Three Hops and IMC

Text messages were traded between Mike, Vince and myself last night in order to plan for some flight time today.  Conditions were calling for IMC on our intended routes and no thunder storm activity, that was the big plus.

Climbing out of ILG

The plan was a go and the meet up time was scheduled for 9:30 am.  I picked up Vince on the way to the airport and we started to uncover 08Romeo as Mike walked across the ramp.  I had filed for our flight to KGED, Sussex County Airport in Georgetown Delaware. I contacted Wilmington ground and picked up my clearance.

Cleared - KGED
Route - RH V29 ENO direct
Altitude - 2000/4000 in ten
Frequency- 119.75
Transponder - 6631

Flying in the milk jug

IMC

We were soon climbing out of Wilmington and handed off to Philly.  Philly gave me four thousand and direct ENO (Smyrna) then handed me off to Dover. Dover called out multiple targets along the way and each time I had to respond 08Romeo is IMC. Once I reported having the wx info at KGED I was lowered to 2000, direct BOYSE cleared for the GPS 22 approach.  I acknowledged and added I would be doing the procedure turn as published, Dover confirmed.


Entering the PT at BOYSE

I did a real nice job tracking for the procedure turn and the approach. I even tied a bow on it with a smooth greaser of a landing.  I know its good when Mike is quiet and I think I heard him say "super". I was happy, it's always a good thing to impress the CFII.

Jeff flying Harv's Mooney

We enjoyed a great lunch at the new Arena's restaurant located in the terminal. I had Chili and a half BLT combo for around $8, Mike had a large bowl tuna salad that looked great and I think Vince also had a BLT.  As we walked out of the restaurant we bumped into the Woodbine bunch and had a few minutes to catch up with Jeff D.

Mike flying GED-OXB, extreme outside temps

We did a brief walk around and sumped fuel. 08Romeo was good to go and we taxied out for KOXB, Ocean City, MD in the high temps.  We filed while eating lunch just in case we needed the cloud clearance but ended up making out just fine.  Mike was left seat for this short hop and he did a nice job knocking out the GPS 14 approach.

The three amigo's decided on a trip to the boardwalk so we piled in our beach buggy, the VW Cabrio and headed east.  Of course we got the top down, at least for a few blocks. It was so stinking hot we decided to put the top back up and crank up the AC, we didn't even get off the airport property. :)

The boards were packed but we did manage a few stops. I picked up fudge for my Bride and Mike and Vince each got a Kohrs soft serve ice cream.  We strolled around for a bit then headed back to the car so I could show Mike and Vince the homes Mary and I are looking at. After the real estate tour we headed back to the airport and tucked the Cabrio back under cover for this weekends next visit.

Vince and his favorite jet at OXB

We filed for five thousand  for the ride home to Wilmington, KOXB ATR ENO DQO KILG. There was a cloud layer that was building, base around fifty five to six thousand and we didn't want to be stuck under it getting beat up. I called clearance/delivery from the ramp and noted the following info.

Cleared - KILG
Route - As Filed, fly heading of 270  upon entering controlled airspace
Altitude - 3000/5000 in ten
Frequency- 127.95
Transponder - 6525

That works, we were number one for the back taxi on one four and turned 08Romeo into the wind and launched. It was a smooth ride with some thirty degree deviations for build-ups as we worked north of Georgetown towards Dover.  Dover handed us off to Philly and I checked in with five thousand level, have wx at Wilmington. As we passed near the Salem nuke plant we were lowered to three thousand and with confirmation that we had the field I was turned over to the tower. Another smooth landing into Wilmington and the end of a fun day flying with friends.

Dinner Hop

Sunset at KMQS

Mike and I swapped a few text messages and agreed to meet at the airport by 6pm for a dinner flight.  Mary wasn't feeling good so once she was settled in I headed to the airport for some flight time.

C17 on the old Boeing ramp

Speaking of flight time, I took a few minutes to review my year to date totals on MyFlightBook.com, I'm not very happy.  So far I managed to squeak out 29 hours, yes, you read that right, just 29 hours.  This has been my least productive year. I'll blame it on the wx and hope that mother nature starts to cooperate so I can get back to my normal accumulation of hours and most important, experience.

