Beach Bound!

Memorial Day weekend is upon us!

Friday 5.25.12

To get ready for the weekend I had to get our beach car to the Ocean city Maryland airport. Mary is still not up to a drive like that and Mike was out of town. I decided to rent a pick up truck from U-Haul along with a tow dolly.

My tow rig

It was a smooth trip to and from Maryland. I got some drive time prep at work Thursday with a trip to/from cape may to set up my satellite office for my new contract. The ride to ocean city was uneventful and the ford did an awesome job towing the Cabrio. I got home from the drop off around 9:30pm and got the truck backed in the driveway and secured for the night. Mary and I got up early Friday and returned the rental. It was foggy and a ceiling of five hundred, slowing starting to lift. We made a stop at Angels for breakfast then headed to the airport.

overcast 700'

I'm ready, get the fan turning!

We packed the plane,including Maggie and climbed aboard. I called for my clearance and copied the following.

C- KOXB
R- RV to join V-29 SBY KOXB
A- 2000/6000
F- 119.75
T- xxxx

We launched off runway nine and Wilmington handed us off to Philly at 500 feet. The bottom of the layer was seven hundred feet and we were climbing through it. Philly cleared me to four thousand and a turn to 220* to join V29. The Garmin 530 was already activated on that leg (DQO ENO) so I was set to track. Once on top the sun was shining and the layer looked like cotton strung out below us. We enjoyed the ride as we were handed off to Dover and Patuxent.

Looking south towards Salem cooling towers on top of the layer

I advised pax that I had the wx at ocean city. Approach asked what approach I was looking for and I responded GPS RWY 32. I was told to expect GPS 32 at GOBYO. I loaded the approach but did not activate, I've learned approach changes and it's easier to chug and plug once. As we continued towards SBY patuxent gave me direct ocean city, expect vectors to GPS 32, this is why I didn't activate earlier. I continued to monitor the wx at OXB and it was now down to 400 feet. The MAP for GPS RWY 32 is 380' so this was going to be an attempt with the alternate of Salisbury looking better. I briefed the KSBY approaches just in case, and noted comm frequencies if needed when I go missed. It's all about staying ahead of the plane.

I worked my way to OXB and heard another aircraft ask for the GPS 02 approach into OXB. Hmmmmm.....that runway has been closed. Approach quickly advised the same followed by the pilot advising he will circle to land. Yeah right, not with that overcast layer, circle to land is 480 feet. I get sent to a hold so that pilot, who now asked for GPS 32, can continue in.

I had to fly into a building layer that kicked us around a bit but it was doable. Direct PFAIR hold North West as published, at 4000, I acknowledged. I entered the hold direct at PFAIR, advised approach and was turning outbound on the 325* radial for four miles. With my turn inbound I was watching the clock for my, "expect further clearance time" (EFC). I heard the previous aircraft cancel so approach turned me to 180* for vectors to the GPS approach.

As I turned south I flew out of that layer and had a clear view from PFAIR to the Ocean. I also canceled IFR. I entered the traffic patten on a three to four mile forty-five for three two and followed with a smooth landing.

Saturday 5.26.12

Saturday was an early start since Maggie managed to stick that big block head of hers under the covers and licked my foot,really really gross! Ok, Ok, time to get up and feed the beast then do the morning walk. Mary and I decided on bagels from Dunkin and we were out the door packed for the beach. The Cabrio ran great and it was fun to be cruising like two teenagers with the tunes playing and us having a blast. I guess we spent three hours or so broiling in the sun before we decided to pack up and head back to the motor home.

Early morning beach crowd

Life Guards after sprints south, getting ready for a long swim back north

Neither of us felt like cooking so we decided to try this little dive looking place just outside our RV park. The Grove Market was busy if one was judging from the parking lot. We parked out front and figured we would give this place a try.  When we walked in we asked for a table for two and I was asked if we had reservations.  I know we gave that you got to be kidding look (because we judged the book by the cover). He said you must have reservations and its best to call three to four days in advance. Ok, just so we know do you accept credit cards, his reply, no, bring your piggy bank. Not a problem, thanks for the info and out we went. We decided on Italian but when we passed Watermans Seafood the car just turned in. We quickly decided on a dozen large crabs with crab dip and some cold drinks.

