Jekyll Island and the COG Fly-In

 

The Plan

Here I sit just over one week out from our departure for the COG annual Fly-In . I am busy with typical cross country flight routines; checking weather patterns, confirming hotel and car rentals, and giving 3 Tango Charlie a once over with a final systems air check this week.

The plan is to depart Ocean City and head south to 09J - Jekyll Island, GA. I am going to plan a fuel stop along the way due to credit card issues at Jekyll Islands self serve pumps, confirmed Monday morning.  I'll either stop midway at in Whiteville, NC - KCPC, Columbus County Municipal or push further south to Mount Pleasant, SC - KLRO, Mount Pleasant Regional Airport. 

Weather Checks

Departure Day

As ugly as those weather pictures look it was a beautiful morning at the ocean city airport. 

Mary and I rolled through the gates a bit later then we would have liked. With no Ziva home my built in alarm clock wasn’t there. We also decided to make a quick stop at McDonald’s for a breakfast sandwich and pumpkin pie for the morning flight. 

My preflight was completed with only sumping fuel as  my last to-do item. I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out onto the ramp and loaded up our bags, plane cover, window shields, tie down stakes, and O2. Mary and I had broken a record, both bags under 25lbs and one garment bag each, pushing the scale to five additional lbs per bag each. 

A final accounting of all items on board came out to 19.3 lbs under gross.  Hmmm, that will allow three extra gallons at our first fuel stop to make for a new total of 55 gallons. 

I taxied to and departed from runway one-four. Winds were gusty but down the runway which made for an uneventful take off. Since it was VFR and the ground communications outlet was NOTAMed  out of service I picked up my clearance in the air with Patuxent Approach. 

Cleared direct snow hill VOR then as filed, climb and maintain six thousand. We were on vacation! 

I managed about twenty minutes of instrument time flying south along the Delmarva Peninsula. It was a smooth ride in the milk jug and my bride did very well for not being in IMC conditions since our return from Florida flight.

We eventually broke out on top and enjoyed the view. Looking ahead we had more IMC to deal with south of Norfolk with conditions clearing as we worked our way south. 

For the entire first leg I battled 40-46 knot headwinds that made for a long flight. At times in the climb I saw fifty-three knots, in straight and level maybe eighty knots to ninety. It. Was. Brutal. 

breaking out at FAF KCRE

From south of Norfolk I racked up another hour of IMC before breaking out into a beautiful blue sky as I shot my approach into Grand Strand - KCRE. RNAV GPS 23, just inside the final approach fix GAPNY, I came out of the clouds at about 1580 feet. This approach is going in the log book. 

It was a quick gas and go at CRE followed by the climb back out to six thousand on the new IFR clearance. We were on the second and last leg to Jekyll Island. Winds had really eased on this leg, insert eye roll, now running 20-25 knots head on. At least I managed 112 knots. 

I was handed off to multiple approach controls as we bored a hole into the headwinds. The one treat was a traffic call out for a pair of F35’s dropping out of one zero thousand and crossing our path left to right just five hundred feet above. That was worth the headwinds to see that military flight, it made my day. That flight was close enough that we got a caution wake turbulence warning from approach. 

After reporting that I had the Brunswick weather, there is no weather on Jekyll, and the field in sight, I cancelled IFR. I made a slow steady approach to runway one-eight and greased one on. We had arrived!

Mary went to the office for a two seat red bug that we had reserved in advance, and brought it out to the plane so I could load up the bags. What a neat little machine, complete with turn signals and lights. It was gas powered and fun to drive.  The ramp was filling up fast.

Fellow COG member John Fiandola could not attend because he was delivering a helicopter, John did however do a low level fly by to show all the aircraft at 09J. 3 Tango Charlie is on the ramp just past the Red Bug building between a Cessna and a Beech Twin.

Video provided by John Fiandola

I drove around the Jekyll island Club (JIC) property, clueless on where we were going. We tried to find some lunch, and finally did so at the Pantry sandwich shop. This place is like a college campus, buildings everywhere. We saw the folks dressed in white playing Croquet and got a chuckle thinking back to the comment Chris (Photographic Logbook) had made on his blog post. Nope, not a time warp, but they must have some sort of group that plays here on a regular schedule.

Our view during dinner

found on internet

We checked into our room showered, then took naps. Dinner was at the Wharf restaurant, also on property, this one we could walk to. The sunset view was gorgeous. 

