This reminder came up on Facebook from August 2014. I surely miss those simple days.
Sunrise over Cape Henlopen. Dinner date night with my Bride in Ocean City. Flew home to Wilmington for work this morning. Here is the link to my blog entry for that "date night" flight. Date Night, GA Style
I did manage to enjoy a short four day stay at home after my release from Health South Rehab. Unfortunately, I headed back to Peninsula Regional for a second round of surgery on my right leg. More plates and screws were needed to complete the realignment and length restoration. Mary and my brother Joe along with our guardian angel Candy sat patiently as the three and a half hours clicked off. My Doctor came out to let them know everything went very well.
(starting at the top) ankle, shin and knee
I was moved to a private room for recovery. Unlike the first leg surgery that wasn't too painful this round was excruciating. I needed pain meds to help me function like a human. During this surgery the doctor also fixed up my left big toe that I beat into submission over the last year, it also had an abscess. This abscess was cleaned out and I was given strong antibiotics to clear up the infection. While recovering at PRMC I did develop a bacteria infection in my blood so that forced me to stay longer until all tests, and I mean many blood samples, were deemed clear after 48 hours. Wednesday August 1st I was released for more rehab at Health South on Wednesday. It was like old home week. I had the same nurses and nurse assistants along with the gang at Physical and Occupational Therapy. They took very good care of me AND worked me pretty hard.
Wednesday August 8th
I made progress and was finally released on Wednesday. Occupation Therapy wiz Stewart rigged up a device that secured my right ankle and provided a way to lift and swing my right leg into and out of bed. He is a genius!
The contraption worked like a charm. Remember those days back in elementary school, making chain links out of construction paper? Same concept, except we used heavy duty velco.
This sling type device was critical. Mary, fresh off back surgery was not allowed to bend, lift or twist, so she could not help me. I needed to be able to get in and out of bed and get my leg raised in the wheel chair. Mission accomplished.
Sunday, August 12th
Mary's back is coming along. My bride has a doctors appointment on Tuesday that will require x-rays prior to arriving. Mary has been wearing her brace and following doctors orders. My bride has taken care of me, supported me, and has been the guiding light for me to keep focused. I don't know how she does it.
I need blood work prior to my next appointment on Wednesday. I'll use the local wheel chair transportation system available to us. It's still too difficult to get in and out of the SUV and then be stuck with the wheel chair in the back that neither Mary nor I could lift at this time.
More updates to follow, hopefully getting out of this big splint device and into a smaller cast. I also hope to report on Mary's progress and that she will be released to drive.
Many thanks to family, friends and neighbors for their support and meals. A special thanks to Candy and Mark G for being our guardian angels for the last six weeks, we are left without words trying to express our gratitude.
I wanted to update my blog with a few notes dealing with our recovery, for both Mary and I. Despite the many stories, theories and bits and pieces of the facts, I will provide some medical insight.
Friday June 29
Immediately following the accident Mary was helped out of the plane by a couple that was traveling on Route 611 . The gentleman that helped Mary came back and helped pull me out of the plane . I understand that it took a second man who jumped in to help pull me free of the cockpit .
Mary was amazing, with all the noise going on around me as I laid on the ground I could hear her taking command of the situation. My amazing bride directed people to the fire extinguisher and alerted the ground personnel (first responders) of full fuel tanks in each wing.
Ocean City fire department was on scene almost immediately . Maryland State police and their helicopter was there just as fast . Mary's injuries were assessed and she was taken by ambulance to Peninsula regional medical center . My medical condition was assessed and I was immediately airlifted to Peninsula regional medical center .
What I remember is a lot of faces asking a lot of questions along with being poked and prodded while being shifted from stretcher to table . I wanted to see Mary to make sure she was safe and the nurses finally wheeled her in to see me. Mary had fractured L1 in her back and was being put in a brace, along with some bruising and scrapes. Yours truly had a back fracture in L3 and L4 , fractured sternum , three ribs , fractured skull at my sinus cavity and a fractured eye socket . I think I took about 45 stitches to close up all the cuts around my eye and forehead. My worst injury was a fractured tibia fibula in my right leg .
Mary's brother and sister-in-law were already on the road to come down to Ocean City to pick Mary up . The decision was made that I needed to be airlifted to a trauma center. Mary and I decided that that Christiana Medical Center would be best for transportation and she would be close to our families.
