each bracket.
Bill started in on inspection plate, dorsal, and tail cone removals, then moved into the baggage area.
Before we knew it the clock struck 5pm and we called it a day. I headed to the Charcoal Pit for a cheeseburger and a pineapple sundae to go. With dinner in hand I checked into the hotel and called it a night.
Wednesday 5.4
Up and atom, Angels is calling my name for breakfast. After breakfast I was reminded why we left this area, traffic! I arrived at the shop fifteen minutes past start time.
When I walked into the shop 3 Tango Charlie was missing her seats, floor, and carpets. The spinner was already removed and everything was already lubed. Mike was finishing the plug cleaning and getting ready to reinstall.
Mag timing check is next and I understand the concept but Mike really explained the the process. On the initial check one mag was at 25 degrees and the other was 22.5 degrees. The engine data plate calls out 20 degrees.
3 Tango Charlie is going up on Jack stands and upon inspection the brakes are getting close. I am going to have the pads replaced, no sense waiting. There was also a very small leak on the right caliper that needed attention.
Next up, the gear swing. This is pretty straight forward and a close inspection is required. A hydraulic line in the right wheel well had a ongoing wing skin rub from a metal tag on the line. The tag was removed and the clearance restored. The shop performed multiple swings and two emergency gear dumps, everything checked out fine. I do have to inquire on the COG forum as to why the hydraulic fluid overflow when we did the emergency dump. I do not remember that happening in the past annuals.
Thursday 5.5
I think this morning I’ll head over to Hanks for breakfast. I’m not sure if the place is open, last time in the area it was closed for remodeling. After the beautiful drive I arrive to find they are still closed. At least my ride on Smith bridge road and a chance to use the covered bridge made my morning. I ended up with a grab and go at McD’s.
Today is button up day, inspection panels installed, interior returned to a useable mode and 3 Tango Charlie will get her feet back on the ground. Once my plane is coming back together, my plan is to head south for home.
I’ll be back Monday to square up the final invoice and fly 3 Tango Charlie home. I guess I should give Hertz a call and let them know I’m extending the car rental. I’ll also note I’m overjoyed to check out of the hotel a day early. I didn’t get much sleep last night with the next room over guest going out to smoke every hour on the hour and then slamming the door because he couldn’t get his key card to work. Maybe I should have bugged out last night after I met the “neighbor” sporting a blonde Mohawk and in his forties. I should have trusted my gut, instead I just wanted to eat, shower, and then sleep.
Friday 5.6
I got a call from the shop concerning my three blade Hartzel prop. The prop checked out just fine, the paperwork trail was missing a signature on the 337 form. With a call to Hartzel the shop secured a copy of the needed paperwork, of course Hartzel charged a fee. I’m glad that’s squared away.
Monday 5.9
I am up and out of the house by 8am, pointing the rental ford north. Traffic wasn't too bad and I made good time, arriving around 10:20am. I had to wait for the POTUS TRF over Wilmington so I started my pre-flight safety check. When I went outside Scott was replacing the left mag gasket that developed a leak then retimed the mags. I appreciated the attention to detail, especially after the comments from the guys in the shop that my Lycoming was dry all around no leaks.
When the TFR lifted I climbed aboard and got the fan turning. I immediately noticed it was easier to start and when I did the run up the mag drop difference was just 20 rpms between both right and left.
Forecast winds were going to be reaching forty knots so I knew the ride would be interesting. Take off was normal and I was quickly turning on course. Sure enough, the ride was brutal. North of Delaware Coastal was pretty rough and then just south maybe nine minutes out of Ocean City I really got rocked. The turbulence was so bad my Aspen flashed a message, "Cross Check Attitude."
That message was a first and I honestly expected a check for your seat cushion message to come up next. Crazy ride! As I turned for final at Ocean City, Runway two, you could really feel the gusty winds just knock your air speed down. A few adjustments and feet ready to dance on those rudder pedals and I was greasing one on. I'm not sure how I managed that, but I'll take it.