On our return to the hotel we met up with Commander group members that were sitting on the porch, taking advantage of the rocking chairs and beautiful cool temps. We had chatted until 11pm, with that we called it a night and headed off to bed. 

The Historic District

The plan is to be up and out at the shuttle bus stop by 9am. The hotel provides a shuttle to and from the historic district and their sister hotel, Ocean Club Resort. The shuttle runs every hour until 10pm.  

Mary and I  wanted to have breakfast in town, at the Sunrise Grill, then snoop through all the shops. We will have to return in time for the opening Commander Owners Group (COG) meeting scheduled for 2pm.  

There were no crowds as we worked our way around the complex. We bought our great nephews shirts, and managed a shirt for each of us. Plenty of selection in the many shops.

The grounds were spotless and landscaped beautifully. The hotels located within this complex were modern and very well kept. I think when we return we’ll stay in the historic district area, taking advantage of ground transportation services for a ride to the hotels instead of paying for a Red Bug and letting it sit. We learn these little tidbits whenever we visit new locations. 

We met the shuttle at the Ocean Club Resort and made our way back to the JIC. Our driver asked if we checked out the turtle rescue yet and if not he could drop us off at the door. Perfect! 

Mary and I purchased tickets and quickly went through the exhibit, too many people for me and couldn't take many pictures. We both followed the path outdoors to the adjoining building that was the actual turtle rescue.  

Friday’s COG Agenda

The scheduled general maintenance, part sourcing, and gear maintenance seminars will be very useful and further enhance my Commander aircraft knowledge. Every little bit helps when we work to maintain our aircraft and learn more about each system. The presenters did an excellent job for each topic and the Q&A session that followed dug a little deeper. It was time well spent to sit and listen.  

I did finally pick up our welcome packet with name tags, a nice looking poster to commemorate the event, along with a 2021 COG Members hat and mug for each owner/pilot.

The group followed up with a welcome reception of sorts with enough food selection to cross off needing dinner afterwards. Mary and I met some other members, chatted for a little while and then made a snack plate. Unfortunately we did not stay until the end since my right leg was really hurting. I had walked beyond a safe distance for me and now my body was wanting to shut down. I have found that if I exceed my pain threshold my body will shift into what I call the freezing seizure mode. I get the shakes, my teeth chatter, and I have to lay down and sometimes sweat it out. Strange but effective, the body always gets it way. 

Mary made a quick dinner run and picked up a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches and some key lime pie. Dinner hit the spot and I soon passed out. Typical puppy syndrome, full tummy equals sleepy time. 

Saturday COG Agenda

Saturday morning, I am first up for a Flying video presentation to the group. This should be interesting. The presentation was not recorded live, but I did do a voice over from the Power Point presentation to post on YouTube.

Following my flying video presentation and the discussion on the elevator spar AMOC, we broke for lunch. 

my ride and beautiful bride

Everyone headed for the Red Bug Restaurant for BBQ. The food and company made the day. The ribs, beans, and coleslaw were very good. I didn’t try the BBQ chicken but it looked good too. Mary and I each saved room for dessert, delicious cheesecake. 

I decided to head back to our room to take a nap. First, I took an Advil and then spread some of that Voltaren Gel on my shin to help ease the pain.

Mary headed out to Driftwood Beach and then Horton Pond with Lisa, her husband Keith went to take a nap too. The baby alligator was at Horton Pond and it's large mama is also there. Yikes!

Mary woke me up when she returned from the two locations noted. I slowly came to my senses trying to wake up then showered after Mary was done so we could get ready for the banquet and closing activities. 

The food and service was excellent and we had a great time. I did not enter 3 Tango Charlie to be judged earlier in the day so there was no shot at an award for me. I did win a really nice LED headlamp as a door prize. 

Mary and I met so many people and made new friends in the COG family. We are looking forward to the next event or fly-in to catch up again soon. We said our goodnight and goodbyes then headed for our room.  My bride was beat so she went right to bed. I had a a nap earlier this afternoon so I worked on this blog post for a short time.

I know people will ask what we thought about the Jekyll Island Club so I'll add a few words here. The service was outstanding. We stayed in the main building. The rooms were nice, older, and had small but sufficient bathrooms, everything was very clean and well kept. 

The complex is like a college campus, buildings everywhere. I didn't find it very handicap accessible, at least in the main building. It seemed that everywhere you went required stairs, sometimes lots of them. For most people that's not an issue at all. With my leg injuries it quickly took a toll. I'll add that we walked a good ways while shopping the historic district and to catch the shuttle so that didn't help much. My doctor will say loose weight to save your sticks, so I'll add that here too if I'm being honest. 

