Cambridge-Dorchester Airport

A great day to be flying!

Mary and I decided we would try "Kays at the Airport" Restaurant located at the approach end of runway 16 at the (CGE) Cambridge-Dorchester Airport - Cambridge, Maryland. We arrived at Wilmington Airport about 9:45 and completed our pre-flight, waiting on Dassault Falcon Jet to top off our tanks. While we waited the Delaware Air National Guard had three Huey's nose to tail come in on runway 27 and head to the Guard ramp. It was an impressive sight and they sure do make a distinctive sound.

Cleared to taxi to runway two seven, we proceed with doors and windows open taking full advantage of the cool breeze. Run up completed we are cleared to take off on runway two seven and directed to proceed on course. I acknowledge and off we go. As we climb through 1200' I am advised of traffic at my 3 o' clock entering a left down wind for runway three two, the aircraft is at pattern altitude 1080'. I spot our in flight company and call out that Archer 679er has the traffic.

We pick up traffic advisories (flight following) with Dover Approach as we cross the C&D canal and make our way south west at 4500'. There is a solid haze the whole way but landmarks and airports are easily visible. Dover hands us off to Potomac Approach and Potomac soon follows suit handing us off to Patuxent. 15 miles (north) out of Cambridge I cancel flight following and descend to 3000'. CGE is busy with traffic which is fun for me but really takes see and avoid to a new level. Runway three four is in use so I plan my entry. I make a second call at 10 miles north east that we are inbound for a full stop, three four, Cambridge. There is traffic departing, a Navion inbound from my 3 o' clock and a Cessna to my 9 o' clock. The Cessna advises that she will overfly midfield and enter a 45* for runway three four at 2500'. I still don't see her so I advise I will overfly midfield at 3500' to reposition for a 45* for down wind three four. I finally spot the Cessna and she advises that she is turning out for spacing. I continue to overfly the field making my way in to a nice landing. I think the taxi to Kays was almost as long as the flight.

We decided on breakfast, Mary had two eggs with fried thick bologna and a monster mug of coffee and I had two eggs with scrapple with this super size mason jar of my favorite, sweet tea (may have been the best). As we placed our order I noticed a gentleman securing his RV and I thought it might be Harvey who works for the DRBA at 33N. Sure enough it was him and I waved as he walked in the restaurant. Mary and I motioned for him to join us and he made his way through the tables to our window seats. What a treat to meet a friend with no prior plan. We all enjoyed the company and the eats. The black twin pictured on the right that Mary clicked off is a Mitsubishi MU-2 (twin-turboprop).

Mary and I got a good look at Harvey's RV and Mary said it sure looks tight in there. I said yeah but they sure are quick! We loved the paint scheme and the entire look of the plane, Harvey did a very nice job on the build. After saying our goodbyes we saddled up for home too. 679er climbed out and to the north east enjoying the cool air as much as we both did. It was a non-eventful trip home with flight following through north of Dover, except for a C-5 that passed over us by a few thousand feet from our 3 to 9 o' clock. I ended the day with a smooth landing at KILG followed by a shorttaxi to put 679er back to bed.

Good company for breakfast and a great day to fly, can it get any better?

Visiting The Flight School

I decided to head to Brandywine airport today in order to catch up with my PPL Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). I also figured I would catch the helicopter airshow since there was a TFR in place, that's how I found out about the show. Bill was flying with a student so I parked it in an office chair and soaked up all the good vibes from the new students.

Bill walked in after just a brief wait and we shook hands. It's always great to see him, and I couldn't wait to update him on my flying. First words out after hello, was how professional I sounded on the radio while he had been to Wilmington during lessons. Man, that was really nice, it made my day. I in turn responded instantly with; well, I had a very good teacher, which I truly did.

Bill finished up with his potential 'new' student who was taking a discovery flight. The man mentioned that his wife gave him a gift certificate, of course I jumped in with what a good Bride she is. From the sounds of it the discovery flight gentleman was hooked, he vowed to be back again soon and inquired how he should schedule a next lesson. Like I said, soaking up the good vibes.

