Breakfast Meet Up

Les G  from the Beech Aero Club sent me a private message on the club web page to let me know he would be shooting some approaches into OXB on Sunday. This sounded like a great chance to catch up and see his freshly painted Sundowner and the new interior.

The plan was to meet at 10:30, this would work out just right. I had swapped text messages with a young man who was interested in our 98 Ranger pick up. Mary and I needed to go through our decorations that we keep stored in the hangar so we planned to meet the potential buyer at 9:30.

It's now 10:30

As Les was landing the young man and his father pulled up to the hangar.  By this time I had reconnected the trickle charger and was closing the hangar door. You guessed it, I had built up a bit of attitude having to wait and now reopen and unhook everything while getting around on a cane. I was getting tired and I was absolutely getting irritable.

I gave the young man the keys and told him look it over and test drive it around the hangars, we had to pick up the pilot that just landed, we'll be right back.  Yes, he is familiar with airport ops and driving on the airfield.

Mary and I drove up to meet Les and admire his Sundowner. 08Lima was beautiful! Fresh paint, new interior and a new avionics panel full of goodies. Honestly, it tugged at my heart just putting my hand on the cowling, I miss 08Romeo. Les jumped in the SUV and we headed back to the hangar to finish up the truck deal, or so I thought.

I should have been thankful that he pulled the truck back in the hangar even though it was not backed in (how he found it when he got in) so it could be reconnected to the charger and that he was trying to close up my hangar. Unfortunately neither gesture erased the fact that he was an hour late showing up and that I was now dealing with pain in my leg and ankle. I got out and asked him to stop closing the door, that I would button up.  While he and his dad talked I opened the door, repositioned the truck, hooked up the charger and then we talked.

The offer was just under my minimum for the truck, and that was ok, but he took it a few steps to far. I had offered to have the windshield replaced due to a stone chip in the top left hand corner, just to open the deal. The youngster replied with "well you know it's an old truck" Well, yea, that's obvious, insert first eye roll.  I was then asked to have the truck reinspected at my cost (the truck is currently inspected until 2020). Without hesitation I said that doesn't work for me but I'll talk it over with my bride. Mary got out of our SUV and I let her know what he offered and wanted me to do.  I love my bride, she immediately said no and turned back towards the SUV. There you have it guys, thanks for stopping out, have a nice day. I didn't counter, I wasn't in the mood to horse trade. I just wanted to head out for breakfast.

Mary dropped Les and I off at the new Assateague diner and then she headed out to do some shopping.  We enjoyed breakfast and chatting about airplanes, flying, and the world at large. I needed that pilot time, it was fun, and I miss the interaction with fellow pilots and BAC members. I was happy to get back home and prop the leg up.

Setting Up The Approach

I am an avid reader of many flying forums and have posted about topics I find interesting or shed light on a training scenario. The following post comes from the AOPA Forum, Cloud Busters.

I have a question that I'm not sure has a standard answer, so I thought I'd ask around and see what everyone does. I'm basically wondering how and when you get everything set up and organized for an approach (with GPS, just because I have one and it plays into the question). So basically, when (I'm assuming by position, ie distance from the IAF, FAF, etc.) and in what order do you brief the approach, check ATIS, load the approach, activate it, etc.

The backstory is this: I have a Prepared setup of my exact plane (basically), with the GTN650, and I've been toying with different ways of doing things to see what makes the most sense (which is why I think sims are so great). I've had various mishaps: loading the approach before the IAF but forgetting to activate it being the one that kind of stuck in my head. So I've been experimenting with a system (just as an example) like this:

1. ATIS 25 nm from IAF
2. Load approach 20 nm from IAF
3. Activate approach 10 nm from IAF

I would love to hear what other IFR pilots do and I'll share my process.

First things first...

You have a good idea of the weather and winds at your destination so you should have reviewed the appropriate approach plates the night before.

I pick up the ATIS report as far out as possible. I want to have the info noted and be aware of what runways may be in use.  I also like to report that I have the current ATIS when I check in with the last approach controller.

I run my mnemonic WIRE, to get things set up.