Here I sit just over one week out from our departure for the COG annual Fly-In . I am busy with typical cross country flight routines; checking weather patterns, confirming hotel and car rentals, and giving 3 Tango Charlie a once over with a final systems air check this week.
The plan is to depart Ocean City and head south to 09J - Jekyll Island, GA. I am going to plan a fuel stop along the way due to credit card issues at Jekyll Islands self serve pumps, confirmed Monday morning. I'll either stop midway at in Whiteville, NC - KCPC, Columbus County Municipal or push further south to Mount Pleasant, SC - KLRO, Mount Pleasant Regional Airport.
Weather Checks
Departure Day
As ugly as those weather pictures look it was a beautiful morning at the ocean city airport.
Mary and I rolled through the gates a bit later then we would have liked. With no Ziva home my built in alarm clock wasn’t there. We also decided to make a quick stop at McDonald’s for a breakfast sandwich and pumpkin pie for the morning flight.
My preflight was completed with only sumping fuel as my last to-do item. I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out onto the ramp and loaded up our bags, plane cover, window shields, tie down stakes, and O2. Mary and I had broken a record, both bags under 25lbs and one garment bag each, pushing the scale to five additional lbs per bag each.
A final accounting of all items on board came out to 19.3 lbs under gross. Hmmm, that will allow three extra gallons at our first fuel stop to make for a new total of 55 gallons.
I taxied to and departed from runway one-four. Winds were gusty but down the runway which made for an uneventful take off. Since it was VFR and the ground communications outlet was NOTAMed out of service I picked up my clearance in the air with Patuxent Approach.
Cleared direct snow hill VOR then as filed, climb and maintain six thousand. We were on vacation!
I managed about twenty minutes of instrument time flying south along the Delmarva Peninsula. It was a smooth ride in the milk jug and my bride did very well for not being in IMC conditions since our return from Florida flight.
We eventually broke out on top and enjoyed the view. Looking ahead we had more IMC to deal with south of Norfolk with conditions clearing as we worked our way south.
For the entire first leg I battled 40-46 knot headwinds that made for a long flight. At times in the climb I saw fifty-three knots, in straight and level maybe eighty knots to ninety. It. Was. Brutal.
breaking out at FAF KCRE
From south of Norfolk I racked up another hour of IMC before breaking out into a beautiful blue sky as I shot my approach into Grand Strand - KCRE. RNAV GPS 23, just inside the final approach fix GAPNY, I came out of the clouds at about 1580 feet. This approach is going in the log book.
It was a quick gas and go at CRE followed by the climb back out to six thousand on the new IFR clearance. We were on the second and last leg to Jekyll Island. Winds had really eased on this leg, insert eye roll, now running 20-25 knots head on. At least I managed 112 knots.
I was handed off to multiple approach controls as we bored a hole into the headwinds. The one treat was a traffic call out for a pair of F35’s dropping out of one zero thousand and crossing our path left to right just five hundred feet above. That was worth the headwinds to see that military flight, it made my day. That flight was close enough that we got a caution wake turbulence warning from approach.
After reporting that I had the Brunswick weather, there is no weather on Jekyll, and the field in sight, I cancelled IFR. I made a slow steady approach to runway one-eight and greased one on. We had arrived!
Mary went to the office for a two seat red bug that we had reserved in advance, and brought it out to the plane so I could load up the bags. What a neat little machine, complete with turn signals and lights. It was gas powered and fun to drive. The ramp was filling up fast.
Fellow COG member John Fiandola could not attend because he was delivering a helicopter, John did however do a low level fly by to show all the aircraft at 09J. 3 Tango Charlie is on the ramp just past the Red Bug building between a Cessna and a Beech Twin.
I drove around the Jekyll island Club (JIC) property, clueless on where we were going. We tried to find some lunch, and finally did so at the Pantry sandwich shop. This place is like a college campus, buildings everywhere. We saw the folks dressed in white playing Croquet and got a chuckle thinking back to the comment Chris (Photographic Logbook) had made on his blog post. Nope, not a time warp, but they must have some sort of group that plays here on a regular schedule.
