Our first $100 brunch in quite some time

Plane: Cessna 172
Route: 40I-BAK-40I
Weather - 40I: Scattered clouds, 60 degrees, wind 300 degrees at 8 knots
Weather - BAK: Scattered clouds, 62 degrees, wind 330 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 15

Not that I'm complaining, as we've had quite the cross-things-off-the-bucket-list year, but Gina and I haven't hopped into an airplane to fly somewhere and share a meal in a long time. January 1st, specifically. And if you're not counting that annual local breakfast tradition or fly-in BBQs it's been something like three years. Yikes! I certainly don't know where all that time went.

Back home in Dayton - briefly, at least - I'm doing everything I can to take advantage of some seriously spectacular fall weather. I've often said that September and October are the finest flying to be had in these parts and 2015 is shaping up to be one of the best since I was finishing up my PPL back in 2008. Gina had to work at the airport this afternoon so I booked the 172 for a morning brunch flight. I first ventured to Columbus, IN just over two years ago with my sister and her boyfriend and thought today was a great time for a return trip with my better half.

It was a beautiful day to fly!

Piloting - I do still like our new Halo headsets

Passing just south of Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport (MGY)

Climbing above the clouds enroute to Indiana

We departed to the west, foregoing flight following for a change and tracking slightly north of a direct course to remain clear of Cincinnati's Class B airspace. One of the skydive planes out of Middletown was ascending into their drop zone; I spotted him as we climbed around some of the scattered clouds on our way to our initial cruise altitude of 4,500 feet.

A small cemetery tucked in amongst farmland in Palestine, IN

Approaching Brookville Reservoir 

About halfway there the clouds started to inch higher so we descended to remain clear. They were scattered enough that I could have climbed above but I didn't feel it was worth it to slow down to climb 2,000 or 4,000 feet only to have to descend again in less than 50 miles. So we endured the light bumps as we scooted towards Columbus Municipal Airport.

Now down level at about 3,000 feet to stay below the clouds

Lake Santee in Decatur County, IN

Downtown Indianapolis from about 40 miles away

As we approached BAK's Class D airspace and I went to call the tower, my push-to-talk (PTT) switch suddenly decided not to cooperate. For a brief second, I thought we may have to turn back for home - I actually started to turn south to remain clear of the airspace when the PTT suddenly came back to life and I was able to make my radio call. Normally I carry a handheld radio in case of such issues, but I temporarily loaned it to a friend. Go figure.

Comfortably in contact with the controller, I was cleared to land behind a Piper Meridian. He was on a long straight-in final to Runway 23 so I turned right for a very short downwind before turning base and final to follow him in. We touched down softly in gusty, direct crosswinds and taxied to the ramp.

Our trusty 172 on the ramp upon arrival at BAK

They've been remodeling the terminal - new signage and everything!

I love the old look of the control tower in Columbus

It really was a beautiful fall afternoon - bright, white, fluffy clouds set against a brilliant blue sky. We enjoyed the view of the ramp and the local traffic while waiting for our food. A USMC C-130 landed and picked up a group of Marines who entered and grabbed a quick meal (copious quantities of cheese fries, if you're curious) while we were there.

I had a rather healthy meal myself; a Skyhawk Pie - sausage, green peppers, onions and cheese covered in sausage gravy over potatoes with two basted eggs on top. Being Sunday, I almost went for their one-day-a-week fried chicken special, but the breakfast foods won out this time. Gina had slightly better self-control and enjoyed a similar layered feast with many more veggies, sans meat. It's definitely diner fare but I still really enjoy the menu at Blackerby's Hangar 5. You should consider a flight to BAK if you're in search of a $100 hamburger destination.

Cruising home from brunch

Sparse cloud cover between Columbus and Dayton

One of the more wooded sections of SE Indiana

Passing over Brookville Reservoir again, now with no cloud cover

We departed around 1pm into a still-gusty crosswind. The clouds had cleared considerably since the outbound leg and the return was a little smoother. I deviated slightly north partway home in order to snap a photo of Oxford and Miami University.

The campus of Miami University in Oxford, OH

Nearly back to Stewart after a nice Sunday flight with the wife

Approaching Stewart, I entered the pattern from the SW on a 45 degree entry to a left downwind for Runway 26. The airport was hopping like one would expect on such a nice day; I think we sequenced in between a taildragger or two of some sort. We crossed the treeline on the east side of the field, set down softly on the green grass, and taxied back to the tiedown.

All in all, this was certainly not the worst way to spend a splendid Sunday!

Flight Track: Google Earth KMZ File 
Today's Flight: 2.1 hours
Total Time: 335.6 hours

Good for two more years - my first BFR

Plane: Cub, 85 hp 
Instructor: Mike
Route: 40I, Local 
Weather: Scattered clouds, 81 degrees, wind 260 degrees at 7 knots

Believe it or not, I've been a licensed pilot for nearly 7 years and have never completed a Biennial Flight Review (BFR). Before you go calling the FAA let me clarify that I only mean a BFR in the traditional sense. You see, until now, I've always extended my PIC currency through seminars, courses, and flight training logged within the FAA WINGS program.

