Gary's Flight Journal

3 Tango Charlie Update

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:35:46 +0000

I received a text message from Ian, my Commanders new owner.

“Flew into Gaston 3M0 to check it out. I am flying Amy here on Friday to spend a weekend fly fishing”

3 Tango Charlie’s new owner sent me this pic today flying into Gaston’s. That was a bucket list destination of mine for many years, I just never liked the grass aspect. I’m so excited for her new owner. Ian and his bride are flying in for a weekend of fly fishing.

Mary and I are so happy that 3 Tango Charlie is back to flying on a regular basis, she’s a great plane and travel machine.

Returning to the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:17:00 +0000

I'm finally back in the air after selling our Commander 112A. It's been two months since I have had the controls in my hands and I have missed the air time. Charles G was kind enough to let me fly his Cherokee 140 to knock out my IFR currency. At least I'm still current for take off and landings until the end of September.

The plan was to keep it simple, stay local, shoot most approaches by hand and then one each with the autopilot. I have a lot to learn on the Garmin 650XI GPS and the Garmin G3X AP.

I started out with the RNAV GPS 14 with the initial fix of WITRU which is the south west portion of the T. I found that my tracking was acceptable but my altitude wasn't steady enough. I really have to add more scan to the Garmin 275 for the ALT. The scan is different from my Aspen. There is all the same info just a different view.

The next go was to PFAIR with a hold by hand. I found my self S turning to keep on track but I eventually settled in. The trim took some getting used to with the overhead crank but once I got used to it my chasing altitude was a non event. The last approach for Runway 14 was with the autopilot and the turns were crisp and tracked excellent. I couldn't figure out the step downs as to VNAV or selecting AP for the approach. So much to learn.

Next up was multiple approaches for the RNAV GPS 2. As with the first approach I started out with the initial approach fix LOWPO and did a better job holding altitude and my tracking was still on the money.

The second attempt was direct CIRAN with a procedure turn then inbound. The final approach was back out to CIRAN with the autopilot.

I had fun, the temps were in the mid sixties at altitude and flying with all the modern avionics was a learning experience. I'm looking forward to learning more on the Garmin 650xi sim and most likely will make a video series like I did for the Garmin 480.

Thanks again Charles for the fun flight time and letting me fly your plane.

3 Tango Charlie is Sold

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 17:19:47 +0000

My last picture with 3 Tango Charlie. Friday was bittersweet, sad to end our airplane ownership but happy that 3 Tango Charlie is going to a good home and will be flying on a regular basis. It's never good to let an airplane sit and that was my main concern. Mary and I also found it harder each year to climb in and out of the plane, case in point she just had a hip replaced and I went in for surgery to have two screws removed from my right leg. Sadly my surgery will not be the last, with a sign of infection that is working its way to the metal rod I will need to have the rod removed. If infection sets in I could lose the leg.

We have no regrets. Mary and I have enjoyed many wonderful journeys over our years of ownership, from the first flight home in our Sundowner to our last flight together in our Commander.

It is now time for a new chapter, more adventures, but it will be in the rental fleet. There are two clubs, one local, and the other near our winter home in Estero. I will investigate both. For now we are going to concentrate on the healing process.

Stay tuned, there will be more adventures to write about and pictures to share.

Florida Winter Home

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Rental unit

Mary and I took the winter off and spent three months in Estero Florida. We rented a place on the lake in the Corkscrew Woodlands over 55 community. Thankfully, we were able to take the boys with us and they really enjoyed the lake view and all the birds. Shout out to Rusty and his bride Mary, now good friends.

Mary and I felt at home, the people were so friendly and there are so many activities to participate in. Each circle within the community hosts events to include breakfast, strawberry shortcake desserts, Spud fest, sausage and peppers, Wine tasting, block parties, a talent show and much more. The clubhouse is always buzzing with something going on and the pool is really nice. There is tennis and pickle ball courts, shuffleboard, bocce ball and putting greens.