Bill and I discussed a few things that I wanted to get his opinion on concerning my flight to Myrtle Beach. Two topics, the first was my handling of lost comm's with Norfolk approach just outside of the Newport News Class Delta and the second was my fuel plan.

A quick review of the lost comm question had me just outside the Delta airspace at 3000' with a 1700' cloud layer between me and KPHF. I was about to request lower altitude when a stuck mic and the PHF ATIS bleeding through had approach all screwed up. I slowed and then immediately contacted Newport News tower to advise of my altitude and position along with my lost comm problem. I was given a new approach frequency and off I went. Norfolk approach granted the descend at my discretion which I did by holding over the Bay to get below the layer. Once at 1500' approach turned me over to the tower and I was to report a midfield left downwind for runway 7. I reported followed with a cleared to land. He seemed ok with this and reaffirmed, always fly the airplane first.

The second question was my fuel planning. The flight to Newport news is 1 hour and 37 minutes with a fuel burn of 15 gallons. I hit my first check point SBY on time 47 minutes. With a change in course came even a better tail wind and I was headed to checkpoint two (CCV) with a faster ground speed. So my fuel plan is good, I left with the tanks filled to the tabs, 34 gallons, and flight plan for 10gal/hr. After I landed and had the time to now replay the flight over in my mind, I gave even more thought to the "what ifs". I kept asking myself what if PHF conditions would have changed to IFR conditions and there was no way of getting into the area. I would have made the 180 and get back over the peninsula and look to land at Accomack County Airport (MFV), and IF that was now IFR? Back to Salisbury, SBY.

Bill said it very plain and very matter of fact. Why did I leave with fuel to the tabs? I responded because at the time I legally had plenty of reserve fuel and thought I would top off at PHF. He played out this scenario, Hmmmm....fuel is how much at ILG? and you may have saved .60 cents a gallon on maybe 10 gallons, so, your life is worth $6.00? When W&B allows for full fuel load and conditions warrant such, fill those tanks.

[sigh], I'll take some consolation in knowing I felt the same way after playing it out in my mind once secure at Rick Aviation and heading to our hotel. It's a license to learn and I added to my experience and decision making process. I mentioned to Bill I am ready to get started on my IR and that I have been working on the ground portion, he was excited and said it was a very good decision and it will make me a better pilot.

Angel Flight Application

I finally decided to volunteer my time to Angel Flight East. I filled out the "co-pilot" application since I do not have my instrument rating at this time (more news on the IR to follow). Mary and I are very fortunate to be able to fly and that we are in good health, well, minus a few metal parts for me.

I still think of everyday as a personal holiday since the day of my accident back in November 85. Maybe it sounds a bit silly but I still get a rush out catching a sunrise or sunset since I was able to walk out of the hospital 3 months after I was admitted.

What I am trying to say is, I think it's time I step it up a notch and give back to others in a way most folks can't provide and that is transportation by air. Pilots are good people and to volunteer their time and aircraft is a special gift, Mary and I want to be a part of this project, we want to help others if and when we can. Check out the web page and read the stories, it will warm the coldest heart just knowing a person can make such a difference and ease the burden for something most people take for granted, transportation. I'm excited to help out even if it means providing ground transportation, whatever it takes!

As I have posted many times (since January 07) I am working on the ground portion of my IR. I stop and start depending on work load, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University class schedule and life with my Bride. Yes, they sound like excuses to me too. I managed to hook up with a co-worker who is a Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument and he said we could work out a schedule. I may reduce the course load from ERAU and schedule more flight time. Sty tuned for updates!

Project Pilot

GA needs more dreamers!

We need more student pilots. You already know someone who has a dream of learning to fly: a friend in the neighborhood or at work or even a family member. Join ranks with your fellow AOPA members as an AOPA Project Pilot Mentor and share your passion for flight by encouraging an aspiring pilot to learn to fly.

