The Keys

I have been following multiple posts on AOPA and the Beech Aero Club about flights to the Florida Keys and the Bahamas.  I think for our extended get-away the Florida Keys will likely be our target.  If the timing is right we hope to make this trip the end of March or first week of April. The process has started for flight planning. Following up on a different post from the Pilots of America Forum "IFR Preflight planning checklist" this will give me a good chance to review 'my' process, the method to my madness, what I do to plan the flight and what keeps me in my comfort zone.

Weather is always the key ingredient for any of these type of trips.  Yes, I know, I now hold in my hand the instrument rating.  Great, that's all well and good but low time in actual is not a warm and fuzzy for this pilot. I do trust my skills and I do keep current, but as all pilots know current does not equate to being proficient. The instrument rating is a good thing and I'm very happy to have it in hand. I'm a better pilot because of it and it makes me think ahead even more than before obtaining the rating.

Wx is the key, as previously stated, and I will begin to track this aspect as March rolls around. Mary and I will search for a place to stay, taking into consideration all the forum posts and books we can read along with the online search.  I would venture a guess that we would depart on a Friday morning after an early breakfast. We would be arriving at the plane with bags in hand, iPad current with destination airport plates printed as my back up. 08Romeo will be filled to the top with 100LL and eager to launch for sunny wx. 

KILG DQO V29 SBY V1 CRE KCRE

KCRE CRE V1 CHS V437 KELER V37 SSI V441 OCF X35



X35 SADEY V157 LAL V7 RSW V35 DEEDS MNATE KMTH KEYW

I have run potential routes but most have us making a first stop around the three hour mark for fuel and snacks at Grand Strand, SC-KCRE. From Grand Strand it will be south towards Jacksonville then a turn south west to the middle of the state and a second stop for a fuel top off at Marion County Airport in Dunnellon, Florida.  I guess at this time we would break out the life vests and either put them on or have them at the ready. Here is the vest I am looking at purchasing through Pilotmall.com.

Revere's Comfort Max™ series of inflatable life vests provide all the comfort and safety you need while looking smart wearing it. It's so comfortable fitting, you'll want to wear it all the time!

• USCG approved for persons at least 16 years of age weighing 80 lbs. and above with a chest size between 30™ and 52™
• USCG Approved Type III Manual Life Vest
• Dual waist belt stainless steel adjusters. Provides for easy adjustment with both hands and a more custom fit
• Exterior inflation system access flap. Allows for clear, direct access to the CO2 cylinder for rearming. CO2 cylinder can be replaced without opening and unfolding the entire PFD
• Waist strap and back strap attachment points fully connected and reinforced from inside for added strength
• Heavy duty 420 denier nylon packcloth outer cover,Twin 2™ wide back straps for comfort and security
• Includes whistle and SOLAS Grade retro-reflective tape panels on inflatable bladder

From Marion County Airport we would head south passing over Lakeland, home of the Sun & Fun adventure then continue on to overfly Ft Myers. Once approaching the southern tip of Florida's mainland I would put the vest on as a precaution and make for feet wet. Its a short hop across the Florida Bay to Fiesta Key and the next way point MNATE. From MNATE it's a south west heading of 247* and a flight over the islands. We would be looking for Marathon and then the seven mile bridge which would leave 45 miles to Key West our final destination.

Places to Stay...

Key Lime Inn ~

Key Lime Inn is a 37 room historic hotel in Key West Florida that resides in the center of Key West’s Old Town area – just two blocks from amazing Key West nightlife on the world famous Duval Street. You can walk to restaurants and nightlife and enjoy the quaint houses in Key West’s historic neighborhoods. Rooms are situated in several buildings spread out on an acre of grounds, giving the property a very tranquil, spacious feel. Garden paths and tropical foliage separate buildings and quiet resting spots. A large heated pool is surrounded by palm trees, and has plenty of deck space for comfortable chaise lounges. Continental breakfast is served poolside each morning. Convenient and free parking is available on-site at our hotel in Key West.

Historic Key West Inns ~

Historic Key West Inns is an extraordinary collection of five boutique hotels in Key West, Florida. With prime locations in the “Old Town” section of the island, you can conveniently walk to the shopping and nightlife of Duval Street, stroll through the neighborhoods of the historic district, or reach the shoreline by walking, bicycling, or driving in any direction. With the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Gulf of Mexico to the north, the harbor to the west, and the Florida Keys chain of islands to the east, you will be surrounded by the beauty of this charming tropical island at the southernmost tip of the continental USA.

and things to do...

Conch Train and Old Town Trolley
The Conch Train depot is at the foot of Duval Street. Trolley stops are all around town. Check out www.HistoricTours.com for more information.


Duval Street
Duval Street is the hub of Key West nightlife, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, Duval offers a mile and a half of galleries, Key West restaurants, shops, bars, nightclubs, and plenty of people watching. There is always live music playing somewhere and good food being served. From 9am to 4am every day, the street embodies the diversity of Key West from highly refined to completely deprived of good taste.


