I'm Happy my Garmin 480 Videos Help

I received an email from a fellow pilot and Garmin 480 user early this morning. I was happy to hear the video playlist is helping pilots get a handle on the features of this legacy unit.  The email was very detailed including screenshots to explain the issue with the 480 SIM.  

Of course when I got up to take care of the Ziva princess and those pesky cats, who knocked over the Christmas tree, I cleaned up and then and went straight to the home office. 

I fired up the SIM to recreate the issue presented in the email. The SIM will not execute a new destination from the direct menu.  After a few tries I realized that just starting the SIM without selecting some flight will not simulate the aircraft flying.  Hmmm...ok, I picked the home airport in the email as the origin and destination which immediately gets the sim into flight mode.  Once in flight mode a selection of Destination on the Direct menu and then Database is used to select a new airport. Once the new airport was entered a quick check of the Map screen showed the magenta course line to that airport, perfect! Now to make sure the stars are aligned. I selected Procedure and the new airport was listed and all procedures were available.

I really appreciate the feedback and love working through new issues. Every challenge I get helps me shed the rust and keep me proficient.

Breakfast with the New Garden Crew

Picture by Jon Martin

I received a text from Charles G last night asking if I wanted to meet up for breakfast at Cape May/Wildwood, NJ (KWWD). Initially I said yes, then went and looked at temps for the morning, it was going to be chilly. 

I turned on the preheats overnight around 3 am and settled back in for a few more hours of sleep. At 6:15 I let Ziva out and got her fed then checked NOTAM's and weather for the flight across the Delaware Bay. I almost backed out but I know I need to get in the air.

I taxied out for runway two zero with a ninety degree mild to no crosswind and launched. I decided on five thousand five hundred to cross the Bay and of course I forgot my life vest safely stored in the baggage area. 

I had 30 to 34 knot head winds across the nose for the north leg to Cape May. I was seeing 110 knots and Charles in his Cherokee 140 with the 150 HP upgrade was cruising along at 160 heading south east to WWD. I would have the laugh heading home while the New Garden bunch bucked the headwinds going home. 

Lunch was very good and so was the service at the Flight Deck Diner located in the airport terminal. We finished up dividing the bill then all of us headed out to our planes. I was number five for departure and pointed for the Cape May light house to circle and climb to altitude to cross the bay. 

My new hangar neighbor was headed in and said he would follow me in for runway two. There was a plane holding short waiting to back taxi for two also. Once I landed, the Cessna waiting and I coordinated a plan for him to come out and taxi by so I could exit the runway and be clear. Everything worked out great and my ramp neighbor extended so the Cessna that taxied by me could depart. 

One Approach, Lunch, Then a Show

I posted on Facebook for a potential breakfast flight to Cambridge, KCGE.  I also sent my friend and fellow pilot Charles G a private message.  Charles was in Ocean City for business and flew in the night before.

Photo by Charles Graef - OCMD 

Once I’m driving I don’t do text but will use the hands free phone. Charles texted and was going to meet me at the airport since he was preheating his plane for the ride home, unfortunately I never saw the text.  As I came through the gate and rounded the hangars I saw somebody standing on the ramp at the end of the F hangar building, it was Charles. 

3 Tango Charlie was ready to go since I turned the preheats on at 5am. Once I finished the preflight Charles and I climbed aboard and headed for runway two-zero.  I completed the run up and back taxied for runway two. 

We launched and headed west for Cambridge. I had to check the R4006 restricted area floor and read thirty five hundred feet, unfortunately my brain didn’t engage and I climbed for three point five.  Charles brought it to my attention that I needed to be below 3.5 so I descended back to three thousand and continued with that pilot stuff.

I did put the foggles on and Charles acted as my safety pilot to knock out one approach, the RNAV GPS 34. Traffic was landing on one six so my plan was a low approach then step to the right and enter the left down wind for one six. After the procedure turn and then heading for the final approach fix there was no traffic so I announced landing three four.  I made a nice landing and taxied for the ramp. 

We missed the breakfast cut off time so lunch it was.  Charles and I each had a BLT and a cup of soup. The soup hit the spot on this chilly day. Temps at our cruise altitude was below freezing, -3c if I remember. 

Once lunch was finished we saddled up for the return to ocean city.  At least going east we had the tailwind pushing us along  at 145 plus knots.  I set up for runway two and entered on a left base finishing up the day with another nice landing. 

