Gary's Flight Journal

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.

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

$85,000

By the numbers:

TTAF 5685

SMOH 1085

SPOH 1085

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 6/2026

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 I had a 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

Garmin 480 - Monitor Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:48:00 +0000

Garmin 480 - Monitor

ForeFlight Dynamic Procedures

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:17:00 +0000

Information is from the ForeFlight Web Page

Streamlined workflow with a procedure sidebar

The new Dynamic Procedures sidebar provides a clean, collapsible information display panel with all of the information necessary to brief and fly an instrument approach in one place. Because it is context-aware, it presents just the information you need in a highly structured and streamlined format, and integrates other existing features like 3D View to provide value above and beyond any pre-composed chart.

Exciting features of the Dynamic Procedures sidebar include:

Change Approach and Hide Chart buttons make it easy to view or hide the sidebar and access other approach options with a single tap.
A consolidated briefing strip pins essential procedure information to the top for easy access.
Communication frequencies are clearly organized for quick reference.
Notes are intelligently filtered to show only the information that applies to your current approach.
The dynamic route display provides heading and distance metrics, per-segment speed and altitude restrictions, as well as additional notes for special segments like course reversals and arcs.
Integrated 3D Airport view allows the user to preview the runway environment and approach lighting systems from two simulated perspectives. Toggle between Approach Lights and Short Final views, and quickly open the airport in the full 3D view to switch between night and day modes, providing a complete picture of the runway’s approach lighting configuration as well as local terrain and obstacles.

Plane Wash

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 18:04:00 +0000

Following our annual we had some interior work done to upgrade our seats. New foam, leather and sheepskin inserts. How do the seats feel? Amazing! The lumbar support is a win and with fresh foam the ride is really comfortable.

Since annual was completed she was tugged over to the interior shop. We only had seats and a armrest done so our girl had to sit outside for two weeks. Wow, the birds and the wx really left 3 Tango Charlie a mess. Today I fixed that, she is now clean and happy.

Interior Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 17:31:00 +0000

Interior Upgrade

Out with the old

Mary and I decided it was time to update our seats. The foam is pretty much shot and it would be nice to upgrade. We also wanted the center console pad to be updated with new foam and leather. After talking with Jon we decided to go all out and replace the original blue check fabric portion with sheepskin. Jon recommended the new interior shop on the field to do the work. Mary and I had a nice chat with Roberto(shop owner)and he gave us a few options. What a nice man, he was so easy to work with. Roberto is going to remove the seats while the plane is in the shop awaiting an IFR cert and knock out the seat frame restoration and when materials arrive the seats will be completed.

Road Trip

Mary and I were planning on attending my great niece Brooke's graduation party so we are headed north. Our first stop is at New Garden, N57 to check on the plane and pay the invoice for 3 Tango Charlie's annual. Next we decided to meet with Roberto (Roberto Aircraft Interiors) to get a peek at the new seats and get a completion date. I will still need to schedule transportation back to N57 to take 3 Tango Charlie home.

New foam w/ lumbar support

It was nice to meet Roberto and discuss the seats and headrest custom stitching. The foam for the seats is complete. The new padding with bolsters and lumbar support should make for a nice comfortable ride. The only downside was seeing our baby tied down outside, that’s a first. On a positive note we got to see the plane cover for the very first time.

Roberto sent a few pictures of the progress. Everything will wrap up this week and we hope to fly home Friday or Saturday

A before and after pic of the interior. Not a great shot of the old but it's all I could find. We had the front seats and the center console (padded armrest) updated. The shop quoted me a good price to door all the door cards, window trim, and headliner if we get it done in October. We’re giving it serious thought.

Annual 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 15:21:00 +0000

Annual

3 Tango Charlie is tucked in the shop at New Garden for her annual inspection. I dropped the plane off on Friday and work began on Monday morning. Mary and I headed north in order to check on the progress.

Our ride north on SR1 was an adventure. I was doing 70 with traffic when two cars blasted on by like I was parked, absolutely crazy. The best was a white Honda changing lanes like the frogger game obviously trying to advance through the traffic. I said to MAry I wish there was a cop around to bust these crazies. Sure enough maybe ten minutes up the road sat the white honda with a Delaware State Trooper parked behind him with the lights flashing. My day is now complete, justice served. Good job DSP.

Speaking of roads, the new access road to the airport has been repaved, what a smooth ride. The new road made for a good start for me, having done miles of paving in my construction days. Mary decided to wait in the SUV while I investigated the airplane inspection process. 3 Tango Charlie was just getting ready to be let down from the jack stands following the completion of the gear swing test. I asked if an emergency drop was done and if the reservoir will be checked. I received a yes to both questions.

I asked how the inspection was coming along since I no longer do owner assist. Actually the last few years it's been more of owner watch, ask questions, offer Commander advice since I can't crawl around in and out of the plane any longer. I was told she's in great shape and pretty much done. 3 Tango Charlie did have one cylinder give a very low reading on the initial compression test but the engine was cold when tested. The plan was to do the leak test and let 3 TC run to warm up. Once the retest was done the questionable cylinder, number 2, came up from mid 40's to 75/80. That's a relief!