Southernmost Point in the USA
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental USA. The Southernmost Point, located at the southern end of Whitehead Street, is the official marker and a good place to document your visit with a photograph.


Mallory Square
Mallory Square is a public plaza at the western end of the island and is the gathering spot for the daily sunset celebration, complete with music, and a full contingent of performance artists. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset for this free daily show.


The Historic District
Key West was founded as a trading settlement in 1825, and is one of the oldest cities in Florida . Several hundred nineteenth century buildings remain, with typical island architecture that includes wood siding, tin roofs, gingerbread trim, and shuttered windows. The oldest part of the City was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior in 1983. Locally referred to as “Old Town”, this western-most portion of the island is where you will find the Historic Key West Inns and all of the places of interest listed here.


Sunrise Brightening The Key West Sky
Grab a hot cup of java, head to the beach and look to the east. It’s always a beautiful sight.

Quick Fix

 The forecast called for 40 degrees today so I knew I had to get some air time in. I finished up work at 3:15pm and headed straight to the airport. I had 35 gallons on board 20 left tank 15 right which would carry me around the area with plenty to spare. I left my SUV in the lot and walked to the plane, normally I drive in get everything ready then go park. I really wanted to get in the air and not waste any time. I pulled the cover and left it in a pile behind the tail, that's a first for me. Picture the addict on TV needing that fix and getting the shakes, well ok, not that bad but you get the picture. I was as excited as a little kid taking his first ride all over again. I unlocked the cabin and baggage, climbed aboard and removed the gust lock and picked up the check list. I haven't used the check list on the pre-flight walk around in ages even though before start I review the list.

Ok, with checklist in hand I perform every item, it's been a few weeks and I know I am charged up to fly so I take the extra time and flow through the checks. I climb into 08Romeo and strap in. Cockpit organized, the before start checks completed I reach for the primer. Seven shots on a cold start and fuel pump until pressure comes up. Maybe three blades turn and 08Romeo comes to life, I have missed that sound.

I pick up the current ATIS and wait for oil temps to come up before I start to taxi. Brakes released and I'm on my way. I roll to the edge of the Red Eagle ramp and call ground for taxi clearance. Wilmington tower, Sundowner 6708Romeo at red eagle, with Mike (ATIS info), VFR North East. I am cleared to runway two seven at intersection Mike. I complete my run up and call the tower for release, it's almost time to dance.  The tower instructs another aircraft landing on three two to hold  short of two seven then turns me loose. I am looking for the arriving traffic to my left but do not see it. 08Romeo is climbing out at 1200 feet a minute loving the cold air and the chance to fly.

I dial in the Modena VOR and start heading that way with the plan for a landing or two at Brandywine, KOQN. I set up the Garmin 530 and 496, plugging in the VOR A approach to OQN. My VOR tracking skills are still sharp and 08Romeo is running along about 120 knots. I announce my position for Brandywine traffic and fly the pattern. Base to final and looking at the narrow runway with snow on each side. It looks black full Length and I'm hitting my speeds very nice. Short final pulling the power rounding out looking down the runway and I hear the mains chirp. Sweeeet....gezz that felt good. No need to use up brakes, let it roll to the end and taxi back.  I take comfort in knowing I could have turned off mid field but just enjoy the roll instead.

I am off again this time headed towards the Wilmington practice area just south east of Elkton Maryland. I turn up the XM radio and sing along with the hits of the seventies. The sky looks gorgeous and it's smooth as could be today. I am watching the time since Mike said he would be leaving work around 5pm and meet me at the airport. I play around with some steep turns, take a few pictures and decided to head back home. I pick up the ATIS info and contact Wilmington to advise position and intentions. I am directed to enter a left down wind for three two and acknowledge. I begin to let down from 2,500 and point the nose towards ILG. I scooted in quick at 135 knots, slowing upon entering the pattern at altitude. I kept my turns tight practicing the circle to land inside of 1.3 miles rolling out aligned with three two and adding flaps. Another nice landing in the book, I am feeling good!

Mike walked through the gate around 6pm and climbed aboard.  I was already tucked in right seat ready to play safety pilot.  Mike needed some air time and the distraction of flying tends to blank everything else out around us. The plan was to shoot an approach or two and enjoy the break in mother natures cruel weather.  We launched off two seven and headed towards KEVY, Summit Airport.  First up was the RNAV GPS 35 approach. We were pointed to WENDS, did the procedure turn and headed inbound. An experimental RV was also knocking out a landing or two and we coordinated easily with that pilot.