When we return we will stay at the Ocean Club Resort located in the historic district. The shuttle runs to the sister hotel Jekyll Island club on the hour so there are many benefits. We like staying on the beach and the pool was beautiful.

The Return Home

Mary and I met up with a few couples having breakfast and we enjoyed the morning coffee and chat. Unfortunately, it was time to have our bags brought to the front of the hotel, load up the red bug, and head to the airport. Note to file, if you rent a Red Bug, keep a towel handy to wipe off the morning dew from seats. 

If we had enough fuel we could make the four hour hop home. I stuck the tanks and had 32 gallons, so we will need to make one stop.

The revised flight plan is to make a short First hop to Mt. Pleasant SC, KLRO to top off. It's just over an an hour and they have full serve fuel for $4.95 a gallon.

Traffic was crazy busy departing Jekyll Island and the traffic at St Simons added even more traffic to the already overloaded scan. I selected offshore to eliminate most of the VFR traffic and those not wanting to be feet wet. It worked. 

I saw one target shadowing the V1 route north and his speed was around eighty knots. I caught and passed that plane off the coast as another aircraft passed us southbound.

The remaining ride to Mt. Pleasant was uneventful and the multiple approach sectors we worked did a great job. I was directed to fly a 080° heading which took us over Sullivans Island. I turned for the airport once I canceled with approach. There was traffic landing ahead of us and as they cleared I called final for three-five. Service was quick and the lineman professional. Mary went in to grab a Dr. Pepper and a few snacks for the last leg home. She also hung out and paid the fuel bill, which saved me the walk to and from the terminal. I love my bride.

I filed for the last leg home once 3 Tango Charlie was fueled, we were ready to go.  I took off on three-five and climbed out, picking up my clearance with Charleston Approach. We made it almost eighty miles and my bride wanted me to stop since she didn't feel good. I requested a diversion from approach, for my passenger, now landing at Grand Strand, KCRE.

I had hoped I could keep my code and pick back as soon as we got back in the air but I had to cancel in the air or on the ground and refile for the remainder of the trip. I made a nice landing at Grand Strand, straight in runway 5. Once I taxied clear Mary went into the FBO and I worked on the new flight plan for home.

I took off from runway five and as soon as I was wheels up I made a short climb then tried to level for speed and instead touched the mains down again. Does this count as two take-offs? To coin a phrase from the National Enquire, Enquiring minds want to know.

The ride north was a bumpy brutal run. Mary and I both were very uncomfortable as the winds pushed from our eight o'clock gusting from ten to twenty knots. It was way smoother in IMC coming south on Thursday, even with the +40 knot headwinds. 

We crossed over Norfolk with a beautiful view of the Bay Bridge Tunnel and the many cargo and tanker ships in the Chesapeake Bay. I was handed off to Patuxent Approach then eventually canceled IFR when we approached the Snow Hill VOR and let down for home. At Ocean City there was one plane in the pattern ahead of us landing on three-two. I entered the left down wind for three-two and made our way in for a nice landing to end the adventure.

We are both beat, I mean just really tired and sore. Mary helped me with the baggage. I unloaded from the plane and pushed the bags under the wing and she caught them on the roll and loaded them in the SUV, it was a plus to tag team the baggage. I tossed out the plane cover, tie downs, window shields and left nothing but the Commander station wagon mode of pretty blue carpet.  Let's go home, I'll clean up tomorrow.

By The Numbers

Miles- 1084

New Airport 09J- Jekyll Island

Flight time  10.3

IMC  1.3

GNS 480 Eliminating the Procedure Turn

Please note, I'm not a CFI, CFII, and I did not sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. My 'How to" videos are based on my experiences only.

 

In response to a viewer question I put together a short "GPS How To" on eliminating the Procedure Turn (PT) on the approach when not needed, with regard to approach plate notes like this one listed on the RNAV 28 at KOEO. 

On the Garmin GNS 480, once the approach is selected, the SUSP will illuminate when within 1 mile of the PT. At this time press the SUSP button once, and it will eliminate the PT and continue to the initial fix selected. From that point it will turn to fly the next segment (next leg) to the final approach fix (FAF)and then to the runway. 

NEVER FORGET

 

Breakfast with my Bride

The weather in the mid-Atlantic is absolutely gorgeous for our Labor Day weekend. Humidity gone, rain nowhere to be found, sunshine in abundance.  