I think you get the picture, not a dull moment. Now I'll admit I'm not Mr Social but my bride is a social butterfly. I honestly had fun, and it was very relaxing. The best part, we missed the nasty winter storms here in Ocean City which was the worst in our 12 years retired in the Ocean Pines.

Mary and I decided it was the right place for us to winter in warmth so we purchased a place. The hunt was fun, so many places to explore and the buying process was interesting. Mary and I did not miss doing the purchase paperwork. A shout out to our agent Josh Cowan.

Josh really helped us in a new to us market. He was professional in every way. The good ones always have no problem switching hats or sometimes collars. Josh was the calm, he was the force and sometimes the confidant when I was getting to the point of going full Italian. If you're looking for an agent in the Ft. Myers area he IS your guy.

This is the home Mary and I purchased in March. Designated as a single with an add-on the home is 700 sq-ft, very well maintained and fully furnished. Mary and I met the owner who happened to be in town when we requested a second walk through. Here are some pictures of the place as we purchased it. We have already had the bathroom gutted with a new walk-in shower and other fixtures going in. I have replaced the pole lamp with a solar unit and I updated the porch lighting with a more modern fixture.

Mary and I made a few more changes, adding a TV and sofa table in the bedroom and repainting the back door from scare me yellow to dark grey. We also replaced the like new dining room table with a beautiful rutan set we had here in Ocean City. A few new pictures were added and a few relocated throughout the home as we make it our place. We are already looking forward to this winters get-away.

Annual 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:59:12 +0000

As noted in my previous post I repositioned 3 Tango Charlie for her annual inspection. It was a fun flight despite the thirty knot headwinds.

My plan was to ground pound north to New Garden and check in on the progress of the inspection. The drive north was enjoyable without much traffic since I left Ocean City at 6:30. I made a quick stop at McD's for breakfast and motored north. Somehow I forgot all about Helen's sausage House, one of my favorites. All of a sudden that McD's breakfast I ate was lacking.

I checked in then headed out to the shop. 3 Tango Charlie was opened up and the inspection was ongoing. I snooped around and took a few pictures then investigated the plugs on the tool tray. The top plugs were cleaned and ready to install with their fresh copper washers. I did not see the fine wire bottom plugs on the tray so I checked if they had been removed. The fine wire plugs were already done and installed, but on the top of the Cylinders. This doesn't work for me since I specifically upgraded to the fine wires for the bottom plugs that will lessen the chance of fouling a plug.

Fine Wire Plug

Tempest Spark Plug

I let Billy know I wanted the fine wire plugs on the bottom and he said he would make the switch. I also asked if the shop could add Cam Guard to the oil since I forgot to order a bottle prior to moving the plane for annual.

Hydraulic Gear Pump

Everything looked good throughout the plane. I took a few shots of the insides from the hat rack to the tail, the gear pump, and under the rear seat panel that conceals the gear actuator, hydraulic pressure switches and the gear check valve.

Flap Actuator

Hydraulic pressure switches

Hydraulic Check Valve

I talked to Jon about selling the plane and he said he would promote it on social media. I advised if I secure a buyer through Trade a Plane or Barnstormers I'll let him know. If Jon finds a buyer I'll pay his broker fee.

The shop is off on Friday 6/19 so I am thinking I'll pick up 3 Tango Charlie the beginning of this week, hopefully on Wednesday 6/24, it's the best looking weather day.

Charles G and I swapped text messages and he was available to shuttle me north to New Garden N57. This meant an early start for Charles since he had to come down and pick me up. We both agreed that breakfast was in order so we headed north on 611 to Roosters. Lately this place has become the go to for eats. I had creamed chip beef over two biscuits and Charles had the veggie omelette.

The flight north was fairly smooth despite facing an eleven knot headwind. Once we landed I helped push the plane back in the hangar and then headed to the shop to square up the bill.

