Easter in Virginia

As Easter 2013 comes upon us, plans started coming together for our week.  Danelle, our oldest daughter, was heading out with another teacher from The King's Christian School to take a dozen kids on a missions trip to Northern Ireland.  An exciting opportunity for her and for the kids she is taking.  Lynn was off for the week for Easter Break, although we call it Spring Break now.  So, we watched the weather and as the Friday came closer the chance to fly was looking better and better.  Thursday morning I stopped over to check on N926GZ.  With a new starter and a new battery, I was exciting about taking her on a cross country trip.  Our plans were to fly Friday morning from South Jersey Airport, KVAY, down to Farmville Regional Airport, KFVX, in Farmville, VA.  My dad and step-mom would be able to meet us there and visit with us over lunch.  After that, we would take a short hop over to Lynchburg Regional Airport, KLYH, in Lynchburg, VA.  A trip that we have made many times before.
     Friday morning came looking bright and brilliant.  On our way to the airport I called for a standard briefing and everything looked great.  With full tanks from the day before, we had 84 gallons of fuel which would be more than enough to get us down to VA and back.  A thorough pre-flight and a short time to load up the luggage and all the gifts for the youngest daughter and we were ready to go.  After a quick call to my dad to let him know we were coming, we started up and taxied out to runway 8.  926GZ jumped right off the runway with just Lynn and I, some luggage and full fuel and away we went.  I quickly called to McGuire for flight following who proceeded to switch me to Philadelphia approach.  The sky looked clear as we headed south with the city of Philadelphia off our right.

     As we moved south, I could see some clouds starting to appear below us.  A quick check on Easton weather showed there was a solid layer around 6000' and things still looked good down in Farmville and Lynchburg.  The flight was uneventful and full of sights.  Lynn enjoyed her reading, while I monitored all the instruments and kept a careful watch. 

     Airspeed began to increase as we flew further south.  The clouds began to break a little and more and more parts of the ground came into view.  By the time we got down to Pautuxent, we could actually see the airport and prepared to turn towards the south west.  Now I knew that the wind would be less favorable and the clouds seemed to be rising a little.  It wouldn't be long before we began to climb to try to stay on top.  By the time I reached 7,400' we were still watching clouds go by.  Further west, the clouds began to break up a little and I made the decision to drop down below the clouds.  A quick call to ATC and we began our descent.  Once below the clouds the air was clear but oh so bumpy.  Lynn was really good in holding on to her book, while I slowly descended into Farmville.

    Winds seemed to be changing a little as I made the decision to swing in for base for Runway 21.  As we made our approach to 21 I saw the windsock out of my eye and realized that we were drifting in with a slight quartering tailwind.  Well, with 4500' of runway, we had plenty of room to just ride the drift until 926GZ settled down and we sweetly rolled off onto the taxiway.  Dad and Susan were waiting at the terminal and in no time we were sitting down at Charlie's for lunch.  Lunch was wonderful and then we prepped to take the short trip over to Lynchburg.  As we launched off runway 3, we turned west and I realized we were in for a bumpy ride over to KLYH.  Staying at 2,500' we bumped along until Lynchburg Tower gave us a left base to runway 22.  Crossing over the Liberty Mountain and turning left base over the campus of Liberty University was just a spectacular view.  With 7,100' of runway we had plenty of room to settle down and roll off the taxiway and over to Freedom Aviation.  Arrived in Lynchburg with a stop in Farmville in just 2.5 hours of flying time.  Another great trip and looking forward to a great weekend with my daughter and my mom.

1. 

The Calm Before the Storm!

