I've moved the site over to VACANCYMEDIA.COM.
Blogger did it's job and I might have stayed here if it had the perks that the new site has.
This site will remain up for archive purposes, but the new site will house all the new stuff going on.
Monday, May 11, 2009
MOVED to VACANCYMEDIA.COM
I've moved the site over to VACANCYMEDIA.COM.
Blogger did it's job and I might have stayed here if it had the perks that the new site has.
This site will remain up for archive purposes, but the new site will house all the new stuff going on.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Scratch that .... New site coming
Decided I'm not upgrading.
I'm actually going to switch over to a new site.
This site will remain up with all of it's goodies, but I'm going to start posting at a new site where I'll continue on with all the things I've been posting on here.
I tried redirecting adamintheair to the new site but it cannot be done.
So once the new page is up and running I'll be sure to post a huge link here to redirect you guys manually while the change sets in!
I'm actually going to switch over to a new site.
This site will remain up with all of it's goodies, but I'm going to start posting at a new site where I'll continue on with all the things I've been posting on here.
I tried redirecting adamintheair to the new site but it cannot be done.
So once the new page is up and running I'll be sure to post a huge link here to redirect you guys manually while the change sets in!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Training Checklist UPDATED
Passed my Commercial Written Exam the other day.
It's nice to cross out 1 more thing on the list but I'll feel a lot better once I'm working on my CFI stuff.
The rest of my Commercial training is really on my shoulders.
I have all the requirements met and the few maneuvers I need to learn wont take long at all.
What I really need to work on is tightening up my knowledge on all the basic pilot stuff so I can do a lot better on my oral exams for both the Multi and Single Engine Commercial checkrides.
I owe some of you an update on the plane buying thing too...
We made an offer on the plane a week ago and the owner turned it down.
The problem with the plane is that the engine is really old and we're worried that it's going to go bad before we have enough revenue to replace it.
Not to mention there was over 4 thousand dollars worth of repairs needed to get it worthy of flight training.
We're gonna keep at the guy and hope that he maybe accepts the offer soon, but I'm not holding my breathe.
He's not going to find someone that is going to feel comfortable buying the plane with the problems it has and maybe he'll come back to us once he realizes that.
In the mean time I've been searching for more planes but it's exhausting trying to get everything together and it discouraging when you go through all the steps and on the very last one it doesn't work out.
**************************
I'm still updating Twitter as much as I can so keep checking that out.
Plus I'm constantly putting up new pictures these days so check those out on my Flickr page.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
As you can tell I haven't been updating this page too much.
I'm currently in a non-flying stage of my training so there isn't much to talk about besides...."Yeah, I watched video #9 of my Commercial Kit today".
In the mean time I do update my Twitter a lot through out the day.
It's a lot easier to type one sentence / one picture posts rather than trying to put a whole bunch on here.
But a quick update on the plane that I have been looking at....
It's still currently in maintenance being checked out.
I'm actually starting the process today to get pre-approved for the $$$ I need for it.
It's still way too early to say I'm getting it but it should be in the next few days that I know.
I'll be sure to post on here and Twitter about that once I find out.
So for quick reference click on the Twitter Bird to jump to my page.
Talk to you guys soon.
I'm currently in a non-flying stage of my training so there isn't much to talk about besides...."Yeah, I watched video #9 of my Commercial Kit today".
In the mean time I do update my Twitter a lot through out the day.
It's a lot easier to type one sentence / one picture posts rather than trying to put a whole bunch on here.
But a quick update on the plane that I have been looking at....
It's still currently in maintenance being checked out.
I'm actually starting the process today to get pre-approved for the $$$ I need for it.
It's still way too early to say I'm getting it but it should be in the next few days that I know.
I'll be sure to post on here and Twitter about that once I find out.
So for quick reference click on the Twitter Bird to jump to my page.
Talk to you guys soon.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Buying Update
Right now we're just playing the waiting game with the plane.
Maintenance has to do something called a pre-buy on the plane before we can consider moving forward.
That will get done soon, but there is a line of planes that need to go to maintenance before this one.
In the mean time I've still been searching for more planes and I came across this beauty...
Yeah that's right, it's got a metallic finish.
Amazing.
I saw this thing and immediately got weak in the knees.
I'm a huge sucker for planes that have this shiny metal finish and this plane is no different.
It's in NC and has a pretty low time engine in it.
I'm going to talk to Uncle tonight but I'm very interested in this plane.
The price is a little higher compared to some of the planes we've been looking at but I'd be willing to pay more for this plane because it's something I'd WANT to keep forever.
My Mom's coming down tonight so everything will be put on hold for a couple days.
Not like I make that many posts anymore anyway!
Maintenance has to do something called a pre-buy on the plane before we can consider moving forward.
That will get done soon, but there is a line of planes that need to go to maintenance before this one.
In the mean time I've still been searching for more planes and I came across this beauty...
Yeah that's right, it's got a metallic finish.
Amazing.
I saw this thing and immediately got weak in the knees.
I'm a huge sucker for planes that have this shiny metal finish and this plane is no different.
It's in NC and has a pretty low time engine in it.