Hinge pin (10)

I have a loose gear door hinge/pin on my left main. I have been monitoring the play in the hinge and it's time to address the issue. The shop also noted a bit of oil seepage from the number 1 cylinder rocker panel so they replaced the gasket. I needed a tail nav light replaced. The oil was changed and camguard added. I appreciate the shop adding the camguard for me since I forgot to bring it with me for annual. 3 Tango Charlie was also due for an IFR cert and that was completed with everything checking out perfect. All AD's were complied with, the most important is the elevator spar checks. Here's the breakdown.

Next up the interior upgrade!!

Garmin 480 - The Diversion

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:11:00 +0000

This video is a review on how to set up the Garmin 480 for a diversion. I stumbled through this on my recent flight review but quickly recovered with a nearest selection and then direct. Hope this helps all you 480 users! I had to review the ActFP vs DB selection. Buttonology requires practice so we don't lose our skills. Fly Safe!

Reposition for Annual

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:23:00 +0000

Once again it's that time of year...Commander 3 Tango Charlie is heading off to annual. The weather was not looking good for an early flight over the weekend and there were airshow TFR's. My start day on Monday looks even worse, although no TFR's to contend with.

I tried to coordinate with Charles G for a possible ride home today but he is land locked due to ramp and taxiway paving. My hangar neighbor Chet is headed to New York. Hmmm...I may have to rent a car. Charles said he would ask his instructor who is always looking to fly if he would drop me off here at Ocean City. Julian and I traded text messages and then a call, agreeing to meet at N57 early morning.

I got up around 5:15 and wandered around trying to fully wake up. I had set out my airplane log book (Adlog) and a small bag to carry my ADSB in, a few cameras, battery brick and iPad. I loaded up my SUV and headed to the airport. I had to complete my preflight and sump my fuel. I was ready to start up so I texted Julian to let him know I was getting ready to go and my flight time to New Garden N57 would be 45 minutes. Julian acknowledged.

I picked up flight following with Dover and rode along in the smooth air Canadian smoke. It was just as bad as my flight review flights. Dover handed me off to Philly as I watched Julian take off from Summitt. The timing was perfect as I crossed midfield to enter the left downwind for runway 6 and Julian soon followed. I made a nice landing and taxied to the shop to shut down and secure.

Once my log book was handed off along with a spare key set I headed out and climbed aboard the mighty Warrior. The ride took a bit longer but it was smooth. It felt odd being shoulder to shoulder when the Commander has so much room. Nonetheless I was very appreciative of the ride. Julian and I enjoyed the ride chatting airplanes, airlines, and CFI/student teaching practices. It was good to hear the view from the other side. I was so happy to hear that he teaches safety and courtesy, common sense stuff. I was also happy to hear that he teaches a sound departure brief and his students will benefit from that practice. I told him about my accident and that my training saved our lives. I talked about my PPL and instrument instructors and what they drilled into me. I also explained about my friend Mike B. Mike was the driving force in making me a safer pilot and as much as I hate to admit it, I really miss his torture sessions.

Julian nailed the landing at Ocean City, slow and smooth. After topping off the fuel we parted ways. I thanked him again and offered seat time in the Commander whenever he wanted to fly it.

Flight Review Day

noreply@blogger.com (Gary) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:41:00 +0000

I previously scheduled my flight review with Tim over in Millville NJ - KMIV. Today had an early start, Mary was up and out of the house for 6:30 MRI, I got up around 6am. I packed my flight bag and cameras last night and my log book which I had to sit and think where I stored it. I found it, tucked away in our safe with other important documents. It’s always in the last place you look.

I headed over to the airport so I could sump fuel and preflight. Everything was good to go and with that I tugged 3 Tango Charlie out to the ramp. I only ran tail and over the shoulder cameras. I started up, taxied for three-two then launched into the haze. Yep, we still have the Canada smoke covering the area. I crossed the bay at fifty five hundred feet, letting down as I went feet dry, now over NJ.

The pattern was crazy busy! There was another plane entering on the 45 for left down wind three-two. I bugged out making a right 360 to reenter. There was a Cessna crossing midfield to reposition with a teardrop and a plane landing and another on base. I told Tim I should pass the BFR for just arriving here safely.

The flight review went very good and this is just a very brief review of some of the ground portion and items covered flying.

I started out with a clearing turn and then set up for slow flight. I should mention I do not like slow flight at all. Right from the start I was up and down with holding altitude during slow flight maneuvers but squared it away as I quickly shed the rust. GPS work provided one brainfart as I stumbled through a diversion. I went through the correct process but did not select from database (DB) to enter the airport, instead, I was stuck in stupid on the flight plan (ActFP) page. I quickly recovered and selected nearest (NRST), scrolled down to the second choice Woodbine and hit direct. This was just another way of achieving the same goal with fewer buttons to push.

I knocked out multiple landings at Woodbine and then returned to Millville. As I was on very short final Tim called for a go around and I flowed through the process, Cram Climb Clean Cool Communicate. I got a very good and with that continued for my final landing.

The ground portion was a review of my flying, and procedures that included V speeds, emergency procedures and some regs. All in all productive and a fun learning experience.

We sat and debriefed while the log book entries were completed. I squared up with Big Sky for the CFII time and then headed out to the plane for my ride home. I made a nice landing in Ocean City and tucked 3 Tango Charlie in the nest. I ordered fuel, taking on twenty gallons for my Friday flight to reposition for annual at New Garden N57. I cleaned plenty of bugs from the leading edges and my gear, it was gross. You're welcome NJ for me reducing the bug population.