I did a very detailed preflight and fuel sump. I noticed my fuel stick was missing so I went back into the shop to ask if it was set aside. Sure enough it was and once recovered I stuck the tanks for my fuel calcs. With the preflight complete I climbed aboard and got the fan turning.

Unlike the flight north the flight home was bumpy. I actually was separated from my seat on three occasions. Once south of Delaware Coastal I let down for Ocean City. There was traffic in the area but everyone played nice on the radio. I made a nice landing and taxied for the hangar.

My Commander is for sale

Reposition for annual

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:20:31 +0000

It was a beautiful day to fly AND I had a mission. Yes, today I had to reposition 3 Tango Charlie for annual inspection. I took off from KOXB Ocean City by 6:45 and pointed north for N57, New Garden. I fought a 30 knot headwind for the ride north which knocked down my ground speed to 95-100 knots.

The radio was quiet and I passed on flight following in order to enjoy the me time. I did monitor Dover approach and Wilmington tower as I passed their respective airspaces. Once clear of Wilmington I let down for N57, New Garden. The pattern was a bit of ride em cowboy and having not been in the air in a month I was needing to shed rust quickly. It's funny how the dance all comes back as 3 Tango Charlie settled in and with a bit of float I made a nice landing. What a ride!

West view - Canal, Pipeline and Summit bridges

East view - Roth and St. Georges Bridges

I left my keys and my squawk list along with the airplane logs in the office. I’ll ground pound up to the shop one or two days this week to check on the progress.

Charles G was kind enough to shuttle me home. We headed out and had lunch at the longboard Cafe’ before heading back to the airport. Charles departed for N57 while I headed to the house to edit video.

More to follow on my annual post and return to service flight.

MY COMMANDER IS FOR SALE

Hangar time and airshow planes

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:59:58 +0000

Just a short video today since I was at the airport cleaning out 3 Tango Charlie to get ready for annual. I remembered to take my airplane logs and set aside a few camera mounts for tomorrows flight to New Garden, N57.

I did get to see a 1951 De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Super Munk

I also saw the B25 J Mitchell bomber, Panchito on the ramp waiting for its air show flight time.

Coastal Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:45:55 +0000

A much needed day to fly. It was good to get the oil pumping and to enjoy some air time. Only a two camera flight and then lost one to a battery craping out. No tail tie down camera view today, I really missed that view while doing the edit. More fly time coming soon! Enjoy a few pictures.

Indian River Inlet Bridge

Lewes Ferry Terminal

Hamilton NJ for Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0000

A beautiful day to fly and meet up with friend and fellow pilot Dave Stowe from central Jersey. We met up at Hammonton, NJ - N81. The Apron Cafe' provided good service and good food.

Preflight Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:40:00 +0000

I Just wanted to post a short video of some hangar time. I had to take on some fuel and complete a preflight inspection for my lunch run to Hammonton, NJ - N81

Sebring Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:40:00 +0000

Mary and I are spending three months in Estero Florida, trying to stay warm and evade the winter weather in Maryland. No, we didn't fly south this year, instead, we drove. The decision was made to drive so we could pack what was needed for the extended stay and we took along the Malachi brothers too. I call our two black cats the Malachi brothers everyone else calls them by name, Smoke and Binx.

Enjoying the lake view from our place in Estero

We took the Mercedes GLC 300 and with the back seats folded down it was full to the rear hatch. The boys did really good, a few meows in the first thirty minutes but then quiet. Binx did pant pretty heavy on and off for the first hour but then settled in. We did overnight in Kingsland Georgia after eleven hours of driving. The hotel was nice but the area, not so much. We were serenaded to sleep by sirens most of the night. The remaining drive the following morning was five hours to our rental.

While enjoying the warm temps we have decided to day trip as often as possible. Our first day trip was to Sebring, home of the IMSA Twelve Hours of Sebring race. While attending the race would be fun Mary and I decided to continue our tour of HGTV shows. In the past we have flown to Waco Texas to visit the Fixer Upper series of Chip and Joanna Gaines. The HGTV Home Town series by Ben and Erin Napier in Laurel MS was fun and now their Home Town Takeover of Sebring. There are two Home Town locations remaining on our list, Wetumpka Alabama and Fort Morgan Colorado, but that's for another time.