I'm going to talk to Uncle tonight but I'm very interested in this plane.
The price is a little higher compared to some of the planes we've been looking at but I'd be willing to pay more for this plane because it's something I'd WANT to keep forever.
My Mom's coming down tonight so everything will be put on hold for a couple days.
Not like I make that many posts anymore anyway!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
N11846
Went and looked at my first potential plane purchase today.
We took it up for a spin around the pattern, everything went great.
The mechanics at the flight school are going to check it out this week sometime and we'll move on from there.
Seems like it's a good deal.
The only thing were questioning is the fact that it got an engine overhaul awhile back and hasn't flown a lot since then.
We'll see, I'll keep everything updated on here.
We took it up for a spin around the pattern, everything went great.
The mechanics at the flight school are going to check it out this week sometime and we'll move on from there.
Seems like it's a good deal.
The only thing were questioning is the fact that it got an engine overhaul awhile back and hasn't flown a lot since then.
We'll see, I'll keep everything updated on here.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Photo Blog
As I continue to go through my Aquarium pictures I'll post my favorite one so far.
Also I went through my Flickr and found a bunch of pictures that I really like and they don't have a lot of views on them so I'll give them some love on here.
I'm starting to get the photography itch back.
It went away during the winter because it's pretty darn ugly everywhere and nothing to really photo.
But now with the weather change and the motivation coming back I've dusted off the old camera and got it all ready to go.
Enjoy...
These are some of the lost gems...
And finally...
Here is the newest photo addition.
Also I went through my Flickr and found a bunch of pictures that I really like and they don't have a lot of views on them so I'll give them some love on here.
I'm starting to get the photography itch back.
It went away during the winter because it's pretty darn ugly everywhere and nothing to really photo.
But now with the weather change and the motivation coming back I've dusted off the old camera and got it all ready to go.
Enjoy...
These are some of the lost gems...
And finally...
Here is the newest photo addition.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Blahhhhhhhh ... 253.7
This has been the longest stretch in between posts.
There really is no excuse.
Nothing to really update on lately.
Just been kinda laying low and slowly getting ready to dive straight into my Commercial training.
The Instrument stuff kind of burnt me out and I needed a little bit of a breather after.
Weather's changing down here.
Slowly getting nicer and nicer.
My Mom and Sister are coming down within the next couple weeks.
Crystal just came down this weekend.
If all goes well, I should have some pictures up at the end of this post.
We went to the Georgia Aquairium, Coca Cola Factory, King Tut exhibit, and a couple of shopping areas.
The time went by real quick because we had so much to do, the only crappy thing was the weather was sort of a bummer the whole time she was here.
When I don't update this thing as much be sure to check out my Twitter.
I usually update that as much as I can, the more followers I get on there the more inclined I am to post.
Plus it's a lot easier updating on my phone through Twitter than Blogger.
Upon further review it's gonna take me some time to edit and upload all the pictures from this weekend so I'll post them in the next post!
There really is no excuse.
Nothing to really update on lately.
Just been kinda laying low and slowly getting ready to dive straight into my Commercial training.
The Instrument stuff kind of burnt me out and I needed a little bit of a breather after.
Weather's changing down here.
Slowly getting nicer and nicer.
My Mom and Sister are coming down within the next couple weeks.
Crystal just came down this weekend.
If all goes well, I should have some pictures up at the end of this post.
We went to the Georgia Aquairium, Coca Cola Factory, King Tut exhibit, and a couple of shopping areas.
The time went by real quick because we had so much to do, the only crappy thing was the weather was sort of a bummer the whole time she was here.
When I don't update this thing as much be sure to check out my Twitter.
I usually update that as much as I can, the more followers I get on there the more inclined I am to post.
Plus it's a lot easier updating on my phone through Twitter than Blogger.
Upon further review it's gonna take me some time to edit and upload all the pictures from this weekend so I'll post them in the next post!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Multi training ... 249.3
As of tonight I'll be on day 3 of my multi engine rating training.
Normally student only need 5-10 hours of training to get it, but I came into this training with already 25 hours in the Twinstar.
That really helped me get the feel for this bigger, more powerful airplane.
Now all we gotta do is work on maneuvers, landings, and single engine emergency stuff.
At first I was dreading the single engine stuff because I didn't know what to expect but after last nights lesson I have no problem with it.
Even though the plane has 2 engines, it still can fly with 1...there's just some things that need to be watched while doing it.
The first lesson we just went up at night and did some steep turns and stalls.
We did a couple night landings but that was a little rough because not only was it dark, but it's a little tricky landing a heavier, faster plane.
2nd lesson was a little better.
We still had daylight and the air was completely calm.
We flew into an airport that only has a 3000 foot runway...that's relatively short for a plane like the Twinstar.
Once we left there we worked on single engine stuff.
First we were at about 3500 feet and I had to maintain altitude and heading while he kept going back and forth cutting out each engine.
The plane pulls hard to the left/right depending on which engine is idled.
Then we went thru and actually did cut the engines out in mid-flight.
Once again I was originally worried about this but once we did it I have no problem with it at all.
