My Flying Blog

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2009-11-22T20:47:00.003-05:00

MS and the IFR Pilot made it home safely yesterday afternoon. 2.5 days, 2100 NM covered. Hard IFR, scud running, CAVU, haze, mountains, flat lands, Columbia River Gorge, and more! N62TB was put through all of its paces on the ferry flight home, and the squawk list is pretty short, thank goodness. Here is a plot of our final route of flight, with overnight stops in Spokane and Sioux City, Iowa:

Lots of Ground Covered

2009-11-20T22:37:00.005-05:00

MS and the IFR Pilot blasted out of Spokane early this morning, eager to conquer the Rocky Mountains during good weather. Tailwinds were with us, and we consistently saw 160 knots on about 12-13 gallons per hour. We decreed that performance to be "most excellent."

Today's route of flight covered about 1000 NM in 6.7 hours of flying:

The sights were incredible and pictures will be posted after we arrive home. Barring an unforeseen mechanical problem, we should be back at the Home Base by noon or so tomorrow. Time for some shut eye.

The Ferry Home Begins

2009-11-19T22:38:00.006-05:00

MS and the IFR Pilot are residents of Spokane, WA tonight. It's Day One of The Ferry Flight, bringing N62TB to its hangar at The Home Base. No longer to be a resident of Friday Harbor, Washington, Two Tango Bravo can expect to be plying the skies to Connecticut, Florida, and New Orleans on a regular basis. A full recap will follow when we return. In the meantime, here's today's route - a total of about 450 nautical miles to cover about 220 nautical miles straight-line. Thanks Mother Nature!

Here's a couple other pics for your viewing pleasure:

Flight Planning

2009-11-11T17:13:00.011-05:00

MS and the IFR Pilot are kibitzing on alternative routes for transporting 2TB from KFHR to the Home Base. Transiting the Cascade and Rocky Mountains in November is certainly an -- pardon the pun -- "uphill" challenge. Here's what we've come up with so far:

Leg 1: KFHR to KCOE

This is the current intended first leg:

Assuming 160 knots in a Trinidad, this leg would take about 2 hours.

As a possible alternative, if weather in Stampede Pass prevents passage there, we will go further south. Thusly:

This leg would take about three hours.

UPDATE: It's always been a mystery to the IFR Pilot why the AOPA Real Time Flight Planner didn't display a profile view of a selected route. As it turns out, it does. You just have to click on the "Profile View" link that is to the left of "Print Chart." So, here's the profile view of Leg 1A:

Assuming it ever stops raining in Seattle, both routes should provide great sights. We intend to stop in Oregon, where we will switch seats. That way, we can both check off Oregon in our respective "States Visited" map.

Leg 2: KCOE to KCTB or KGTR

We're still working on this one, but right now we're strongly considering this route:

It's a bit circuitous, but it spends much of the trip in river valleys. Only the final leg requires us to cross over the top of the peaks.

Obviously, the biggest challenge at this time of the year will be the weather. We've got time to spare, so we won't rush it. It should be relatively straightforward flying once we are clear of the Rockies, territory that the IFR Pilot knows somewhat from the Great Alaska Flying Adventure of 2005. Here's hope for a nice high pressure system to arrive in Washington around Wednesday morning of next week!/span>

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2009-11-05T16:54:00.006-05:00

V-tail Bonanza.

Turbo Arrow.

Mooney.

1985 Socata Trinidad TB-20? Yep, that's the one.

Airframe Total Time: 2525 Hours
Engine Time: 598 SMOH

AVIONICS

PAI 700 Vertical Card Compass
King KAP-100 Autopilot coupled to NAV, HSI and GPS
Stec 60 PSS Pitch Stabilization System with Alt Hold, Vertical Speed and G/S Intercept
DAC GPSS Roll Steering
King KCS-55 Slaved HSI
King KMA 24 Audio Panel/Marker Beacon
Garmin 480 with CDI, coupled to A/P and HSI
King KX-155 Nav/Com with Glideslope
King KT-76A Transponder
King KR-87 Digital ADF w/ Combined Loop/Sense Antenna
King KN-64 DME
EDM 700 Graphic Engine Monitor with Fuel Flow
4 Place Panel Mount Intercom with Music Input and 4 Headsets
Backup Garmin 396 with XM Weather and Terrain

OTHER EQUIPMENT

Gami Injectors
Tinted Windows and Windshield (New Windshield 1/08)
Reclining Front Seats
Tail Strobe Light
Electric Standby Vacuum
External Power Receptacle
True Airspeed Indicator
IFR Certified
88 Gal Fuel
1.5 HP Power Tow

The pre-buy is set for next week. Financing is in place. Insurance quoted and ready to bind.

