A Fun Work Day

I was scheduled for Cape May NJ today (KWWD) to meet with contractors to schedule punch list items and review a few issues.  While waiting for the meeting to start I heard a rumble on the ramp, the unmistakable sound of the four 1200 horsepower Wright R-1820-97 Radial monsters coming to life.  I jumped in my truck and drove down the ramp to see the Collings Foundation Bombers getting ready to depart Cape May for the next stop on their 2013 Wings Of Freedom Tour.


photo courtesy Simthsonian National Air and Space Museum

Developed in 1927 with a rating of 429 kW (575 hp), the Wright Cyclone air-cooled engine gained favor among aircraft builders because of its high fuel economy, long service life, easy and economical maintenance, and low weight/horsepower ratio. Through progressive improvements, the rating of later models was raised to an impressive 895 kW (1,200 shp) for takeoff.

Air-cooled radial engines such as the Wright Cyclone and Pratt & Whitney Wasp became the standards for naval aircraft. Their advantages also appealed to designers of commercial air transports. With few exceptions, commercial air transports throughout the world relied on air-cooled radial engines until the advent of jet engines.
This R-1820-97 was manufactured under license by Studebaker. A total of 64,093 R-1820-97 engines were built between July 1942 and October 1943, more than any other model in the R-1820 series. The -97 powered the Boeing B-17E/F/G, Douglas B17F-DL/-19G-DL, Vega B17F-VE/17G-VE, and Northrop N-1-25A.

One by one each aircraft started and taxied to runway two eight for departure. First the B-17G, Nine O Nine taxied on Alpha to the hold short at two eight. I heard the call on the radio and then the Wright Cyclones roared to life, she was on the roll.

 Next up was the Collings Foundation P-51C, Mustang, Betty Jane. Make no mistake this Mustang made some noise as the 1300 hp Packard Merlin V-1650-7 flexed it's muscle.

I did manage a short video as the P51 made a low pass before departing to the north. I'm working on getting that posted.

 

Next up the B24J, Witchcraft.  This is the ONLY one of the only TWO B24 aircraft still flying. The four 1200 hp Pratt and Whitney R-1830-65 Engines rumbled as she taxied for departure. With a call on CTAF the engines came up to power and the B24 was rolling. I Love the sound of the radials and watching them from the grass alongside the runway was awesome. 

If only every work day could be so much fun. Back to reality and my meeting followed by an hour and a half ride back to the office. At least I had a smile on my face all day!

Some ATC/Pilot Confusion

I took a personal day on Friday so we could head to the beach a day early.  The weather was looking good at Wilmington with some cloud cover forecast along the way and into KOXB.  I thought great, maybe finally get an approach in actual.

 

I filed KILG ENO SBY KOXB, and sure enough that's what I got.  I guess I'm only getting the ENO ATR on the way home.  I sumped fuel and completed my pre-flight then launched for OXB.  A hand off to Philly, cleared to four thousand then direct ENO and cleared to six thousand. I was then handed off to Dover and cleared direct SBY.  Somewhere along the way, south of Dover, I was dropped down to four thousand then handed off to Patuxent approach.  Pax descended me to three thousand and I asked for the GPS 14 into KOXB when I reported having the wx.  Pax cleared me direct PFAIR, maintain 3000 until established, cleared for the GPS 14, Ocean City.

The Confusion

As I approached PFAIR I gave a final review of the approach plate and one last WIRE check; wx, instruments, radio, elevation (FAF). I turned for my direct entry on the approach still at three wanting two thousand.  This is where the confusion hit. As soon as I start the outbound leg ATC cancels my IFR, squawk 1200, frequency change approved. I respond that I am above a layer and I do not want to cancel and follow up with a request to descend to 2000. ATC cleared me to two thousand and I'm now IMC. I break out around one thousand , have the field in sight and cancel when I'm positive I can fly the pattern safely if I had to go missed.

I followed up with a call to Patuxent approach (on Sunday). I talked to a supervisor and he had me call back so he could pull the tapes and listen to them. I called back as instructed and had a great conversation about the transcript he had noted.