Tonight were going to do some more single engine stuff.
Mainly instrument approaches.
Meaning I'm going to have to simulate landing in bad weather where I can't see anything and land the plane with 1 engine.
Pretty intense.
There's a rumor going around that I may be able to go for this checkride as soon as next week.
I'm really pumped about a multi engine rating and I'm still riding the confidence train of getting my instrument rating so I may try to do it asap.
Plus the sooner I get my multi, the sooner I can log pilot in command time in the Twinstar.
Multi engine PIC time is something airlines and other aviation jobs look at.
It's big leagues.
Normally student only need 5-10 hours of training to get it, but I came into this training with already 25 hours in the Twinstar.
That really helped me get the feel for this bigger, more powerful airplane.
Now all we gotta do is work on maneuvers, landings, and single engine emergency stuff.
At first I was dreading the single engine stuff because I didn't know what to expect but after last nights lesson I have no problem with it.
Even though the plane has 2 engines, it still can fly with 1...there's just some things that need to be watched while doing it.
The first lesson we just went up at night and did some steep turns and stalls.
We did a couple night landings but that was a little rough because not only was it dark, but it's a little tricky landing a heavier, faster plane.
2nd lesson was a little better.
We still had daylight and the air was completely calm.
We flew into an airport that only has a 3000 foot runway...that's relatively short for a plane like the Twinstar.
Once we left there we worked on single engine stuff.
First we were at about 3500 feet and I had to maintain altitude and heading while he kept going back and forth cutting out each engine.
The plane pulls hard to the left/right depending on which engine is idled.
Then we went thru and actually did cut the engines out in mid-flight.
Once again I was originally worried about this but once we did it I have no problem with it at all.
Tonight were going to do some more single engine stuff.
Mainly instrument approaches.
Meaning I'm going to have to simulate landing in bad weather where I can't see anything and land the plane with 1 engine.
Pretty intense.
There's a rumor going around that I may be able to go for this checkride as soon as next week.
I'm really pumped about a multi engine rating and I'm still riding the confidence train of getting my instrument rating so I may try to do it asap.
Plus the sooner I get my multi, the sooner I can log pilot in command time in the Twinstar.
Multi engine PIC time is something airlines and other aviation jobs look at.
It's big leagues.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Instrument = PASSED ... 245.3
Hardest thing I've ever done in my life.
For the first half of the checkride all the studying and flying I've done the past couples months were not coming to me.
I got so backwards at one point I almost admitted defeat.
But I chilled out and kept telling him that I was turned around and was gonna try it again.
Eventually I got it.
And all this was just on the 1st approach.
The 2nd approach was something I've never done before.
I took the time to visualize where I was and what I needed to it.
I nailed it.
We drifted right down to the runway and when we went missed I got us back to the holding pattern perfectly.
The 3rd and final approach was back into Falcon and it was by far the easiest.
I got to take my foggles off way before the runway and he told me to make the best landing of my life.
I did.
We touched down and we couldn't even feel it.
Bill is a great guy.
I'm going to do all my checkrides with him
He's very forgiving and actually teaches while giving the exam.
Those are the things that will STICK.
By no means does this mean I can relax.
This checkride just showed me how much I DON'T know.
I'm going to jump right into my Multi-Engine Commercial now.
My Commercial Ground course should be coming in the mail anyday.
I'm going to try to ride the momentum.
I need to have all my Commercial stuff done by the end of March at the very latest anyway if I want to meet my June deadline.
Just in case I don't post enough picture of the Twin-Star....
This is my next chunk of training.
Mastering this beast...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Date is set ... 241.4
Instrument Checkride is booked for Monday @ 9:30AM.
It's been a long time coming.
I feel about 85% ready.
No work tomorrow so I plan on doing some ground school stuff all day.
Only bad thing...Marcus left to go back to Sweden so I don't really have anyone to help me touch up on the last minute things.
Aside from the Instrument stuff I went and visited my friend Mike in NC this past weekend.
Flew up on Saturday morning and flew back on Sunday before the Superbowl (W00!).
Both ways were pretty uneventful flights.
The way home was pretty slow due to some wicked headwind.
Mike and I went up in the plane before I left and flew circles around his sisters house, but she never came out.
Besides all that, nothing else has really been going on.
Last minute studying, working, playing too many video games with Damien and Mike online.
Warm weather cant come soon enough.
I cant wait until I can sit on the back porch again and read.
I get too distracted in my room, so I need the outside to kinda keep me focused.
Commercial and CFI stuff is going to require a lot of sitting and reading.
Go Pens.
It's been a long time coming.
I feel about 85% ready.
No work tomorrow so I plan on doing some ground school stuff all day.
Only bad thing...Marcus left to go back to Sweden so I don't really have anyone to help me touch up on the last minute things.
Aside from the Instrument stuff I went and visited my friend Mike in NC this past weekend.
Flew up on Saturday morning and flew back on Sunday before the Superbowl (W00!).
Both ways were pretty uneventful flights.
The way home was pretty slow due to some wicked headwind.
Mike and I went up in the plane before I left and flew circles around his sisters house, but she never came out.