Mary wanted to join me for a short breakfast hop to Cambridge, MD - KCGE. I am always happy to have my bride fly with me; we were both excited to get in the air. 

I did need to stick the tanks, and confirm fuel on board 3 Tango Charlie. I thought I had thirty-five gallons left after my last flight but honestly could not remember the exact number. After using the fuel stick I was able to confirm forty-three gallons. No fuel would be needed for the hour round trip.  Saddle up!

 

I climbed away from ocean city on a 320° heading, and then turned direct CGE.  The ride was smooth, cool, and the view unlimited. I did not video today, instead, I enjoyed my time with my bride. Patuxent approach was quiet as we skirted the north side of the Salisbury Class Delta. I switched com two over to pick up the weather at Cambridge. Winds were 260° at nine knots, making runway three-four my choice.

The on-field restaurant, Katie's, was busy with the one waitress playing hostess and bus boy. Thankfully, everyone was patient. It was nice to just sit and chat with my bride while we watched the many hummingbirds swarm the multiple feeders on the windows. 

Once we finished up we headed back out to the plane to head home. I did a walkaround and then climbed aboard. When we arrived there were only two planes at the tie downs. On departure the front row was full, we had beaten the lunch crowd. 

The return flight was a simple course reversal, again avoiding the Salisbury Class Delta.  As we passed by the north side of the Delta airspace at two thousand six hundred, Patuxent approach called us out as a target for an American Airlines Embraer-145 crossing our path, south to north, at three thousand. The Embraer was cleared to nine thousand and we stayed on our heading and altitude. 

Once clear of the Delta airspace I switched over to CTAF at Ocean City. There were a few calls from Woodbine NJ and zero traffic at the home base. The position calls at ten and five miles went unanswered and I made a nice landing on three-two to end the day.

3 Tango Charlie back in the nest

South Along Delmarva

I decided it's been way too long since I had 3 Tango Charlie in the air, 21 days, so today I got some fly time.  The plan was to bug out early, just after sunrise but instead I watched the news then an episode of JAG. It was now just past ten and I needed to get moving. 

The airport was busy and that motivated me to get it in gear. I still needed to sump since I last took on fuel two weeks ago. I completed my pre-flight and the fuel check then tugged 3 Tango Charlie into the sunshine. I set up a few video cameras and shortly there after got the fan turning. The air felt good, a welcome relief to the climbing temps.

I taxied for runway two-zero and launched. The density altitude was just over 1400 feet and it took a bit longer on the takeoff roll. Once in the air and noting a positive rate of climb I retracted the gear and flaps. All cleaned up and flying the pattern for my south heading.

Along the coast it was hazy but overall the ride was smooth. I did have some traffic along the way south and then a few more aircraft once pointing north for home. I guess Salisbury (KSBY) was busy.

Overall a fun short hop to shed some rust and enjoy the quiet time in the air.  We have a few flights planned for September; Jekyll Island, GA and then on to visit HGTV's Home Town location in Laurel, MS.  Stay tuned!

Chet's New 182

 

My hangar neighbor and fellow pilot, Chet, added a new plane to his stable.  Today he flew in with his new to him 1968 Cessna 182L. What a beautiful plane, and in Flyers orange and black. I only note this since Chet is from New York. I should note Chet still has his Cherokee 180 and it's currently at Republic Airport located in Farmingdale, New York - KFRG.

Avionics include a Garmin 430WAAS and a Garmin GTX 345 Transponder. I didn't note the audio panel. The paint and interior are in very good condition, the plane has been well cared for.  I'm looking forward to a flight in the 182 some time soon.

I think I'll find a Flyers decal to pass along. <evil smirk>

Much Needed Flight Time

Sometimes you just need some flight time.  This morning I told my bride I was going to take the plane and fly the coast north then head to Delaware Coastal for one autopilot approach then home. The temps were cool and there was a very nice breeze keeping the humidity lower then it has been the last couple of weeks. 3 Tango Charlie needed her oil to circulate and I surely needed some fly time.

I tugged 3 TC out and hooked up a few video cameras, even added one to the tail tie down.  I replaced the ear seals on my Lightspeed headset since they were starting to leave little black specs all over my ears.  The swap was easy peasy, and the new ear seals look and feel great!