Well, as I sit here and write this blog, the weather channel is reporting the Winter Storm that is making it's way into the North East.  Yesterday was just a beautiful day and I had the opportunity to take some time and take 926GZ for a little ride.  It had been almost two months since my last flight in her and the butterflies were floating as I uncovered by baby.  Recently fitted with a new Sky Tech starter and Concord battery and the CHT gauge fixed there was a lot of new to experience.  Sitting in the Left Seat I was ready for some time.  The new starter makes just an amazing difference in the start of 926GZ.  She fired right up and within a few minutes were were ready to take the active.  Not a lot going on at South Jersey (KVAY) so it was easy to complete 4 nice take offs and landings.  The air was smooth and she just jumped right off the runway.  A little trip to the north allowed me to check the VOR's and make a nice turn back to come in on the 45 for one final landing.  It was amazing how much she just wanted to stay up in the air.  As I floated down the 3000' runway and taxied off I could see how much I enjoyed that ability and privilege of being a Private Pilot.  This year I've begun my studies to go for my Commercial Pilot's license.  Not that I want to fly commercially, but it forces me to learn some more.  This all works to just make me a better Pilot and that's what it is all about.  Well, that's all for now.  Have fun and fly safe everyone.

Do You Think Automobile Driver's Should Be Current?

So, it's been a month since last I flew.  That's right, our trip to Lynchburg, VA for Thanks Giving.  Weather, work and more weather just kept interfering with my flying opportunities.  Well, today that all changed.  Church at 9:00 am offered us an early start, but the light snow on the ground was a total surprise.  By the time church was over, the snow was gone for the most part, so home for a nice breakfast with the wife and daughter and then over to the airport.  I had to reintroduce myself to N926GZ since she felt like I had abandoned her.  Wasn't long before we had everything checked out and ready to go.  Couldn't find anyone to go with me today, so it was a solo kind of day.  The plan was to do a couple in the pattern, just to brush off the rust, and then take a quick trip down to Woodbine, KOBI, to check out the campground and trailer and another landing and takeoff.  Then back to South Jersey, KVAY, for a home sweet home landing. 
     Unlike auto drivers, there is something to be said for keeping current when it comes to Pilots.  Touch and Perception as well as a good knowledge of our planes is always important.  So, after the start and run up we were ready for a couple take offs and landings.  The wind was blowing just a little but right down the runway and 926GZ jumped off the runway with wonderful energy on a nice winter day.  As I set up for final, we crossed the numbers and gently floated to the runway.  A second take off was just like the first and I turned towards the south east for Woodbine.  2,500' was a little bumpy and the layer of haze was present which was a little disappointing.  It didn't take long to locate Woodbine and the sky was empty as I dropped down to 1,200'.  Just a little south east of the airport is Pine Haven Camping Resort, the summer retreat for the Stow family.  At 1000' I had a great view of all below and could clearly see our trailer covered up for the winter months.  Everything looked so peaceful but lonely as I circled above our trailer.  After one slow pass, I set up for a direct final to Runway 31 at Woodbine.  A group of guys hanging at the airport all watched as a floated long down the runway and spared the breaks by using the full distance offered.  A couple quick buttons pushed on the Garmin 530 and I was all set for the track back home.
     There was a little bit of a head wind on the way home, but up at 3000' the air was smooth.  I drifted back down 10 miles from South Jersey and crossed over the airport at 2,000' and set up for the 45 for Runway 26.  Downwind to base and then to final and before you knew it, I was floating down onto the runway.  Another day of flying and more memories in the book.  Every chance I have to lift up to the clouds I thank God for the chance to live a dream that only a few in this world know.  Well, until the next time,  "Smooth Travels and Be Safe" my friends.

Thanks Giving Flight Home

So, we delayed our return home for a day due to the forecasts for high winds on Saturday.  We had built an extra day into our travel plans anyway and with the winds at home fore casted at 15-25 with gusts of 30, we decided we would extend our visit until Sunday.  I am the ultimate conservative especially when it comes to my flying.  It's probably the reason that I'm still taking trips like this and filing a VFR flight plan instead of an IFR flight plan.  I know, I know, I just have to get over it and utilized the system.  It's coming slowly.  Anyway, the extra day gave us a chance to drive into Roanoke with Dawn to see her classroom  The ride in was a beautiful ride with the mountains of Virginia on both sides of us.  Just awesome to see.