One down and in the book as we keep rolling and depart to shoot a few laps in the missed approach. Mike was on it tonight and made the landings look easy, I hope to get my night landings there too. Back to Wilmington for two landings followed by a full stop and taxi to red eagle.  We tucked 08Romeo in knowing the snow was on its way.  We met at Cheeseburger in PAradise for dinner and flight review. Always a good time with Mike and a learning experience. I am going to start my commercial with Mike when the wx breaks, it should be fun!

Flight "Stuff"

Temps are in the 20's today so no flying for me.  I guess I could go plug the plane in and maybe fly tomorrow.  Honestly, The flying is not the problem because 08Romeo is very warm and airtight.  The part that really stinks is the pre-flight and then securing the plane when I land, it's just to darn cold. So for now I connect to flying with my keyboard and try to get my aviation fix for the day, please bear with me.

What's that pictured above you ask? It's my five year membership pin from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) that I received this past week. The five year pin got me thinking about how my flying has changed over time and all the flying stuff I have "collected" in this room.  Since my closet is overflowing with certain items lets start with my flight bag collection!

I started flying with the flight bag supplied with the King PPL learn to fly or cleared for take off course. Once I obtained my private pilot certificate I decided to purchase a bag that would hold all my "stuff" and an extra headset for Mary. I purchased an ASA bag that would hold it all and the extra headset. This lasted for a short time. I felt like every time I was going flying I was moving out of the house hauling that large flight bag and all my junk flight gear.  I was renting aircraft at the time so I had to carry everything "I" needed including a portable GPS.

Mary and I joined the Archer II flying club based at Wilmington (KILG)and that reduced some of the load.  I switched to a smaller bag, this one was made by Sky High, it was slimmer and easier to handle.  Mary was also given her own bag to haul, a headset bag from AOPA. This could carry the headset and extra flight items she liked to bring along, usually her music, reading material, snacks, water and handi-wipes.

I really liked the Sky High Bag and still have it today.  I toyed with the idea of the Brightline bag but sent that back the day I opened the box. While most pilots love it, I have to say it didn't do much for me. To many tiny compartments that were not big enough for what I needed and it reminded me of a back pack.  Repack the box and tape it up, it went back the next day.

Somewhere along this time line of bags or my flight bag fetish as Mary calls it, Mary and I purchased our own plane and left the Archer club. This move opened a whole new world for us.  We really didn't have to carry headsets back and forth each time we wanted to fly but I still do.  I don't want to leave my Lightspeed Zulu's in the plane baking in the heat (even though we have solar shields and a cover) or present the opportunity for someone to see them and break in.

The Garmin 496 is panel mounted and the recent purchase of the iPad makes the cockpit pretty much paperless.  I still keep a WAC chart current for emergencies and my favorite flying area Sectional chart, even though expired, tucked between the back seats with a hard bound flight guide.  I switched to the AOPA blue headset bag that can fit my iPad, headset and kneeboard. I do miss the extra pens, portable radio, extra LED flashlight and miners type headlamp and extra batteries that I always carried. Yes, the plane has a large flashlight in baggage for night time preflight activities, an LED light in the pilots pocket and a regular unit too along with extra pens.

I am once again looking for the flight bag of my dreams, maybe I should go back to the Sky High bag, it's been the best fit so far and kept me happy the longest. Maybe I should seek treatment for this flight bag fetish, so many things to think about. 

I decided to give another flight bag a shot, it's smaller, seems to be able to hold all my gear and not leave me feeling like I am moving away from home but yet provide storage for the items I need.

I recently purchased the Sportys Headset Bag.  I'll report back once I get a chance to try it out. Attached is the Sportys product description.

Flight instructors always have a lot to carry, but multiple lessons per day can make a big bag difficult to use. That’s why the instructors at Sporty’s designed this new Flight Gear Bag to store everything CFIs carry, but in a lightweight, compact bag.

Features:

• Padded external transceiver pocket with Sporty’s patented split flap
• Padded external GPS pocket protects your expensive gear
• Single quick-access chart pocket stores just enough for local flights
• Large, wide-mouth center compartment is perfectly sized for a headset
• Front organizer section has room for business cards, ID, fuel tester, flashlight and more
• Six year warranty

Measures only 12”w x 5”l x 11”h overall.

Dreams of Spring

Mary and I have already started kicking around idea's for a four day get-away.  While we have our list of destinations we want to visit, this trip is just a quick fix to help us make it to Spring.

We love Nags head but the temps are just about as cold as they are here in the tri-state area. We will have to push farther south to satisfy the need for sunshine and warm temps. While we are faced with day time temps in the mid thirties Jekyll Island GA is mid sixties, Daytona high sixties/mid seventies and Orlando about the same. Maybe a trip to see the head mouse is in order. We really enjoy Epcot and that may work out for a nice Valentines gift for each other.

Flight times to any of our southern destinations will require a lunch stop in Grand Strand, SC and a top off of fuel at KCRE which is just a bit past three hours from home. The hop to Jekyll Island would be another two hours from KCRE and into Orlando's Kissimmee Gateway Airport four hours from KCRE.  Flight planning continues.