If all goes well during the prebuy, we'll be picking up Six Two Tango Bravo during the week of November 16. Currently located in Puget Sound, the flight home should be another blogworthy adventure for MS and the IFR Pilot!

Another Change of Plans...

2009-10-29T21:32:00.000-04:00

Now considering another option. Details later. But, a possibility exists that we might have to bring the plane home from Washington state. So, the IFR Pilot is seeking free advice on best strategies from crossing the Continental Divide.

Mission Aborted

2009-10-28T12:45:00.003-04:00

Icing. Drat.

Moving Beyond Evaluations

2009-10-27T12:25:00.003-04:00

Bank has OK'd the loan.

Insurance quote in hand. It is reasonable, and no additional dual required.

The prepurchase inspection and test flight are set for tomorrow.

There could be a new "star" on My Flying Blog soon.

On Further Reflection

2009-10-26T21:17:00.001-04:00

Two words: "Turbo Arrow."

Stay tuned...

Evaluations Continue

2009-10-22T10:45:00.004-04:00

Candidate #2 was evaluated in person yesterday. The seller brought it from Michigan to BKL in exchange for our picking up the cost of fuel. A fair trade.

Impressions: Striking ramp presence. Sits very high. Had trouble inspecting the top blade of the two-blade prop when it was straight vertical. Paint scheme is very nice and it's definitely new, but some finishing work is needed. Engine compartment very clean. Like the Continental engine design that puts the alternator in the back, so you don't have to deal with the prop if you have to change the alternator belt. Cowling requires a screwdriver to open, unlike the newer designs that have push button release mechanisms. Tip tanks provide for an increase in MTOW, so if you don't fill them (80 gallons in the mains is plenty), you get a nice increase in useful load. Interior is newer but still shows a degree of aging.

The panel was very nice, and the avionics very workable. Interestingly, instead of building-up the wiring harness by hand, the owner went with an avionics hub and connection cables from these guys. The idea is that once you install the hub, anytime you want to change a radio or other item, you just contact them and purchase the appropriate connector cable. Plug one end of the the cable into the radio and the other into the hub, and -- voila! -- all the necessary interconnections are accomplished without your avionics technician having to do them wire by wire. GENIUS!!!

The rubber met the road, however, when MS sat in it. His knees were interfering with just about every control you need. Throttle and mixture were abutting the outside of his kneecap, and the tops of his knees interfered with the control arm on which the yokes are mounted. In an instant, the dream was over. No way that MS could fly that plane. While it's unclear whether the next plane with be purchased solo or in co-ownership, what is clear is that there will no plane will be purchased that can't be flown by someone who is very, very likely to spend time in the cockpit with the IFR Pilot.

We spent an hour or so this morning examining a local Bonanza A36 as another potential option. More on that later. Back to work!

Mike Hotel Farewell Pictures

2009-10-20T09:20:00.003-04:00

MS took the first, IFR Pilot the second and third while MS was at the controls of Mike Hotel.

Candidate #2

2009-10-18T15:35:00.006-04:00

Here's the #2 candidate. Based in Michigan, the owner reports he's willing to fly it here for a personal inspection.

Detail specifications:

1961 Beech Bonanza N35

5318 TTAF
104 TSOH on IO-470-B
104 SPOH
New interior 2004 and new paint 2008
Avonics include PMA 7000B audio panel, Garmin 430, NSD360 HSI, KX155 w/ GS, STEC 50 auto pilot w/GPSS
PAV80 DVD driving display for rear seat
JPI EDM 700 engine analyzer
GAMI Injectors
Beryl d' Shannon tip tanks
Speed slope windshield

A nice, relatively understated paint scheme.