I taxied out to runway three two and completed my run and pre-take off check lists.  There was traffic inbound but I had plenty of time to make my call and roll out for departure. 3 Tango Charlie came off the runway just under sixty knots and smoothly climbed away. I tucked the gear up and retracted the one notch of flaps as I pointed for the coast. I would stay on the Bay side of Ocean City since there was one aircraft shadowing me just off the coastline.

Once the "shadow traffic" was clear I had one more plane come down the coast line. Thanks to ADS-B for the call out, I would not have seen him in the haze. 

With a small portion of the coastline tour complete I made my turn for Delaware Coastal. The Garmin 480 was set up for the GPS RNAV RWY 4 direct ZARVI. Enjoying a smooth ride I still had to view the smokey haze covering the area which makes for poor video. At least the temps stayed cool at 65 degrees, cruising along just under two thousand feet. 

The STec 60-2 autopilot handled the approach flawlessly. The GPSS was selected for navigation along with the ALT hold for altitude. Once inbound and established I selected NAV and the plane did the rest, I just monitored systems. The localizer was alive and I awaited the glideslope. Once the glideslope was alive I adjusted power to maintain 110 knots. Typically I drop the gear about a half dot above glideslope intercept, but today, I let it ride. I was going to go missed and climb out for home, no sense cycling the gear for no reason.  I had one bit of traffic pass me as I pointed for Ocean City, thanks to ADS-B for the heads up. 

The remainder of the flight was uneventful, that's always a good thing. I crossed over midfield and repositioned for the left down wind runway three-two and flowed through my GUMPS check multiple times. I ended the day with an ok landing, feeling like I rolled the mains on with a short hop. Reviewing the video it didn't look as bad as it felt.

Garmin 480 Random User Waypoint and Hold

 

This is a short "How To" on the Garmin 480 legacy GPS. This video walks through creating a random waypoint and a hold with an offset x number of miles on a specific radial. Despite its age the Garmin 480 can do more then many of the modern units. Hope you enjoy the process! Please leave me any questions or comments.

Flight for a Wedding

Mary and I were invited to our niece Katie's wedding in Chester Springs, PA.  What a great chance to use General Aviation to make the trip an easy hop north and follow up with a return flight home.  Travel by car, three hours one way. Travel by our magic carpet, fifty minutes north (headwinds) and about 40 minutes south (tailwinds).

The plan was to depart Saturday Morning around 8am and arrive at Brandywine Airport by 9am. We had reserved a rental car (SUV) so we would be good to go for ground transportation. Our Ziva girl was dropped off Friday afternoon for boarding and our bags were packed. All that remained was a last check of the weather early morning. 

Saturday

Rise and shine and lets get this show on the road.  Whoa...pump the brakes. Mary woke up with swollen eyes and all sinus areas from forehead to cheeks. Thankfully she had no issues breathing and not really in pain. My bride decided it would be best if she did not go and sent me off on my own. Knowing she was safe and no asthma issues I agreed to go alone, I really didn't want to miss Katie and Mike’s Wedding day and the chance to see my sister and her husband. The last time I saw my sister Denise was pre-covid. 

I had my pre-flight completed and only needed to sump fuel before starting up. Once I climbed aboard I mounted a single video camera and headed out for runway two-zero. With one small bag, a garment bag, and fifty gallons of fuel I was light. I had filed but since it was so nice I decided on flight following only for the trip north.  I contacted Dover and we swapped info providing those extra eyes we pilots like to have watching over us. Dover handed me off to Philly and they handed me off to another sector before I finally cancelled and let down for KOQN, Brandywine. 

I set up for a long final for runway nine and after making a nice landing taxied clear at the Terminal. I secured the plane and rolled my bags to the rental, a Nissan Rouge. From the airport to the hotel was about fifteen minutes. I was so confused looking at the new buildings along RT 100. This was my old stomping grounds when I was working the farm. I knew every short cut and every back road, now, I could not recognize one landmark. I may as well have been dropped off on another planet. 

I did find my way to the Hilton Garden Inn and managed to secure my room access by 11am. My brother and his bride arrived before noon and we met up to go scout the area. Read that as find Katie and Mikes house so we had an idea where to go for the reception BBQ later in the afternoon. We motored north on RT 100 and I finally saw something that I could recognize, Ludwig's Corner Horse Show and Fairground. I was amazed how the landscape of my youth and tooling around either on horseback or in my 73 Monte Carlo have vanished from all but those precious memories. Getting old and watching the world change around you really stinks sometimes. 