Besides all that, nothing else has really been going on.
Last minute studying, working, playing too many video games with Damien and Mike online.
Warm weather cant come soon enough.
I cant wait until I can sit on the back porch again and read.
I get too distracted in my room, so I need the outside to kinda keep me focused.
Commercial and CFI stuff is going to require a lot of sitting and reading.
Go Pens.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sweet Goals!!
Scored this bad boy to help tie the game.
Totally NAILED that guy and re-directed the puck into the net.
SWEET!
You may need to watch it a couple times to see it.
I nail the guy in the front of the net to knock him away then score the goal.
Here's a sweet one of me playing as Malkin.
Outworked the other guy in the corner, kicked the puck back up to my stick, and stormed out front to score a spinning backhand over the goalie.
Look at him point at the bench after the goal.
Priceless.
Totally NAILED that guy and re-directed the puck into the net.
SWEET!
You may need to watch it a couple times to see it.
I nail the guy in the front of the net to knock him away then score the goal.
Here's a sweet one of me playing as Malkin.
Outworked the other guy in the corner, kicked the puck back up to my stick, and stormed out front to score a spinning backhand over the goalie.
Look at him point at the bench after the goal.
Priceless.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
SIX-BURGH
Feels like a blur.
It was only a couple years ago that we won XL.
Already XLIII??
I love it.
I'm just bummed I couldn't be in Pittsburgh with all my friends for it.
I still had fun here in the ATL.
The next couple weeks are going to be a whirlwind for Steeler nation.
Mike Tomlin, Big Ben, HARRISON...WOO!
Go Steelers.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Benny Bob & Phantom
As with everything these days I'm late on sharing this with you guys.
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show has been going full steam ahead.
I posted a couple of the episodes a couple weeks ago but I figured I'll post the whole series up until now.
If I put half the effort these guys put into this show, I would have 3 posts on here per day and I'd be an Airline Pilot.
So sit back and relax for an hour or so and catch up on some good old BB&P...
EPISODE 1
EPISODE 2 - PART 1
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 2 Part One from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EPISODE 2 - PART 2
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 2 Part Two from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EGG NOG DRINKING CONTEST
EPISODE 3
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 3 from Deodorant on Vimeo.
STEELER PLAYOFF SPECIAL
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Steeler Playoff Special from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EPISODE 4
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 4 from Deodorant on Vimeo.
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show has been going full steam ahead.
I posted a couple of the episodes a couple weeks ago but I figured I'll post the whole series up until now.
If I put half the effort these guys put into this show, I would have 3 posts on here per day and I'd be an Airline Pilot.
So sit back and relax for an hour or so and catch up on some good old BB&P...
EPISODE 1
EPISODE 2 - PART 1
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 2 Part One from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EPISODE 2 - PART 2
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 2 Part Two from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EGG NOG DRINKING CONTEST
EPISODE 3
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 3 from Deodorant on Vimeo.
STEELER PLAYOFF SPECIAL
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Steeler Playoff Special from Deodorant on Vimeo.
EPISODE 4
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 4 from Deodorant on Vimeo.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
TV on my iPhone!
This is being released soon!
I have the Slingbox now to watch Pittsburgh sports/TV.
When it comes to my phone though....wow.
Nice.
Motivation ... 233.6
Marcus just passed his Airline Transport Pilot Checkride.
This has given me a little bit of a boost in motivation for my upcoming checkride.
I'm nearing the final days of preparation.
I only have 10 days left with Marcus and I need to finish before he leaves.
Probably going to do 1 more day of ground school with him and then do a final stage check with one of the chief flight instructors.
From there I just need to tighten up what I'm shaky on and go for it.
I'm probably going to go for it mid-next week.
At times I'm dreading it, but other times I feel I'm ready.
It's by far the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life and if I do well on it...it's going to feel good to say the least.
Besides flying I've been working and playing Xbox 360.
I was reintroduced to this life sucker a week or so ago.
Now I have it hooked up online and I'm able to play my friends around the country.
I'm balancing studying with playing so I cant complain yet.
But I do find myself less bored at times because I actually get to "hang" with my friends.
We all have these mics on our controllers and we can talk to each other while we either play hockey or run around and shoot people in Call of Duty.
This has given me a little bit of a boost in motivation for my upcoming checkride.
I'm nearing the final days of preparation.
I only have 10 days left with Marcus and I need to finish before he leaves.
Probably going to do 1 more day of ground school with him and then do a final stage check with one of the chief flight instructors.
From there I just need to tighten up what I'm shaky on and go for it.
I'm probably going to go for it mid-next week.
At times I'm dreading it, but other times I feel I'm ready.
It's by far the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life and if I do well on it...it's going to feel good to say the least.
Besides flying I've been working and playing Xbox 360.
I was reintroduced to this life sucker a week or so ago.
Now I have it hooked up online and I'm able to play my friends around the country.
I'm balancing studying with playing so I cant complain yet.
But I do find myself less bored at times because I actually get to "hang" with my friends.