Grove Market

Watermans - Steaming hot crabs!!

Sunday 5.27.12

Sunday was a sleep in day and Maggie obliged. We didn't get motivated in time to make the beach but we did schedule a lunch meet up with my sister Denise and her husband Dave. Denise and Dave have a place in Pine Tree, located in Ocean View Delaware.  It was maybe a 45 minute ride and despite a buzzard taking off from road kill pickings in the next lane and clipping our windshield with wing feathers coming over the top and just missing Mary we had fun. It really was a fun time catching up and seeing where they were located.

Military order of WHAT ???

Indian River Inlet Bridge

Dave drove us around after lunch at an Italian restaurant so we could see the sights. I did manage a picture of the Indian River inlet bridge from the VFW post parking lot. I also had to take a shot of the VFW post entrance sign. We headed south for the rig and called it an early night. We hung out next to our fire pit (I fogot to bring firewood) and chatted with our neighbors that all gathered to chat about our dogs.

Monday 5.28.12

Today was another early start for the beach. I decided to take a different route so we didn't get caught up in the mass exodus traffic after check out. Instead we followed RT50 making a stop at PetCo for Maggie stuff and enjoying the view. The beach wasn't to crowded as we surveyed the sand and crashing waves for that perfect view. I guess we spent three hours under some clouds but Mary and I managed some new red on our faces and legs.

looking East, NE towards the Indian River Inlet Bridge

We packed up and headed back to the rig so we could bug out north before any chance of thunder boomers invade home in Wilmington. I secured the rig and we loaded the car including the beast Maggie. As we approached the airport turn off (turn lane) a lady in an explorer pulled out of the road we were going to turn into. She crossed the double yellow and accelerated right at us.  I blew the horn and came to a screeching stop since I was not able to clear the turn lane with traffic coming by our right side. The lady swerved back to her side of the double yellow and my Bride started to breath again. Fun stuff right before I fly.

The flight home was uneventful! Bumpy at times since I was lazy and didn't pick up my clearance, instead flying home VFR at 3000 under the clouds. Maggie was warm in the back even with four overhead vents blowing on her, it was 75* at altitude.  Mary passed out and I took a nap.....no, just kidding, I flew the plane, jamming to some 70's rock while I listened to Dover Approach for traffic. A bit of a long landing but a smooth one, we were home.  I made a stop on our way home for ice cream and even Maggie had the kids cup soft ice cream.

KGED & IMC Time

I finally got the chance to meet up with Jack after an arranged meeting through my friend Steve. Jack is an instrument rated fixed wing and instrument rated helicopter pilot.  Jack hasn't flown in a few years and has let his medical lapse. At one time he had a cardinal, often making the trip to Florida, so yes, he's the real deal. Former military service in his background and just a really nice guy.

South view down the Delaware bay.  Looking at the line of clouds crossing into delaware covering our intended destination

We pre-flighted 08Romeo and got the fan turning. The plan was to head south VFR to Georgetown. We launched out of Wilmington and soon picked up flight following with Dover. I offered Jack the controls and without hesitation he moved his seat forward, checked rudder controls and acknowledged my plane. I confirmed your plane and went back to my radio work with Dover. It may have been a few years since he was flying fixed wing but Jack sure didn't miss a beat. The cloud layer was starting to squeeze us lower and with a call to Dover we began our descent to maintain cloud clearence. We started at three thousand and by the time I dropped flight following and made my ten mile call to Georgetown we were at two thousand.

Cloud layer closing down on us about 15 north of GED

We swapped controls maybe five miles out and I set us up for our landing. With the gusty winds 08Romeo did move a round a bit but settled in nicely as she finally quit flying and the mains touched down. We taxied in and secured the plane noting we were the only ones on the ramp.