The drive to Sebring took just under two hours and despite having to drive on RT 75 it was a fun trip. My take-away, there sure is alot of cattle in florida!

The weather was perfect as we strolled along the streets, checking out shops along the way. I do regret not taking a close up of the first mural pictured below. I would have shared who it was and the back story. My search will continue. I need to take a lesson or two from Chris at Photographic Logbook.

The main street circle was busy along with all the connecting streets. There was a decent amount of foot traffic and the restaurants were busy. It was fun checking out the shops and all the local items.

Sugar Blossoms was what I hope Heaven smells like. Seriously, the pastries and baked bread was overwhelming. I made the comment to the young lady behind the counter that I could pull up a chair and sit for the day enjoying the delectable fresh bread aroma.

We are enjoying our take home sourdough bread along with a few croissants this morning as I type this post.

Mary and I did take a break from walking and sampled some of the pastries at Sophie's. I enjoyed a cheese with cherry topping over pastry dough while Mary had an apple turnover. I was good with my favorite sweet tea and my bride enjoyed a hot Chai latte.

We are looking forward to our next day trip. I think the Naples zoo will be the go to next week and then maybe an overnight in Key West. Stay tuned, more to follow.

1976 Commander 112A For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 17:00:00 +0000

SOLD

By the numbers:

TTAF 5690

SMOH 1090

SPOH 1090

Engine Lycoming IO-360 C1D6 200hp
Prop Three blade Hartzell
Fuel 68 gallons
Paint 8/10
Interior 6/10
Wing Loading 16.8 lbs/sq.ft.
Service Ceiling 13,900 ft
Max Ramp Weight 2650
Useful load 828lbs w/o back seats 867lbs

Avionics:
Aspen 1000 PFD w/Synthetic Vision

Garmin 480W
Bendix/King KX155
Garmin GTX 330 ES Transponder 1090MHz ADSB
Audio Panel PS Engineering PMA 8000BT
Auto Pilot S-Tec 60-2
BFG 1000 Storm Scope

JPI EDM-711 Engine Monitor w/fuel flow

Davtron Digital clock

Standby Vacuum System SVS V
RC 200 Kannad 406mhz ELT

Dynon D3 - Not FAA TSO

Additional Items/Info:

Annual Inspection due 6/2027

IFR Cert 6/2027

All AD's in Compliance

Complete Logs

Rosen Visors

Gas door springs RCMnormalizing

Gear Lights by RCMnormalizing

Reiff Preheat System Sump/Cylinders

250-201 smartPower Dual Power Supply w/2 USB Charger Cables

Front seats & Console new foam and recovered 6/2025

Sky-Tec Starter

New Concorde Battery 1/2024

BatteryMinder Charger

Plane Cover

Window Sun Shades

Bird Strike 8/2009 Factory Repair

SPA day, close up view of paint

2025 Year in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:44:00 +0000

Foreshadowing words from December 2024…

“Overall this has been the lowest fly time for me since I started flying back in 2005. I sure hope it will be better times ahead or it might be time to finally ring the bell and hang up the ownership spurs.”

By The Numbers:

Total Time 1609.8
ASEL 2023 21.6

Complex 21.6/336.8

Cross Country 13.3/1009.6

IMC 0 /43.4

Fast forward to December 2025

I finished up the year with 22 hours, which has been the absolute lowest total since I started flying in 2005. There has been no new airports and no new adventures. There has been an annual inspection, multiple maintenance issues and the start of an interior refit.