Saturday, June 30
I spent my first night in Christiana in a trauma unit . Mind you I had nothing to eat since Thursday nights dinner except for some toothpaste and water Friday morning. Christiana wanted me to prep for surgery so I couldn't even get ice chips let alone real food , okay , hospital food . Mary along with my sister Denise sat with me well into the early morning hours . No sooner than they left I was moved up to the next trauma unit and had a room . I was prepped for surgery and said goodbye to Mary as they wheeled me off . I honestly don't remember much once I got that first shot . No idea how long surgery was but I was finally out and was moved in the trauma surgery step down unit.
Sunday, July 1 - Monday July 9
It was a long week of nurses and doctors along with roommates and all the hospital distractions one can imagine. Thankfully I was supported by my bride , family members , and friends . I settled into the routine of breakfast, physical torture, doctor visits, hospital lunch, the saving grace of visitors and hospital dinners. I was finally scheduled for release on Monday evening and was shipped out to health South in Salisbury Maryland. Health South is an acute rehab center. Acute rehab means 3 to 4 hours of bust ass physical torture every day.
Tuesday, July 10 to Tuesday July 17
Today it gets real . This place has a regiment and they follow it. I will say for a hospital type facility the food is not bad. After breakfast it's time to clean up and then get to physical therapy or occupational therapy, as the schedule sometimes changes. It's a tough first day and my body hurts but the first ones in the book.
Wednesday, July 18
Today starts out early with the meds dispensed and an early breakfast. Today I'm heading north to Middletown Delaware to have a follow-up with my surgeon that did my initial leg repairs . I'm transported via ambulance for two hours one way . Let me just say the roads in lower Delaware, suck !
Mary cannot make the ride because of her back there's no way she could tolerate that . My brother Joe and his wife Janice were waiting for me when I got to the orthopedics office . Mary and I both were very appreciative of my brother and his wife being there to support me and hear what the doctor had to say . Janice has a medical background and she speaks all that medical-ease, always a big plus.
All the bandages were removed from what I call the elephant leg . Staples were removed, Steri-Strips were added and a new ace bandage covered everything back up . The doctor wanted me to start moving the ankle and bending at the knee . The news I dreaded hearing was delivered, I would need more surgery to further repair my broken leg . Not only was my heart broken to hear this but my spirit damaged as well. I was devastated .
Thursday, July 19
I think last night was my worst nights sleep . With the bulk of the pain coming from my Sternum, back and my ribs, last night my leg break let it be known that it was here to also annoy me.
A few new scares and a big dent
I talked with Mary, she has been my rock . Our friend Candy drove Mary over early this morning so that we can come up with a plan to manage the pain and deal with this new surgery .
Candy and her husband Mark are friends of ours that we met through the beech aero club . We are so blessed to have such fantastic friends. Candy hopped a flight and has been here to help Mary.
The first week, Mary's sister-in-law, Lynn helped get Mary settled back at our house. Lynn provided meals, transportation and company that Mary needed to get back on her feet.
The original surgeon handed off my case to a local orthopedic trauma surgeon located in Salisbury. My new doctor called to let me know I was headed for CT scans on Friday the 20th and set up our first visit for July 25 . As much as I hate to say it, or think it, I just want to get the surgery done .
So recoveries continue for Mary and I as we work through this latest adventure , or is that misadventure . Mary has surgery scheduled for her L1 fracture August 3 . This procedure will clean out any loose fragments and be replaced with a cement type material .
Special thanks to our friends Candy and Mark for all their help . Thanks to Mary's family and my family for the support, love and prayers.
Friday, July 20 - Sunday, July 22
Friday and Saturday follow the typical routine meds , bath , PT and OT . I had to make up some time that I had missed while company was visiting so the schedule was extended on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday was my toughest day since I got here . I did an extended PT session that included being assessed for my release date . This included extra weight on my leg reps, extended distance and walking with a walker and doing what I call the Bunny-hop . We also worked on transfers for the car, bed and extending my time to be able to stand up . Mary and Candy were here when I got back to the room Saturday and I have to tell you I was totally gassed . Once the therapy people got me back in bed I couldn't even lift my arms or my head I was that wiped out . That's a very scary feeling . It was a restless night but I did manage to get some sleep .