Clean panel. An HSI would be awesome step up from 2MH.

The transponder screams for an upgrade to a GTX-327 or -330. But, that could wait until the classic Narco goes Tango Uniform.

Despite being new, the seats suggest "old school." And, no heatrests.

This aircraft was involved in an incident in 1968. During a go-around, the commercial pilot/flight instructor, who was age 70 and had 17,000 hours total time and 5000 hours in type, inadvertently retracted the landing gear during a go-around. Damage was described as "substantial." No further details are presently available. Once again, an order has been placed with the FAA for the airplane's detailed records.

The owner appears to have taken great care of the airplane and invested heavily in it to make it a fine traveling machine. He has upgraded to a Baron and a Navajo, and has now decided to reduce the size of his fleet to just the Navajo. Asking price is $99,500 and is listed as "must sell."

Conclusion: Also still in the running. Working to gather more information about having a pre-buy done by someone with substantial experience with Bonanzas.

Candidate #1

2009-10-16T09:30:00.007-04:00

In-person airplane browsing has commenced. Here is the first prospect:

1977 Mooney M20J

4041 TT, 1043 SMOH, 685 SPOH
Garmin 430 WAAS, KX 155
Century 2000 A/P
Apollo GX-55 (VFR Only)
True Flight GPS WAAS with XM
Speedbrakes
New interior in 2006
Some new paint, but some leading edge surfaces needing attention

Based nearby, with maintenance apparently done by an independent A&P based at The Home Base.

Does have some damage. In 2000, it was damaged during a landing accident involving wake turbulence from a nearby helicopter that was in hover. According to the NTSB report, "The right wing contacted the ground and the nose of the airplane rotated 90 degrees to the right. The flight instructor then closed the throttle and the airplane impacted the runway landing gear first. The airplane came to rest upright on its landing gear." Careful examination of the top and bottom of the wing surfaces make it hard to discern the specific area of repair, so that's a good thing. The current owner (who did not own the aircraft at the time) reported that there was also an engine tear down.

FAA records have been ordered for further examination. He also offered to provide copies of the logs that could be reviewed on my own time.

Pictures and commentary:

N number erased to protect my competitive shopping advantage. Overall condition looks good.

Some leading edge surfaces need a bit of TLC.

Engine, obviously.

Interior still has that "new leather" smell.

The dark floor carpeting and black panel are a bit, well, dark for my liking. The True Flight GPS, which is velcroed below the throttle quadrant, banged right up against my knee. And I worry that having to look down at the display for weather and then back to the panel to fly is a bad recipe for potential vertigo or vestibular disruption during prolonged instrument flight.

Conclusion: Still in the running.

More Nostalgia

2009-10-15T09:52:00.006-04:00

Recently unearthed on a website for plane spotters based in Philly is this awesome photo of MS in the process of landing during an Angel Flight a couple years back:

You gotta admire the skills of the unknown photographer, to whom we tip our proverbial hat.

In the continuing saga of what to do for a replacement airplane, the IFR Pilot is off to look at an M20J tonight.

Nostalgia

2009-10-14T13:09:00.005-04:00

In the wake of Mike Hotel's transfer to warmer climates, a sanguine IFR Pilot continues his search for a replacement steed. Beech Sierra, anyone?

Meanwhile, from the depths of the photo archives comes this gem from one of our last breakfast runs in N72MH:

Rumor has it that this little lad knows all too well how to retract gear and flaps on the Microsoft Flight Simulator at MS's house...

Saying Goodbye

2009-10-13T07:56:00.003-04:00

The buyers showed on Friday and did a thorough prebuy on Mike Hotel. They poked and prodded, checked and rechecked. Having found the airplane to be as represented in our ads, an agreement was reached to sell our beloved Mike Hotel, subject only to a test flight that would occur the next morning when the forecast was set to improve.

Saturday morning was a big improvement from Friday, weatherwise. Still not great, but doable. MS handled the test flight with aplomb. Fitting that he'd get the last flight, because the IFR Pilot was the first leg pilot, way back in May of '06 when we began the ferry flight home from KSEE.