Mike walked in just after I got started on the pre-flight having just taken on fuel from Atlantic.  The plan was for a quick hop, KILG-KMQS with a dinner break in between approaches.  I taxied out and flew 08R to New Garden, N57, while helping locate an ELT that was bleeding over the airways.  We reported in with Philly approach but they asked me to stand by. I switched back to Wilmington and gave them an updated report on the signal then continued on towards MQS.

Mike shot the ILS 29 and did a real nice job. Radio calls were hard to make out with the ELT blaring every time someone keyed the mic on the MQS CTAF, 122.7.  We made this a full stop and ate dinner at the Flying Machine Cafe'.

We saddled up for Wilmington and climbed out of Chester County pointing 08R south east. I decided to change my glasses to the clear version and tuck my flying sun shades away. Hmmm, I guess I forgot my clears. I passed on shooting an approach and instead informed Wilmington that I was nine out and inbound full stop with no ATIS info due to the ELT drowning it out. I confirmed the winds and altimeter setting along with acknowledging report three miles right base for two seven.

that's all I can show, it's a family blog!  :)

It was an ok landing at best, felt like I was dropping in from ten feet but managed to arrest the sink rate with some throttle in time to recover. We taxied off and decided to make sure it was not 08Romeos ELT.  In the process of removing the right rear fuselage ELT access panel I was attacked by mosquito's. I came home with eighteen bites just on my back!  No, my ELT was not the problem, at least it didn't change by switching my unit off and on.

OCMD to Wilmington

We departed early Sunday morning due to wx heading up the Chesapeake Bay. We loaded 08Romeo on the ramp then parked our airport car back in the main lot.  Preflight completed we got the fan turning and taxied out for departure.

I had filed just in case but the wx looked good enough to make a VFR flight home. We launched of runway one four and climbed out to the north. I had some mist at one thousand and it looked thicker up ahead and despite maybe 5-6 miles visibility the horizon was now lost.

I made a call to Dover and opened my instrument flight plan. I was cleared to ILG from present position direct DQO, climb and maintain 5000. I made a nice climb to altitude at 90 knots indicated and ground speed of 111 knots.  I leveled off at five and we road a very nice tail wind to the tune of 130 knots. As we approached Dover I heard other traffic reporting IMC at six and above. I could just start to make out the Salem nuclear plant steam and soon had the cooling towers in view.

Dover handed me off to Philly and I checked in with five thousand level and had the wx at ILG. Philly stepped me down to four then down to three which put us just east of the middle of the belching cooling tower and a few good bumps. I reported the field in sight an was dumped of to the Wilmington tower for the visual runway one nine.  A super smooth landing and taxi to tie down ended our beach weekend.

Destination 2 - KOXB

After a fun filled day flying with Mike it was time to load up and get to the beach for a long weekend.  Yes, I bagged another day and have tomorrow (Friday) off too.  Traffic was moving pretty good and we made it back to the airport pretty quick.  Mary and I loaded up our golf clubs, extra clothes for the upcoming fourth of July week and a few provisions for the new pup Ziva's arrival next Saturday.

Looking across the Delaware bay towards NJ

OCMD

The layer Mike and flew through had blown through south-south west and my path down along the Delaware River and Bay looked clear. I didn't bother to file, instead decided on a VFR flight and a pop up if needed to get into Ocean City. I did decide to contact Dover for flight following since he seemed busy with military traffic and I would be just over his airspace.

sunset west bound RT 90 bridge

A fun uneventful flight to the beach followed by dinner at OC Steamers. Dinner was ok, I guess having a steak at a seafood place wasn't the brightest thing to do. The NY Strip tasted great but I could have driven a nail into the floor with it, live and learn. At least we got to kick back at the motor home and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Ricmond, VA - Columbia Shopping

I wish I could write this post with a straight face and tell you all "I" am Columbia shopping, sorry, no can do.  My friend Mike is looking at planes and he really likes the Columbia.  Now Mike was a cirrus guy but I think I may have talked him off that cliff and turned him on to the Columbia.

I won't go into all the particulars of cirrus vs Columbia or all the investigations of our day. I will say it was sweet to get an education on the aircraft and to finally get the up close inspection I had always hoped for.