Our view during dinner
found on internet
We checked into our room showered, then took naps. Dinner was at the Wharf restaurant, also on property, this one we could walk to. The sunset view was gorgeous.
On our return to the hotel we met up with Commander group members that were sitting on the porch, taking advantage of the rocking chairs and beautiful cool temps. We had chatted until 11pm, with that we called it a night and headed off to bed.
The Historic District
The plan is to be up and out at the shuttle bus stop by 9am. The hotel provides a shuttle to and from the historic district and their sister hotel, Ocean Club Resort. The shuttle runs every hour until 10pm.
Mary and I wanted to have breakfast in town, at the Sunrise Grill, then snoop through all the shops. We will have to return in time for the opening Commander Owners Group (COG) meeting scheduled for 2pm.
There were no crowds as we worked our way around the complex. We bought our great nephews shirts, and managed a shirt for each of us. Plenty of selection in the many shops.
The grounds were spotless and landscaped beautifully. The hotels located within this complex were modern and very well kept. I think when we return we’ll stay in the historic district area, taking advantage of ground transportation services for a ride to the hotels instead of paying for a Red Bug and letting it sit. We learn these little tidbits whenever we visit new locations.
We met the shuttle at the Ocean Club Resort and made our way back to the JIC. Our driver asked if we checked out the turtle rescue yet and if not he could drop us off at the door. Perfect!
Mary and I purchased tickets and quickly went through the exhibit, too many people for me and couldn't take many pictures. We both followed the path outdoors to the adjoining building that was the actual turtle rescue.
Friday’s COG Agenda
The scheduled general maintenance, part sourcing, and gear maintenance seminars will be very useful and further enhance my Commander aircraft knowledge. Every little bit helps when we work to maintain our aircraft and learn more about each system. The presenters did an excellent job for each topic and the Q&A session that followed dug a little deeper. It was time well spent to sit and listen.
I did finally pick up our welcome packet with name tags, a nice looking poster to commemorate the event, along with a 2021 COG Members hat and mug for each owner/pilot.
The group followed up with a welcome reception of sorts with enough food selection to cross off needing dinner afterwards. Mary and I met some other members, chatted for a little while and then made a snack plate. Unfortunately we did not stay until the end since my right leg was really hurting. I had walked beyond a safe distance for me and now my body was wanting to shut down. I have found that if I exceed my pain threshold my body will shift into what I call the freezing seizure mode. I get the shakes, my teeth chatter, and I have to lay down and sometimes sweat it out. Strange but effective, the body always gets it way.
Mary made a quick dinner run and picked up a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and some key lime pie. Dinner hit the spot and I soon passed out. Typical puppy syndrome, full tummy equals sleepy time.
Saturday COG Agenda
Saturday morning, I am first up for a Flying video presentation to the group. This should be interesting. The presentation was not recorded live, but I did do a voice over from the Power Point presentation to post on YouTube.
Following my flying video presentation and the discussion on the elevator spar AMOC, we broke for lunch.
my ride and beautiful bride
Everyone headed for the Red Bug Restaurant for BBQ. The food and company made the day. The ribs, beans, and coleslaw were very good. I didn’t try the BBQ chicken but it looked good too. Mary and I each saved room for dessert, delicious cheesecake.
I decided to head back to our room to take a nap. First, I took an Advil and then spread some of that Voltaren Gel on my shin to help ease the pain.
Mary headed out to Driftwood Beach and then Horton Pond with Lisa, her husband Keith went to take a nap too. The baby alligator was at Horton Pond and it's large mama is also there. Yikes!
Mary woke me up when she returned from the two locations noted. I slowly came to my senses trying to wake up then showered after Mary was done so we could get ready for the banquet and closing activities.
The food and service was excellent and we had a great time. I did not enter 3 Tango Charlie to be judged earlier in the day so there was no shot at an award for me. I did win a really nice LED headlamp as a door prize.
Mary and I met so many people and made new friends in the COG family. We are looking forward to the next event or fly-in to catch up again soon. We said our goodnight and goodbyes then headed for our room. My bride was beat so she went right to bed. I had a a nap earlier this afternoon so I worked on this blog post for a short time.