You are among an important and growing group of AOPA members who are supporting growing General Aviation. Being a Mentor is fun, easy and very rewarding! And, you don't have to be a CFI.

Ready to get started? Mentoring is as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1 Is As Simple As It Is Important: Get Your Student Flying!Take a flight with someone you know who may want to learn how to fly. Once they are hooked, plan to take him or her to the airport to connect your student with a flight instructor and to schedule their first lesson.

Step 2 Is Just As Simple: Be There For Your StudentAnd that doesn't mean all the time or even a lot of time. A simple check-in with your student every week or two - a little more often at first - is probably all that's needed. Whatever works for you and your student.

Step 3 Is To Just Do What You're Doing: Find New PilotsKeep supporting GA by talking to additional prospects. You'll know who they are: they're the folks you know that are already interested in flying. All they need is little nudge from you to take that all-important first flight.

Moments in Time...

This is not aviation related but horses have always been a passion of mine. I often think of my two girls that have long passed, Ebony’s Precious Express a blue roan, 16.3 hand Tennessee Walker and Susquehanna Squaw a dapple grey Quarter Horse. Great trail horses and good friends.

Seldom does performance match excessive expectation.

Super Bowls are rarely super. Pay-per-view fights are hyped without money-back guarantees. And there's that old expression that applies so perfectly to horse racing: There's no such thing as a sure thing.

Then there was Secretariat at the 1973 Belmont Stakes.

He carried a lot more than jockey Ron Turcotte when he went to the gate a 1-to-10 favorite. He had the weight of Secretariat Mania on his back. The international buzz surrounding him was deafening. He was being counted on to win the race and become the first Triple Crown champion in 25 years -- the first of the television generation that had already put him on an unrealistic pedestal.

Secretariat's response went beyond unreal. He won by a jaw-dropping 31 lengths. His time of 2:24 for 1 1/2 miles set a world record many argue may never be broken.

Secretariat became so popular, Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated featured the horse on the cover the same week. The William Morris Agency booked his appearances the way it would for a hot movie star. At the time, no movie star was as hot as "Big Red."

Secretariat was born on March 30, 1970, at the Meadow Stud in Doswell, Va. He was the third offspring of 1957 Preakness winner Bold Ruler, the greatest sire of his generation, and Somethingroyal, who raced just once but whose breeding was of top quality. Secretariat was the brightest of chestnuts, deep-chested with the muscular quarters of the speed horse and the length and scope of the stayer.

In stud, Secretariat sired such future champions as 1988 Preakness and Belmont winner Risen Star and 1986 Horse of the Year Lady's Secret. But none of his offspring came close to matching the standard he set.

He remained a popular figure even after Secretariat Mania subsided. But his life ended tragically. Suffering from laminitis -- a painful hoof disease -- the 19-year-old superstar was given a lethal injection on Oct. 4, 1989, at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky.

The Passing of a Legend....

John Henry wasn't the friendliest horse - far from it. However, his ability to turn a humble pedigree into the resume of a champion made him a prime attraction at the Kentucky Horse Park, where he spent his final 22 years. "We would always bring kids to John Henry's paddock and say, 'Here is a great champion,'" said John Nicholson, the park's executive director.

Grumpy yet beloved, the thoroughbred great died Monday after 32 years of defying odds - both in racing success and longevity. The two-time Horse of the Year, who earned more than $6.5 million before retiring as a gelding to the park where he became an icon, was euthanized Monday night in his paddock there.

He survived several illnesses over the years but never recovered from a recent bout with dehydration, in which he experienced kidney failure that forced him to receive intravenous fluids. The horse was rapidly losing weight.

"John's always been known for his biting and kicking," said Cathy Roby, barn manager at the horse park's Hall of Champions where he was stabled. "He had gotten to the point where he really wasn't trying, where he just wasn't John anymore. He was just tired and he was ready to go." Mike Beyer, the veterinarian who tended to John Henry until the end, said euthanasia was the only choice. John Henry was put down on Monday, October 8th.