We all have these mics on our controllers and we can talk to each other while we either play hockey or run around and shoot people in Call of Duty.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Blah ... 225.0
I've been extremely lazy about updating lately.
I'm sorry for that.
There's still nothing to talk about yet.
Xmas/New Years was good.
You were all there.
Going for my Instrument Rating in the next 2 weeks.
I almost have enough hours to just go for my Commercial too.
We'll see what happens.
I'll update one of these days.
I'm sorry for that.
There's still nothing to talk about yet.
Xmas/New Years was good.
You were all there.
Going for my Instrument Rating in the next 2 weeks.
I almost have enough hours to just go for my Commercial too.
We'll see what happens.
I'll update one of these days.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Happy Holidays From Pittsburgh !
I'm in Pittsburgh for the holidays.
Should be back in the ATL on New Years Day.
I probably wont be making any posts between now and then.
Unless something crazy happens.
For all those in The Burgh, hit me up!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!
Should be back in the ATL on New Years Day.
I probably wont be making any posts between now and then.
Unless something crazy happens.
For all those in The Burgh, hit me up!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Home Again ... 217.1
17.0 hours.
8 Instrument Approaches.
12.3 hours in actual instrument conditions.
Pretty productive little trip.
We got back around 1030 last night.
we would have gotten back a little sooner, but Falcon was closed and we had to land at an airport a couple miles away.
Coming into Falcon they were calling for low visibility so we didn't expect to see the runway very easily.
When we were less than 5 miles away we still couldn't see the lights.
At 2 miles out we realized that the runway lights and beacon weren't on because the airport was closed.
Diverting to Newnan Airport added an extra hour onto our adventure.
So, to wrap up the week here is a list of all the states I've set foot in since a week ago....
Georgia
Mississippi
Arkansas
Oklahoma
Texas
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Massachusetts
New York
Virginia
Total number of flying hours: 35.1
It's a nice little jump right before Xmas.
8 Instrument Approaches.
12.3 hours in actual instrument conditions.
Pretty productive little trip.
We got back around 1030 last night.
we would have gotten back a little sooner, but Falcon was closed and we had to land at an airport a couple miles away.
Coming into Falcon they were calling for low visibility so we didn't expect to see the runway very easily.
When we were less than 5 miles away we still couldn't see the lights.
At 2 miles out we realized that the runway lights and beacon weren't on because the airport was closed.
Diverting to Newnan Airport added an extra hour onto our adventure.
So, to wrap up the week here is a list of all the states I've set foot in since a week ago....
Georgia
Mississippi
Arkansas
Oklahoma
Texas
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Massachusetts
New York
Virginia
Total number of flying hours: 35.1
It's a nice little jump right before Xmas.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
PS ... Track Me!
Today would be a good day to play around with FLIGHTAWARE.COM.
With me being in the air for a big chunk of the day you'll be able to follow me through out the day.
If you keep clicking the refresh button it should keep updating our location.
Check it out here.
With me being in the air for a big chunk of the day you'll be able to follow me through out the day.
If you keep clicking the refresh button it should keep updating our location.
Check it out here.
Boston/New York ... Homeward Bound
Updating from snowy Glens Fall, NY.
We stayed the night here for a meeting that is currently going on.
After Philly last night we made our 90 minute flight to Northern Boston.
On our way up we flew right over New York City.
To say the very, very least...it was breath taking....
It snuck up on me.
We were just off Philly and were trying to fix a problem with our flight plan and next thing we knew we were coming up on it.
There are 4 BIG airports right there so there was a lot of planes and a lot going on on the radios.
Our traffic warning GPS was going nuts.
I actually watched 1 plane fly under us by about 1000 feet (that's close).
I never thought to look for the Statue of Liberty.
I was too busy soaking it all in.
My Uncle said that I could probably count on 1 hand how many people at the flight school had the chance to fly over NYC.
It looked like the Matrix.
Once we were dead center of the city there was nothing but lights ALL around us.
Normally when you pass over a bigger city from up high, it doesn't appear all that big.
But NYC lives up to the title of largest city in the US.
Once in Boston there was ice all over the runway and we actually started sliding once we started to slow down.
I stepped out of the plane and it was like a ice rink.
While my Uncle went off to another meeting I hung out at the FBO and pretty much passed out on the best leather chair I've ever sat on.
After Boston we headed to where we are at now.
It was only an hour flight.
We did pick up some ice, and it was a bit turbulent but all in all it was a quick flight.
Landing here was no probably.
There's a ton of snow, but they did a lot better of a job clearing off the runway.
So....after this we will be making our way home.
We lucked out with a tailwind the entire way up here, but now it's time to fight the wind.
With a no wind situation it should be a 5 hour flight.
With the wind I have a feeling it's gonna be closer to 6-7.
There is a Pens game in Atlanta tonight.
Looks like I wont be making it!
I told myself that I'd go to both Pens games down here when I first moved here and I didn't get to go to either.
Weak.
Oh well.
I'll do a wrap up of the entire trip either tonight or tomorrow sometime.
Hour totals and all the states that I have set foot in...in the last week.
We stayed the night here for a meeting that is currently going on.
After Philly last night we made our 90 minute flight to Northern Boston.