It goes without saying that this has been a hectic year and I haven't been flying as much as I used to. My infrequent blog posting schedule (sorry!) is certainly a testament to that. Between house projects, work travel, and our own vacations I simply haven't been home all that much; I've already flown about 65,000 miles this year.

What's the point of this anyway? In short, the FAA requires all pilots to complete a review with a CFI covering both ground (knowledge) and flying elements every two years. Personally, I needed a BFR by the end of August and today was the day to make it happen.

Although I've known him for years, today was my first flight with Mike as the guy in the front seat. We started the review on the ground, discussing airspace, cloud clearances, charts, and certification requirements before completing a full weight and balance for the Cub. It was a casual conversation but we covered a range of things over roughly an hour in the office.

He had a chat with a prospective student while I walked outside and preflighted the airplane. Having not flown much lately, I took my time to make sure I looked everything extra-thoroughly. Then Mike walked over, propped the engine to life, and I took off from Runway 26.

S-Turns are still one of my favorite reasons to record GPS tracks

In the air, we ran through most of the basic maneuvers. I climbed over the lake then leveled and put the plane into slow flight, putzing along at about 40 mph. After a few gentle turns, I pulled the stick back to my chest and did a couple stalls. Then we flew north and I did S-Turns along a road - I hadn't done any in a while and it's always good to practice ground reference maneuvers.

He pulled the power (somewhat unexpectedly - I've clearly lost the primary student's mindset of constantly expecting the CFI to simulate an engine failure over the years!) and I spotted a field below, put the plane into a full-on forward slip to lose altitude and speed. I would have been able to touch down on the east side, leaving more than enough room for a safe landing. Mike was satisfied and had me go around when we were still a few hundred feet up.

Back in the pattern, the Hobbs meter said we hadn't flown quite as long we thought so I made a few circuits; Mike had me do a short field and soft field takeoff and landing. On my own accord, I went around (never a bad thing to practice) prior to my final landing - a pretty soft and short touchdown in the modest headwind blowing straight down the runway.

All told we spent a couple hours between the ground and sky. While I somewhat prefer the additional education and time spent working towards completing a phase of WINGS, today was still a good all-around refresher. Most importantly, I'm fully qualified and current to fly for the next two years - provided I keep current with my takeoffs and landings, of course.

Flight Track: Google Earth KMZ File 
Today's Flight: 1.0 hours
Total Time: 333.5 hours

I still remember how to fly a plane!

Plane: Cub, 65 hp 
Route: 40I, Local 
Weather: Scattered clouds, 74 degrees, wind 360 degrees at 11-12 knots

We returned home from our amazing vacation this past weekend and, amongst many other things on my welcome-back-to-reality checklist, I didn't exactly want to let my currency expire. I kept looking out the window at work this afternoon since it was downright beautiful outside; I called Stewart when I left the office and snagged an hour in the Cub.

It was a little windy down at my favorite grass strip but I figured that would just enhance the knocking-off-the-rust experience. I did a more thorough preflight than usual to ensure I didn't forget anything then Jamie came over and to give me a prop. Having flown earlier in the day, one swing of the blade it all it took to bring her to life.

As I took off the wind was a nearly direct crosswind. Ailerons into the wind, stick forward as I pushed in the throttle and began the takeoff roll. That first liftoff was decent and the airplane quickly weathervaned into the wind as I climbed away. With skydivers jumping, I continued straight out until crossing the road west of the field before turning crosswind.

It's rather difficult to dislike this view

My first landing, frankly, felt about like you'd expect your first landing in two months. Safe but not completely coordinated; I don't think I bounced, though. It also felt like tailwheel was a bit more willing to break loose compared to the big Cub so my feet were doing some extra dancing on the rudder pedals.

The next takeoff was better and the landing was downright perfect. The right wheel touched first as it should but all three grazed the grass so smoothly there was no clear transition from flying to rolling on the turf. I made one more circuit and both takeoff and landing were again very good. Three up, three down - I called it a success and headed home.

One final thought related to our aforementioned trip, which I posted on Facebook after I got home this evening. While there are very many things I love about very many countries, ours is the only one where you can so easily enjoy the magic of personal flight. Today was a perfect day to hop back into the pilot's seat after two months spent as a mere passenger.

Today's Flight: 0.5 hours
Total Time: 332.5 hours

A scenic flight over the Southern Alps from Milford Sound

Plane: Cessna 208 Caravan 
Route: NZMF-NZQN
Weather: Clear, 45 degrees, wind 270 degrees at 3 knots

After yesterday's awesome hang gliding experience, we headed off on another breathtakingly scenic adventure this morning. Pretty much everyone recommends visiting Milford Sound (it's often called the 8th Wonder of the World for good reason) if you make it to New Zealand and having now been there, I certainly agree.  We spent the day on a great combination trip (drive out, boat cruise, fly back) with the highly-rated BBQ Bus tour company.