John Henry was retired 22 years ago to the park, where he was beloved by the public and, along with stablemate Cigar, one of the park's biggest attractions. Foaled March 9, 1975, and an average runner early in his career, John Henry was the highest money-earning thoroughbred in history when he retired in 1985.

The gelded son of Old Bob Bowers out of Once Double won four Grade I races and Horse of the Year honors at ages 6 and 9, and collected seven Eclipse awards from 1980-84.

Scrub Orange County Flight

Mary and I planned to visit the Orange County Chopper facility today after making a stop for lunch at Rick's Runway Cafe' located on the field at Orange County Airport, KMGJ. As you can see with IFR conditions we decided a "no-go" was in order. Maybe next weekend we can get this day trip in or maybe visit Gettysburg, PA.

Work continues on the ground portion of my IR. I hope to get the flying portion completed and cert in hand by March of 08.

What a Sunrise!

That's right! This morning Mother Nature was captured in full glory with a gorgeous sunrise, what better way to start the day! I decided not to try and catch a few more winks while waiting and instead camped out on the deck with cam-corder in hand.

It's 8am and I am adding the wx component to my flight plan and looking ahead for our 11am departure. We made a quick stop on the way to the airport for breakfast and to top off the rental car fuel. I had to ask James for a funnel since I left mine in the truck at home (KILG). I added a quart of oil which completed my pre-flight.

Grand Strand offers traffic advisories (Flight Following) on their ATIS. With that in mind I made my call; Grand strand ground, Archer 28679er at Ramp 66 with information Victor, ready to taxi, VFR departure to JGG at 5500, requesting advisory. I was cleared to taxi and the controller was working on my squawk code. I confirm the squawk and switch to advise the tower we were ready to go.

Once climbing out I was instructed to contact Myrtle Beach Approach. The handoff's along the way were; Wilmington Approach, Washington Center, Norfolk Approach twice then cut loose with a visual on JGG. I entered the right downwind for runway 13 and Mary got a few shots of Williamsburg Winery. I set 679er down very nice followed with a taxi in to the terminal. Unicom came online and directed me to park out front, I acknowledged with wow, VIP parking today. I also requested the tanks to be topped off as we shut down. 679er took on 20 gallons and Mary and I took on a light lunch.

Mary and I split a BLT and we each had a cup of soup. Food was fantastic, as always and the service can't be beat. It was nice to chat with Jean, the owner. She asked how long we were in town since we have become regulars there. We let her know we were passing through on our way home from Grand Strand but had to stop for a good lunch, and some fuel. She flashed that smile and welcomed us in.

Tummy's full and tank's topped we departed on 13 and contacted Norfolk approach. Approach offered us a short cut up the bay but we declined and requested the scenic route up the peninsula. KJGG(Williamsburg)-CCV(Cape Charles)-SBY(Salisbury)-KILG(Wilmington).

Multiple hand-off's to approach along the way; Norfolk, Patuxent and Dover each kept us company. Just north of Dover I requested to descend from 5500 to 3000. I was given the descend to 3000 approved maintain VFR. I acknowledged and clicked altitude off at 500 feet a minute. At around 4700 Dover advises me I have traffic 4500 at my 2 o' clock heading north west. I stop my descent and actually expedite a climb back to 5000, informing Dover of my intentions. I get the ok and search for traffic. Here is a Cessna not on with FF but at a good altitude passing below me about 500' from my 2 to 7 o' clock. Once I have traffic and it's clear I am cleared to continue down to 3000'. I was cut loose to squawk VFR a few minutes later and I passed along a thank you for the extra eyes and that it was appreciated.

Contacting Wilmington tower I am instructed to enter a left downwind for 27. I acknowledge and scan for two helicopters and a falcon jet in and around the pattern/airport. I announce midfield left downwind 27 and i get a cleared to land. I admit it was my worse landing for the week, I flared a bit high, had to add power so I didn't drop like a rock and then got 'some' stall horn followed by a short skip and finally down. ....well 679er will live to fly another day and we are home. 4.4 in the air today and I am thirsty and tired. I'm glad to be home sleeping in our own bed!