What needs to said?

The rest of the breakfast bunch wandered in and joined us as we were finishing up. It was good airplane talk (hangar flying)and I think Jack enjoyed the group. Conditions never did get much better and the ceiling was sitting at 13-1500. We all said our goodbyes and headed out to our planes.  I decided to file with my iPhone and as long as Jack was ok with it, get some instrument time in.

SR1 Bridge on the left and the RT13 Bridge on the right.  Both bridges, new and old, crossing the C&D canal

I picked up my clearance with Dover after my run up and advised number one for departure. We were soon launching followed by getting into the clouds at 1300. Dover gave us direct Waterloo (ATR VOR), climb to 3000, upon reaching 1700 direct Wilmington. I acknowledged and was on instruments. I did sneak a few peaks at Jack and I think he was really loving the clouds and light misty rain.

We finally broke out north of Dover and I acknowledged ground contact just before Jack advised the Delaware coastline in sight. The wx cleared but the winds picked up. Now in the clear I asked if Jack wanted more stick time. Once again we transferred control and  Jack took us to the 3 mile right base for runway nine as Wilmington tower directed. I set 08Romeo down on runway nine despite the gusty winds, they were mostly down the runway.

Thanks Jack for a great time! I am looking forward to you flying as my safety pilot. Despite your claims of being rusty you sure had smooth stick and rudder skills. Also, THANKS for breakfast, I got the next round.

Busy Day Flying

Mary and I started out the day making our initial visit to IHOP.  Breakfast was pretty good and we were set for our annual trip north to Wilkes-Barre, PA.  It was fun to finally pre-flight with my Bride, I've missed her company and help she provides when we fly.  I think she's getting a pretty good deal "meeting" me at the airport for our beach runs.

KABE

We saddled up and taxied for departure, IFR release noted and ready to launch.  It was a very smooth flight with some changes to the plan by Philly but nothing major.  Actually a few short cuts that had me direct FJC (Allentown VOR) then Allentown approach gave me direct Wilkes-Barre.  I had some concerns when Allentown stepped me down early to four thousand but it was pretty smooth of the mountains.

Pocono Race Track

I taxied to Saker Aviation and secured the courtesy van. I did take on some fuel as a thank you since I think it's the right thing to do. No, I don't know what the per gallon price was and I rather just pay the bill rather than suffer knowing.

Quarry filled with water

We headed over to the cemetery and cleaned things up a bit along with placing flowers and mulch. Everything will look nice for memorial day.  It's hard to explain, let's just leave it at it's a family thing.  I should add I enjoy doing this for my parents, it gives me time to chat with them, yes some may think I'm nuts but who really cares.

Windmill farm, last ridghe line before crossing into the valley for Wilkes-Barre KAVP.  (coming from the south)

It was a quick trip today and back to the FBO to turn in the van. I did stop and refill the fuel, another thing that people should do.  The IFR plan I had filed expired so I made the flight to KLOM VFR.  Wilkes Tower gave me a squawk code and we were on our way, headed to the Wings Fly-B-Q.

I joined the pattern behind a Cirrus and made a nice landing on runway six. We taxied in and I took on fuel, why not at $5.69 special rate for fly in folks.  Mary and I got to spend time chatting with friends and catching up on whats been happening. We all decided that we would let our Brides make dinner plans from now on and we would just do the flying. We miss getting together with our flying friends.

After I drooled on Bob's Mooney, wow, what a panel!, I decided to head south.  We launched for home and made good time riding the tail wind. Wilmington had us land on runway nine and it was a short taxi to our tie down. We secured the plane and headed for home. I made a stop for pet food and now here I sit typing this out. Yikes! it's just about 5:30 and I have to shower and change for a graduation dinner tonight.

Pictures taken with iPhone, I left the camera in the baggage area. I may be flying tomorrow, Georgetown for breakfast!