It sure would be nice to leave the snow behind and relax at the Disney Beach Club or the Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort on a charming wicker beach chair and soak up some rays sitting on the white sand beach....Ahhhhh...Another captain and coke for me and an extra dirty martini for my Bride please.

UPDATE - Monday 1/17/11

The Beech Aero Club (BAC) is talking about a flight to the Bahamas prior to Sun & Fun. To quote my Bride....."We're there". Maybe it's the forecast for 1-3 inches of snow tonight followed by freezing rain in the morning. Whatever the reason, I'm sending for the sportys book 'Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot's Guide '. More to follow.....

Déjà vu...Snow Part II

Once again mother nature has some fun and dumps snow on the mid-Atlantic.  We are not the only "lucky" recipients of the white stuff, the north east is getting hammered!  I made the call to check the wx information and yes, I had a liberal leave day!  Liberal leave means take anything you want; sick, vacation or personal time.  I have plenty of sick built up so that's what I'll use.  Now that the fun part of the day is done it's time to drag my butt out of bed.  It appears I have another date with our snow blower, best dam Christmas present I ever got, thanks Mary. 

I quickly knocked out the driveway so my Bride could go to work, then did the sidewalks.  I loaded up my tools of the trade and headed to the in-laws condo to dig Mom out. After digging Mary's parents out I decided to take a shot and head to the plane. I had hoped I wouldn't need the snow blower.  I made my way into the Red Eagle parking lot, there were a few cars and trucks that had tracked their way in ahead of me. I switched the ML320 to low range and punched in my access code to enter the ramp.  I made fresh tracks to the plane making a loop around the ramp. Enough funtime driving in this stuff it was time to broom. I cleaned off as much snow as possible including brushing off the cover.  It was a no brainer, I had to head home for the snow blower.  I made a quick snack and drink stop at our local Wawa then hauled butt home.  It was a quick turn and burn back to the plane.  I guess I was out there for just under an hour in order to clear a path out to the taxiway and around the plane for pre-flight inspection.  I forgot to take an "after" picture.

I cleaned off the snow blower and loaded it back in my SUV for the trip home. Traffic was very light, no school today.  I pulled in and unloaded then decided to do the neighbors sidewalk and also did his driveway.  He went to work early and I figured I would get his done in case his wife needed to get out.  They have a pick up and a dodge durango so no real problem, I just wanted to help out.  This snow fighter is beat, time to shower and relax.

Lazy Saturday

Forecast calls for 2-4" of the white stuff so the plan was to kick back let it all happen then shovel or snow blow.  Mary and I had breakfast, scrapple on toast with American cheese and a side of home fries, then got a few things done around the house.  About mid-day the snow let up so I ventured outside to clean up the driveway, back deck and my SUV. It was a light powder and I used the snow shovel like a broom to finish up the drive and I actually used a push broom to do the back deck. I decided that while I was playing snow fighter I may as well go to the airport to clean off 08Romeo. 

Roads were wet, our development road was the only hard part of the excursion. Why people don't park in their driveways during snow events just puzzles me. For one, it keeps the street clear for the plows and second it covers your drive way and leaves less to shovel.......Duh.....Hello...McFly! I make my way on to the airfield through the Red Eagle gate and notice the winds have blown a good portion of any snow accumulation away.  08Romeo had a few inches on her wings and stabilator  but with a soft bristle broom it cleaned off very easily.  I took the extra time to clean off the cover, check that the pitot and nose plugs were secure before heading home.

I made a stop at our favorite deli to pick up a large italain hoagie and a bag of chips. The fireplace was cranking out the heat as we enjoyed our lunch, it is amost time to watch football!

Transponder and Timing

I decided to stop in and check on 08Romeo and what day it could be brought into the avionics shop. With a date penciled in I decided to walk out on the ramp and pull the garmin 496 out of the panel and check for anything obvious, loose wires or maybe something disconnected. When the shop installed the gizmo dock they cut open the back to allow easy access, at first I didn't like the idea, thinking if the 496 is out there will be an open hole in the panel.  I got to thinking, when would the 496 be out if I was flying? Never! 

The Garmin 496 pops right out of the gismo dock and it's connections are bundled neatly, I set it on the throttle quadrant. I reach in to the panel and with my LED flashlight give things a look.  Tray seems stable and connections seem ok, I decided to crawl under the panel. Now for those of you who know me and understand I am not that bendable would really get a kick out of my next maneuver.  I flip upside down and roll over feet over the front seats and head leaning against the rudder pedals. Ahhhh...I see a connection that I think is loose.  I secure the cable and give everything else a once over, gezzz there are plenty of wires all neatly bundled running everywhere.