Myrtle Beach Time

It was a fun Monday once Mary and I got our days squared away. I got up early trying to catch the sunrise. I made the mistake of crawling back into bed for just a few more winks, I missed it. Oh well, we headed out for breakfast at the Spring House Restaurant and then made a stop at the local Rite Aid for a six pack of water and a few snacks for the Tuesday flight home.

We continued to explore this morning and we eventually found the Palace Theater and tonight's dinner location. Mary spotted a Phillips Seafood Restaurant and we noted the cross street and it's close proximity to the theater. Mary just reminded me that it is NOT walking distance from the Dunes,like the person who took our reservation stated.

We headed back and got ready for the beach, Mary packed a bag (snacks,water,sun screen and towels) I walked to the life guard tower and rented two chairs and an umbrella for $30 a day, what a country. Mary cooked herself in the sun to a delightful crispy bronze while I enjoyed the sights...insert smirk. Two funnies from the beach, one child obviously a future plumber walked around showing everyone his baby plumbers butt crack and the other child about a year old learning to walk. This little tyke was throwing those feet out, high stepping, then in one motion would keel over and hit the ground crawling on all fours. I told Mary it looked like the lady was walking a little dog.

I headed back to the room around 1:30 and tracked down a friend that I grew up with from my neighborhood. Yes, there was a time when people knew their neighbors and all got along as one big family. Mary wandered in as I was talking to my friends parents, it was so great just to hear their voices. Anne's Mother was always a sweetheart, the best sense of humor and her Dad with a voice of authority,not loud but always well spoken and respected. We chatted for a bit about family and quickly tried to catch up the years on both sides. We exchanged phone numbers and I left Anne a message to contact me on her cell phone. Mary and I headed to the airport to pay our fuel bill and check on 679er sitting at the ramp. Mary said I (meaning me) can't wait to fly home. I explained that flying for me was like her love for the beach and she understood.

As we walked into Phillips for dinner I was working on the mental menu. Knowing I would be flying in the am I indulged on my favorite southern treasure,Sweet tea. Mary enjoyed white wine with her dinner. Appetizers consisted of steamed clams and shrimp cocktail,both delicious. We both ordered Lobster, Mary had red potato's mashed with garlic and I had red beans and rice.

We met with Anne from the old neighborhood prior to entering the Palace Theater. Anne and I hugged, it was so special to see her again. At least she validated the stories I told Mary about me and my sister Denise (the perfect child) My sister NEVER got in trouble while I was the one getting a butt whoppin' for something (usually deserved). We took a few pictures and vowed to catch up when we return in November for our anniversary. Many good memories shared and reminders of when times were different,in a good way.

After my walk down memory lane Mary and I entered the theater to watch the show Le Grand Cirque. What a performance, displays of strength,skill and balance along with fantastic showmanship. The show lasted maybe two hours with a brief twenty minute intermission. We headed back to our hotel and talked about watching more shows at home at the local theater/playhouse.

After finally getting settled in, I began to plot our course home, deciding on a stop at KJGG, Williamsburg-Jamestown for lunch. JGG will be a two hour hop from Myrtle Beach and that will leave the last leg for one hour and a half.

Grand Strand Bound...

Sunday September 23rd

We got to sleep in a bit this morning since I planned for a 11am departure from Newport News - Williamsburg(KPHF). We were showered and packed ready to meet Susan for breakfast. The ladies asked where I wanted to eat and my response was that I was making no decisions except for Pilot In Command (PIC) decisions today. They got a chuckle and said Cracker Barrel it is, which was fine with me. CB was packed, all the church folks must have hit the early mass because 'everyone' was in line. I guess we waited about 30 minutes and that was ok for us, some of the other folks didn't handle the wait as well. I'm not sure how people can get up in the morning and be so darn miserable and treat the folks around them so nasty.