Cabrio Retrevial Flight

Mary and I purchased a 2001 VW Cabrio for an airport beach car.  Mary did not feel up for the 1.5 hour drive in heavy traffic to bring the car home so I had to make other arrangements.  I sent a text to Mike B (our caped crusader), yes he is our hero, he stepped up and offered me a ride to Doylestown (KDYL).  Now Mike usually flies our Sundowner although he also flies a twin Comanche with Frank and a Diamond DA40.

Glass Panel

Mike and I caught up at the west T's and I followed along as he completed the pre-flight. We were good to go with the TFR and taxied out for launch.  The Diamond Star had good acceleration and was wheels up by 60 knots.  This was my first flight in a Diamond and I must say the view is awesome.  The glass panel is distracting for me but Mike was rolling through screens chuggin and pluggin.

KOQN

KLOM

The aircraft really hustles along. We saw speeds around 135 knots and Mike typically plans for 140.  It took a bit to get used to the long wing but the view just in front of the wing was very good. The leading edge was about in line with my hips. The seating was a bit tighter than my Sundowner and the center stick makes it tight but requires your attention.

Mike shot the GPS RWY 5 approach and finished it off with a super smooth landing. A great use of flying saved me a couple hours of driving and made for a fun time in a new to me plane.

Thanks Mike!!

ILG to OXB

Mary and I met up at Red Eagle so we could finally start flying to the beach. Mary was running a few minutes behind schedule due to a minor fender bender at a red light. No damage to either vehicle so all is well.

By the time Mary pulled into the lot I was ready to help with the few bags and Maggie. I had completed the preflight so 08R was ready. Maggie loaded through the baggage door and surveyed the situation. She quickly settled and found her spot, curling up and getting comfy. I had filed last night and picked up my clearance with Wilmington ground. 

Maggie parked it on the blanket

Ok, where is Mom and the rental car ( she is watching the terminal doors)

Today's route ILG DQO ENO EZIZI KOXB. Altitude 2000 expect 6000 in ten minutes, Philly approach 119.75 and my squawk code. The winds were off the nose thirty degrees and gusting. It was a crab at runway heading along with a bronco ride to two thousand. Philly cleared me to four thousand and advised final altitude.

Rental Caddy, time for the beach!

I was handed off to Dover as Mary nodded off and Maggie shifted position now tucking her head between our front seats. The turbulence never settled and as we let down for ocean city it actually kicked us around pretty good. I canceled shortly after being handed off to patuxent and made my ten mile call for OXB. A nice landing and taxi to the ramp for the start of a beach weekend.

UPDATE: 
Saturday OXB-ILG

Mary and I got a call this morning from her brother that her Mom was being admitted to the hospital. She has a cut on her leg and now it's not healing. The doctor is afraid the infection may enter the blood stream so he is going to get her in ASAP.

We closed up the motor home this morning and headed back to the airport.  It was a 45 minute trip home with a 5-10 knot headwind and yes, an airmet Tango to make it entertaining.

RNAV GPS 19 Approach

After having work done to 08Romeo I had to divert to KMQS for the now active TFR at KILG.  I was going to ask for a pop up clearance to get into wilmington but decided to knock out another landing close by and file from there.  After landing I taxied to the run up area and with my Iphone filed for the 10 minute hop home.  KMQS-MXE-KILG

With a call to Philly clearance delivery I was held for release due to that very same TFR.  Hmmmm, maybe I should have gotten that pop up.  I was only held for a few minutes and was soon departing runway two niner at Chester County. I was cleared to three thousand direct Modena (MXE) and navigated there. I was told to expect the GPS 19 into Wilmington and I chugged and plugged on my Garmin 530 so I was ready to activate.

As I was about to cross MXE I was handed off to another section for control. I contacted the new control advising 3000 level with ATIS (wx info) at Wilmington. As I crossed MXE I was cleared for the GPS 19 and handed over to the Wilmington tower, given the wrong frequency, but I questioned control and he corrected. The odd part was he never stepped me down to two thousand feet as noted on the plate. I proceeded to JIGUP at three and started my descent to one thousand nine hundred and drove on to CUBBE.

