Hey all. I’m back.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my new job for awhile, and have gotten away from flying and everything else.

I think I’m down to 90 or so hours over the last 12 months, which is disappointing. On the other hand, I own a Piper Twin Comanche and its fully updated and running well. Lets go have some fun.

Last Saturday, I spend the entire day with Beverly trying to get the house in order. TVs and Microwaves had to be replaced. On Sunday, Bev and I agreed I should grab some of the day and go flying.

Once again, I had forgotten to fully charge the new NFlightcam, but headed out none-the-less. It was clear and sunny at Delaware airpark, and you can see me depart at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2Q41W3sVAw&sns=em

This flight was refreshing. I went out on my own and felt fully competent for any event that might arise.  I’m flying a corvette that moves at 200mph easily.  Flying north and west toward Harrisburg, I was surprised to see weather start appearing.  It was just light rain and IFR at 6000′, but I hadn’t expected it. Nexrad wasn’t showing it, and I admit to not exactly studying the forecast too terribly.

Harrisburg cleared me directly to the field, but I told them I really wanted to fly the VOR-A. They vectored me north along the Susquehanna, and you see that in the video. Memories as I flew over Capital City, where I obtained my first multi-engine commercial and instrument rating. I kicked butt, as I recall. I also lost a good friend here – Bill Wilson.  He taught me to spin without fear, had the misguided notion I could land the Pitts S2B.  Bill died doing what he loved – with someone like me.

Flying the PA-30 into Carlisle (N94) did the trick to save my Sunday. I flew through some rain, and out into the clear over the HAR VOR. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLYF4YqE7BA&sns=em to watch excerpts of the VOR-A approach. There are two towers that will keep you honest at the end of the approach, and hills that will teach you to pay attention to your timing of a VOR approach. This one is not to be trifled with in actual conditions.

Ok then, keeping this short.  I came here because John D. and I flew into this airport when I was preparing for my second multi-engine checkride. Memory is vague, but I think this flight with John was my first solo twin ride with a pax; after my private and commercial had been attained; and while preparing for my multi-engine instructor checkride.  The ATP was done a year later in Connecticut.

I distinctly remember John repeatedly reminding me that i was too fast and too low while coming in to land…  all the result of being faster than usual in a bigger and faster airplane going into a skinnier runway.  It makes me smile.  Particularly when it was the first time I was doing it too…..   John gets credit for allot of firsts from the right seat with me.  Ice included.  The man has the gonads and is fun to fly with.

I am not having fun at work this week;  so I’m hoping to fly again soon.

Frank

 

 

 

 

 

By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.