I made a call to FSS for and updated briefing and the Grand Strand (KCRE) wx was clearing. We said our goodbye's to Susan and promised to be back to visit and catch a show in December, it didn't make it any easier for my Bride. As much as I enjoy flying here for us to visit it pains me to see the sad face Mary has when we have to leave.

Rick Aviation provided good service and had 679er fueled and ready for us to go. We will be back again and be sure to use Rick's. Pre-flight completed and engine fired up we made our call to the Newport News Tower. After the initial contact I announced our intentions; Good morning Newport News Ground, Archer 28679er at the North Ramp ready to taxi with information X-ray, VFR to Grand Strand. Tower approved our taxi to runway 7. Mary and I were off in no time as we climbed out on the downwind for 4500'. Once cleared to to switch to Norfolk Approach I advised 3000' climbing 4500. Approved by approach we were on our way tracking the CVI, ISO then CRE VOR's. Very hazy this morning and a cloud layer about 4800-5000' best described as few.

(<- Lake Waccamaw)
From Norfolk Approach we were handed off to Washington Center, Wilmington Approach and finally Myrtle Beach Approach. Good company, extra eyes with only three traffic calls. Mary, the sleeping princess managed to wake up when she heard the words "looking for traffic,679er". It was funny she would pop up ask position and scan the sky. She actually made one contact before I saw it. The call to the Grand Strand tower went smooth, despite all the bad write ups about the grouchy guy that works there, maybe it wasn't him. I had all my ducks in a row as they say, TPA was dead on 800', my calls were short, correct and clear noting current ATIS information and my intentions. I reported midfield left downwind as instructed followed by a clear to land(ATC didn't say r/w 7) I responded clear to land runway 7 for 679er. We taxied to Ramp 66 and followed the "follow me" golf cart. James got us parked and helped with baggage and hooked us up with the ladies inside for a rental. While we were finishing up the paper work James brought the car up and loaded the baggage, great service. The ladies at the desk were really nice to deal with and made us feel like regulars.
With our Ford fusion now ready to go we headed for the Dunes Village resort. Hmmm...no map but I can find this place, I know typical man. Honest it was easy, follow the coast and read the hotels, we needed to get to 52nd street. Once checked in we changed and headed to the beach. We spent a good amount of time in the ocean, more then I have since a youngster. I headed back to our room to shower and catch some football while Mary caught some Z's and sun poolside. Good timing as I got dressed Mary walked in and we quickly got ready for dinner.

We took advantage of the rental and went exploring. We were actually searching for the Palace Theatre but I could not find it, yes, I know,why would a man ask for directions. I didn't ask because the main objective was to find a place to eat which we did at the Liberty Tap Room. Good food but the bar was really noisy which took away from our hopes of a quiet dinner.

Busch Gardens!

Saturday September 22nd

We made a stop for breakfast at the Silver Diner then proceeded east on Rt.64 to the Park. We sat in traffic as we made our way past an accident 4 miles later. We had great parking right next to the tram car station which made for a good start. We endured the 90* heat ducking into shows to catch the a/c for a bit of relief. The park was decorated for 'howl-o-scream" and the many shows carried the theme. We passed on the rides, or should I say I did, not wanting to stand in the heat, packed in like cattle weaving through the chutes waiting to board. We returned after a full day soaked with sweat looking forward to cool showers and a nap. After showers and a cool down time we decided to head out for dinner.

Ajacent to our comfort suites is an Olive Garden and Red Lobster, two ok choices. Mary and I decided on the Olive Garden but the wait was 45 minutes. We took the pager that was offered and headed across the street to Red Lobster. Upon check in we were told wait time was 25 minutes, that works! We accepted a second pager and headed to the bar. Mary enjoyed an Apple Martini and since I was flying in the morning I enjoyed a tall cold sweet tea. Our pager went off and we were seated for dinner. After placing our order Shrimp linguini Alfredo for me and Lobster tail for Mary, the Olive Garden pager went off. The vibrating portion was ok to deal with but then it decided to beep. People started to look around so we decided to put it in Mary's purse and tuck it away under the table, it worked. Dinner was good and the service fast and friendly even though it was a busy place.