On our way up we flew right over New York City.
To say the very, very least...it was breath taking....
It snuck up on me.
We were just off Philly and were trying to fix a problem with our flight plan and next thing we knew we were coming up on it.
There are 4 BIG airports right there so there was a lot of planes and a lot going on on the radios.
Our traffic warning GPS was going nuts.
I actually watched 1 plane fly under us by about 1000 feet (that's close).
I never thought to look for the Statue of Liberty.
I was too busy soaking it all in.
My Uncle said that I could probably count on 1 hand how many people at the flight school had the chance to fly over NYC.
It looked like the Matrix.
Once we were dead center of the city there was nothing but lights ALL around us.
Normally when you pass over a bigger city from up high, it doesn't appear all that big.
But NYC lives up to the title of largest city in the US.
Once in Boston there was ice all over the runway and we actually started sliding once we started to slow down.
I stepped out of the plane and it was like a ice rink.
While my Uncle went off to another meeting I hung out at the FBO and pretty much passed out on the best leather chair I've ever sat on.
After Boston we headed to where we are at now.
It was only an hour flight.
We did pick up some ice, and it was a bit turbulent but all in all it was a quick flight.
Landing here was no probably.
There's a ton of snow, but they did a lot better of a job clearing off the runway.
So....after this we will be making our way home.
We lucked out with a tailwind the entire way up here, but now it's time to fight the wind.
With a no wind situation it should be a 5 hour flight.
With the wind I have a feeling it's gonna be closer to 6-7.
There is a Pens game in Atlanta tonight.
Looks like I wont be making it!
I told myself that I'd go to both Pens games down here when I first moved here and I didn't get to go to either.
Weak.
Oh well.
I'll do a wrap up of the entire trip either tonight or tomorrow sometime.
Hour totals and all the states that I have set foot in...in the last week.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Track My Flights
I always forget to post about this.
But it's possible to track my flights any time I'm on a trip.
The website is called FLIGHTAWARE.COM.
For this trip the link can be found here.
But for future uses just go to the website and punch in the plane that I say I'm taking.
For instance I almost always fly N346MA.
So you would punch that into the area titled "tail number".
Bookmark that site and I'll put in my Twitter over there ---> which plane.
Word.
But it's possible to track my flights any time I'm on a trip.
The website is called FLIGHTAWARE.COM.
For this trip the link can be found here.
But for future uses just go to the website and punch in the plane that I say I'm taking.
For instance I almost always fly N346MA.
So you would punch that into the area titled "tail number".
Bookmark that site and I'll put in my Twitter over there ---> which plane.
Word.
Dirty Philly
Updating from the gross outskirts of Philadelphia.
Flew up to Pittsburgh last night and stayed the night.
Woke up this morning and flew to Mt. Holly, NJ.
It's only a couple miles from downtown Philly.
Uncle is up this area for business and wanted to throw me in the plane to get hours in the Twin Star.
Cant say enough good things about Twin Star.
Autopilot is a dream.
Especially in IMC conditions.
The plane flys itself so we can worry about ice, weather, radios, navigation.
It's like a 3rd pilot who doesn't get tired.
We got to park the plane in one of the hangars at Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Twin Star was a baby compared to some of the other planes.
The flight from Pittsburgh to Philly was quick.
We made it across the state of PA in about 90 minutes.
The wind was coming right behind us so it pushed us real good.
Getting into the airport here was pretty tricky.
The ceiling was really low and it took us 2 tries to get the runway.
The first time we saw the runway as we were passing over it.
We spun around and set up an approach to the opposite side.
We were just about to go missed again and we popped out of the clouds and saw the runway.
It was only a 4000 foot runway so we had to make it count.
Landed with no problem.
Now I am sitting here in the FBO (fixed based operations).
I got 4 hours to kill.
There is a chance we are flying to northern Massachusetts next but if not, we will be returning to Pittsburgh for the evening.
Flew up to Pittsburgh last night and stayed the night.
Woke up this morning and flew to Mt. Holly, NJ.
It's only a couple miles from downtown Philly.
Uncle is up this area for business and wanted to throw me in the plane to get hours in the Twin Star.
Cant say enough good things about Twin Star.
Autopilot is a dream.
Especially in IMC conditions.
The plane flys itself so we can worry about ice, weather, radios, navigation.
It's like a 3rd pilot who doesn't get tired.
We got to park the plane in one of the hangars at Pittsburgh International Airport.
The Twin Star was a baby compared to some of the other planes.
The flight from Pittsburgh to Philly was quick.
We made it across the state of PA in about 90 minutes.
The wind was coming right behind us so it pushed us real good.
Getting into the airport here was pretty tricky.
The ceiling was really low and it took us 2 tries to get the runway.
The first time we saw the runway as we were passing over it.
We spun around and set up an approach to the opposite side.
We were just about to go missed again and we popped out of the clouds and saw the runway.
It was only a 4000 foot runway so we had to make it count.
Landed with no problem.
Now I am sitting here in the FBO (fixed based operations).
I got 4 hours to kill.