Our trip to Vero Beach in March was a no go due to weather. We still went to Vero, but we ground pounded. Mary and I visited friends near Fort Myers so that was an additional 3 Hour drive across the state as opposed to a half hour flight if we had the plane. Our scheduled trip to Galveston, Texas with an initial overnight in Chattanooga Tennessee was also wiped out due to weather. I guess I should add that we tried to go to Saint Simons island twice in 2024 and yes, mother nature planned otherwise, this year we drove.

Once annual was complete in June and the two new seats installed, I was looking forward to getting back into flying. Unfortunately, the first day tugging the plane out of the hanger, which was August 4, My tug handle broke and I fell backwards and broke my wrist. I broke my scaphoid bone which typically requires surgery, but instead, I showed healing and was in a hard splint for ten weeks. I have been in physical therapy now for six weeks.

I have returned to flight, but it’s been a battle with maintenance items popping up. My first flight back I had a gear line develop a pin hole leak. Once that was fixed I returned to the air only to have my JPI engine monitor act up and noticed that the induction air lever throw was not full range.

I’m not sure if I’ll take a commercial flight back from Florida to pick up 3 Tango Charlie. I had wanted to have the plane with us in Florida for some fun travels. With all the problems and me having a hard time climbing in and out of 3 Tango Charlie I think it’s time for me to maybe list her for sale. I’ll consider posting an ad once I gather the numbers and complete the few maintenance items that have come up. It’s been a fun run. For Mary and I it will be time to ride the commercial flights. At least it's easier to board and I wont give a hoot about weather.

As for my YouTube Channel, I'm not really sure what direction I'll go. I will keep this blog up and running to document our travels. Thanks for reading along.

IFR Current!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 19:01:00 +0000

Picture from the RedBird web page

Sit down, strap in, and get ready to get Instrument current!

Since the weather here in Ocean City was absolutely terrible I decided to knock out my IFR currency at Ocean Aviation, taking advantage of their RedBird full motion sim.

I was in the sim for 1.7 hours and knocked out six approaches with a missed, a hold, procedure turns and tracking. I had a good workout deciding to stick with the sim set up of a instrument six pack and a Garmin 530. I did not use the auto pilot, instead opting to hand fly each approach.

I started off here at home with the KOXB RNAV GPS 14 and 32 approaches. I was a little wiggly getting the feel for the sim 172 but settled in very quickly.

Next up was Delaware Coastal for the KGED RNAV GPS 22 and RNAV GPS 4. After shooting the GPS 22 I went missed and it was good practice going through the procedure flow. Cram, Climb, Clean, Communicate. Yes, no Cool on this since the sim 172 has no cowl flaps. I even remembered to select the Suspend button on the 530 to fly the missed.

I finished out my session with two new approaches into KDYB - Summerville Airport in Summerville South Carolina. This is going to be my one and only fuel stop when I move the plane to florida for the winter. I shot the RNAV GPS 6 and RNAV GPS 24. I did notice a building and trees on short final just at minimums for runway 24, I'll verify when I actually fly there.

The log book is showing me current until June of 2026, that's a relief. However, I always maintain that currency is good in the log book but proficiency is what will save your 'bacon'. It looks like a great weather day tomorrow, despite cold temps, but I plan to fly and clean up my buttonology in my Commander. Hopefully I'll have some content for a video.

Return to Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:25:00 +0000

My first flights after being grounded for just over three months with a broken wrist. It felt great just to tug the plane out and get her started. I'm happy to be back in the air and will soon publish some flying videos. The next goal is to return to instrument currency and really shed the buttonology rust. Stay tuned!

Testing the Wrist on Flight Controls

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:25:00 +0000

I'm getting closer to flying everyday. I sure show the rust in this quick video, forgetting to flip on the EFIS switch for the ASPEN. I hope to be back in the air this week or next.

Hangar Time and Wrist Update

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:53:00 +0000

Hangar Time at Ocean City, MD KOXB

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 22:14:00 +0000

COG Annual Fly-In 2025 - Augusta, GA

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 19:12:00 +0000

Yes, we are headed to Augusta Georgia for the Commander Owners Group (COG) Annual Event. We departed St. Simons Island and made the 3 hour 30 minute, 195 mile trip, once again, by land.