From this point I was spot on with altitude and course flying through some cloud cover.  Once inside CUBBE the tower advised there was another aircraft on the approach just 3 miles in front of me, I never saw the Cessna. I slowed to match his approach speed and keep the spacing. The Cessna was low approach only and I was a full stop.  Strange approach but it all works out.

Service Completed

An early start to the day, day off that is, so I could get to Cecil Aero for service.  I also figured if I got done early I just might beat the TFR at KILG starting at 10:45 local time. I took my time and did a detailed pre-flight and was ready to climb aboard by 7:30. 08Romeo started up like she new she was going to visit Roger for service, maybe two blades and a quick start with a smooth purr like idle.  Maybe all the attention this past weekend has me back in good graces.

I was up and out of Wilmington airspace pointed to the top of the Chesapeake Bay, the Elk river to be exact.  A cloud layer was hanging out just on the Delaware side of the Delaware river but I was clear sailing.  I taxied in and shut down in front of the hangar, ready to get started.

Battery Box with a bit of corrosion starting

Oil filter cut open and inspected

2 new Gill 25S sealed batteries

The return trip was going to be close.  I had switched to the Wilmington tower frequency as I noted the updated ATIS info advising the TFR was active.  Oh well, I thought about getting a pop up and started to note my info needed. At the same time another aircraft was turned away due to the TFR and our VP was inbound.  I decided to head over to KMQS for a short spell and try to get home after burning some time. I never did shut down, instead I called Philly clearance delivery and filed for Wilmington.  It didn't help I still got a ground hold for a few minutes then Philly cut me loose.  I got my release and was on my way, ending my day with a RNAV GPS 19 approach and some time in the clouds.

Wax Completed!

Just a couple of shots to show the finished shine.  It's a very overcast day but you can clearly see the reflection in the wing and if you look at the red stripe you can see the reflection of the stabilator.

I've waxed the plane and my Benz ML320 and I have well over half a bottle left.  I'll do Marys C240 this week. The Collinite product is very easy to use.  The extra work for me was the prep. I wanted to use the Zymol cleaner wax to remove any stains.

Clean Up Time

After going out to breakfast this morning I decided to head to the airport and give 08Romeo a bath, she really needed it.  Once the wash was completed and 08Romeo dried off with a microfiber chami I worked on the water stains below the cowl camlocks.

I tried a clay bar but that didn't do much, then switched to a cleaner wax that always did a nice job on our cars. Zymol was recommended by a few pilots on the forums that I read so I went through my cleaning supplies and gave it a try.  I will say the smell of the product is really nice.

I attacked the stains with the Zymol product and with some added elbow grease the stains vanished. I followed up the cleaning with a new product that was also suggested by fellow pilots, Collinite #845 wax.  This product was a bit odd in texture. I followed the directions to shake the container but honestly the texture was like a soft chapstick type of material. I'm not sure giving it a good shake did much at all.

The Collinite is very easy to apply and just as easy to remove once drying to a haze. It leaves a super shine and smooth to the touch feel.  I called it a day after only getting the spinner and top and bottom cowling completed.  I may finish up tomorrow now that the plane is clean.

Scheduled Service

I made the call to Cecil Aero and Roger fit me in for Monday morning.  I have twelve hours remaining on my oil change but figure with all the beach flying coming up I may as well get it done early.  While I'm getting the oil change done and getting my oil sample for Blackstone lab I'll install my two new Gill G-25S sealed batteries.

I don't have any other squawks on 08Romeo that need attention.  I would still like to get my avionics upgrade completed but that's on hold until Mary's medical condition sorts itself out. I hope to post a few pictures of the battery swap out and add a few shots of my day flying after the work is completed.

Double Round Trip

Sunday was a busy day, trust me, that wasn't our plan.  Mary and I had spent the weekend in Ocean City Maryland and we decided to head back north this morning, sometime after breakfast.  Saturday we made the stop at Dunkin Donuts for bagels and planned for that to be our Sunday eats.