I will say that Mike and Katie live right next door to God's country, barely two lanes of blacktop with shoulders, uh, wait, there were no shoulders just huge, I mean humongous trees, and a few telephone poles.  This is four wheel drive country come winter. 

We made our way back out to RT 100 and I found our way to the hotel. We would give this another go at 3pm for the real deal.  I was showered and dressed for the BBQ complete with my aviation themed Hawaiian shirt. I followed our initial route, or so I thought, missing one of the last two turns. The hunt was on. I was driving, my brother was right seat and his bride was in the back seat with an occasional laugh. She finally volunteered to bail us boys out when we sat at a T intersection, three way stop, trying to decided if rock paper scissors or a flip of the coin would best direct us to our destination. Thank you Janice for the bail out. Yes, I had my phone for GPS. No, I don't need directions, or so I thought. 

The decision was made to depart before dark just in case the boys got lost again. It gets really dark on those back roads and the thought of passing even a pick up truck took maneuvering and some luck. We ended the night at the hotel bar to enjoy a nightcap. My Captain and Coke tasted great, and most likely will knock me out when I crawl into bed. 

Sunday

I woke up at my typical Ziva feed me time, 5:30 Ugh...I rolled over for a few more winks. My tummy finally gave notice that I needed to find some eats and get something cold to drink. I showered, dressed  and headed downstairs for breakfast in the lobby area.  I strolled around and finally decided on a cheese omelet and crispy bacon. I passed on the juice and had a large cold water instead. 

With my tummy full I needed to take care of a few things wedding related, a card and the cash. Mary and I had planned to do this when we arrived but since I am solo I now had to pick the card. That wasn't too bad and I make tracks back to the hotel. As I walked in my brother and his bride were just coming into the lobby, good timing. I sat while they had breakfast and then we decided to head out and find the wedding venue. I like scouting trips, it usually helps get the lay of the land. The wedding venue was easy and we were soon pointed south for the hotel. Janice wanted to make one side trip to find her Uncle's house but we weren't positive of the address, however, we had the correct road. We did eventually find the place with a little help from Janice's cousin Pat, and with that took some pictures and then headed back to the hotel.

I went back to my room and took a nap mixed in with watching some History channel show on cars that built America. We had all agreed to meet in the lobby at 2:15 for the ride to the wedding. We piled in the rental SUV since that was way more comfortable then my brothers rental car. Once we arrived and found a parking spot we were directed to an outdoor area for the country wedding ceremony. Here are a few pictures.

L-R My brother Joe, Katie, my sister Denise and me

The music and food were excellent. Everyone seemed to really have a good time. I am so happy for Katie, Mike, Brooke and my sister and her husband Dave.  Y'all know how to throw a great party. 

Time flew by and I was ready to head back to the hotel. Joe and Janice were ready too, and we all said our goodbyes before walking out to the SUV. I was so happy to see my sister, it's been way too long. I am also happy to see Katie and Mike tie the knot, they are fun to watch and listen to as they interact. Mary and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

Monday

I was up again on Ziva time, I wonder if she was up at the boarding place or if she was sleeping in. I know my bride was sleeping in, no dog and no me to make noise around the house.  I did text Mary all through the wedding with pictures and updates, it was the least I could do to make her feel like she was there. 

I was up, showered, and dressed in time to check out at 6:40am. I loaded up the SUV and headed south to Brandywine, a fourteen minute trip. I took an old familiar road to cut across RT 202 and on to the back way to access the airport. Boot road looked nothing like I remember. There were houses everywhere replacing all the farms that I frequented. I even went through a double set of tunnels that I knew so well and I honestly was shocked, gone were the fields, barns, and horses that used to dot the land on either side. Time waits for no-one. 

The Terminal was still locked when I arrived, it was just 7am. I loaded the plane and did my pre-flight making sure to sump fuel despite not taking any on. It had rained pretty good on Saturday and I wanted to make sure there was no water. Both tanks were good. I had called the airport office on Saturday and asked if they could check to see if the top latch for the pilot door was indeed latched in the closed position. Most times I leave it in the open position because the plane is hangared or I am not away from the aircraft. The man checked the latch and without putting any pressure on the top of the door he must have forced the latch and broke it. I somehow managed to squeeze it together with enough force to switch to the open position and gain access.

The man that works the desk rolled up and asked if I needed a hand with anything and I advised I just needed to check out. I mentioned the broken latch and said I should have been notified. Either way I asked for it to latched and they did me a favor, all good, I'll take care of the broken handle. My tie down fee was paid when I arrived so I was good to go. I headed back to the plane and climbed aboard.