The drive over was uneventful, like flying, it's always a good thing. We checked into the Partridge Inn Augusta.

We were getting hungry and decided to take advantage of the free shuttle. There were two other pilots from COG also heading out so we went to the same place for a late lunch.

The restaurant is a cajun/creole cuisine. I had the red beans and rice mary had the shrimp quiche.

With a call to the hotel the shuttle was dispatched to bring us back, it’s nice not having to drive. We decided to call it an early night and hung out in our room, watched a little bit of TV and passed out.

Friday 9.19

We slept until 8 o’clock and then went to the in-house restaurant on the second floor and had breakfast. Excellent service and very good food.

The plan was to tour the Augusta History Museum, so we once again boarded the free shuttle from the hotel. Our driver Norman did a great job, showing us a few of the sites taking the long way to the history museum.

We passed the Sacred Heart Cultural Center while touring and this place caught my attention. The architecture is amazing.

A Brief History

In 1874, Father Theodore Butler purchased a home and a lot in Augusta, Georgia, for $10,000.00 to construct a building to be used as a church for the Catholic population and a school for children of all denominations. A simple Victorian structure served as a temporary facility for the church until work could begin on a larger, more significant building for the group.

The first bricks were laid for Sacred Heart Church in 1897 and the church opened with the first service on December 2, 1900. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building features towering twin spires, graceful arches, fifteen distinctive styles of brickwork, ninety-four stained glass windows, a barreled vaulted ceiling and intricately carved Italian marble altars. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors the last mass was held in Sacred Heart on July 3, 1971.

We arrived at the History Museum and took our time exploring. Here is a brief history on the museum.

The Augusta Museum of History collects, preserves, and interprets history in relation to the past of Augusta and the Central Savannah River region for the education and enrichment of present and future generations.

Founded in 1937, the Augusta Museum of History is Augusta's oldest historical agency devoted to the preservation and presentation of local and regional history. The not-for-profit agency functions as the steward of the community's rich, diverse, and invaluable material past. The museum curates the largest and most significant historical collection in the CSRA and functions as a historical research and resource center for professional and amateur historians, media, organizations, and individuals, and is home to the permanent exhibition Augusta's Story, a 12,000-year journey through the region's past.

Transportation

Augusta History

A reconstructed, 56-foot Petersburg Boat

Cotton gin

The Sport of Golf

The first major national golf championship ever held in Augusta began at the Augusta Country Club, where in the 1930 Southeastern Open amateur Bobby Jones defeated professional Horton Smith. The Augusta Open was played in 1936 and 1938 with two rounds at the Country Club and two at Forest Hills Golf Club.

Bobby Jones, one of the greatest golfers of all time, decided to build his dream course in Augusta. His dream became the Augusta National Golf Club, which opened in January 1933 with the first tournament being played in 1934.

Today, golf is truly one of the great sports of the world, being played in almost every country. It is enthusiastically followed by millions more on television, many who have never themselves teed off or sunk a putt, but still can appreciate and love the game.

Once we finished up at the museum we headed out for lunch. We decided on the Oliviana Ristorante and Bar Italiano and our shuttle (magic carpet) got us there. I really wanted a cup of soup but instead selected the appetizer of meatballs and ricotta cheese. The sauce was very good but the meatballs were overwhelming with garlic, even too much for this Italian.

Mary and I each had a sandwich that we ended up taking half back to our room. I could have been good with just the meatballs. We called for the shuttle and returned to the hotel for the evening. I think we were still catching up on sleep.

Saturday 9.20

I was up early, showered and dressed for the COG airport meetings. The club had a full schedule of events. The group of judges went out to the flightline to review each aircraft.

First up was Adam Clark of Circle C Aviation based at KRFI in Henderson Texas. Adam covered critical maintenance items that need to be inspected.