Weather ATIS, AWOS, ASOS
Instruments, set the CDI & VLOC/GPS
Radios tuned and identified
Elevation, decision height, missed info

Typically I select a full approach, despite having previously tasted the forbidden fruit of vectors to final.  If vectors, I select the approach for the specific runway and approach that I am told to expect and fly the heading bug vectors as directed. If cleared to a specific Initial Approach Fix or Intermediate Fix I will select and activate instruments accordingly. Review your plate and know your aircrafts numbers. Run that pre-landing check list and make a sweet landing.

The key component is know your equipment .  Know how to activate specific legs of an approach, or how to select another approach and activate on the go. What's your back up, your plan B?

I miss flying and all the prep that goes into each flight.  I am trying to keep in the game so when the times comes to attempt climbing back aboard the mental skills will still be sharp. 

Thanks for reading!

Vlog Update 10.29.18

 

A quick update on my progress and what's coming up. Mary and I have a busy schedule of medical appointments and we hope to get out and do the early vote for the mid-terms. 

 

I can't believe the leaves are starting to change, where did summer go? I'm sure missing the leaf peep missions.

A Milestone

This evening I reached a milestone, yes, a significant event in my life. Today the wheel chair ramp was removed from our garage that provided access to the house.

I haven't used my wheel chair for almost a week and decided if I am to continue with my progress I need to cut all ties with the wheels. It's been difficult standing and walking for long periods of time when cooking or trying to help feed the zoo. I have gradually built up my strength and endurance and felt it was time to literally take the next step.

I have also started Physical Therapy outside the home. The local company Fysical Therapy and Balance Centers has been an interesting experience. After an initial evaluation I started in on getting the ankle to loosen up, extending the range of motion to make walking more normal. I laughed, my walking more normal? Well, I'll give it a go. 

After a few rounds of various exercises with heat treatments mixed in, I moved on to a treadmill.  Not your typical treadmill, this was an anti-gravity machine.

This nice young lady brings me out a pair of shorts that look like a divers wet suit. There was a zipper around the waste and I was totally confused. I asked if I was diving for sunken treasure, the two young assistants just gave a weird look, the forty year old started laughing and motioned for me to start heading towards the machine.

Once zippered in, the machine calculated my weight. The trainer dialed in 30% of my body weight and then the machine aired up. It was a strange feeling lifting off the treadmill and then just slightly settling back down. The timer was set for just ten minutes on my initial go, and off I went. My gait was 'normal' and I felt no pain.

The next machine was a recumbent stepper. I really liked this machine. You get the cardio with the stepper and arm rail movement. Again, no pain, easy on my right hip and very smooth. I think I did five or ten minutes on this one to end my session for the day.  I'm looking forward to getting back on this machine and really working out.

UPDATE

While the first workout was a blast and I was really excited to move forward, the next few days I felt like I got hit by a truck. Once the adrenaline wore off the muscles were really sore. Both feet hurt and my legs ached like I walked for miles. I know it will feel better after some time and the workouts will keep me moving forward. I guess it's a reminder that its not all unicorns and rainbows. One day at a time...

Landing Gear Webinar

Tonight I decided to check into the American Bonanza Society (ABS) Bonanza / Baron Landing Gear Systems and Maintenance Webinar. While I no longer have the Debonair, I do want to keep current on maintenance of the systems.  You never know, maybe there will be another Deb or Bo in my future.

The webinar was hosted by Tom Turner of the ABS Air Safety Foundation and the keynote speaker was Bob Ripley, Senior ABS Technical Advisor - ABS Air Safety Foundation. 

The topics for tonight's presentation.

Landing gear inspection
The importance of proper rigging
The manual gear extension hand crank
Landing gear maintenance

The webinar gave a good look at the internals of the gear motor and Bob provided his expertise on the unit and inspection process.

The discussion also detailed the inspection process dealing with tensions and clearances. Excellent information and reference for the annual inspection process.


correct position

trapped behind cover

The one critical take-away was in the pre-flight process.  Now I'll preface this with the statement that I was the last person to stow the manual crank handle and cover it. However, Bob insisted that each preflight should be a physical check that the manual hand crank can be unstowed properly prior to start. If you can't unstow the crank, DON'T fly the airplane.

When I did my transition training the owner walked me through a very extensive pre-flight process. I was happy to see that what I inspected was what the webinar detailed. This is a glimpse of the POH preflight check, note 7a. The nose and right main gear didn't provide much more.