Sunday was also added PT and OT my schedule . PT was pretty much transfers in and out of bed by myself and trying to extend the range of doing my so-called Bunny-hop on the Walker. I think I made it to sixty foot, twice. Following PT I went over to the occupational therapy for what I thought would be my typical upper body strengthening work . I was pleasantly surprised when they asked if I wanted to take a shower instead . The therapist helped get me set up by wrapping up my leg in a big bag and helping me get all my clothes and things needed to take a very nice hot shower even though it was sitting in a shower chair . It felt good to be cleaned up again and back in bed to relax .
My family came to visit, which made my day. my brother Joe and his wife Janice along with my sister Denise and her husband Dave. Mary's first cousin Maureen and her daughter Lauren also stopped in to see me , it was a full house . Everyone had headed out and buy 4 o'clock it was just me. Mary and Candy had a busy day finishing up their errands in preparation for my coming home. They both came to visit me about 5:30, just in time for dinner.
Mary's back was starting to bother her so her and Candy finally headed to the house. The countdown was on, I should be out of here Monday morning or early afternoon . Tentative target time 2 PM .
More on my release and the trip home in my next blog entry .
Thank you for all the readers who have sent text messages , emails , phone calls and for all your Facebook posts that have kept me laughing .
Special thanks to Mark and Candy G from Texas , true friends that have taken on a big project. providing transportation, helping with our zoo, being there to listen and making sure Mary and I follow the recovery plan.
With nothing on our schedule Mary and I decided we would finally get her some right seat time. Mary hasn't flown in our 'new to us' plane. She has sat in it, but that's it. Today we were determined to change that.
We gave some thought to heading to Summit-KEVY to catch up with my brother and sister-in-law but they have a busy day planned as they get ready to head to Yellowstone. I can't wait to hear about their trip. We called Mary's brother to see if they had their grandson with them today. They did not, schools out and since Amy is a teacher she is home for the summer.
Hmmm...Maybe Williamsburg, nah, we're headed there with the Beech Aero Club in July. We gave some thought to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania - KAVP so we could visit my parents grave and get some mulch down and flowers planted, but it was too late of a start.
We finally decided on Cape May, NJ. We called the FBO to confirm a rental car is available, and it was. The last time there we took a taxi and he hit us up for thirty bucks each way to Mammas Junk Company, that's a ten mile hop each direction. Today we rented and had our choice of where to go and how long to stay.
We climbed out of ocean city and turned on course for Cape May. Mary was following the check list and thankfully reminded me to switch the gear up. I'm not sure why I don't do that, I notice the difference in the numbers as I climb out and then retract the gear. Very bizarre. The remainder of the flight went smoothly and we were soon letting down for runway one at Cape May. We taxied to Flight Level Aviation and ordered fuel to top off. Once the plane was secure we jumped in our ride and hit the highway.
Of course we headed to Mamas Junk Company first, but they were closed. Mary was not a happy girl. No problem, point the little blue Kia rental towards Cape May and off we went, down the Garden State Parkway. We passed by one of our favorite restaurants, The Oyster Bay, confirming they open at 5pm. We will be headed back one evening for dinner. This makes for a great date night.
It was just a block or two to the Washington Street Mall and we quickly found parking in the lot next to the grocery store, across from the church, and it only ended up costing us three dollars.
We strolled along enjoying the gorgeous weather. The temps were perfect and there was a nice cool breeze to keep things comfortable. We decided on a lunch stop at Delaney's Pub.
Mary and I each ordered a lobster roll, and it was perfect. Not all that mayo and extra stuff packed in, just plenty of lump lobster in a perfect seasoning and served with really hot melted butter. It was fantastic! I washed it down with a sweet tea, that was more watered than sweet or tea. Mary had The BOG: Cranberry Shandy by Cape May Brewing Company.
The BOG: Cranberry Shandy - A tart, cranberry wheat beer blended with lemonade to create an uber-drinkable summer shandy. Perfect to enjoy on those sweltering days, this beer is light and refreshing while still packing tons of flavor.
We walked off lunch for a short while then decided to head back to the airport. Mary wanted to make a quick stop at the Cape May Brewing Company, along the main entrance to the airport.