Next up was Cole Schiff of Peter Schiff Aero Air Conditioning. An excellent presentation and a really nice AC unit that is portable.

Next we took a break for lunch and our host Bill Moran did not disappoint. Excellent BBQ with sides.

Jim Richards from Aerodyme Corporation was next up. Jim covered Airframe corrosion and cowl latach beds. The info provided on our older planes and the need to inspect/maintain the upper and lower cowlings is critical. The repairs can be costly if not maintained the correct way.

The remaining afternoon topics were focused on the 114/114TC and the Hot shot upgraded aircraft. Since neither topic pertained to my aircraft I decided on heading back to the hotel and called for a shuttle. I took a nap, and then Mary and I got dressed for the awards banquet, cocktails and buffet dinner.

Banquet & Awards

Our president held a moment of silence for two members that have passed this year, one was my friend Jay.

The banquet was fun, and the food was excellent. The awards were handed out and our table picked up a few. After dinner and awards a bunch of us headed out to the bar with the large front balcony on the second floor. Fun times and good memories. Mary and I didn't stay very late since we were planning on a 3am departure.

Saddle up for Home

By the time we showered, dressed, and made our way to the lobby, it was 4:15. The valet brought our SUV out front and loaded up our baggage. It was time to head north for home.

Our "9 hour" trip ended up taking 11 hours. Two stops, one for a fuel top off and some munchies. The second was back at the Exxon east of Emporia for the cheap gas and top off.

The Next Day

Blog edit and a few errands. I wanted to get the Porsche washed and debugged. Mary and I also did some grocery shopping, med refills, and breakfast at our local favorite place.

What's next? Hopefully a good report on this weeks doctor visit and x-rays. I'm looking forward to getting back in the air especially after all the driving the last week. I am thrilled to report our new to us Porsche Cayenne ran great! I think the new kid is going to fit in just fine.

St. Simons Island, Georgia

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:39:00 +0000

One Week Out

This morning I had to cancel our Hertz rental in St. Simons Island GA. Just to recap, I broke my wrist on August 4th and was told 8-12 weeks if everything heals as it should, if not surgery time. Thankfully the scaphoid bone is showing signs of healing and I can remain in a hard splint. Unfortunately, I am still grounded.

What was going to be a fun flying week will now be an extended ground pounding session. We are planning to depart Ocean City on the 16th at 3am arriving at the Ocean Inn & Suites around 2pm just ahead of check in. the trip will take 10 hours and 30 minutes, and works out to 695 miles.

Departure Day 9.16

Rise and shine...it's 3 am and time to hit the road. For this Georgia get-away we are going to take our new to us Porsche Cayenne. Time to give the new kid a road test, besides, new blue can rest up since she will be the ride of choice when we head to Florida in January. Old blue will rest easy in the hangar and enjoy her partial retirement alongside 3 Tango Charlie.

We have the Porsche packed, fueled, and fresh off her recent Maryland inspection. The only thing we need to do this morning is pack the snacks and water.

The trip down to Peninsula was very quiet. When the sun finally came up, it was overcast most of the way. We made a fuel stop just east of Emporia finding an Exxon for 2.88 a gallon and and took on 10 to top off. We ran into some weather, heading down through Virginia and came upon one really bad accident. A large SUV went through the guard rail and almost stood up on the left front quarter panel up against the trees no idea what happened to the people. Continued on from that point south and I ran with two trucks a large 18 wheeler with our given nickname big red and a hot shot dually Dodge pick up pulling an empty car trailer. The three of us ran really well together. Into the Carolinas traffic backed up and we crawled along for about 40 minutes, there was another SUV coming northbound that went into the median, rolled over on its left side into the trees and caught fire. I’m talking a big fire. I was driving so I didn’t really get to see much but you couldn’t miss the flames. Mary said she saw a family standing not too far away from the accident scene and the fire department was there so hopefully they’re all fine.