There is a chance we are flying to northern Massachusetts next but if not, we will be returning to Pittsburgh for the evening.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Amarillo, TX Flight ... 200.1
We planned on leaving around 8AM Saturday morning, but we didn't leave the Earth until about 920.
There was a bunch of frost on the plane and Marcus was running a little late.
Once airborne things were fine.
We had a nasty headwind the ENTIRE way out to Amarillo.
Our average GS (ground speed) was about 80 knots!
Compare that to a no wind situation of about 110-120 knots.
It's like driving your car on a 70MPH highway at 40MPH.
A flight that should have taken just 7.5 hours, ended up taking us 10.
We ended up making 3 fuel stops.
Not one of the airports had winds less than 20 knots.
Luckily for us the wind was coming straight down the runways and never really had to do any crosswind landings.
We had stops in Oxford, MS..Mena, AR..and Chickasha, OK.
The weather wasn't too bad on the way out.
We had VFR on top conditions in Arkansas.
There was a spot of some pretty wicked turbulence by Mena, AR.
We were passing over a bunch of hills and mountains and we were throw about like crazy.
At one point I literally lifted out of the seat.
Once in TX we landed at Trade Winds Airport with 40 knot winds!
The plane was still trying to fly as we were unpacking it!
Ended up hanging out with my cousin for the evening and passed out.
Got up lazily the next day and slowly made our way to the airport.
After our goodbyes with Linz we took off in some more strong winds.
Going into the flight we knew there was going to be some cloudy conditions over the middle of our trip.
Luckily for us....that headwind that slowed us down on the way out....SHOVED us forward on the way home.
I don't have a picture of it yet, but Marcus took a picture of the GS at 190 knots!!!!
190 knots GS in a DA-20 is unheard of!
To say the least, we made some good time.
We stopped for fuel right before the cloud layers started.
We planned on pushing it and trying to get back home on 1 tank of fuel but we quickly realized we should play it safe.
As soon as the clouds started to break up we landed at Oxford, MS again for our 2nd and final fuel stop.
By then the sun started to set and we stayed under the clouds rather than above them.
This seemed to work out for the better.
That way we didn't have to be in any IFR conditions and we could still see where we were at at all times.
We had a decent GS of 130 knots from there on out.
We arrived back in Peachtree City just before the heavy clouds rolled in and we had the first smooth, no wind landing of the entire trip.
When it was all said and done we logged 18.1 hours.
10.0 on the way out and 8.1 on the way home.
And as you can tell from the title and my little Twitter over there --->
I have surpassed the 200 hour mark!
I now only need 50 more hours to go for my Commercial Certificates!
This trip exposed me to a lot of new flying experiences.
It indeed made me a better pilot.
So what did I learn of the whole experience...
Don't mess with Texas.
There was a bunch of frost on the plane and Marcus was running a little late.
Once airborne things were fine.
We had a nasty headwind the ENTIRE way out to Amarillo.
Our average GS (ground speed) was about 80 knots!
Compare that to a no wind situation of about 110-120 knots.
It's like driving your car on a 70MPH highway at 40MPH.
A flight that should have taken just 7.5 hours, ended up taking us 10.
We ended up making 3 fuel stops.
Not one of the airports had winds less than 20 knots.
Luckily for us the wind was coming straight down the runways and never really had to do any crosswind landings.
We had stops in Oxford, MS..Mena, AR..and Chickasha, OK.
The weather wasn't too bad on the way out.
We had VFR on top conditions in Arkansas.
There was a spot of some pretty wicked turbulence by Mena, AR.
We were passing over a bunch of hills and mountains and we were throw about like crazy.
At one point I literally lifted out of the seat.
Once in TX we landed at Trade Winds Airport with 40 knot winds!
The plane was still trying to fly as we were unpacking it!
Ended up hanging out with my cousin for the evening and passed out.
Got up lazily the next day and slowly made our way to the airport.
After our goodbyes with Linz we took off in some more strong winds.
Going into the flight we knew there was going to be some cloudy conditions over the middle of our trip.
Luckily for us....that headwind that slowed us down on the way out....SHOVED us forward on the way home.
I don't have a picture of it yet, but Marcus took a picture of the GS at 190 knots!!!!
190 knots GS in a DA-20 is unheard of!
To say the least, we made some good time.
We stopped for fuel right before the cloud layers started.
We planned on pushing it and trying to get back home on 1 tank of fuel but we quickly realized we should play it safe.
As soon as the clouds started to break up we landed at Oxford, MS again for our 2nd and final fuel stop.
By then the sun started to set and we stayed under the clouds rather than above them.
This seemed to work out for the better.
That way we didn't have to be in any IFR conditions and we could still see where we were at at all times.
We had a decent GS of 130 knots from there on out.
We arrived back in Peachtree City just before the heavy clouds rolled in and we had the first smooth, no wind landing of the entire trip.
When it was all said and done we logged 18.1 hours.
10.0 on the way out and 8.1 on the way home.
And as you can tell from the title and my little Twitter over there --->
I have surpassed the 200 hour mark!
I now only need 50 more hours to go for my Commercial Certificates!