7. LEFT LANDING GEAR:

a. Wheel Well Door, Tire and Strut - CHECK

b. Fuel Vent - CHECK
c. Fuel Sump{s) - DRAIN
d. Fuel Selector Valve Sump and Auxiliary Fuel Cell

 
This was my typical inspection for each gear.
 

• Uplock springs
• Check uplock springs for corrosion
• Check spring attach points for elongation or corrosion
• Check Spring for consistent coil gaps
• Uplock cable
• Check uplock cable for fraying
• Check to make sure cable cover is secure
• Roller bearing
• Check roller bearings rotate freely
• Check uplock cover
• Check Tire
• Check Wheel well doors
• Check strut

roller bearing

uplock cable

uplock cover

Matching Shoes

BEFORE

AFTER

I can now wear my own shoe and no more leg bandages!  The Doctor ordered continued progressive weight bearing (40-60lb), and out of home therapy recommended for twice a week. I can finally shower, bag free on the leg, and can soak those dragon scales of my right foot. My next visit is scheduled for four weeks and the Doc wants me at 60-80lb weight bearing.



BEFORE

AFTER



Of course me being me and feeling a bit better I had to ask if I could drive. The answer was an instant NO, not until I can stand on my right tippy toes full weight bearing. That's going to take a while, but I'll get there. At least he gave me a goal to shoot for.

Mary drove me to todays appointment since she has been cleared to drive. My bride no longer has to wear her back brace, unless she feels the need for extra support.

With all of our progress we decided to go out and have a celebratory lunch at one of our favorite places. Me, my Bride, and my walker, enjoying the sights and sounds out together. We are once again trying to make life normal.

 

 

First Hangar Visit

Today I ventured out to the Ocean City airport, thanks to fellow pilot Rob S (Rob's PPG Adventure).  Rob was on his way home from Soar the Shore held at Cambell Field - 9VG, and stopped in to see if Mary and I needed anything done around the house.  I have been wanting to check on our cars that are stored in our hangar, previously set up on trickle chargers by Rob himself. We were off to the airport!

Photo by Rob S.  Actually, that's Rob flying!

We rolled through the tenants gate passing below the Huey helicopter mounted for display. It brought a smile to my face, seeing the helicopter workhorse on guard.  As we passed the 100LL fuel pumps my anxiety was rising, now turning the corner for hangar bay F.  There was F7, home to our magic carpet for years.

Rob pulled his truck up to the hangar, then exited and unlocked the single door. As he stepped inside  I heard the hangar door latch spring open, a very familiar sound. I could see myself flowing through the exact routine. The door started to squeak as it road the metal rails to expose the planeless void.

Nothing but a car and a truck, it was depressing.  I exited the truck and used my walker to slowly make my way to my directors chair that Rob had repositioned inside the hangar.

There I sat, listening to all the airport sounds, my heart breaking.  Rob was very kind, giving me some time as he puttered about with disconnecting the chargers and driving the vehicles.

I gathered my thoughts and texted Mary, still at home.

It feels weird being here at the airport.  Rob is driving the Benz...it all feels strange.

Mary texted back....It's great Rob is getting you out for awhile.  Are you ok?

I responded;  I'm ok, it just breaks my heart. life moves forward and I'm happy to be alive.

My Bride is the best, she then texted she was worried about me going to the airport but reminded me we have new adventures ahead of us.  I love her!

Rob returned finishing up and backing both the car and truck in, setting up the chargers once again.  With the vehicles exercised we loaded up for home.

It indeed felt strange, no pat on the cowl to acknowledge a good flight, no last look at the beacon to confirm the master is off.  Instead, the sound of the door latch securing the hangar door and closing of the single door. All while I sat in the truck......but life moves forward and I'm happy to be here.

VLOG Update

Just a quick update to keep the VLOG active on YouTube.  I sure miss posting flying videos!

I dug out the only remaining video camera I have left after the accident. I am using the Activeon CX Gold and the audio portion pretty much stinks. I will have to either secure a mic or figure some way to provide better audio.

I also added "Our Favorite Trips" under the Favorite Links section.  We are still looking through all of our posts and adding as we find special travels that provide so many great memories.  Check them out!