3 Tango Charlie came to life and I sat to let the oil temps come up. Once at the top of the yellow I taxied out for my run up. I held short at runway two-seven finishing up my checklist items then got a call, from a fuel truck, if I was taking off or waiting on a release. I responded just getting ready to launch and with that made my call. 

It was a smooth ride south although very hazy until reaching Ocean City.  I did have some traffic to contend with but no issues. I made my call ten and five miles out for landing full stop runway three-two and continued in. I made a nice landing but had floated a bit and landed way longer then my typical greaser.  I called clear and headed for the hangar. 

A fun trip although really missing my bride. Happy to be home and I can't wait to see Mary. I'm not sure what's up next, maybe Bar Harbor maybe the Boston area. 

Lunch Run and Traffic!

The plan to meet up was worked out on Friday with a few text messages shared with fellow BAC member Les G.  We would take the ladies out to brunch at the Runways Restaurant and lounge located inside the Rider Jet Center at Hagerstown airport KHGR.

Mary and I were off to the airport for our scheduled 10:15 departure. I only had to sump to complete my pre-flight and then tug 3 Tango Charlie out of the nest.  We climbed aboard and taxied out to runway three-two where I completed my run up and launched.  I had filed Friday night and decided I would launch and pick up my clearance with Patuxent once in the air.

C KHGR

R JAYBO BAL EMI HAIGS KHGR

A 6000

F 127.95

T 5511

Patuxent gave me "As Filed" four thousand and soon followed with six. I climbed above the layer and Mary and I enjoyed the cool temps, 56°. It was a beautiful day on top. 

The quiet and fun ride ended as I crossed the midway point between Salisbury (KSBY) and Easton (KESN) at the north tip of R-4006. I had picked up traffic opposite direction about three hundred feet below. 

There was no word from Approach, so I alert them to the traffic and then ATC turns me from my present course of 310ish to 270°. I advise the traffic is turning to me and I am given a new heading of 260°. Once again the traffic turns to me and ATC turns me to 230°. I get one more turn to 210° and finally a climb to seven thousand, all be it very brief. Once there is no conflict I am immediately dropped back to six thousand and resume course. 

  

The one day I do not video and I have something I want to review and learn from. Here is my take-away after watching the FlightAware video and thinking back to what transpired.  With traffic only 300 feet below and coming head on I should have asked for higher immediately. Instead, I advised ATC of the traffic and they vectored me, multiple times before finally giving me higher. The really odd part of this situation is that the traffic kept turning towards me, each time I turned. I gave away control of my situation to ATC. My learning moment, never give up that control as PIC. It was a real brain fart on my part, and I honestly can't remember doing that in the past.

The remainder of the flight across the Chesapeake Bay was quiet and enjoyable. I had a few more handoffs and a shortened route with a direct EMI then changed to direct HAIGS. When I was given direct HAIGS I set up for the ILS 27 approach just in case. As ATC stepped me down from six thousand I went into IMC and the ride was still very good. Once I reported that I had the weather at Hagerstown ATC asked me to report established on the localizer. I thought this was odd since the airport was VFR conditions and I was not given an expect ILS 27. Once turned inbound for the airport at HAIGS I broke out and reported that I was now VFR conditions instead of established on the localizer. ATC handed me off to the tower and I continued in for a smooth landing.

Les arrived in his Sundowner shortly after I had landed. The lineman had just finished fueling 3 Tango Charlie with just ten gallons. The ramp was busy so Mary and I headed inside to settle up my fuel bill grab a table. The ladies had a chance to catch up and the pilots of course talked airplanes. We had last met up with Les and Nahia in Lancaster for lunch back in March.

While we were chatting a young man came up to the table and said he followed me on YouTube and Instagram. I was thrilled to meet Ryan and thanked him for watching and checking in. Ryan and his father (Dan) flew their light sport Aerotrek A240 from Martinsburg for lunch. I managed to get a shot of them with the plane and chat a bit about their light sport while we were waiting for our food order. Yes, Les and I left the ladies holding the fort. Hey, we had the chance to talk airplanes. 

We headed back in to the restaurant while Dan and Ryan readied their plane to get back in the air. It was really nice meeting them both and checking out their plane. 

