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