All too soon, it was time to say goodbye.

Here are the final numbers:

Total flights -115
Total time - 219.9
Night time - 11.8
Cross-country time - 167.9
Solo hours - 64.3
Day landings - 162
Night landings - 31
Instrument time - 29.4
Instrument approaches - 51
Best trip - ALL OF THEM

Now, for the $64,000 question. Mooney M20J, Beech Bonanza F33A, or Cirrus SR22?

SOLD

2009-10-09T17:04:00.001-04:00

Mike Hotel was sold today. Thanks to those that expressed an interest. Stay turned for further flying adventures!

Priceless

2009-09-25T10:07:00.003-04:00

93 octane for the 30 statute mile ride south to work - $5.00.

100LL for the 35 nautical mile trip north to work - $10.00.

Flying to work on a beautiful fall Friday morning just because you can - priceless.

(Old and tired, I know, but still true. Also, sorry for the crummy blackberry photo. Left both of the good cameras at home. )

Meanwhile, Mike Hotel is parked on the ramp at KBKL near N794AJ, the Zero G Experience B-727. For a mere $5000 (plus tax), you too can have a trip on the only private Vomit Comet in the USA. Sold out while in Cleveland, but look for a visit to your town.

Morning Flying

2009-09-03T11:09:00.002-04:00

Real Life has interfered with Flying Life for far too long. When there has been good flying weather, there's been more work than you can imagine. When work has been slack, the weather has been unacceptable. And on at least one occasion, when both items aligned, the IFR Pilot couldn't get the engine started, flooded it, and then ran the battery down. Due in Columbus shortly thereafter, Mike Hotel had to be return to the hangar pronto and the A4 was flown to the meeting.

Translation: Not a lot of hours in the logbook so far.

This morning, however, everything aligned. Weather was just about CAVU with the exception of some morning ground fog/mist in low lying areas. With the boss out of town, work could wait.

I met with CFI DC, and we blasted off for a bit of instrument work. After 1.5 hours, we had knocked out ILS 1 @ CAK twice, LOC 25 @ AKR (runways closed!), and the GPS 2 @ 3G3 (love that LNAV+V on the Garmin 430W) with a procedure turn/hold at DALTS.

Notable deficiencies:

1. Late turn onto the localizer the first time at CAK.

2. Failure to retract gear following low approach at AKR. Which explains why it took forever to get to DALTS for the procedure turn.

3. Neglected to add the last notch of flaps when landing at The Home Base.

Things done well:

1. Kept all altitudes within tolerances.

2. Accurately anticipated parallel entry to the hold.

3. Checked the identifier on the localizers.

With that, the Mrs. and I are off to Connecticut this weekend to visit with mi familia.

Groom's Cake

2009-07-08T12:22:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen a finer piece of aviation cake art?

Crash on Video

2009-06-15T16:39:00.001-04:00

From AvWeb:

Trip Report Forthcoming

2009-06-10T11:17:00.011-04:00

Here's a recap of what MS and the IFR Pilot did last week:

A trip report is forthcoming. In the meantime, enjoy this hair-raising video delight:

Lazy Web Request

2009-05-13T22:25:00.002-04:00

The IFR Pilot will be giving a PowerPoint presentation on Sunday. Anyone have any links to a good general aviation template?

Off-Airport Landing Captured on Video

2009-04-22T19:06:00.004-04:00

If you haven't seen this already, here's a video of an off-airport emergency landing -- in the middle of a city street!

Absolutely amazing to see on video.

Night Current

2009-04-10T10:04:00.003-04:00

After two ILS 23's at CAK (visual conditions only, left the darn foggles in the back someplace) to a full stop, and one "firm" landing at the Home Base, the IFR Pilot is officially night current. Flew for the first time with CFI DC. Enjoyed that very much, and talked to him about resuming the commercial training. Definite possibilities there.

Off to KNEW next week with ML for the 15 year law school reunion at Galatoire's. Going to New Orleans in one's own aircraft never gets old -- at least not for this pilot.