Before pushing 3 TC in the hangar I took Charles up to the terminal where his plane was plugged in for preheat. I headed back to my hangar, got 3TC tucked in the nest, then headed home.  

The Show

Mary and I had plans to see Bill Engvall's farewell tour at the Ocean City convention center. I got showered and dressed, Mary was just finishing getting dressed when I walked in. My lovely bride made baked ziti for dinner and the house smelled fantastic. We ate, secured the zoo critters, and headed out an hour early for the show. We both wanted good parking, which we aced, and made the leisurely stroll to the check in. The show was really funny, and as Bill Engvall closes in on 65 we could relate to many of the stories he shared about growing up and now getting older. He did finish with his bread and butter “here’s your sign” routine, good stuff.

Veterans Day

 

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans' service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954.

Thank-you to those who have served and to those who stand watch today. Thank-You for the very freedom you provide me every day.

Newport News for our Anniversary

Mary and I are celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary today!  Wow, my bride has put up with me all that time, amazing. I love you Mary.

As noted in my last post I worked through the numbers for our short hop to Newport News, VA. The numbers say drive the GLC300 Benz, the life is short attitude says to fly the plane. Mary and I decided to hell with the rental costs and use the plane to save time and make the trip enjoyable. 

I logged on to Enterprise, the FBO page and secured an intermediate SUV for one day at $103. Our ride will be waiting at Rick Aviation once we arrive.  

The weather is looking perfect for our flights to and from. The front that managed to push its way off the coast should provide smooth rides and a good view over the peninsula.

 

Departure Time

We’re off around 9:45,VFR, and heading for the first fix on my flight plan.  Upon checking in with Patuxent I asked to pick up my clearance to Newport News, PHF. I was cleared to six thousand direct Snowhill (SWL) then as filed. 

I climbed through a layer and rode along on top with scattered below us for a short distance. The layer closed up and we were plowing along through the IMC until letting down for Newport News. 

Patuxent and Norfolk approach were both excellent today. Eventually Norfolk handed me off to the tower after pointing me direct HASBA and I confirmed I had ATIS Bravo. I was set up for the ILS 25 and would suspend the procedure turn for a straight in.  Approach also cleared me for the visual before switching to the tower. 

I checked in with the tower, visual two five, and was cleared to land. I was pointed right at the airport and could see the light brown patch clearing but not the runway surface through the haze. As the runway view cleared I set up to land. Winds were just off centerline and calm. A made a very nice landing and taxied for Rick Aviation. Mary secured our rental and I supervised our fuel order and arranged for a hangar overnight. 

It was a short drive to the Hampton Inn at Oyster Point, maybe six minutes. I checked us in and then we went out for a very light lunch and a fountain soda for the bride. 

We had some time to relax before getting ready for dinner. Susan came over to our hotel suite and we had fun catching up for a few hours. 

The plan is for dinner at Steak & Tonic. This place has quite the menu, including Japanese Wagyu beef, Prime beef, Elk, Ostrich, Bison, Camel, and Kangaroo. I’ll stick to the good ole US raised prime beef, thank you. FYI this dining experience is on the high end $$$.

Dinner was excellent. We had a group of seven, I was surrounded by five lovely ladies and one beautiful bride. We all had a fun time.

It was a short ride to the Ferguson center, arriving early in time to get to our seats and settle in for the show. Our seats were very good with the only issue being the third and fourth in from the isle. It was a game of musical chairs as everyone filed in with farthest seats in the row the last to arrive as the show started. 

Thankfully it was a short ride back to the hotel after making our way out of the Ferguson Center parking garage. We said our goodbyes to Susan and headed up to our room. Mary and I were both tired after a long day of flying, dining, and the show. 

 

The Return Home

I filed last night and did my NOTAM and weather follow up this morning. It looks like +20 knot headwinds heading north. At least the winds are forecast straight down the runways at PHF and OXB. I decided on a VFR flight north and got a squawk from Newport ground for flight following. No videos of the flight home, Mary and I just wanted to the enjoy our ride home together.