 

As we arrived in Roanoke, you couldn't help but notice this beautiful city tucked in the mountains.  I remember flying Dawn here for here job interview and as we came over the mountains at 5500', there was the city tucked in the valley below us.  Just spectacular to see.

 

Dawn's class room looked so nice.  We are so proud of both of our girls.  They both finished college and have taken jobs teaching and making a difference in the lives of young people.  Dawn's student are very special young people and need a lot of encouragement, discipline and understanding.



 

It didn't take Lynn long to get busy cleaning and decorating the room.  You just can't keep a good woman down.  Before long the room was clean and decorated, ready for the children on Monday.

 

We spent the rest of the day driving around and looking for some possible housing opportunities in the Roanoke area.  Although the town house in Lynchburg is wonderful, it leaves Dawn with a 1 hour and 10 minute drive each way to work.  She is fortunate to have two other ladies that share the ride with her and rotate the responsibility.  There have been many good friends that Dawn has made during here time in Virginia.

 

After looking at some areas and a nice lunch, it was time for the drive home.  Up on the hill was a beautiful site of a new church that's been built just outside of the Roanoke city limits. 

 

I filed both VFR and IFR for the flight home on Sunday.  Our plan's were to head out around 10:00 am and be home some where's around 12:30 or 1:00 PM.  With an early start, we were at the airport by 9:30 am and took care of our gas bill, did the pre-flight for the plane and load and started for the ride home.  VFR conditions on the way home, kept me on the VFR path.  After a little warm up and a good mag check we were cleared for departure on Runway 22.  Winds were variable and 926GZ took flight about 1/3 the way down the 6500' runway.  I decided to level off at 5500' and we moved along nicely with a good tailwind at 145 knots.  There were times when I looked down and saw the 530 reading 149 knots.  Not too back for my nice little Cherokee 235. 

 

As we said goodbye to the mountains we cautiously watch a layer of clouds above us at about 7500'.  This layer stayed right there all the way home.  Over Pautuxent the turbulence was light and I continued to watch for unpredicted situations.  A layer of few clouds over Dover turned into broken over the Delaware and the winds had picked up a little to 260 at 10 with gusts to 19.  As we slipped over the Delaware I decided to make a nice slow descent down to 3500' through a nice opening in the clouds.  Philly approach cleared us to South Jersey and we communicated with a Cessna departing South Jersey to the south as we headed north.  With no one in the pattern it was a very easy ride into downwind from crosswind for 26 at South Jersey.  After a nice easy base to final turn, we floated gently down to the runway and declared another wonderful flight home.  Thinking about it,  realized that we just spent a holiday weekend making a 12 - 15 hour driving trip in a 4 hour flight.  This makes all the training so worth wild.  Til the next time, enjoy your flights and stay safe!





Thanks Giving in Lynchburg

Wow, it seems like it's been forever since I have posted on here, but finally we took a trip.  After all, when your daughter and mother move away to Lynchburg, VA, what else do you do for the Holiday's but travel.   We watched the weather all week and it went from looking bad to looking great.  Tuesday I stopped over and check 926GZ all out and had fuel delivered.  Since we were traveling with our oldest daughter, Danelle, I did my weights and balance calculations to give us as much fuel as I could without over loading.  Wednesday we were all packed and loaded by 12:00 noon.  After receiving a Standard Briefing everything was a go.  By 12:30 we were rolling down Runway 8 and lifting off into the clear blue sky.  McGuire gave us flight following for just a few minutes and then handed us off to Philly.  Philly approach was soo busy that they put us on hold.  As we traveled south, it became more and more apparent that they was no way Philly Approach was going to be able to help us.  We had commercial flights all around us as we continued our path south across the Delaware Bay and towards Dover.  By the time we reached Dover, we were able to pick up flight following with Dover Approach. 

As we flew over Dover, we could see some military aircraft working below us.  It was quite a sight. The air was smooth at 6500' and with a little tail wind we moved along nicely at about 139 knots.   A couple of freq. changes and we were soon coming up on Patuxent Air Force Base we made our turn to the west and headed towards Lynchburg.  Just over one hour in the air and we had one hour to go.  As we turned towards the west, we couldn't help notice how beautiful the Chesapeake Bay and the marina's looked below us.  Danelle got this wonderful picture with her I phone.