We called it a night and Mary hit the hay while I finished getting my flight plan together. A call to FSS in the morning will fill in the remaining info on my wx sheet and we will be ready to go.

Newport News

KPHF, scattered,smothered & covered

METAR KPHF 211654Z 08007KT 10SM -RA FEW017 SCT027 BKN090 25/21 A3014

Mary and I saddled up for Newport news early this morning but had to wait out the weather en route and at our destination. We decided to make a stop for breakfast at Lucky's Coffee Shop, formerly The Ranch House. Nice place with good service and good food.
I made a call to FSS (1-800-wx-brief) and was connected to St. Petersburg, FL. The Morning briefer was really good, very in depth, a pilot and had knowledge about the area. My route had some problems with showers, low cloud layers and thunderstorm possibilities. The route was KILG-SBY-CCV-KPHF. I decided our 10am (1400z) planned departure would be put on hold. After breakfast at Lucky's I made a second call to FSS. This briefer was more of what I expected. Cut and dry, reading exactly what I read on the internet, no insight, no details. I made the decision that at 11am it was a "go" for launch.

Wilmington seemed quiet this morning except for the strange sound of something different flying overhead. As we finished with uncovering and my pre-flight we were treated to some new helicopter hovering over 27 and making it's way to the ramp. Strange looking bird with stub wings and big box fan set up for a tail rotor.

Our taxi clearance was quick to taxiway mike at 27 and our departure smooth. The initial plan was to climb to 4500 and clear the scattered layer which we did. As we headed south past KDOV we could see the NASCAR event parking areas packing in the campers. We continued on towards SBY watching the cloud layers over top around 7000 and the low scattered layer about 2000. This held steady past SBY. I skirted the Bay to maintain VFR watching the land mass across the Bay remain clear. To our 9 o'clock the scattered layer was getting thick and closing up escape holes. Patuxent Approach seemed fairly quiet today as we road along. I requested to go off frequency to update wx with Flight Watch. This my first experience with FW, it was easy and provided an extra look at the numbers to confirm what I was looking at up ahead.

Patuxent handed us off to Norfolk and we continued south. About 15 out of PHF we get handed off to another Norfolk Approach. I request to descend to 3000 since the scattered cloud layer looks to be about 1500' over our destination. I get the ok to descend and bring comm 2 online again to listen to the PHF ATIS. Information Oscar is current and I note the info as I ready for entering the pattern once turned loose to the PHF tower. At this point things get a little crazy, the ATIS is now bleeding through Norfolk Approach, I double check my comm settings, they are correct. I dialed in the ground frequency just to eliminate the ATIS, no luck. It sounds like a stuck mic and Approach is now non-existent. I need to descend to TPA (1000') but approach last has me at 3000', I'm to close to busy airspace to change with out notifying. I try Norfolk approach twice, no luck, then switch to the PHF tower. I announce my position and altitude and that I lost comm with Approach. The tower gives me a second frequency to try and I confirm. I dial in and contact Norfolk Approach and follow with a request to descend to maintain VFR. I was cleared to descend at my discretion and then turned loose to contact the tower once reported in sight. I was forced to circle in order to loose enough altitude prior to entering the the pattern to avoid a cloud layer. Contacting Newport News (PHF) tower I was directed to enter left downwind followed by cleared to land runway 7. I acknowledged and after watching a Hawker Jet depart I turned final over the Patrick Henry Mall and eased in for a nice smooth landing. We made our way to Rick Aviation and were met by two men to help with our baggage and secure the plane.

I was happy with the flight even if it was a bit crazy at the end. Mary said I was so calm, it just goes back to our training to fly the plane, make good decisions, keep people who need to know informed and as the PIC take charge of the situation. Kudo's to Newport News Tower folks who were very understanding when I needed to circle over the bay and they worked me right in. Clear concise communications of who what and where get you great service!