This trip exposed me to a lot of new flying experiences.
It indeed made me a better pilot.
So what did I learn of the whole experience...
Don't mess with Texas.
Light Freezing WHAT?
| Forecast period: | 0100 to 0700 UTC 17 December 2008 |
| Forecast type: | FROM: standard forecast or significant change |
| Winds: | from the ENE (70 degrees) at 8 MPH (7 knots; 3.6 m/s) |
| Visibility: | 3 miles (5 km) |
| Ceiling: | 1000 feet AGL |
| Clouds: | overcast cloud deck at 1000 feet AGL |
| Weather: | PL -FZRABR (ice pellets, light freezing what?, rain, mist |
I like when I read the weather report for Pittsburgh and it says what?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Amarillo
Updating from Texas.
A 7.5 hour trip turned into a 12 hour flight.
Probably the longest flight of my aviation life, ever. I will never fly 12 hours again in 1 day again. Unless I'm flying a Delta airliner over to China.
The winds were close to 40 knots straight at us.
Tomorrow we should have the wind on our tail so we get home quicker. We will see.
I'm going to pass out now.
A 7.5 hour trip turned into a 12 hour flight.
Probably the longest flight of my aviation life, ever. I will never fly 12 hours again in 1 day again. Unless I'm flying a Delta airliner over to China.
The winds were close to 40 knots straight at us.
Tomorrow we should have the wind on our tail so we get home quicker. We will see.
I'm going to pass out now.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Amarillo Cross Country
I'm really bad at updating lately.
There's just nothing too exciting going on.
Instrument lessons aren't really explainable.
I could tell you all about my trip to Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving...
But 90% of the people that read this thing saw me!
I'll be going back up to Pittsburgh in less than 2 weeks for Christmas.
In the meantime....
I'm flying to Amarillo, TX tomorrow with my instructor, Marcus, to deliver Christmas presents and dinner to my cousin.
Sounds crazy right?
Nah, I need the hours and I'm getting the plane for a discounted rate.
Plus it'll be nice to get out of the house for the weekend and see LinZ.
We're probably only going to be there for a day but it should be fun.
The picture above is the path we will be flying.
A lot of people, including myself at first, thought that it was no further than Pittsburgh.
Well....
The 2 lines show otherwise.
The longer line is obviously to Amarillo.
But the smaller line is the distance from Atl to Pittsburgh!
It's almost an optical illusion looking at it.
Should be between 7.5-9.5 hours to get there.
LONNNNG DAY.
Some professional pilots don't even fly that long.
I'm looking forward to it now, but 6-7 hours in I'm gonna be screaming to get out of that Diamond.
I won't be taking my camera because of lack of room.
But I'll have my phone on my and might try to do some fancy things with it.
We'll see.
Update you guys tomorrow from Texas maybe!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Benny Bob & Phantom Episode 2 !
The Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 2 Part One from Deodorant on Vimeo.
Benny Bob and Phantom
This is part 1 of 2.
The conclusion should be up sometime next week.
I make a pretty funny appearance in it again.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Benny Bob & Phantom Episode 1 !
Benny Bob & Phantom Show Episode 1 from Deodorant on Vimeo.
http://bennybobandphantom.com/
Episode 1 is finally up!
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Slow Times
My Uncle went away for Thanksgiving.
My Instrument Instructor just got back from Miami.
Weather's been crappy.
Work's been picking up.
This has all been leading to another rut in my training.
I feel like the holidays are 2 little speed bumps slowing down the process.
I'm going to try really hard to have my Instrument done by Christmas.
After New Years I will buckle down and finish off everything else.
My goal is to still have everything done by May/June.
I've never really had a job where I look forward to going in.
Maybe it's because money.
Maybe it's because of the weather.
Maybe it's because I find myself bored more than usual.
But I guess it's nice not to loathe a job.
I could even see myself doing it part time once I'm an instructor.
Ah well.
I'll probably make a post from Pittsburgh this weekend.
I'll be there a couple days for deer slaying with my Pops.
I've been lacking on the pictures lately because it's pretty ugly down here.
Like I said before, grass turns brown, leaves fall off.
Nothing to really capture down here.
Maybe I'll get some new things up in the 'Burgh.
My Instrument Instructor just got back from Miami.
Weather's been crappy.
Work's been picking up.
This has all been leading to another rut in my training.
I feel like the holidays are 2 little speed bumps slowing down the process.
I'm going to try really hard to have my Instrument done by Christmas.
After New Years I will buckle down and finish off everything else.
My goal is to still have everything done by May/June.
I've never really had a job where I look forward to going in.
Maybe it's because money.
Maybe it's because of the weather.
Maybe it's because I find myself bored more than usual.
But I guess it's nice not to loathe a job.
I could even see myself doing it part time once I'm an instructor.
Ah well.
I'll probably make a post from Pittsburgh this weekend.
I'll be there a couple days for deer slaying with my Pops.
I've been lacking on the pictures lately because it's pretty ugly down here.
Like I said before, grass turns brown, leaves fall off.
Nothing to really capture down here.
Maybe I'll get some new things up in the 'Burgh.
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