The turn towards the West slowed us just a little, but not much.  As we crossed over I-95 I couldn't help thinking how if we were driving we wouldn't even be to Baltimore yet.  The closer we got to the mountains, the more I noticed the thickening of the layer of haze below us.  Still able to see the ground, we could tell that there was temperature difference going on as we moved further inland.  About 30 miles out, I began and slow gentle descent into Lynchburg.  May have started a little early, but I was a little concerned about the layer of haze.  Of course about 10 miles out and at 2,500' we began to feel the mountain effect.  Still the haze began to clear and everything looked beautiful below.  Roanoke Approach switched us over to Lynchburg Tower which asked us to report midfield downwind for Runway 4.  I moved a little lower and prepared for the pattern.

Liberty University peeked just over the mountain as we prepared for our entry into the pattern and before you know it we were pattern level and midfield.  I reported the same to Lynchburg Tower which cleared us for Runway 4.  A nice gentle descent and turn to Runway 4 and we touched down just beyond the strips.  After being handed off to ground we departed the runway and rolled over to Falwell Aviation.  Just a little over 2 hours and we had made the 360 mile trip from South Jersey Airport to Lynchburg Regional.  We were ready for Dawn to pick us up and head to the town home for a wonderful Thanks Giving.  We all have so much to be Thankful for and at this special time of the year I pray that each of you that reads this takes time to REMEMBER what God has blessed you with.  Enjoy the day, enjoy your family, but don't forget to REMEMBER.  HAPPY THANKS GIVING!

Approaches and Practice

Well, I finally got the chance to go up and do some practice approaches.  My fellow pilot friend, Don Berliner, called me and offered his assistance to fly late Wednesday afternoon.  The weather looked great and since I was anxious to get up, we set a time and met at South Jersey Airport, (KVAY) at 6:00 PM.  The plan was to depart and contact MaGuire Approach and do the ILS 6 at Robert Miller, KMJX.  Then go missed and return to Coyle VOR to set up the VOR 29 into Trenton-Robbinsville, N87.  We would go missed again and back to the Robbinsville VOR to set up doing the RNAV 26 back into South Jersey Airport, KVAY.  This should be a good work out and a flight that I have done before.
     After pre-flight, we boarded and headed out to Runway 26.  After a nice departure I contacted MaGuire with my requests.  MaGuire was having a really busy night, so even though we had them on the radio we were pretty much on our own.  After stabilizing at 2200', I set up the procedures for the ILS, tuned in the appropraite radio frequencies for the Maguire VOR, Coyle VOR and also the ILS.  Couldn't get the Atis to work at Robert Miller, so we used the alternate of MaGuire altimeter setting and increase 60'.  As I approached the ILS, I turned inbound but could get the glide slope to come alive.  OH, need to switch the GPS to LOC.  That worked and the glide slope came alive showing me a little high.  Pulled the power a little and did my GUMPS as we prepared to intersect THOMS.  McGuire approved me for the frequencies change and to report on the miss and down we went.  As we reached decision height I began to set up for the missed and climbed to 600' before beginning a turn back to coyle.  With MaGuire back on, I started my set up for Robbinsville.
     Don wanted to see the autopilot approach, so I stabilized the plane on the heading bug and cleared the present flight plan and entered Trenton-Robbinsville and then the VOR approach.  Once set up, I click the GPS setting and began the turn towards Robbinsville VOR with a call to MaGuire.  We were advised of the Restricted area and remained clear of it to the east.  As we approached the hold, the GPS slipped us into a nice turn and I began the set up for the inbound.  Radios set, speed set, all go as we turned inbound.  At Robbinsville VOR we began our descent and MaGuire again cleared us for the frequency change. The sun was right in our eyes as we descended toward the 620' decision height.  I never did see the runway, although Don told me we were directly over it when we began our missed approach.  A climbing right turn to 1700' and we were on our way back to Robbinsville.  Two down and one to go.
     The RNAV 26 is a new approach which is exciting to fly with my 530WAAS gps.  A few pushes of the buttons and we were set to go.  Don had all the work since this approach takes us right over the end of Flying W.  A few turns and we were on final to 26 at South Jersey.  A nice touch down and easy roll to the ramp and a good nights practice came to an end.
     Still wanting to get up in some actual, but at least I'm staying current and still flying the plane.  Til next time, fly safe and have fun!