With our cargo loaded, one 64oz growler of The Bog, we were ready to climb aboard.
45Yankee had plenty of time to cool so I did the normal start procedure. I had no issue and we were soon on our way to runway one for departure. With the run up complete we rolled out on runway one and launched for home. This time I did not move my hand above the throttle quadrant with out tapping the brakes and retracting the gear. I ran 45Yankee pretty much as I have been, 20MP/24RPM and with the slight tail wind watched speeds of 150 knots.
I crossed the Delaware Bay and climbed above a layer blocking my path, topping out just around six thousand feet. My plan was to hop over the layer and let down for OXB. As I crossed the layer I checked my location and I was already just ten miles north-east of the airport. Crap! I didn't want to shock cool so I pulled power and adjusted my approach towards runway one-four.
The original plan was to enter a left base maybe three miles out from the runway and turn final, not happening. I was too fast and high so I pointed towards the beach and entered a normal left down wind for one-four. Once at recommended gear speed I lowered the gear, providing some anchors to help slow down.
The winds provided some crosswind action and I really wanted to test my skills. I stuck with runway one-four instead of switching to runway 2, and planted the left main into the wind and rolled 45Yankee on the runway. I was very pleased.
I was too lazy to get out early this morning and fly. By the time I got rolling the rain and thunderstorms were moving in and I decided to just take Ziva and head to the hangar. I wanted to pull the lens off the rotating beacon and see about removing the 'patched' or blocked area. I also wanted to note the bulb type so I can replace it with an LED. The patch is not coming off, the bulb will be replaced with an LED.
I putzed around, playing with Ziva then finally got to work. Ok, work is a strong word maybe just tinkering, yea, I like that.
I finished up, closing the hangar and heading to the terminal. I wanted to have Ziva visit with Nola, she loves dogs. Nola wasn't working today so I kept the visit very short and decided to head for home.
Picture provided by an internet source
As I was walking out the door I heard the folks at the counter mention two AH-1 Cobras inbound. Hmmm...I would love to see those birds. I did take some video, it was really bad, I never used the zoom. However, as mean as it is, I did get to see them and they were bad to the bone!
Mary and I are on standby for a English Springer Spaniel rescue for Sunday. The ground transport is scheduled for Saturday but we are on deck if needed.
While reading through the many forums I frequent, I came across an excellent what if scenario. The pilot is a friend of mine and I always appreciate his insight to flying/teaching moments. I thought I would share. Here is his post... I was taking advantage of a rare chance to get in some actual today in Central Texas today. I did an IFR flight from KEDC (Austin Exec) to KLHB (Hearne). It wasn't a ton of actual but it was bumpy enough to work at it so I hand flew the approaches.
An interesting IFR question came out of this though. My approach clearance to the KLHB RNAV Rwy 18 approach was issued about 5 nm from CORAB.
I had been cleared direct CORAB at 3000 prior to this. The clearance was "...cleared for the RNAV 18 approach, cross CORAB at or above _2000_ feet."
The leg following CORAB has a minimum of 2600' and the MSA on the plate is 2300'. Can I descend to 2000 at CORAB and continue until I hit the descent path? I think this was the intent but I can't seem to find anything online on this. In this case I just flew the approach as published (it wasn't a challenge to loose 800 feet in 17 miles).
BTW - bonus point question. Looking at that plate - what does the grey shading between the VDP and the runway threshold mean.
My thoughts...
Once cleared for the RNAV 18 approach, like my friend, I would have stayed at 2600', flying the approach per the plate from there.
By the way, I got the bonus question, ok partial credit because I took a shot. I knew what it had to deal with but wasn't 100% positive until looking it up after the fact.
An odd title, but, after watching most of the FlyLikeThePros videos I am going to adopt a few of their tips for my flying now that I have the 530W and 430W in the Debonair.
The first tip that really peaked my interest was the 'Sandbox'. Flying with a two Garmin system this practice provides a way to secondary flight plan, have a dedicated DME or initiate your 'back up' plan without clearing your current flight plan.
The first step to accomplish this is to set up the cross fill operation. This can be accomplished on the active FPL page or NAV page one. I am going to keep the 'autofill' from the 530 to the 430 but switch the 430 to manual. This will allow the additional flight planning feature without disrupting my working flight plan on the 530.