The Urge to Flight Plan

Despite working through recovery and not knowing our future with flying, I still had the urge to weather watch and work my flight plan.  Back in September I was working the plan for Sanibel Island Florida and BACFest in Louisville Kentucky. (September Plans)

I didn't grab a screen shot of our would be departure day weather, Wednesday the 12th, but I do know it was 300' overcast here in Ocean City for the better part of the early morning. If memory serves me correct, we would have been able to head west before noon. This would have worked out very nice since KJVY would have been VFR, which always makes it easier.

Departure day in Louisville (today) would be an early start. Weather is looking good, winds 070 at 11 knots, overcast at 20k. Ocean City is once again IFR this morning but it looks to clearing around 11am.

 

The flight would be a three hour hop to KCKB, Clarksburg facing 17 knot headwinds. A stop and go for fuel then the last hop home of two hours and forty minutes to Ocean City.

 

I only wish I was flight planning for real and us actually heading home after a great time with our BAC Family. We are not sure what the future holds but for now it's one day at a time, together with my Bride.

Finally, A Positive Visit

My latest doctors appointment finally produced some positive news. After the ceremonial cutting off of the bandages, the weekly routine, we all got a look at the troublesome incision. The incision on the back of the leg healed up just fine.

The Doc was quite impressed, I even detected a bit of a smile. The last five stitches, under the yellow cover, were removed and once everything was cleaned up the whole incision was covered with new sterri-strips. I used the alcohol wipes to rub all the itchy spots and really clean up the rest of my leg.

One big positive note, no splint required. I had nothing but the sterri-strips and some sort of pad type bandage covered in two rolls of cotton type material and two ace bandages.

Docs orders, I can move to partial weight bearing. I had to confirm that and ask if that means flat foot for balance or actual partial weight. It was work up to partial weight bearing and working the ankle. Finally after two and a half months I can start to put weight on the leg. I also had x-rays taken and doc said the fracture lines are getting harder to see, which means things are healing.

It's been a long painful process. The emotional swings when I'm hurting really can drag me down but the small victory like today helps get me refocused. My back pain has increased with all the walker work and that is concerning, but I'll push through that.

 

BACFest Memories

It's that time of year, yes, time for the gathering of mice at BACFest! 

Unfortunately, Mary and I will not make it this year. What was to be a busy month of flying the Debonair with a vacation to Sanibel Island in Florida, then BACFest in Louisville Kentucky, has instead turned into a, tongue in cheek, stay vacation.  OK, honestly more like serving time.

Enough of the what if's, let's look back at all the fun we had attending the previous BACFests with a few pictures and comments.

 

September 2011

Our first BACFest was in Ithaca New York.  Our house was crazy busy as we were going through a kitchen remodel and the weather was not playing nice for our departure or return days. We actually gave thought to driving. Pray harder to the weather Gods!

The weather did relent and we were able to depart on schedule after dropping our Mastiff (Maggie) off at the boarding kennel. Flight conditions were clear and we made the flight in 1 hour and 40 minutes.



We had a great time with our BAC friends. The Farmers Market on lake Cayuga was fun and exploring the goodies at Life's So Sweet Chocolates made the day. Great memories of fun times and getting a chance to visit Toughannock Falls was a blast.

On departure day the weather was not playing so nice.  Temps were in the forty's when we left and the freezing level was at eight thousand.

It was a fun ride home noting almost two hours of IMC. I broke out just as I passed over the twin bridges and made a nice landing back at home.

September 2012

Bacfest 2012, what an adventure!  We had a blast making this trip and really taking advantage of the Sundowner, our magic carpet.

Our first leg was KILG to KTTA, Raleigh Executive.  Three and a half hours of VFR conditions with a quick gas and go to head for stop number two.

Our next stop was KPXE in Perry Georgia.  This leg was strange, I was given a clearance of just five miles...I still remember the "what the heck" moment as I chugged and plugged. The limited clearance was due to an inbound Cirrus on a practice approach at fifteen hundred  feet, I had been cleared to three thousand. As we passed I was cleared for the remainder of my route, as filed. This was a great flight, 3.2 hours of smooth as could be with us enjoying the tunes through XM.