The supervisor stated the trainee did say 'for your' IFR cancellation, cancel in the air or call blah blah blah, frequency change approved, whatever the typical phraseology is.  Hmmm, I did not hear that at all but I'm not saying he didn't transmit that. As the supervisor explained they are based at Pax and they use a repeater through Salisbury.  The trainee did speak fast and he said he understands how I could have missed part of that.  I assured him I'm not upset or complaining, I always get great service from Pax, I just wanted to learn from what happened since I am in their system every weekend. He thanked me for the call and from there we had a nice chat about pilot/ATC interaction and he said I did the right thing by quickly advising that I was not canceling and made another good choice calling to follow up.

I just wanted to pass my moment of confusion along so the next person can benefit from the experience. The ATC folks are people too, easy to talk to and they seem to enjoy hearing from pilots.

Long Weekend

FRIDAY 8/23/13

I remember the days of working when I was sick and building up all those sick days, like a badge of honor.  What a dip stick, when I left DOT, I also left over 100 days sitting on the books, lost.   I wasn't feeling good Thursday at work so I packed it up and drove home.  I had previously put in for a vacation day for Friday hoping to take advantage of the great forecast.

Friday morning, I'm up early and I'm feeling better, not one hundred percent, but feeling better. I need to get some breakfast in me! Mary and I did a few things around the house then decided to head for the beach. I had ordered fuel the night before so 08Romeo was good to go. I reviewed the aviation IMSAFE checklist before we headed to the airport and felt I was fit to fly.


ILG ENO ATR OXB

ILG ENO SBY OXB

I had filed for this mornings flight so I picked up my clearance with Wilmington Ground. Today I tried the KILG ENO ATR KOXB route that I usually fly that takes us along the Delaware coastline with a south turn to Ocean City, MD.  I do have both routes in my Garmin 530 just in case and this morning I got the inland route.  There is no significant flight time change but the view along the coast line is always better.

C- OXB
R- RV V29 SBY DIRECT
A- 2/4
F- 119.75
T- 3352

We were off of Wilmington and quickly handed over to Philly. With radar ident observed we were directed to climb to our planned altitude of four thousand, direct Smyrna (ENO). As soon as I topped out at four, Philly handed us off to Dover.  "Dover approach, Sundowner 6708R 4,000 level". Dover gave me the altimeter and radar contact. It was smooth flight with good tailwinds pushing us toward our destination.

Dover handed me off to Patuxent and I again checked in with 4,000 level, have wx at Ocean City. Pax turned me direct OXB and it saved some time. I guess the inland route isn't too bad as long as they turn me early towards our final destination.  I canceled in the air and entered the left down wind for runway three two and made a nice landing. We taxied to our normal tie down location, gezzz that's sounds crazy, but it's the slot behind the jump planes tie down, yeah, the meat missile hauler.

SATURDAY 8/24

Today was beach day! We were up and out of the motor home early. We took Ziva for a walk around the RV park, two laps, then loaded up the chairs, umbrella and munchies before scooting off in the beach buggy. The beach was empty, ok it was 8:30 and I think we woke up the seagulls. The water was cold, at least I thought it was. My Bride went in for a dip, that's right I'm a sally...no way I'm going in that cold water.  I'll get my water time in Key West.

Ziva was beat after swimming

We headed back around lunch time and picked up Ziva girl so we could take her swimming.  Of course we didn't take any pictures, what great parents huh? Ziva had a blast running in and out of the water, swimming laps around Mary and sniffing out anything that moved. Poor girl got so tired of swimming she started to bunny hop in then out then plopped down on the beach. We decided it was time to head back and take showers so we would be ready for dinner. After taking naps and watching some TV Mary traded a few text messages with Pam. The dinner location was picked, Lobster Shanty in Fenwick Island.

We each ordered the Lobster Cakes for dinner and We split the appetizer Chunky Lobster Guacamole. Add in a few drinks each and we were stuffed!  I would go back for the Lobster cakes in a heart beat, they will be  something we will add to our freezer list for those nights cooking steaks on the grill.

SUNDAY 8/25

Another early start to our weekend with a walk around the park with Ziva.  Good exercise makes for a good appetite, what's for breakfast?  We loaded up the clubs and headed to Assateague Greens Golf Center with a stop for eats at DeNovos Trattoria. Breakfast was perfect, not to much but just enough to still be able to walk the nine hole course.