With a fun weekend in the books and the both of us agreeing that a lazy Sunday would be nice we packed up for the ride home. I thought I would be able to get home, take a nap, then head to the airport for some much needed flight time. How's that go about the best made plans....

The trip north was a quick two hours that included additional stops at Dunkin for a hot tea and bottled water and a second quick stop at the DQ for a peanut buster parfait for the humans and a childs soft ice cream for the Maggie muffin.  About the time I thought the childs was to large a serving Mary advised Maggie was finished.  Hmmm, do dogs get brain freeze?

Upon our arrival at home we quickly unloaded the SUV and got settled in. Perfect timing, I can get a power nap and then be ready to meet with Mike for some flying.  About that time my lovely Bride asks where are the remaining bags that have her meds.  What bag? I unloaded everything in the truck.  Good grief, Mary left her Asthma and blood pressure meds at the beach.  I was not looking forward to "driving" four more hours for this round trip.

I sent a text to MIke and let him know I had to fly back to Ocean City and if he was going to be available, no answer.  I knew Mary would sleep each way and I wanted some company to talk to and spot traffic, time to call Vince.  Vince was ready to roll and he would meet me at the airport. I grabbed my flight bag and was on my way, I had a mission.

I rolled through the gate and said a prayer that 08Romeo would start. My last few flights were so many weeks apart that my battery was going dead(calling for two new in the morning). Sure enough, one blade and clicks...GRrrrrr.  Bring in the SUV, open up the baggage back panel and remove the battery for a jump start charge.  Twenty minutes later I button everything back up and give it a go.  three strong blades then dead, rinse and repeat. I needed to take a break because my patience level was pegged. Vince and I headed to Wawa for some cold water and I took on some fuel.  Back for another go.

After another solid 30 minutes on the jump start type charge we were ready to fly.  I should back up a bit and mention that Mike and I swapped text messages and I was going to fly to 33N and pick him up for the flight to the beach since it was on the way.  However, since the battery needed additional charge time he jumped in the car and headed north, he had to come north to get home so he got rolling. Mike was flying with Frank today getting time in the twin Comanche, lucky dog. Ok, button up and climb aboard. 08Rome screams to life, maybe it was the promise of a bath and wax this weekend or maybe she felt I was tortured enough for not spending time with her of late, lesson  learned.

This was a VFR flight with advisories from Dover approach.  The ride was choppy with sheers around three thousand and bumps just about everywhere else in between. It seemed to ride best around four thousand five hundred so that's where we hung our hat. I asked for lower once south of Georgetown and Dover cut me loose to squawk VFR.  I put the foggles on and Mike roll played ATC for the RNAV 14 approach into OXB.

Unlike my last flight I was briefed and ready to have at it. Descended to two thousand and direct PFAIR. No procedure turn, instead roll playing ATC cleared me for the GPS straight in. Mike threw in distractions but I crossed PFAIR at two, then descended to one thousand five hundred for LANDY adding in my calls for Ocean City traffic multiple times. I was back in form, on course and altitude on the money. Once crossing LANDY I descended for the MDA of seven hundred and drove in steady holding speed and altitude. Verbally adding into my scan for ground contact and runway environment I am told to remove the foggles.  Runway one four over the nose, time to add flaps and get on the ground.  Adding a second notch of flaps and pointing for the numbers I wait on the full flap then gently set us down, a sweet landing.

I met Don from Express Rentals as I walked in the terminal and he provided me a car (PT Cruiser) for an unbelievable price. The three of us headed 13 miles to the Motor Home and fetched the meds along with the banana bread we left behind. Mission objective secure, time to return to base. I took on some fuel so I needed to sump the tanks and Mike did the pre-flight walk around with Vince. It was a teaching moment since Vince is getting ready to start his PPL lessons.

We saddled up and taxied out to runway one four for departure. A quick discussion after the run up while sitting at the hold short convinced us to file in case we didn't make the TFR time back into Wilmington. A second option was to land at Summit to wait it out if we had to.  While we enjoyed a nice tailwind coming south we were now faced with 13-15 knot headwinds for the ride north. We did file from 33N direct KILG and would pick that up in the air while on with Dover Approach. Ok, bases covered we were off.