Our last leg was for KJKA, Gulf Shores. This leg we saw the biggest cloud build ups EVER! It reminded us of driving through NYC and all the tall buildings. We dodged and weaved our way finally arriving at Gulf Shores.

This BACFest was all about beach time. Mary and I spent our time on the beach and in the water.

The ride home was another long day in the saddle. I monitored wx along our route and when I was closing in on our first stop, Tullahoma KTHA, I made the decision to divert to Smyrna, KMQY. Leg one was 3.6 hours.

 

We topped off our fuel and made a quick turn around for the next stop KCRW, Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV. This leg was 2.8 hours.

Our last leg was busy with altitude changes and hand-offs for traffic.  We also had to dodge a few build ups. It was a welcome sight seeing the twin bridges as we arrived home with a beautiful sunset view.

September 2015

 

After the Gulf Shores trip we were ready to stretch our wings, this was going to be the longest trip to date in 08Romeo.

 

Mary and I had big plans.  We wanted to fly to Dubuque Iowa, then while that far west we wanted to visit Mt Rushmore.  The trip gets better, after Rapid City we pointed to Kansas City to visit our friends before finally point 08Romeo for home.  Great memories that will last a life time! 

Our first leg was scheduled for KCDI, Cambridge Ohio.  The winds had changed and I would be dealing with headwinds and IMC conditions. When I launched off runway one-four at Ocean City I did feel anxious climbing out, right up until we entered the clag. Once on the instruments it was all business and everything felt natural.

 

Our next leg was to KVPZ, Valparaiso, Indiana. This was a smooth flight VFR conditions and ended with a nice landing. We spent the night and had a great dinner at Kelseys.

 

Thursday morning, October 1st had us departing Valparaiso for Dubuque. It was a smooth fast flight to KDBQ.

We had a beautiful waterfront view from our room at the Grand Harbor Resort overlooking the Mississippi River. Mary and I enjoy some us time walking the riverfront.

This BACFest had excellent workshops for the board and our member meeting along with maintenance clinics. We all enjoyed a riverboat cruise for dinner to close out the events.

 

On Sunday we continued west for Rapid City SD and Mt. Rushmore.

 

September 2017

 

BacFest 2017, what an adventure. We had just returned home from Sint Maarten on September 2nd, ahead of Hurricane Irma slamming the islands.

 

With the house and pets back to normal we were once again ready to travel. The plan was to fly to New Bedford, MA but weather had other ideas. Hurricane Jose was terrorizing the east coast and of course continued on ahead of us to the North East. We had great plans of visiting Mike B and his wife Kim along with our friends Adam and Jeanine and their newborn son Declan. We were also looking forward to catching up with family.

I waited out the weather and we decided that if we were going it was going to be by ground transportation. And so it goes, the pilot and his bride are driving to BACFest. The couple of hour flight was now an eight hour drive. Ughhh.

 

We had fun with our BAC friends as we explored Thames Street and a few museums. The annual banquet was excellent and we had a blast.

Mary and I are still recovering here at home, but this week our hearts our with our BAC family as they gather in Louisville Kentucky for BACFest 2018. I will be tracking multiple flights and watching Hurricane Florence as she moves towards the east coast.







Random Thoughts During Recovery

The Physical Challenge

Mary and I have been through so much. The physical challenges have been non-stop since the day of the accident, but, we are making progress.  A simple task of putting my pants on is such an accomplishment...insert my typical eye roll... Trying to feed the dog and cats or clean a litter box with bending, lifting and twisting restrictions has been a real pain for Mary. Cat litter boxes are beyond her allowed weight restriction so it takes coordination with neighbors to perform this simple task.  Let's not forget she still can't drive and my bride has to deal with yours truly 24/7. It's never easy for people to ask for help and we are no exception, its been a very humbling experience.

Last night was the first night I slept in our bed since June 28th. We are having the hospital bed removed today.  Sounds pretty simple, right?  I have looked at our bed since I came home from the hospital, every single time, all three times. I finally conquered that hurdle. The simple things mean so much as we try and put our lives back together.

The Mental Challenge

The emotional part of all this is like the boogeyman, floating around in both our heads but not a topic for discussion at this time. We understand our lives have changed, forever, as well as our lifestyle and passion for travel. I know at some point the accident will be addressed and it will be good for the both of us to let it all out. I'm not sure when this will happen, but as of yet, it has not been the right time. 