We arrived in Saint Simons Island about 12 hours from our departure time. We were up at 3 AM left at 3:30 and we got into Saint Simons about 4pm. We walked right into the hotel and checked in and then went to find some dinner.

For dinner, we decided on Georgia Sea Grill. We got one of the last reservations at 5:30, the place filled up rather quickly. Mary had the scallops over a medley of Sweet Potato, Farro, White Rice Peas, Wilted Spinach, and Basil Aioli. The scallops were large and Mary said it was delicious.

I had the blackened flounder over Charleston Gold Blue Crab Rice, Carrots, Green Onion, and Citrus Soy Aioli, it was excellent.

We decided on dessert, Mary had chocolate cheesecake and I had bourbon pecan pie with vanilla gelato. Neither Mary or I could finish our dessert, just too much food.

Exploration 9.17

After our long drive yesterday and very filling dinner, we slept in until 7:30 this morning. Across the street from our dinner choice last night was a breakfast place Called Mallery Street Café, we decided to check it out.

Mary had apple crêpes with a cream cheese drizzle and the apples were fresh cut. It looked awesome and Mary said it tasted delicious. Yours truly had the conventional two eggs over medium hash-browns with fried onions and cheese and a biscuit. The hash browns were very crispy. Mary even had some and liked them, and the biscuit was large and awesome.

Once we finished breakfast, we decided to head north and check out the Fort Frederica National Park. At least we could walk off some of our breakfast.

Fort Frederica was once a thriving British town and fort founded in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe. The Fort was designed to defend the northern colonies against Spanish attack.

After exploring Fort Frederica, we watched about a 20 minute video that talked about the history of the fort and the people there. The short piece did a great job explaining the area and all the goings on.

After spending time at Fort Frederica, we headed south and made a stop at the Red Fern Village. There were various shops to explore and plenty of restaurants. Since it was just about 1 PM, we decided to stop for lunch at Bubba Garcia’s, a great little Mexican place.

Mary had a shrimp taco with a pineapple salsa and I had carne asada, marinated steak with onions and cilantro. Both dishes were very good.

On the way back to the hotel, we made a slight detour since the lighthouse is not far from where we’re staying. I went out on the edge of beach and took a picture. It’s a beautiful area and the waterfront was very clean.

Mary and I tried Del Sur for dinner. The restaurant was just around the corner from our hotel on the street that leads to the pier. Service and food were very good. I had rigatoni bolognese, my bride had salmon. No dessert tonight. We checked out the shops leading to the pier then made one stop to pick up a battery for my key fob.

Heading to Augusta 9.18

We were up early and checked out, deciding on breakfast at Mallery’s before driving to Augusta.

Yes, we are headed to Augusta GA for the Commander Owners Group Annual Event. More on this event in my next post.

Time For a New Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 14:32:00 +0000

We decided it was time to retire my Mercedes Benz ML320, she will be resting in the hangar for now after 250k miles of faithful service. Fear not, I still have plans for my old blue.

Today Mary and I purchased a Porsche Cayenne to be my new ride. We are awaiting delivery scheduled for Monday.

Garmin 480 - Create/Edit Checklists

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:43:00 +0000

The Garmin 480 will store 8 checklists with 100 lines each. This is an overview of the procedure to set up and edit a checklist.

In order to activate a completed checklist click on the CHK function to view the list. Highlight the list you want then hit ENT/Menu. As each item is completed push CHCK to move down the list. When finished push LIST to choose the next checklist.

Garmin 480 - System Configuration

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:57:00 +0000

Garmin 480 - Map Data Set-up

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:45:00 +0000

From Map 1 select map 2-4 with the large outer courser knob. These three maps have selectable data fields. Push Menu/Enter and then NAV DATA, then a SEL DATA key is available. Push the SEL DATA and the courser will highlight the first data field name. You can scroll through the options with the small inner couser knob. Have fun exploring the many options available for your flying experience.

Grounded!

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:41:00 +0000