Roanoke, VA

     My youngest daughter got a call to do an interview at one of her student teaching schools.  Rivermont School is a disciplinary school in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia.  So, we began our plans for flying to Roanoke on Wednesday, July 10th.  Now, I've never flown into Roanoke, but it just happens to be one of those examples used all the time when they are trying to teach you the pitfalls of fly IFR and not paying attention.  GREAT!  The weather kept going back and forth from IFR to VFR to possible IFR.  Finally on Tuesday we made the decision we could go.  I filed a VFR flight plan down and back just to be safe.  Wednesday morning came and things looked pretty good.  Some stratus clouds at 4000 wouldn't be a problem especially if we flew down at 6500'.  Light showers were reported down near Patuxent, but they would probably move out by the time we got down there.  Scattered Thunderstorms were posted for the PM in the Roanoke area, so if we could just get out of Roanoke, we would probably be okay.  I had gone over on Tuesday and prepped 926GZ and all was ready.

     Wednesday morning we headed to the airport and I called for a Standard Briefing.  It's been a little while since I've flown so I hoped it wouldn't take too much time to brush the dust off.  By 10 am we were on our way climbing to 6500' with flight following.  The air was smooth and scattered clouds below us.  A little bit of a tail wind pushed us along at 137 knots ground speed. Wasn't too long before we could see the mountains through the haze.  Now Roanoke is situation down in the valley between the mountains.  Roanoke approach vectored us right in over the mountains and into a downwind for runway 4, even though the atis said they were using runway 34.  Anyway, since I was a little high I did a long pattern in and dropped down on the runway.  Roanoke was very friendly and helpful as was the FBO Landmark Aviation.  Fuel was a little expensive at $7.10 a gallon so I just had them put in 10 gallons.  This would be plenty since I had filled the tips at South Jersey, VAY.  The FBO even had a crew car for us which was a new Toyota corolla.  The car cost us $25.00 because we had it more than 2 hours, but still cheaper than a rental car. 

    Dawn and I did lunch with a friend of hers who had driven to Roanoke from Lynchburg to meet us and then it was off to the interview.  Dawn feels the interview went well, but now we wait to hear.  By 4:00 PM we were heading back to the airport with some dark clouds looming to the south.  After finishing up with the FBO, I called for a briefing and was told the same.  Once past the Lynchburg area, we would be okay on the way home, just a little headwind now.  We loaded up and got our clearance and off we went on runway 4.  Maintaining a heading of 55 until 4500 feet was the last thing I was told and as we split the valley between two mountains, I could see why.  WOW, you could almost reach out an touch the tops.  We climbed to 7,500' for the ride home which was fine except for a short time when I climbed to 8400 for some build ups.  Smooth ride home except for a problem with the talk switch on my side of the yoke.  After some time I realized that if I switch head gear positions with Dawn, I could talk to AC using her yoke switch.  As we approached Philadelphia, we were handed off to Philly Approach.  Since it was about 7 pm now, Philly was really busy and it wasn't too long before I felt like I was in the way.  About 15 miles from South Jersey I requested descent and they moved me east to get out of their routes and we headed down.  Winds were calm down low as we circled for a 45 entry to downwind for runway 8.  Base to final and we glided down the runway to the far end where our tie down is located.  Total flight time was about 5.5 hours with 2.5 hours down and 3 hours home.  All in all a great day of flying and now just hoping for a call back for Dawn.  Until next time, be safe and live life to it's fullest.