After lunch and plenty of chit chat time we all decided it was time to head out. Les taxied out  and I followed once I picked up my clearance. I had filed when we were seated at the restaurant, almost a reverse of my flight here. KHGR EMI BAL JAYBO KOXB. The email confirmation showed a route change, KHGR SBY KOXB. I'll take it, it's a more direct route home that will save time and fuel. 

Not so fast, the clearance for home was amended and now read KHGR HGR EMI BAL JAYBO SBY KOXB.

With the new route entered on the Garmin 480 I taxied out for runway two-seven. As I climbed out for the HGR VOR I was handed off to approach and we were on our way. I had one vector for traffic and then turned back on course. Eventually I was given direct Salisbury (SBY) and while Mary slept I motored along. As I let down for home Mary woke and apologized for sleeping the entire flight. I reassured her that was ok and that I took a cat nap too, yes, the look was priceless.  I was kidding of course.

Today we checked the pulse ox and I was at 88-89 once at six thousand and I'm sure a bit lower coming home at seven thousand. The experiment was to just try the compression sock only and no oxygen. The test run was a massive fail. When I climbed out of the plane I could hardly walk on my right leg. Mary helped me tremendously, opening up the hangar and bringing the tug out to the plane. I used the tug as a walker of sorts and managed to get 3 Tango Charlie safely in the hangar.  There would be no window or leading edges cleaned today, I needed to get home.

Mary loaded me up in the SUV and drove us to the house. I went straight to bed and took some horse pill size Ibuprofen for the pain. I went through the I'm freezing and the shakes to I'm melting and the sweats. I woke up this morning refreshed, no pain, and ready to do this blog. Lesson learned, I need Oxygen for anything above six thousand to do whatever it does to keep the blood flowing and accident traumatized leg from flaring up in pain.

Next up a possible flight to Pennsylvania for a wedding next weekend. Still watching weather and the forecast thunderstorms. Fingers crossed!

Breakfast and an Approach

Sort of like dinner and a movie, but instead, breakfast and an approach. I posted on FB and texted a few friends if anyone was up for a breakfast flight, there were no takers. Mary was snuggled in bed and said she would take a pass today. I decided I needed flight time and to get the oil moving in 3 Tango Charlie, I was off. 

Traffic was still pretty light as I made my way to the hangar. 3 TC had 37 gallons on board by sticking the tanks and according to the JPI monitor 34.5 on board.  Either number works for the half hour hop to Easton, KESN or possibly Cambridge, KCGE and then the return to base.

I made the decision to head to Cambridge after a fellow pilot posted that "It's been a couple years but, the food is mediocre, and the service was below average. Much prefer the breakfast and folks at CGE. 

Lets get the fan turning.

I picked up the wx and then taxied for runway three-two. I was off and pointing west for Cambridge with a slight headwind of thirteen knots. The ride wasn't too bad, until I let down for the RNAV GPS 34 approach. 

Once the approach was loaded I selected the initial fix, PROFS. I made one round for the procedure turn and headed inbound for the final approach fix, WUGUM, at or above 1700 feet. There were a few planes in the pattern but we swapped calls and worked together for the landing sequence.

I had creamed chipped beef over hash browns, crispy bacon and of course the very best sweet tea. The restaurant was packed! Somehow I was quickly seated, tucked in just past the register. The hostess took my drink order and then when she brought the sweet tea out, took my food order.  I checked the clock and noted the time. My meal took 40 minutes to come out.

There was one waitress, one hostess, and they were both busy as could be. I will say they were both very pleasant, and did a fine job under the short staffed conditions. When I paid my bill I thanked them both for coming in and doing a great job under the conditions. I got a thank you and a big smile. 

I wandered my way back to the ramp and chatted with the two men that were flying a Mooney.  Both guys were from Chorman, D74. I had a similar path with the Mooney owner growing up, horses, then construction.  We had a nice chat about both planes and they invited me to stop in at their home field.  It's on my list as a go to.

We each got the fans turning and I followed the Mooney out to three-four. There was a Travel Air doing simulated engine out practice so we had to hold. Once the Beech was clear the Mooney took off and I followed. The best course of action to remain clear of clouds and clear the Salisbury airspace (2500) was to point north east. Once clear of SBY I flew direct Ocean City, entering an extended left down wind for three-two.  I made a nice landing and taxied for the hangar, dancing with a Cirrus coming the other way that had landed in front of me. 

A fun day with good eats as the prize. I'm looking forward to our flight for a family wedding in a few weeks, then we hope to open up our traveling once again.