Once back to a normal seated position and the blood rushes back out of my brain I fumble for my keys to give 08Romeo a test. Wait, the blood rush must have made me fuzzy, duh flip the battery switch and power up the avionics.  Yes, the gyros spin to life and I am thinking clearly now. Avionics on, transponder on .....and the reply light is blinking away!!  I shut the Collins unit off and turn it back on, still working.  I shut down the avionics and battery and reverse the process two more times to make sure all is peachy. Cool! I'll test fly Wednesday night and see how it goes.  I walked back into the shop and canceled the check up. 

Ok, the timing part of this post title has you wondering.  Jason gave me a heads up that they were installing a Garmin 327 in a plane this week or next and that owner is trading in his 320. What timing! The shop will give me a call and we will talk numbers, I may swap out the Collins. The Zaon PCAS will work much better with out the Collins conflict....no more ghost images on my 496!

As a side note, Jason is leaving Red Eagle this week.  I know he reads this blog from time to time so Jason, blue skies my friend, thanks for your service and friendship.  Mary and I wish you the very best on your relocation and new job in Minnesota....Brrrr cold.

UPDATE - Wednesday, 1/5/11

A quick flight after work to confirm the transponder is working as it should be.  I made a 13 mile hop towards 58M - Elkton, MD turned back towards Wilmington.  Multiple altitude checks with Wilmington to verify my transponder is working and then I called it a night.  My landing you wonder, it stunk.  Flared high, didn't add enough throttle to compensate and came in with a kerplunk!  Firm but no bounce, but not one I'm proud of.  08Romeo is covered and secure, awaiting this weekends snow.

Transponder Woes

During the last Dog rescue flight to Hanover, VA and back Mike and I encountered a problem with the transponder. The problem showed up again on the flight home just north of Easton, MD heading back into Wilmington.  I placed a call to Red Eagle Avionics with the very slim hope they were open on New Years Eve.  At worst I would leave a message to fit me in on Monday, best case they were open and I could get the plane in the shop, sorry the Christmas holiday has passed, no gifts, they were closed.

My transponder is a Collins Mode C TDR-950 that came with the plane.  My wish list, owners always have a wish list, is to replace it with the Garmin 327 but that's not in the cards right now. 08Romeo is going in the shop this morning and I hope its something very simple, read easy on the flying account to fix.

I have been checking out other transponders but a major upgrade right now is out of the question, besides with ADS-B coming out I don't want to invest big bucks on equipment that will be worthless in the near future. An alternative is the Garmin 320, a good unit, cost is reasonable (used would be better) and it will allow my PCAS traffic system to function correctly without seeing myself as a traffic threat. 

Updates to follow....

Happy New Year - 2011

It's time for my annual year in review and a look forward to some new goals for 2011.  Here are the goals I set back in January.

2010 in Review
Hours: 169.4 Total flight hours 543
Ratings:  Instrument checkride passed!!!   August 19, 2010
Airports (new):  KFCI, 9N3, KVVS, KMGY, 40I, KEDE, KACY, KOFP, KMFV
States (new):  Ohio
Aircraft: I got to fly a Stearman!!  Thanks Steve!
Medical:  Hip doing great, now I need to shed some pounds.
Flights:  Dayton Ohio trip with Rob to visit Steve and a chance to fly a Stearman.  Mary and I did our first dog rescue flight for the Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue (MAESSR) to Hanover, VA.
Notes: I did get the M1 Loran out and the garmin 496 installed this year, it makes flying so much safer having wx and GPS back up.

2011 Goals
Hours: At least 150 and I hope to make total time of 700 hours
Ratings:  Commercial and add a tailwheel endorsement
Airports: As many as possible. I would like to visit Jeff out in Champaign, IL  (KCMI).  I would love to finally land on grass too.
States: As many as possible.
Flights: Mary and I want to fly to the Florida Keys, and a visit to my brother and sister-in-laws new home in Jupiter Florida. Mackinac Island is very high on the list along with a weekend get-away back to Niagra Falls. Nashville is still high on the list too.  So many places, so little time.

Aircraft Upgrades:  Get the autopilot fixed! During this years annual Cecil Aero pulled the roll servo and Penn Avionics agreed to bench test it, it was working fine.  By having the servo checked while the floor was opened up saved many $$$.

MAESSR Rescue Flight

Tuesday, December 28th

The Mid Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue (MAESSR) email announcement read as follows...

"Magdelena is being adopted by a family in Wilmington, DE. I currently have her near Richmond. If anyone is heading North on 95 and can help will all or part of the route, please email me."

Hmmmm.....Mary and I discussed the rescue flight via emails from work and agreed we would volunteer for the run. My email reply.

"I am flying Friday since I am off work.  I can point towards Richmond and bring Magdelena home to Wilmington.  Let me know!"

The flight/ride to bring Magdelena to her forever home was already filled, there would be no transport over the holidays for us or 08Romeo.

On Thursday, December 30th I get an email from Debbie.