It was a smooth ride north, unlike the ride down. I bumped up the RPM to 2600 and made 08Romeo work a bit. I was holding 105-110 knots once in level flight despite the forecast headwinds. I opened up the instrument flight plane with Dover and they handed me off to Philly.  Philly asked me for my best forward speed with the TFR scheduled. Star Trek quotes popping in my head and in my best Scottish accent....I'm giving her all she's got, Captain! almost blurts out. We beat the TFR for VP Biden and I finished with another nice smooth landing.  2.2 hours logged and our mission completed!

FYI, 08Romeo wash is scheduled for this weekend. Also, two new G-25S batteries are ordered and will be installed ASAP.  I will get my oil changed too, just 12 hours left until it's due so may as well knock out two items on my to-do list.

Charge it up

I made a quick run to the airport after visiting Mary's Mom in the hospital today.  I wanted to pull the battery and make sure it was charged for a possible beach run next weekend.  After uncovering and a pre-flight inspection I tried to start 08Romeo.  I only got a few clicks then gave up. I pulled the one battery that seems to have an issue and charged it with Marys car.

It seems if I let 08Romeo sit longer than three weeks she won't start. With a 15-20 minute charge with cables she'll fire right up. I'm going to order a new battery and when I change the oil, in ten hours, I'll have the battery installed.

Once 08Romeo started I decided to take her up for a short spin and really let the batteries charge. I contacted ground for a taxi clearance then over to the tower when my run up was completed. I headed to the south east and did some slow flight and steep turns then turned back for the airport. With the current ATIS info noted I made my way for runway two seven as directed. A super sweet landing without even a squeak of the mains, I had to feel it rolling to know I was indeed on the  ground. I made the first turn off and headed to the tie down.

No-Go

It's been a few weeks since my last post and I am itching to fly.  Tried to get out today after work but it was overcast with showers and gusty winds.  I didn't think it would be to much fun knocking out some approaches and just enjoying the flight time in those conditions.

I have been busy keeping things up around the house and the beach house while Mary is on the mend from shoulder surgery. We both hope to be making beach runs in the plane soon. I just need to get back to flying and knock off the rust! Keeping current is fine but maintaining proficiency is what matters most.

Approaches

Tonight was too nice to pass up.  I sent a text to Mike B and asked if he was interested in flying, I wanted to get night current and shoot a few approaches.  Mike was available now and I advised I was on my way.  I didn't think we would make the one hour after sunset for night currency but I still needed to work on keeping my instrument skills proficient.

08Romeo fired up in a few blades and we taxied for departure on one nine.  After turning out on course Mike worked in some vectors with slow flight, adding in altitude changes along the way.  Slow flight was followed by steep turns that were pretty good, crossing through my own wake that also confirmed my altitude was dead on.

Next up was the ILS 10 approach into Millville (KMIV).  I did a real nice job down to the decision height then went missed. The missed tracks to the VCN VOR which provided a lap in the hold and the start of the VOR A approach. I like to keep the Garmin 530 on GPS and track the VOR approach while keeping the #2 CDI set up for the VOR tracking.

A real nice approach with regard to the course but I blew the step down altitude. It called for 1600 feet at VINER and noted the VCN distance was 6.1 miles.  I briefed and called out VCN at 1600, it was 400 feet below the assigned altitude.  Thankfully Mike acting as my safety pilot alerted me and I briefed again and saw the mistake.  Ok, I'm still on course and speed with the corrected altitude, making my way to the field. The approach ended with a great circle to land and an ok landing.

We departed Millville and headed for home. I tuned Philly approach on 119.75 and requested the GPS 27 approach into Wilmington, Philly gave me the "stand by".  A few minutes passed, the controller was really busy, when he contacted me with a squawk code and turned me direct Woodstown. I was good to go and entered the approach on the 530. I actually felt a bit rusty chugging and plugging on the Garmin.  IFR skills, use em or loose em. It was another nice circle to land for runway one niner and a not so nice landing that was a tad firm. Mike treated to dinner at a new place. We enjoyed a very good meal while we debriefed the flight.