I bagged a day of work and met Mike at 08Romeo by 8am. I had pre-ordered fuel and sure enough she was topped off as directed. I did my pre-flight and sumped as Mike walked across the ramp. I was right seat for this flight working the radios and navigating.

Mike had filed for KILG DQO ENO PXT TAPPA KRIC.  The wx was so nice we decided on a VFR flight south. When I picked up my taxi instructions the controller didn't ask if I wanted to pick up my clearance and instead just rattled them off. I had to break the news we were not going to pick up the clearance and instead choose to enjoy a VFR flight.

Our flight went smooth and we eventually worked our way into the pattern at Richmond sandwiched in between jets taking off and one up our six. Mike made a nice landing and with airport taxi diagram in hand and the Garmin 496 taxi screen up we made our way to Richmond Jet.

We got a nice tour of the shop and Mike met Russ who showed us the Columbia 300 that is for sale.  The shop was packed with Columbia aircraft, the drool factor was very high and I had to work to control my stupid. A nice plane for sale and Mike took plenty of photos and notes.

We finished up and headed back out to 08Romeo so we could make a short hop north, all of ten minutes, to Hanover, KOFP.  There was a Columbia 350 listed for sale and Mike figured he would check it out since we were pretty much next door.

KRIC

After an extensive walk around and photo session Mike made some notes and went through the log books to make sure they matched what he was sent electronically. Stop two was complete and it was time to head home. I still wanted to fly to the beach tonight and I didn't want to contend with rush hour traffic.

We made the flight home VFR but once north of the Virginia state line we would need a pop up to get through north of Dover. I took over the flying while Mike got us the pop up and off we went.  Of course Dover 'always' requests a descent to four then three thousand and this trip would be no different. I guess I added .2 to my IMC totals and it felt different but fun flying from the right seat and bugging new headings.

We got back to ILG and I headed home to pick up my Bride.  Mike cleaned the windscreen and left 08Romeo uncovered but secured for our quick departure. A fun day flying with Mike and drooling over planes, it sure beats working!

Another no-go

We were off to the beach on Friday but our 7pm departure did not have a nice welcome planned for us at Ocean City MD.  The REAL problem is that I am not night current and could not push the flight back to wait out the wx. We gave leaving Saturday morning some thought but we were packed and ready to go, besides I wanted to play a round of golf on Saturday morning.

Yes, sigh, we ground pounded once again.  I may have to change my blog to Gary's Driving Journal if this trend keeps up!  It was a 2.5 hour run to the motor home and a good nights rest after a Royal Farms chicken dinner.

Saturday was beach day for Mary and her friend Jo Ann, I caught up with my friend Ted and played a round at Assateague Greens Golf Center. I shot a 48 on a par 27 course.  My drivers are a bit out of control but my irons are getting better. The ladies and I finished off the night watching the movie Broken City and called it an evening.

Hey, look at me!

Sunday we got up early and I made breakfast. While we sat an ate up the pancakes we watched a second movie, Guilt Trip, some good laughs indeed.

No close up's

Ziva meets Dad

Eventually we got on the road and headed for North East MD.  We made arrangements to meet our new pup, an American Mastiff.  We picked out her name and left a deposit, Ziva will be coming home on June 29th!!

N/A Puppy Update

The Girls are now 4 weeks old.  We are scheduled to visit this Sunday and meet them both.

First the Fawn female at 4 weeks....

And now the Apricot female now 4 weeks....

We would take them both if we could! 

Golf AND Flying

The Golf
Mary and I got up early and decided on a round of golf today. We played the home course, nine holes. Clayton Park is great for beginners, or so they told us.  Well there are trees, I found a few, and no bunkers, that's always a positive.  What we didn't know was, it is up and down the hills. The 9-hole course at the Clayton Park golf facility in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania features 1,600 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 30 . The course rating is 35.5 and it has a slope rating of 113.

The place was packed and we played at a good pace.  By the end my legs were burning, I'm out of shape and really need to pedal the stationary bike more miles.  I did see an older guy, ok, older than me bent over sucking air.  I did ask if he was ok and he said yeah, and I play every other day.  I didn't have the heart to tell him if he quit sucking on that cigarette he might have some oxygen to use.  I shot a 48 on the par 30. I'm happy making progress and this was only our third round.