It was a fun flight home this morning. We had a pair of Grumman E-2 Hawkeyes pass by our right side once we crossed the bay, and then as we passed Wallops a NASA C-130 passed right to left under the nose.  Headwinds the whole way from 29 high to 20 knots steady. It was a  smooth ride until we let down for Ocean City. It wasn’t the worst ride but it was pretty bumpy. I made a really nice landing and taxied for the hangar. We’re home. 

Fun overnight anniversary celebration with good friends, good food, fun entertainment, and the love of my life.

Airport is Open! Flight Planning

Mary and I are anxious to get back in the air now that at least one runway (2-20) is open at Ocean City, KOXB. FYI, runway 14-32 is scheduled to reopen on December 12th.

The plan is to make the short flight to Newport News, Virginia and spend one night at the Hampton Inn. We will meet up with Mary's life long friend Susan for dinner and then a show at the Ferguson Center. Susan is actually coming to our home for a few days later this week.

Costs...Lets do a quick calculation. The Hampton room cost is $136 a night. Tickets for the show $174 for best seating. 3 Tango Charlie is already fueled with 43 gallons still on board after our return from Nags Head and cheap 100LL. 

Rental cars...Always the fun part of any trip.

Hertz Mid-size SUV - @ $107

Enterprise Mid-size SUV - $93

The drive is three hours each way (320 round trip)and Mary's SUV averages around 28 MPG on the highway. The flight time is 48 minutes each way burning about 20 gallons ($125) total at $6.24 /Gal purchased KMQI last month. 

The numbers say drive Mary's Benz. I haven't decided as of today, I'm still watching weather. I'll run all the numbers one more time the make the decision on fly vs ground pound.

The 10 day forecast for the trip presents the following. I'll take a closer look this weekend on all my favorite aviation weather sites and then decide on a go/no-go in case we fly.

About The Show

Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is on a journey to Newport News at last! From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love  and family. ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) based on original direction by Tony Award® winner Darko Tresnjak with choreography by Peggy Hickey and tour direction by Sarah Hartmann.

Hangar Day and a look at a wrecked Cessna 180

Hangar Day with my bride and our Mastiff, Ziva. I also took a close up look at a Cessna 180 that had brake issue that resulted in an accident on runway 2-20 a month ago.

KOXB - Closed!

KOXB, Ocean City Airport is closed!  Both runways, 14-32 and 02-20 are closed along with Taxiway Hotel.  Runway 14-32 has been demoed and there is currently new stone base installed awaiting hot mix.  The runway lights are finally being updated too, no taxiway lights for this contract.  In order to complete the box out, stone base, and hot mix work, runway 2-20 needed to be closed. Tentative reopening for 2-20 is November 1st. I decided not to relocate 3 Tango Charlie. There are no hangars available in the area. After this last storm blew through Mary and I didn't want to expose our Commander to the elements for a month outside on a tie-down.

What to do while grounded? 

I purchased a Garmin MX20 MFD to pair with the Garmin 480. Now this is indeed a legacy unit, much like my GPS, but for the money I thought I would purchase the unit then decide what to do. I guess that sounds like the cart before the horse but the price was really good compared to the market value on these units. 

I headed over to the hangar to do some quick measurements on my avionics stack. I have one blank plate that opens up a space of 2.25 inches and I would have to remove the Bendix King 155 that is 2.05 inches. Moving the KX 155 would mean cutting up my custom carbon fiber panel and doing away with the Dynon D3 I have mounted for the copilot. I would also be .75 inches short of fitting the MX 20 in the center stack. 

Typically I make a pros and cons list for everything I do, this potential install absolutely requires the list.

Pros:

At a glance, you can see your aircraft’s position and track on a VFR or IFR navigation chart with course lines, waypoints, and flight progress displayed over realistic terrain depictions. For arrivals and departures, an exclusive Chart View™ option lets you confirm your aircraft’s position on Jeppesen® instrument approach plates and airport surface charts. A unique split-screen feature enables side-by-side displays of any two MX charting functions.  

Cons:

The MX 20 is a legacy unit, repairs are no longer available. I would have to cut up my custom panel to relocate existing equipment in order to fit it in the center stack of my Commander. The Dynon D3 would be eliminated.

Thoughts:

I currently fly with an iPad mini 5 that has all the charts, approach plates, weather, ADS-B traffic, and a host of other goodies. The cost is an annual fee, the MX20 data card will require monthly updating for the chart service.