"Do you still want to fly tomorrow? If so, I have a springer in West Grove, PA that needs to come to me."

Great news! We are back on for a flight! We swap information and make arrangements to meet Adam (foster home and a pilot) at Wilmington, KILG.  Mary backs out from the flight since she wants to spend some extra time with her folks and she knows Mike will fly.  Mike and I swapped emails and he was on board for the mission.

Friday - 12/31/10

We decided to plug in 08Romeo yesterday and keep her warm for our planned early start this morning. Well the oil and CHT's were nice and toasty but all surfaces had frost and needed time to be cleaned up.  Mike and I got to work polishing off the frost with the plane tugged out of the tie down and pointed to the sunshine that was trying to peek through at 8:30 am.


Mike and Scruffy

 Adam rolled in on time and we made the transfer.  Scruffy is a sweet boy, and just a gorgeous dog. I don't know much about the Springer standard but this fella had a beautiful head and top line and the very best personality to go with his good looks. It was time to saddle up and get the mission started.

Scruffy with a kennel command and a tap of my hand inside the baggage door gave me a jump  into the doorway.  I assisted with  a little boost and he was ready to go. A few spins in the baggage area and a lap or two around the cockpit and Scruffy picked out his spot.  Yeah, he passed on the nice moving blanket in baggage and instead sat his butt on my back seat and peered out the window with the "lets get going" look. The same look he had when I let him keep warm in my ML320.



Scruffy..If I can't fly the plane can I drive your SUV?  Huh...can I?

Mike and I got 08Romeo started and  taxied for departure. We decided not to open the IFR flight plan and instead make the flight VFR, the weather was beautiful. We soon were climbing out and switching over to make contact with Dover approach. Dover gave us a squawk code then canceled it and handed us off to Potomac approach. Potomac did a nice job and eventually handed us off to Washington Center. Washington handed us back off to Potomac and we road along together until maybe 15 miles north of the field. We were advised we had a transponder problem so we canceled flight following and set up for the GPS 16 approach. The transponder was intermittent, who knows. Mike asked me to brief our passenger but he was still asleep. After we landed our furry passenger was sitting between us looking out, maybe he wanted to give the controls a try.

CandD canal...lokking west

We taxied clear of one six and headed to the FBO. I advised we were bringing in a rescue Springer Spaniel and if there was someone waiting for us, there was, Debbie was out front.  Once we opened the doors Scruufy was first to deplane....not the plan we had. I grabbed the leash and then Mike grabbed hold. Just that fast he now gave my door a try as I was climbing out. I had to do my best goalie immatation and sprawl across the wing walk and roll off the back of the wing with Scruufy in tow, man he's quick!  We made the hand off to Debbie, did the nature break and headed back out to the plane. I was now flying left seat for the ride north. I'm not sure what caused the transponder problem but everything looked good for us to launch for home....with a planned lunch stop of course.

08Romeo climbed out of Hanover at plus 1000 feet a minute, proud girl she had completed another rescue mission.  I was pretty happy too, I really enjoy theses flights.  KESN - Easton Maryland was right on the flight path home. I was looking down runway four as Mike made the contact for a clearance to land. Easton tower directed us; "Enter right down wind, report midfield for runway two two", Mike acknowledged.  There was another plane from the east nine miles so I kept the power on and descended around 120+ knots to the field. Base to final with a pretty good landing in the book. We taxi clear and head to the FBO for lunch at Sugar Buns Airport Cafe.

Ok, if not on the seat then it's my pillow

With full tummy's and a doggie bag, we walk out to the plane for a pre-flight. I sump the fresh fuel and Mike performs the walk around. We strap in for the flight home and taxi for a runway two two departure, right turn out for noise abatement.

08Romeo climbs out and I quickly notice cold air really blowing across my legs. I think to myself, Nah, it can't be. Yes,it certainly can be, an open door, my door. Maybe too much lunch at Sugar Buns and I couldn't squeeze in, I'm not sure.  Mike makes the call to the tower so we can return and get squared away.  Take two....we taxi back and with the clearance to take off we once again rumble down the runway. This departure was a non-event and I am hands off for most of the trip home to Wilmington.


Debbie and Scruffy

I guess I should mention that as we were heading North east to Wilmington Mike and I heard the Air Force try and contact an aircraft on guard frequency to alert them about entering a restricted zone. There was no answer from the offending aircraft.  The Air Force then directed the aircraft to contact the FAA for violating the restricted airspace 30 miles north of KGAI, Gaithersburg, MD.  With a quick look on the sectional I think they might have busted P-40, Camp David. I calculate that Fredrick Maryland, KFDK is about 18-20 miles north so P-40 looks to be the restricted area in question.  Pilots need to keep ahead of the plane, there is NO reason to penetrate restricted airspace.