A New Blog

I decided to make a change.  I am going to keep my Flight Journal blog strictly flying and with that decision I created a new RV Ramblings Blog.  I admit, it will be a slow first year as we settle in and get used to the Coach but I'm sure there will be some fun stuff dealing with a new place and trying to get our 110lb Italian Mastiff to adjust.  Maggie will have to get used to more flight time and living in a smaller world on weekends.  The benefits for her is the chance to explore the beach and spend her weekend time with us instead of boarding at the vet.

OXB & Bali Hi

Despite moving the clocks forward one hour, Mary and I managed to drag ourselves out of bed at a decent time. The plan was to try a flight, Marys first since her three TIA's (mini-stroke like episodes). We headed to the airport and I pre-flighted 08Romeo by myself. I did not want to take the chance having Mary help and I thought better of it that she should stay warm in the SUV. I tried to start 08Romeo but she only turned a few blades. I guess it was going around as the Archer two up from me cranked his dead and it took forever for the Grumman next to me to fire up.

Looking up the Delaware River, Twin spans off the wing tip

Background tip of Cape May, 4 tankers, far right tip Cape Henlopen

I pulled the suspect battery and charged it with my jumper cables I keep in the SUV.  I gave it twenty minutes then reinstalled. 08Romeo cranked over in two blades and roared to life. I think she was happy we were once again flying and just wanted some extra attention.  Mary parked my SUV and I taxied to the gate so she only had to come through it and climb aboard. I had the possible walk around blocked with my wing tip so there was no chance of walking into the prop unless you physically crawled under the wing to get by the building.

Our Park is left of the island connected by the two bridges

We soon taxied and launched for Ocean City Maryland. It was a nice smooth flight with a few knot tail wind. Mary slept the whole way and opened her eyes when I was exchanging position reports entering the pattern at OXB. I secured the plane and Mary went in to ask about a rental. Don at XPress cut us a great deal for the few hours we planned on being there.

OCMD Beach

Our Friends condo -  brown roof building behind round red roof bldg. center of picture

We were on the road headed to our leased lot in the RV Park.  It was pretty easy to find and just about 13 miles north of the airport. The ground was wet along the road but we did get out and check out the space.  There were plenty of permanent travel trailers set up and one other Motor home coach.  Everyone waved and said hello and we met one couple raking leaves and cleaning up their location, they were really nice and welcomed us to the park.

Tanker off-loading at Delaware City Terminal

With our mission accomplished we headed back to the airport with one stop for a quick lunch. We checked out the local places to shop, get gas, spirits and hardware, everything was close by. The beach was just about four miles so Mary was happy. We returned the rental after adding some fuel and hung out a bit to chat with Nola who worked the desk.  We went over the overnight fees and what was the best plan for us. The monthly plan (30 overnights) was just $50.  Not bad at all compared to the daily rate of $12. We will sign up for that deal and they keep a log, you can carry the remaining days until they are used up.

We finally saddled up for home and 08Rome was ready to go. Two blades and she was back to her normal purrrrr. Winds were gusting but pretty much right down runway two zero. We were off in a hurry and climbing out to follow up the coast.  I wanted to take a few shots of the Indian river inlet bridge but instead turned to look for the RV Park. It was time to point 08Romeo north and get on home. I added power to run at 2500 rpm and leaned to save some fuel. I didn't bother with flight following on the way home but did have Dover Approach tuned in for updates on local traffic while we listened to some country music.

I contacted Wilmington and acknowledged the enter left down wind for one niner report midfield. Base to final with a bumpy landing approach with the forty five degree cross wind gusting 18 knots. Right main wheel down, wow feel the wind, left main down with the nose quickly following. Knocked off some rust today and I feel more proficient  for it. Hope to get in the air again soon...in the next week or two!