What I currently have in the plane serves me very well. Even though I can't send my flight plan to my GPS I can at least enter Victor airways in the Garmin 480. I should be happy with what I have, and I am, but its always fun to ponder the what if.  I guess I will box up the MX20 and put it up for sale.

A Day at the Outer Banks

The weather was absolutely gorgeous today! Mary and I decided mid-week that we would head south and spend the day in the Outer Banks, Nags Head to be more specific. The last time we were in Nags Head was June 2016.

Departure Day 

We were both up early, I had to take care of the pets and my bride headed for that first cup of coffee. I do the pets in the morning and Mary takes care of them in the evening.

 

I did a final weather and NOTAM check, and made sure the cameras were indeed charged and packed. Time to hit the shower and then look for jeans since the temps may be a bit cooler then usual today. After some thought I stuck with shorts and brought along a long sleeve cover just in case. 

I had taken on limited fuel yesterday, so to complete my pre-flight I needed to sump the tanks. I limited my fuel because here in OCMD it’s $7.25 a gallon. Dare county full serve was $6.24 a gallon. The plan was to tanker as much fuel home as possible, keeping just under the magic 2650 lbs ramp weight limit. 

After some warm up time I back taxied for runway two after picking up my clearance with Patuxent. This morning I was immediately released. 

The air at six thousand was a cool fifty to fifty-five degrees. Mary and I actually had to turn the heat on to take the chill out. 

Pax handed me off to Norfolk and they in turn handed me off to Oceania. Oceania eventually handed me off to Cherry Point. 

Once I had the weather I canceled and switched to CTAF at Dare County. I set up for runway three-five, a first after many trips there. Three-five has quite the displaced threshold but useable is thirty-three hundred feet.

Once shut down Mary went in to secure the rental, a Ford Fusion. I ordered fuel and took on thirty-four gallons to bring me to sixty total for the ride north.

We were like two kids, off on an adventure. First stop was Roanoke Island Festive Park.

The sailing ship Elizabeth II was docked and open for tours. One of these days I’ll climb aboard and have a look around. 

We decided to make our first stop the Wanchese Pottery shop. No kitty today, Miss Hazy Daisy passed a few years ago and there's no new kitty in the shop, Yet. 

Mary and I remember the original cat, Pots. There he sat usually curled up in a bowl on the counter. Luckily we met him and hazy daisy in our previous travels. 

Both Mary and I ate a very light breakfast this morning. I had rice pudding and my bride had yougurt. We were both getting hungry.

As we walked down the Main Street we were overcome by the smell of burgers cooking. So much for seafood, we were seated at an outside table at the Lost Colony Tavern and each ordered the Wagyu burger and split a Scotch Egg appetizer. The meal was very good and so was the service. 

Once we hit all the shops we decided to drive over to visit Nags Head. We checked out the hotel we typically stay at and some of the cottages, maybe there are Airbnb’s to investigate for our next visit.

After checking out the shops, restaurants and hotels, we headed back across the Washington Baum Bridge to Roanoke Island. The last stop would be the Christmas Shop before returning to the airport.

The fuel and rental car were paid when we landed so it was simply drop the keys and go. The winds had changed now favoring runway five. With a full belly of fuel I’m sure 3 Tango Charlie appreciated the additional runway length. With the cool temps 3 TC climbed her way to five thousand five hundred. I contacted Cherry Point and picked up a squawk code and flight following for the ride north. Another beautiful flight, this time north up the coast. 

Virginia Beach came into view just twenty miles south of the vacation get-away. We crossed the Chesapeake Bay noticing more tankers at anchor then this mornings south bound pass. Now traveling north up the peninsula Mary and I were searching for traffic, a Grumman Tiger. 

After fifteen minutes we finally had a visual as the Tiger passed overhead. Once locating the traffic and noting the weather at OXB we canceled with Patuxent and let down for Ocean City. It was busy in the pattern and with the single runway and no taxiway it was a bit congested. 

I entered the left down wind for two-zero and had a school plane report left base for the same runway as I was getting ready to make the same call. Yikes! I quickly announced I would extend my downwind and asked the base turning plane if he meant crosswind, he did. No harm no foul, I turned base and landed offering to clear the runway at the taxiway H end so he could land. It saves time to both back taxi together since there were aircraft headed for departure. It all works out if we just communicate.