Back to the flight.....Mike makes the call to the Wilmington tower and we are directed to make a straight in for runway one, and for us to check our transponder. Great, no flashing light means it went belly up...UGhhhh that means $$$.  I land long but make it a great landing that Mike even commented on. I know I'm doing it right when he gives an atta boy. I taxi to 08Romeo's tie down and flow through the shutdown checks, mission accomplished.  We push back and get the plane squared away; clean out, reinstall the seat, place the deice pump sprayer and all three extension cords in the baggage area and lock up. Install the cover, nose plugs and pitot tube cover, double check the tie downs and give 08Romeo a pat on her cowling.....good girl.

3 Delta Fox

I made a stop by the airport to meet up with Mike who flew 08Romeo today.  The Reiff heater seemed to cause some oily substance, a water dampened oil stain of sorts coming from the breather tube exiting at the bottom of the firewall.  The oil level never moved  so I think it was caused by heating the oil pan all night.  I will call Roger at Cecil Aero to confirm.

The Office

Overnight temps were below 32 degrees and when Mike climbed in today to start the CHT's were 105 degrees and the oil temp in the yellow, all very good signs. Frank (AirDorrin)was at KILG helping Mike button up and they were planning to give his Twin Comanche N833DF a quick check flight.  Frank had auto pilot work and some landing gear work done at Penn Avionics.  I was invited to tag along for the ride to Salisbury and back so of course like a little kid said yes no matter if I was riding in, on or strapped under the beautiful twin.

I wanted to see these two in action, both very good instructors and two guys who really stress the crew resource management (CRM) duties. They did not disappoint, it was like flying along jump seat with a major airline.  I picked up some excellent tips and procedures that I want to incorporate into my flying. Thanks for the ride Frank! I now understand first hand all the good things Jeff and Mike have told me about your flying.  Oh yeah, I should mention that any more than a ride or two on a rare occasion in a clean very well equipped twin engine would really make me consider the multi engine rating, let's not even talk about the speed factor!

Landing Light Review

I have struggled with the lack of light when landing my Sundowner 'after hours'.  I went back and forth with so many of the lighting products on the market. I finally decided to purchase the Whelen Parmetheus PAR36 LED lights that are a drop-in replacement for outdated Halogen or HID lamps. Lightweight, low-current draw and moisture resistant, they provide stable light, output for thousands of operating hours and they are STC Approved.

I was working on my night currency last night and that provided the opportunity to do a comparison. The two top features of this light are the low current draw and the bright white lighting it projects. I have a very short video of the two lights side by side, the 'taxi' light was my previous landing light a GE 4509 and my new landing light is a Whelen Parmetheus PAR36 LED.  I will work on getting some in cockpit comparison.

Night Currency

Mike B and I traded emails and a few phone calls earlier today to confirm a flight for tonight.  I needed to knock out three take-off and landings to restart the clock on night currency, Mike wanted to knock out some approaches. The FAA states that in order to carry passengers at night, I need to have completed three take offs and landings to a full stop, one hour after sunset within the last ninety days. I would also like to shoot an approach or two.

We met at the plane around 11am and got 08Romeo plugged in for the four hours worth of pre-heat. I noted the outside temps and decided to add a moving blanket to cover the top cowling with the hope of retaining some additional heat. This is the first year taking advantage of the Reiff pre-heater system so I am still tracing the learning curve. With 08Romeo squared away we decided to head out in search of lunch. Mike suggested Cheeseburger in Paradise and off we went.  I was on my lunch break so it would have to be somewhat of a quick turn around....

I headed back to work and did the paperwork shuffle, working on contracts and putting out fires, after all, that's what project managers do.  Yikes, enough work talk, back to the flying stuff. I closed up shop and headed out the door a bit past my normal 3:30 but it was only a ten minute drive to the plane from the office. Mike was already at the plane and had 08Romeo uncovered. I sumped the fuel while Mike did the pre-flight, everything looked good.

Mike had wanted to work on right seat approaches and landings talking through his lesson planning as we went along.  I was left seat working the communications as we taxied out to runway two seven. Once cleared for take off 08Romeo climbed out taking advantage of the cold air and showing us one thousand feet a minute. Left turn on course and looking into the haze over New Jersey as we point towards Millville- KMIV.  I switched over to Millville Radio and made my call to advise inbound and shooting a practice ILS approach. Anyone who follows this blog knows of my "love affair" with Millville radio....Grumble...Grrrr...it was like tearing a scab off a fresh healed cut. Yes, it's the exact same sharp quick pain.

I listened as Mike went through his lesson plan, explaining each maneuver, corrective action and what to look for as we were into the approach. I did my safety pilot thing looking for traffic and working the comms. We were above the glide as Mike made corrections. Geezzz verbalizing the lesson plan and shooting the approach, reminded me of rubbing your tummy, patting your head, chewing gum, walking and talking all at once. Needless to say I'm not there yet but it's nice to see Mike flow through the workload and still make a nice approach, always something for me to learn. I announce short final as instructed and Mike sets us down for round one. We taxi back and launch for another approach this time the RNAV GPS 28. Mike was on the money making it look easy as round two is complete. Once again we launch and this time it's back on the ILS RWY 10.