We headed out to the first Tee and started our quick round. Mary and I had a blast and although my putting sucked the Irons were showing improvement. Mary and I usually play best ball but I have to say she was really striking the ball today. She blast two shots just to the left of the green twice and we played her shot. I ended up in the only stinking sand trap on one hole and the other about thirty yards short of her tee shot.

We were still feeling pretty good after our round so we went to Taylor's for a lite lunch. I had a salad with shrimp and Mary had the salad wedge, both very good.  I was flying so no alcohol but the ice tea/lemonade combo was a perfect mix. About that feeling good, when I got up after lunch I was really stiff and hurting.  I had to walk it off in order to fold myself up to get back in the little Cabrio. 

We headed back to the motor home to drop off our clubs, shower and relax. When I got my second wind and the Advil kicked in I went through my close up checklist.  Window awnings up, tanks drained, water turned off, windows secured and water heater off. We were ready to roll, Ziva jumped in the car and I loaded up two bags.

I did my preflight and sumped fuel. 08Romeo was ready to play and we were ready to climb to cool temps. I didn't file for the ride home, instead, we wanted to shadow the coast then turn north either up the Delaware Bay or somewhere over Rehoboth Delaware.

The Air was smooth above three thousand so we leveled off at 4,500 once we turned north.  It was one of those rides, as Bo Boggs would say,  with your hands in your lap enjoying the view. We could clearly see Cape May and Cape Henlopen and we even spotted the Salem nuclear plant from the Waterloo VOR (ATR), a good 50 miles!

Indian River Inlet Bridge

We had a tail wind going home maybe five knots but that sure beats a head wind. I contacted Wilmington about ten south for landing instructions and acknowledged entering a left down wind for one niner. As I approached my left downwind position the tower asked if I could change to a right down wind for niner, not a problem. There was a Falcon jet doing approaches and they wanted to move me away from runway one.  Hello, I was now going to cross the approach of one.  A non-event with the Falcon just reporting the final approach fix and they had me in sight. I made a nice landing, acknowledging the hold short from the tower. Again, no problem, I landed on the numbers and taxied off for my tie down well short of the halfway mark and runway one. A fun weekend and fun flying, I'm almost to 800 hours!!

Foreflight's Latest and Greatest

I have been using Foreflight in the cockpit instead of paper from the day I saw what the product provided and as fast as I could get out and purchase an iPad. I have Foreflight on my iPhone and iPad and do all my flight planning with the product.

I am careful to keep my iPad out of the sun while en route. I am fortunate that I can sit my unit behind the passenger seat in front of a vent that is in the wing spar raised section and within easy reach at any time.

I have made many cross country VFR and IFR trips with Foreflight and would not trade it for anything else out there. Yes, I guess I drank the Kool-Aid.

I wanted to share the latest update, 5.3 with fellow aviators.

New Plates on Maps How-To

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Foreflight.

The Plates on Maps feature is now available in ForeFlight Mobile 5.3 and is a significant enhancement to situational awareness and productivity. This feature gives you the ability overlay approach plates and taxi diagrams on the map. Watch our new how-to video to see it in action.

Class B Airspace Change at KPHL

Effective July 25, 2013 the Class B Airspace surrounding KPHL will be changing. This very important program will provide information on the changes to the airspace and answers as to how these changes could impact certain flight operations. Our special guest, a PHL Tower Quality Control Specialist will be conducting this presentation. This seminar is a must for local area pilots, for your safety and to prevent an inadvertent airspace deviation which could result in a violation.

Vince and I sat in on the seminar this evening. The seminar reviewed part 91 operations in Class Bravo airspace, old news but a review none the less.

Some of the key points:

The operator must receive an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having jurisdiction for that area before operating an aircraft in that area.

Any person conducting pilot training operations at an airport within a Class B airspace area must comply with any procedures established by ATC for such operations in that area.

No person may operate an aircraft in a Class B airspace area unless the aircraft is equipped with the applicable operating transponder and automatic altitude reporting equipment specified in § 91.215 (a), except as provided in § 91.215 (e).