I know people will ask what we thought about the Jekyll Island Club so I'll add a few words here. The service was outstanding. We stayed in the main building. The rooms were nice, older, and had small but sufficient bathrooms, everything was very clean and well kept.
The complex is like a college campus, buildings everywhere. I didn't find it very handicap accessible, at least in the main building. It seemed that everywhere you went required stairs, sometimes lots of them. For most people that's not an issue at all. With my leg injuries it quickly took a toll. I'll add that we walked a good ways while shopping the historic district and to catch the shuttle so that didn't help much. My doctor will say loose weight to save your sticks, so I'll add that here too if I'm being honest.
When we return we will stay at the Ocean Club Resort located in the historic district. The shuttle runs to the sister hotel Jekyll Island club on the hour so there are many benefits. We like staying on the beach and the pool was beautiful.
The Return Home
Mary and I met up with a few couples having breakfast and we enjoyed the morning coffee and chat. Unfortunately, it was time to have our bags brought to the front of the hotel, load up the red bug, and head to the airport. Note to file, if you rent a Red Bug, keep a towel handy to wipe off the morning dew from seats.
If we had enough fuel we could make the four hour hop home. I stuck the tanks and had 32 gallons, so we will need to make one stop.
The revised flight plan is to make a short First hop to Mt. Pleasant SC, KLRO to top off. It's just over an an hour and they have full serve fuel for $4.95 a gallon.
Traffic was crazy busy departing Jekyll Island and the traffic at St Simons added even more traffic to the already overloaded scan. I selected offshore to eliminate most of the VFR traffic and those not wanting to be feet wet. It worked.
I saw one target shadowing the V1 route north and his speed was around eighty knots. I caught and passed that plane off the coast as another aircraft passed us southbound.
The remaining ride to Mt. Pleasant was uneventful and the multiple approach sectors we worked did a great job. I was directed to fly a 080° heading which took us over Sullivans Island. I turned for the airport once I canceled with approach. There was traffic landing ahead of us and as they cleared I called final for three-five. Service was quick and the lineman professional. Mary went in to grab a Dr. Pepper and a few snacks for the last leg home. She also hung out and paid the fuel bill, which saved me the walk to and from the terminal. I love my bride.
I filed for the last leg home once 3 Tango Charlie was fueled, we were ready to go. I took off on three-five and climbed out, picking up my clearance with Charleston Approach. We made it almost eighty miles and my bride wanted me to stop since she didn't feel good. I requested a diversion from approach, for my passenger, now landing at Grand Strand, KCRE.
I had hoped I could keep my code and pick back as soon as we got back in the air but I had to cancel in the air or on the ground and refile for the remainder of the trip. I made a nice landing at Grand Strand, straight in runway 5. Once I taxied clear Mary went into the FBO and I worked on the new flight plan for home.
I took off from runway five and as soon as I was wheels up I made a short climb then tried to level for speed and instead touched the mains down again. Does this count as two take-offs? To coin a phrase from the National Enquire, Enquiring minds want to know.
The ride north was a bumpy brutal run. Mary and I both were very uncomfortable as the winds pushed from our eight o'clock gusting from ten to twenty knots. It was way smoother in IMC coming south on Thursday, even with the +40 knot headwinds.
We crossed over Norfolk with a beautiful view of the Bay Bridge Tunnel and the many cargo and tanker ships in the Chesapeake Bay. I was handed off to Patuxent Approach then eventually canceled IFR when we approached the Snow Hill VOR and let down for home. At Ocean City there was one plane in the pattern ahead of us landing on three-two. I entered the left down wind for three-two and made our way in for a nice landing to end the adventure.
We are both beat, I mean just really tired and sore. Mary helped me with the baggage. I unloaded from the plane and pushed the bags under the wing and she caught them on the roll and loaded them in the SUV, it was a plus to tag team the baggage. I tossed out the plane cover, tie downs, window shields and left nothing but the Commander station wagon mode of pretty blue carpet. Let's go home, I'll clean up tomorrow.