Since this blog is centered around flying, I'll focus more on that portion of the trip. But I can't completely ignore the beautiful four-hour drive from Queenstown to Milford sound via Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, and the Homer Tunnel. As you can see below, the drive itself has its fair share of amazing sights and the boat cruise in Milford Sound was equally stunning. We had a great lunch on the boat and spent nearly two hours on the fjord in total.

Driving into Fiordland National Park after leaving Te Anau

Stopped in the Eglinton Valley in Fiordland National Park

Milford Sound

The mouth of Milford Sound where it meets the Tasman Sea

Seals sunning on the rocks in Milford Sound

Stirling Falls

Cruising in Milford Sound - looking southeast

Cruising in Milford Sound - looking northwest

Cruising in Milford Sound - looking southeast

Lady Bowen Falls

After we returned to the marina following the cruise, we hopped a bus for the very short ride to the airport. Compared to the 4+ hour drive out, it's only 35-40 minutes back to Queenstown via airplane. The two pilots, who we had met while waiting for the bus at the marina, instructed everyone where to sit and all nine of us quickly boarded the C-208. I got lucky and was seated in the front-left seat, directly behind Air Milford's chief pilot, who did the flying today.

Within a couple minutes, we were taxiing to the end of the runway, number three for takeoff behind a two other planes. The pilot pushed the throttle in and the PT6A roared to life; we rumbled down the runway and lifted off, initially climbing northeast over the fjord. Besides the views outside, I enjoyed the very-different-from-Ohio views on the Garmin's terrain map.

I kind of wish we still called them aeroplanes on this side of the pond

We had a short taxi behind two other planes

Taking off from Runway 29 at Milford Sound Airport

Climbing over Milford Sound

Circling - continuing straight would have been a bad idea, obviously

Climbing over Milford Sound before flying over the mountains

Looking southeast towards the end of the fjord 

There is much cumulogranite to be avoided on that map!

Lady Bowen Falls from above

Cruise boat terminal at the end of the fjord

Climbing over top of Milford Sound Airport

We circled, gaining altitude and looking down upon Milford Sound, before heading into the mountains. I can't even begin to try naming all the peaks and valleys but, no matter where you turned to look, the view was marvelous. It didn't take long to appreciate having a turbine driving the propeller up front, either, considering the sheer amount of cumulogranite surrounding us for basically the entire flight.

Still a tad more terrain than Ohio but safely above enough of it

Climbing over the Arthur River

Sutherland Falls - the tallest in Fiordland

For the most part, the flight was surprisingly smooth - especially considering the terrain. We hit a few good bumps when we crossed over to the lee side of the Southern Alps but they didn't seem to bother anyone on board. At one point, we flew directly over the valley and road we took into the park this morning near Lake Gunn.

Looking south over Lake Te Anau

Looking north over Lake Gunn and Lake Fergus

Lake McKellar

Greenstone River

Leaving the Southern Alps behind, we turned south over Lake Wakatipu near Glenorchy. The perfectly clear, blue skies yielded incredible visibility in the crisp winter air. I quickly spotted the little aerodrome where we went hang gliding yesterday. The lake was calm, reflecting the mountains behind as if it were a perfect mirror. It was remarkable.

Lake Wakatipu

Glenorchy Aerodrome, where we went hang gliding yesterday

Mount Crichton and the Queenstown to Glenorchy road

Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown to Glenorchy road

Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown to Glenorchy road

Farmers were burning off some crops or grasses on the south shore of the lake and the smoke somewhat obscured the vivid blue waters as it drifted northeast towards Queenstown. We saw the same thing yesterday when driving back from Glenorchy so it was quite interesting to gain the aerial perspective this afternoon. Approaching town, I spotted our hotel on the west side as we continued descending towards the airport.

Looking east towards Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu

Flying over the south shore of Lake Wakatipu

Queenstown from across Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu south of Queenstown

As we made our way east towards the airport I spotted some other places we visited yesterday, including Bob's Cove. We stopped and hiked down the gravel path to a striking, calm, secluded bay on the north side of the lake. Continuing east, we were able to see to the southern end of Lake Wakatipu at Kingston, which we drove through on State Highway 6 this morning.

Queenstown Airport (NZQN)

The airport sits east of the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu

Turning final for Runway 14 at NZQN

Short final in the Cessna 208 Caravan

Back in the hangar after an awesome scenic flight

Our final approach was very smooth, circling around from the south to east to north to line up for Runway 14. The stall horn was sounding just as the pilot flared and brought the Caravan down on the asphalt for an extremely soft landing. We taxied over to Air Milford's hangar, climbed down, and chatted briefly in the office before a short van ride back to our hotel.

I took tons of photos but they truly do no justice to the sheer natural beauty you experience in person. On the one hand, the short flight absolutely beat a long drive back - and the perspective it provided was second to none. On the other hand, I could have stayed up there all day surrounded by the stunning beauty. I'd definitely make some room for this on your bucket list.