The Flying
Mike and I traded text messages and he was available to fly. I almost backed out since we were headed out to grab a bite to eat and I needed to shower and change.

 The last text message said no hurry and with that I hit the showers and soon after got moving to the airport.  Mike had started the pre-flight and I helped/got in the way as he finished up. No real plan so we narrowed the choice to Ocean City NJ or Harrisburg PA.  We went west. The plan was for Mike to shoot the ILS 31 into KMDT, then make the short hop VFR to Lancaster, KLNS for fuel.

It was very hazy today and maybe we should have filed but we flew VFR with 7-8 mile visibility. Harrisburg approach was easy to work with and my job as safety pilot was to spot traffic, eyes outside. The left seat was busy with foggles and chugging and plugging on the 496 for wx and the 530 for the approach.

Harrisburg changed things up a bit and wanted us to fly the ILS 13 approach and Mike dialed everything in. We were vectored on a very wide left downwind passing just south of Cap City then turned north to intercept the localizer. We road the rails very nice and concluded the approach with the option for a touch and go.

We climbed out and pointed towards Lancaster for a quick gas and go. Approach handed us off  to the tower and we landed on runway two six. Mike got on himself for floating down the runway and I said it was faster than trying to taxi to turn off, I don't think he bought it.

With a belly full of fuel 08Romeo launched for home. I was busy taking in the view and enjoyed every minute of it. Mike called Philly and requested the GPS 19 approach and they pointed us to JIGUP direct. Another nice approach terminating with a full stop for our taxi to my Red Eagle tie down.  2 hours in the book and a fun flight. Temps at 3.5 to 4.5 were just sixty degrees, it was very comfortable in the plane this afternoon.

Now that I posted this write up I'm going to pour a tall cold glass of tea and munch on some guacamole and Tostitos® Scoops!® .  A few Advil's tossed in and I'll feel great in the morning.

Aviation Mentor Gone West

My aviation world has tumbled with the loss of one of my mentors and friend. Bo Boggs inspired this very blog and Mary and my travels on our Magic Carpet, the Sundowner. Why is magic carpet in italics? I’ve decided to throw out a few Bo-isms along the way, one of the many things that made Bo and his Bride Sandra, The Redhead, so special to Mary and me.

Bo’s blog, Flights of the Mouse is now offline. I can’t bring myself to delete from my favorites list, I most likely never will. I still smile when I see the link and I’ll miss my anxious anticipation for the next chapter in their travels.

Bo was always the southern gentleman, a rare find indeed; he is a person who has left their mark in my memory and in my heart. Bo battled lung cancer for five months. As he had always explained new things in flying and the simple approach to it all, I referenced that while talking to him. I made the comment to him one day on the phone that it’s like eating a pizza, one bite at a time. And as the saying goes, so he should do battle, one day at a time, keeping up the fight. He found the humor in that, we both paused and enjoyed a laugh, despite the serious times ahead.

Bo loved the redhead, of that I’m sure. He loved flying, traveling to new places and hangar flying with the airport bums. He was a hands on get it done man and openly shared his passion for flight and was quick to offer advice and help when needed.

I wish I knew him longer and lived closer together to have learned more from him. This is a new adventure for him, a different kind of travel. No bad wx, nothing but clear skies and tailwinds. Don’t give it a second thought my friend; if you don’t have what you need with you, you can buy find it when you get there.

E. Bo Boggs, Jr., age 71, of Plano, Texas passed away May 30, 2013. He was born September 10, 1941 in Knoxville, Tennessee to Elmo Eugene Boggs, Sr. and Gwendolyn (Penny) Boggs. Bo proudly served in the United States Air Force. On May 6, 1987 he married Sandra Crocker in Bonham, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Boggs of Plano, Texas; son, Elliott Boggs of Beaumont, Texas; daughter, Ginger Carpenter and husband, Tim of Gordonsville, Texas; grandchild, Roo Carpenter; sister, Julie Fielding and husband, Larry of Enon, Ohio.

Bo's Memorial