I really enjoy learning new procedures about flying and implementing them in my flight routine. I have been given instructions by ATC that left me scratching my head on how to set up what they want. The worst case, I ask for an initial heading as I work through the issue.
Knowing your systems and practicing all the crazy what if's when with a safety pilot or your CFI reinforces what we need to do. I am grateful for the instructors I flew with and for all the bust my stone flights with Mike B. When in training, drinking from the fire hose seems crazy, until you need those skills in the real world. I can still hear my father reminding me how we play on game day just like we practice. This holds true in everything flying.
What are your thoughts on setting up the sandbox? If you took the time to watch the FlyingLikeThePros videos have you learned anything new, and if so will you add them to your flying.
This morning I was trying to stay ahead of the heat while getting some air time prior to the Ocean City airspace closing for a TFR at 2pm. Today is practice day for the airshow and I am looking forward to hearing and viewing the Thunderbirds in action.
I headed over to the hangar early and tugged 45Yankee out into the sun, yes, that big shiny thing in the sky. The plan was to launch and fly the GPS 32 approach followed by the GPS 14 approach in order to get some autopilot practice. I completed my preflight and closed up the hangar.
Following my run up I made my call for departing runway three-two and was quickly in the air and retracting the gear. I ran through the take-off checklist prior to rolling for the runway to reinforce the target airspeeds and as a reminder to retract the gear.
I entered the GPS 32 approach and pointed 45Yankee for GOBYO. As I crossed the shore line I remembered that my vest was still in baggage and I hate being low, two thousand feet, over the water and five miles offshore. I made a U-turn and reset for the RNAV GPS 14 approach instead.
I wasn't sure why, when in approach mode, the autopilot turned me slightly to the right. Instead, I disconnected and turned to the outbound heading of 325° inorder to perform a parallel entry. Once on the proper heading I switched back to the autopilot heading mode and continued my procedure turn. I was outbound for four miles, then with a turn of the heading bug, completed my procedure turn and was tracking inbound on the 145° heading.
RNAV GPS 14
I also worked on my power setting for approaches, noting manifold pressure, RPM's and degree of up or down with my trim setting. Having the chart completed and memorizing it will make my flying more precise.
Some notes on the S-Tec 50 NAV – Navigation Mode Before using the NAV mode, you must manually place aircraft within 10 degrees of the desired course. AP will NOT make large course
adjustments in NAV mode.
APR – Approach Mode
This mode is exactly like the NAV mode with one exception: It tracks the CDI with much greater authority, as you would want to do if you were flying a localizer approach.
It was fun to get in the air, however, it would have been better with another pilot in the right seat so I could focus more on learning the AP. I did manage to work through some simple steps as if shooting approaches and still be mindful of traffic and radio chatter.
Since I'm stuck in the house keeping dry I like to search the internet for training tips and what if situations that spark my interest enough to fire up the simulator.
Today, while looking for answers on winds aloft, I stumbled upon this video from FlyingLikeThePros.
How many times have you be bitten by this Vector To Final scenario? Come on, fess up. I have, twice. I no longer need to touch the burner on the stove to know it's hot and it will hurt. I have posted about this subject before but these guys do a great job with the video and I wanted to share.
Pay close attention to the last few minutes, they provide a new trick to add to the tool chest. In a busy airport environment you may get vectors extending your downwind on an approach. Since we have learned, some of us the hard way, that ATC does switch up, especially on hand-offs it's best to load a full approach. If you need to extend or stretch the final approach a bit longer FlyingLikeThePros suggests the 'direct' to the last fix, entering the heading to extend the centerline. It's sort of like using the OBS function and dialing in the final approach course on the CDI to extend the magenta line on those new to you airports that you're trying to find in VFR conditions. In the mean time you have an extended centerline to help.
Lets take a look at my recent trip to KCXY, Capital City in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I was directed to expect vectors to the ILS RWY 8. If you look closely I did select VTF, only because it was VFR and I had no issue getting into CXY. This scenario still provides a good look at the benefit of loading the full approach.
On the sim TIVNE is LATLE due to the ancient version. However, the red arrow shows the extended centerline/approach and if there are step downs like the video this tip can really be helpful when flying single pilot IFR.