Next up was a representative from the Philadelphia Tower. I found this portion a bit more interesting, however, this was a review of communications for VFR and IFR operations. If you paid attention to your PPL instructor you should already know this stuff.

One tip that was provided for VFR traffic since the question was asked about a VFR corridor. A simple look at the sectional will clearly show that there is NO VFR corridor in the Philly Bravo space. The tower rep did recommend asking for a 4,500 transition VFR since that would put you between the regionals below and the larger jets over top. Hmmm, I'll just file IFR, thanks.

BLMike from AOPA forums reminded me of the squawk code info Philly provided. "The PHL controller there said that Philly does not expect you to read back the squawk code they give you. They'll tell you if you entered it wrong in your transponder. This is important because one of the big problems Philly has is space on the radio frequency because of the amount of traffic trying to get a word in edgewise."
 

Beech Meet Up

While Mary and Jo headed to the BEACH, I saddled up and made the 14 minute hop to the BEECH fly in at Georgetown, KGED.

The XM weather was painting green all over with some yellow areas mixed in. The good thing about those yellow areas was the wide soft pattern, no steep steps in the shades and no red cells. Also of note, with all the green coverage there were no showers, nothing reaching the ground.

Lunch was very good and as always a fun time was had meeting fellow Beech Aero Club members. Eric and his family fly out of Lancaster, KLNS so future dinner fly ins are already in the works for both family's.

 

Once I returned to Ocean City I secured 08Romeo and headed for the motor home. It started to rain as I drove west along RT 50, good timing.  It was only a brief shower, enough to cool things off but not dampen our fun at the beach.

Safety Pilot Time

Mike and I swapped text messages this afternoon and decided we would get some flight time in.  I headed home after work to pick up my flight bag and change into something comfortable.

Mary updated me up on the tree service scheduled for tomorrow and with that I thought I was off to the airport. We soon heard chain saws buzzing in the back yard, the crew working up the street decided to do the work today. I hung out until they finished cutting then headed out as my Bride supervised the clean up and payment.

Mike went through the pre-flight, I chatted it up with a co-worker/Op's person. I finally pitched in and sumped the fuel and checked oil.  The forecast called for a clear sky this evening and the AWOS confirmed, our eyeballs noted otherwise.

New area between MXE and KILG

A quick flight to shoot a couple of approaches so Mike could get some left seat time and I could safety pilot. Upon start up we noticed the Garmin 530 was now showing the updated Class Bravo at Philly. My Garmin 496 will need to be updated this evening.

The FAA has published a final rule modifying the Philadelphia Class B airspace area that took effect July 25th. The modified airspace configuration will align with the Washington, D.C., and the extended New York VFR charts.

Mike shot two approaches; GPS 17 and GPS 35 into KEVY along with a hold and a simulated engine out back into Wilmington. Steady approaches, smooth T&G's and all around good flying. We did get a chance to fly through some light rain, just enough to wash the bugs off the windscreen.

The Delaware River to our East

The C&D Canal to the Delaware River

Mike got a chuckle when he noticed me staring out the window checking out all ground movement and backyard pools as he had us in the left down wind for landing one nine.  No, he wasn't under the foggles at this time, we were headed back into Wilmington.  Mike commented that he hated to bother me, I looked like I could keep my mug plastered to the window.  He was right  :)

Work Hop

Today my schedule was crazy.  I have some stone base issues on the taxiway project that needed immediate attention and then I had to be back in Wilmington in time for a 2pm dentist appointment.

General Aviation to the rescue!

I was in the air by 7am and on the ground, plane secured  and looking for wheels by 7:30.  The Op's folks at Cape May were kind enough to let me use an Explorer and when they needed the SUV back I got to drive our Kubota 4 WD buggy/pick up/ op's vehicle thingy.

With some of the stone base issues resolved I was closing in on my 12:45 departure time.  I returned the above pictured vehicle and pre-flighted 08Romeo.  Everything was good to go and with that I climbed aboard.  I launched off of runway two eight and climbed towards the Delaware Bay. The flight home was into a headwind and my ground speed was indicating 106-108, I miss this mornings 126-128 speeds.