I get to fly us home so we transfer controls once clear of the airport environment. I load the RNAV GPS 27 approach into Wilmington but do not activate it at this point. I call up Philly approach and advise of my position, altitude and intentions for the practice approach. I was given direct woodstown (OOD)at three thousand feet, expect the GPS 27 approach. I can now activate the approach and continue my track to Woodstown. I reviewed the plate and made the mental notes of each fix and corresponding altitude along with steps for the missed. We were crossing OOD at three thousand, turning north west on course to KAHOE and descending to two point one. I was needles center the whole way and feeling ahead of the plane.

I was now on short final and the my monster of night time landings was raging inside me.  I was secretly praying the new light would really help me see.  Mike sensed the tension and kept walking me through it. Over the threshold now and Mike instructs "keep pointing the nose down for the numbers".  I am, well at least I think I am. OK, time out here to explain me getting the plane on the runway, at night. Remember back to your childhood days and your first dip in the ocean, lake, pool and you know that water was cold so you kind of made your way seemingly one toe at a time? Well that's how I felt getting the mains on the ground. I flared to early lost my sight picture, felt like I was falling to the runway and added a touch of power to arrest the sinking feeling. Just like the old Batman TV show I saw a "BLAM", "POW" light up in my minds eye! We were on the ground, yep, still in one piece.

Round two I am off and climbing for a right hand pattern, great I don't like night flying, er um landings as it is and now I'll have to look a bit harder. Reporting midfield down wind as instructed I am cleared for landing number two. I am anxious and round off the pattern, Mike mentions to relax, take my time, don't rush. He's right, I settle in and get 08Romeo squared away.  Nice smooth stable approach on final and I see the LED light is much brighter.  I don't look so far down the runway but stay at the end of the new really white landing light limit and flare. Holding it off and setting down with a tad bit of side load. Round three was better and I am feeling comfortable with the new light and my night work. I just need to keep at it more often.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all our readers and best wishes for a Happy New Year! To all of you that share our passion for flight we hope you enjoy the adventures that 2011 will offer.

Fly Safe!
Gary & Mary

The Night Before Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp,

Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.

The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care,

In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.

The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots,

With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots.

I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up,

And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.

When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter,

I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter.

A voice clearly heard over static and snow,

Called for clearance to land at the airport below.

He barked his transmission so lively and quick,

I’d have sworn that the call sign he used was “St. Nick”;

I ran to the panel to turn up the lights,

The better to welcome this magical flight.

He called his position, no room for denial,

“St. Nicholas One, turnin’ left onto final.”

And what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a Rutan-built sleigh, with eight Rotax Reindeer!

With vectors to final, down the glideslope he came,

As he passed all fixes, he called them by name:

“Now Ringo! Now Tolga! Now Trini and Bacun!

On Comet! On Cupid!” What pills was he takin’?

While controllers were sittin’, and scratchin’ their head,

They phoned to my office, and I heard it with dread,

The message they left was both urgent and dour:

“When Santa pulls in, have him please call the tower.”

He landed like silk, with the sled runners sparking,

Then I heard “Left at Charlie,”and “Taxi to parking.”

He slowed to a taxi, turned off of three-oh

And stopped on the ramp with a “Ho, ho-ho- ho…”

He stepped out of the sleigh, but before he could talk,

I ran out to meet him with my best set of chocks.

His red helmet and goggles were covered with frost

And his beard was all blackened from Reindeer exhaust.

His breath smelled like peppermint, gone slightly stale,

And he puffed on a pipe, but he didn’t inhale.

His cheeks were all rosy and jiggled like jelly,

His boots were as black as a crop duster’s belly.

He was chubby and plump, in his suit of bright red,

And he asked me to “fill it, with hundred low- lead.”

He came dashing in from the snow-covered pump,

I knew he was anxious for drainin’ the sump.

I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,

And I filled up the sleigh, but I spilled like a jerk.

He came out of the restroom, and sighed in relief,

Then he picked up a phone for a Flight Service brief.

And I thought as he silently scribed in his log,

These reindeer could land in an eighth-mile fog.

He completed his pre-flight, from the front to the rear,

Then he put on his headset, and I heard him yell, “Clear!”

And laying a finger on his push-to-talk,

He called up the tower for clearance and squawk.

“Take taxiway Charlie, the southbound direction,

Turn right three-two-zero at pilot’s discretion.”

He sped down the runway, the best of the best,

“Your traffic’s a Grumman, inbound from the west.”

Then I heard him proclaim, as he climbed through the night,

“Merry Christmas to all! I have traffic in sight.”

Author:  Unknown