One morning...

Mary and I were going over our daily ritual of quicken updates now that I can wheel in to the office. As we sat discussing something my computers screen saver kicked in and right before us pictures of our many destinations flashed.  Our conversation stopped, not a word was said, as we fixated on the screen. When we looked at each other we were both in tears...it hit home that for us life has drastically changed. We hugged, both acknowledging how much we enjoyed our travels by way of our magic carpet.

Our life will keep moving forward, and we are both very thankful for that. As to flying again, not a clue where that will go and honestly we could care less at this time. We have forged friendships even deeper and made new friends along this journey. We will continue to appreciate the time we have together.

Ever since I was a child I learned many life lessons. From my years playing baseball, throughout my school years and even over my work career, there was always something to learn and carry forward. This experience is the same, although I am struggling with what it is I need to take away from it all. I do have an even deeper love for my bride and know there is nothing we can not rise above, together. Maybe it's the lesson of accepting help from others so that we may give more to others when we are healthy. Maybe I'm just trying to solve a life puzzle that is still missing a few pieces.

Our journey will continue moving forward. Mary and I look forward to the day we can once again travel to new destinations and enjoy exploring and meeting new people. For now we heal, enjoy our own company, and our family and friends that surround us. Life is good.

The Good Times...

This reminder came up on Facebook from August 2014. I surely miss those simple days.

Sunrise over Cape Henlopen. Dinner date night with my Bride in Ocean City. Flew home to Wilmington for work this morning.

Here is the link to my blog entry for that "date night" flight. Date Night, GA Style

More Surgery and Sent Home

Friday, July 27th

I did manage to enjoy a short four day stay at home after my release from Health South Rehab. Unfortunately, I headed back to Peninsula Regional for a second round of surgery on my right leg. More plates and screws were needed to complete the realignment and length restoration.  Mary and my brother Joe along with our guardian angel Candy sat patiently as the three and a half hours clicked off.  My Doctor came out to let them know everything went very well.

(starting at the top) ankle, shin and knee

I was moved to a private room for recovery. Unlike the first leg surgery that wasn't too painful this round was excruciating. I needed pain meds to help me function like a human.

During this surgery the doctor also fixed up my left big toe that I beat into submission over the last year, it also had an abscess. This abscess was cleaned out and I was given  strong antibiotics to clear up the infection.

While recovering at PRMC I did develop a bacteria infection in my blood so that forced me to stay longer until all tests, and I mean many blood samples, were deemed clear after 48 hours.

Wednesday August 1st

I was released for more rehab at Health South on Wednesday. It was like old home week. I had the same nurses and nurse assistants along with the gang at Physical and Occupational Therapy. They took very good care of me AND worked me pretty hard.

Wednesday August 8th

I made progress and was finally released on Wednesday. Occupation Therapy wiz Stewart rigged up a device that secured my right ankle and provided a way to lift and swing my right leg into and out of bed. He is a genius!

The contraption worked like a charm. Remember those days back in elementary school, making chain links out of construction paper?  Same concept, except we used heavy duty velco.

This sling type device was critical.  Mary, fresh off back surgery was not allowed to bend, lift or twist, so she could not help me. I needed to be able to get in and out of bed and get my leg raised in the wheel chair. Mission accomplished.

Sunday, August 12th

Mary's back is coming along. My bride has a doctors appointment on Tuesday that will require x-rays prior to arriving. Mary has been wearing her brace and following doctors orders. My bride has taken care of me, supported me, and has been the guiding light for me to keep focused. I don't know how she does it.

I need blood work prior to my next appointment on Wednesday. I'll use the local wheel chair transportation system available to us. It's still too difficult to get in and out of the SUV and then be stuck with the wheel chair in the back that neither Mary nor I could lift at this time.

More updates to follow, hopefully getting out of this big splint device and into a smaller cast.  I also hope to report on Mary's progress and that she will be released to drive.

Many thanks to family, friends and neighbors for their support and meals. A special thanks to Candy and Mark G for being our guardian angels for the last six weeks, we are left without words trying to express our gratitude.