The next issue, as mentioned above, is winds aloft and lack of display on my iPad/Foreflight. I decided to dig into my avionics that I have in 45Yankee. I have tried to find in flight winds aloft, but can't seem to find the info displayed on my iPad/Foreflight. I sent Foreflight an email yesterday (Sunday)and I really didn't like the response, despite it being quick and thorough.
Winds aloft through ADS-B reception only shows winds for
airports that report them. That is, the winds are viewable in the airports tab
for that specific point.
Winds as a layer is not available through ADS-B because they
don't send that information.
You can pack for a trip and have the estimated winds aloft data
stored. The Pack feature creates an "envelope" around your planned
route and checks to see which items need to be downloaded. The envelope covers
25nm either side of the enroute course and within a 50nm radius around the
destination and departure airports. Pack will always check for the latest
METARs, TAFs, AIR/SIGMETS, TFRs, Fuel Prices, NOTAMs, Documents, Airport
Database, and Obstacles.
You can set up which type of chart and map data that you want
Pack to check for by going to MORE > DOWNLOADS > UNITED STATES or CANADA,
and select options such as IFR Low, Terminal Procedures, or VFR Charts. Pack
only offers downloads for those items that are not already downloaded to your
device.
The information that is downloaded using Pack is accessed during
the normal use of ForeFlight. Weather can be found from Map overlays and on the
Airports Page. Terminal Procedures can be found from within the Airports Page
or by searching for them on the Plates Page. NOTAMS are displayed within the
Airports Page.
You can view which states are downloaded by Pack and delete
unwanted states by going to MORE > DOWNLOADS. If packed data is not part of
your normal downloads, when the data expires it will be deleted from the system
automatically.
If your route is changed, use the pack feature to re-evaluate
the downloads and re-alert the you of any available downloads. Every 10 mins Pack
can be used to recheck the current route for new weather and NOTAMs.
Off to the airport this morning to get a few odd jobs done at the hangar. I received my color coded toggle covers last week and they just didn't fit. That will not be the end of this want. I brought along a hair dryer and heated each cap until I could stretch it over the toggle. It took some coaxing but I completed the project.
Next on my list was the install of LED navigation lights. I really liked the LED's I installed on 08Romeo so I used the same product and completed that task. I forgot to take pictures. Here is a shot from the online catalog of the LED's and clear lenses I also installed.
Once finished up with the plane, I loaded up Ziva girl for the ride home. I did give some thought to an ice cream stop but figured I would wait and ask the ladies if they wanted some after dinner. With everything picked up and the Batteryminder plugged back in I headed home.
Got up to see the Pilatus PC12 roll out
When I arrived I saw a few packages sitting on the steps, two for Mary and one for me. My new grease fitting caps were here. Tomorrows project!
I have been volunteering my time with US Kennels in Salisbury, Maryland. I was introduced to Chris Hardy, Executive Director, and we immediately hit it off. I have always enjoyed 'training' my dogs but I'm no pro. Chris is a pro, and an excellent teacher, I believe in his program. Anything associated with dogs, especially rescues, and giving something back to our Veterans is a win win for me. Check out US Kennels at the following two links.
U.S Kennels Incorporated is a 501(c3) non profit organization. We provide trained service dogs, as well as supplies, to our combat wounded veterans who suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries and affiliated physical disabilities. Our program is available to deliver free support to our veterans while at the same time saving lives of shelter dogs waiting for someone to give them another chance at life. Every veteran will be helped to find a dog which fits their personality and disability.
A dog will be rescued, rehabilitated, trained in advanced obedience, and advanced medical tasks. Our program is created in such way that everyone wins, multiple lives are saved. Veterans lives will greatly improve with the medical assistance and by the healing power of their new canine partner. After the veteran has been accepted into the training program, the next step is to define the tasks, and skills needed to best assist the veteran with his/her disability
Veterans are being scheduled to meet with the trainer, so can he understand their needs, and begin to identify potential dogs in the shelters which might be suitable. All the dogs match with veterans based on strength level, temperament, the Veteran’s needs, personality, and life style. Once the dog/dogs who meet the requirement are identified the process of adoptions begins followed by the obedience training.
I hope you will take the time to check out the home page and feel free to donate to a worthy cause.