A smooth landing into ILG with gusting winds and a quick taxi and tie down at red eagle.  I needed to be at the dentist by 2 pm and I still needed to take my pre-meds for my metal hip parts.  With a stop at McD's I gulped down 4 amoxicillin pills and pointed the SUV towards my appointment.

I should add in here that I am petrified of the dentist, I begged him to find the magic wand to fix my tooth and in return he can break any finger or arm that he chooses, broken bones don't hurt to bad, the simple thought of tooth pain floors me.  Today I was in luck, the office ran out of pins (used to anchor fillings) and I had to reschedule for Thursday. 

Key West

Way back when (January 2011) Mary and I added Key West to our list of places to go. Well, the trip has resurfaced and I think it's a go for Mary's birthday. I'm reviewing my initial plans and working through some new routing to take better advantage of fuel prices.

The original plan was to stop at one of our favorites, Grand Strand, well that's out. The fuel at KCRE is now $6.64 a gallon.  With a little searching I found much better pricing thanks to AirNav.

So with the flight plans starting to take shape and my iPad updated for charts and plates it was time to look for a hotel.  On one of the Blogs I read, Family Flying, Geoff had posted about his flight to Key West. His family stayed at the Sheraton Key West and it's located right across the street from the beach.  The hotel also provided a free shuttle service down town so that's a plus. There will be more in depth investigation over the next week.

Sadly, I am also checking airfare. Fuel alone for the round trip can cost me up to $1,300.00 and airfare is looking like $700 round trip total for the both of us flying coach. Rooms are $230 a night so we'll factor all that info in and then decide on the best plan of attack.  I should mention that the flight to key west for me the pilot is priceless! Mary also added that we bought the plane to travel so let's use it. Easier said than done if we fly 8-9 hours in one day. More info on this excursion to follow.

UPDATE:

Airline tickets secured, total cost round trip for the both of us...$699. Sorry 08Romeo, you're staying home on this trip.

Beach Weekend

Friday 7/26

I know of late my posts seem all the same but this is what my flying has become, routine. I'll spare all the typical details and post a few more photos. 

heading to ILG, stuck in traffic. 



IMC time

The flight was pretty straight forward, bumpy below the layer and inside the layer.  I got some IMC time while Mary and Ziva got some sleep time.

 

Mary and I wandered down to Assateague State Park to see Rob, Becky and the girls. They had a great camp site, maybe one hundred yards to the ocean and the best sea breeze ever. However, they did have some wild ponies to contend with.

 

Saturday 7/27

 

We started out the day with a fun round of golf. No humidity and we had a slight breeze on a few holes.  A few of the holes we battled slow greens and multiple attack flights of mosquitoes.

 

We headed back to pick up Ziva and loaded her up for a first swim. The Bay wasn't to bad and after doing the tip toe out to Mom she felt confident enough to back out then charge in full gallop.  I guess swimming is a learning process for the pups and after charging full speed into the water she submerged like a rock, she needed to adjust her dive plane. Mary and I watch her bubbles then she surfaced and came out of the water coughing up what she inhaled.  Round two she was charging back in, head now held up above the surface and having a blast.

We headed back to the motor home and gave Ziva a bath then she curled up in her kennel and passed out. We headed to the pool and spent some time bobbing like corks. When the swimming was completed we showered and took much deserved naps. 

I'm wet and sandy!  What's next??

Mary and I had plans to catch up with our friends, Pam & Ted, since they invited us for dinner.  I had to make a quick stop for two bottles of wine. Mary ran into our favorite little market and Ziva kept a look out for Mom to return. 

Ziva in our VW Cabrio Beach Buggy

 Dinner? The food was great, company even better and both our dogs got along just fine. It's always a fun time catching up with Pam & Ted.

 

Sunday 7/28

 

I watched some wx last night and updated early this morning while walking the dog.

 

TAF KILG 271733Z 2718/2818 17012KT P6SM BKN050
FM280200 18006KT P6SM BKN050 BKN120
FM281500 18011KT P6SM -SHRA SCT020 BKN035

 

 

 

We decided to head north early and beat the potential rains and the afternoon threat of boomers.  The flight home was smooth, cool temps and great tail winds.