We met Susan at Rick's as we walked through the doors, great timing. Lunch was in order and something cold to drink. We made a stop at the "Red Robin", great burgers and very good service. If you ever stop at one of the Red Robin's you must try the pot roast burger. Sliced or pulled pot roast on a fresh bun with sauteed onions and cheddar cheese, oh and excellent fries. After lunch we checked in at the comfort suites and agreed to meet at 5:15 for dinner prior to going to the show at the Ferguson Center. Mary took a nap (full tummy puppy syndrome) and I set up the computer and my flight planning 'stuff'. We showered and headed out the door making our way to the lobby at 5:10. Susan was here right on time so we headed out to Keagans for dinner. I had a pound of steamed shrimp and my Bride had Oysters Rockefeller. Since there would be no flying until Sunday morning and no driving for me, I decided to make Friday happy hour and enjoy a double captain and coke. Mary had a few glasses of white wine and dinner was a blast.

We headed out to the show and arrived around 7:45. We found our box seats and settled in. The show was Hairspray and it was a riot. I guess it's really a musical not just a show as I was instructed, but whatever you call it it was fast paced, funny and the singing and dancing was terrific. We called it a night and made our way back to the room for the night.

Flight Plan Taking Shape

Leg 1, KILG-SBY-CCV-KPHF. It looks like the weather is going to be a partner for this trip. Mary and I have been watching the wx since last week. Ok Mary is bored with the wx but she humors me very nicely knowing how important the forecast is for our flight. I've been following patterns and checking the forecast starting at least 10 days out.

Our first time into Newport News/Williamsburg International. We will tie down at Rick's Aviation and hop a shuttle to our hotel adjacent to the airport. Two days in Newport News then we're off on Leg 2 - KPHF-ECG-RBX KFFA-W95. A fly by First Flight for some photos then follow the outter Banks to Ocracoke (W95) . Mary and I will spend some time enjoying lunch and walking the beach. We will saddle up for Leg 3- W95 around the R5306A area to VPGIO-KAOJ-CRE. If the Restricted area is cold that will turn us south west towards the New Bern VOR (EWN) then to Grand Strand KCRE, saving time and fuel. Once 679er is secure with Ramp 66 we'll get checked into the Dunes. We can't wait to kick back and relax for a few days. We plan on a late afternoon departure for our last leg home KPHF-KILG.

Once home we will make the rounds to gather the zoo until everyone is reunited and settled in. I will be checking on the transponder tomorrow and ordering fuel for 679er. Is it Friday yet???

Transponder needing a fix...

679er is waiting on a fix for our Bendex/King KT78A Transponder. Recently on my short hop to visit Cape May, NJ (KWWD) Wilmington Tower asked me to recycle my transponder since they could not "see" me. I checked the breaker and it was fine, then followed up by turning the unit off and on again. Still nothing, so I hit the "Ident" and got a call that I was once again visible on radar. Red Eagle Aviation thinks it's the transponder box and not the mode C box. They mentioned that by hitting the Ident button it forces the unit to send a signal back to the ground interrogator, this in turn gets the two boxes talking sometimes. Hey, if it works I'm happy. I will know more this week. Vacation is a week away and I need 679er to be ready.

Mary has a birthday

Today is Mary's birthday !!! Mary's folks wanted to take her out to dinner with the family so off we went to a well known local place called Harry's Savoy Grill. Great food! This is also the place we were married and held our reception.

I was torn between a few gifts, the things us men really do listen to and a few other ideas that I had. Well, Friday afternoon I decided it was going to be diamonds so I purchased 3/4 carat 'H' color grade diamond stud earrings. She loved them and I got an "atta boy"!

We are still planning on our trip to Williamsburg, VA and Myrtle Beach, SC in the next few weeks so that has taken up some of our time. I am trying to tie up loose ends at work and get ready for the Bridge Deck repairs while Mary is settling in to her new job. We both need the vacation time, heck everyone needs vacation time!

I guess everyone is wondering what magic number she turns today......let me just say that she will always be 29 and holding for me. Happy Birthday Mary!!