Friends, Food, & Flight...what more do you need?

During our training, we'd always hear about the immortalized 100$ Cheeseburger. This, of course, is referring to flying to some remote airport, and enjoying a tasty treat. The burger is a few bucks, but getting there...priceless! I'd been dying to do this very thing with my work mates since beginning my training. Last week we finally got the chance to do just that!

Our plan was fly to Beaufort, a nice little coastal town near Moorehead City. We heard the "Sandbar" was a good pick and close by. Originally set for Friday lunch, the weather simply didn't clear out in time. Sooo we postponed to Saturday and the weather was clear and perfect!

Up for the short hop & promising seafood were Emil & Ty.

Profile: Emil "I don't do crazy" Sanchez
-Emil's always up for a fun trip, as long as it doesn't envolve a gas station!
Duties - Eat food, have fun, take pictures, nuff said...

Favorite Manuever - The "rollercoaster"!

Profile: Ty "No touchscreen" Riser
-Ty's recently been biten by the flight bug!

- I have a funny feeling he wants a touchscreen phone from Santa (T-mobile letting him down).

Duties - Eat Food, have fun, help fly dis hear airplane, and test PIC's skills with (or rather without) flaps.

Favorite Manuever - No flaps landings

Weather was cool & fantastic, and we'd have a tailwind going down. It would be a quick 28min flight once airborne. The route (PGV-MRH) promised a nice view going over the huge Nuese River, along with overflying New Bern, Cherry point, and of course the NC coast at Beaufort. We soon found it didn't dissappoint!


Our vehicle of choice would be the Diamond DA-40 today. Ty flew in the DA-20 with friend Bob, and now he'd get to experience the big brother with a glass cockpit. The usual preflight succesfully completed, and the fuel was plentifull but not past the 35g for weight & balance limits. I headed back inside to find Emil & Ty ready to go. Inside, the engine roared to life quickly...one of the things the DA-40 does far better than the 20 on a cold day. (They spent 10 min trying to get the 20 started during my preflight). Moments later we were departing RWY 02.

I've noticed this plane really wants to get off the ground...which is usually normal in the colder months, but for the 40 it's occuring too soon airspeed wise! I have to force her to stay on the ground, else if I let her come right up, the stall horn immediatly goes off, and I have to perform the 'ol soft field method of holding her in ground effect. (So now that's just what I do each time).Other than that she's flying just fine.

We have a bit of low level chop, that hangs around even at 3500'. I get flight following, and the sightseeing begins. The landscape is the typical shades of winter, but you won't find any white stuff here. We might see a white Christmas once in a 12 year span. Soon we find ourselves nearing the river, and close to New Bern. Ah, a much nicer view than the dreary landscape before. We can see plenty of people tooling around on their boats, enjoying the non-typical 53°F warmth.

We soon see a huge highway clover and bridge system. I don't even wanna think how much that cost the taxpayers. Still it looks quite nice from up here. By now most of the light turbulence subsided, and cherry point was kindly pointing out the occasional traffic.

10 NM from Beaufort, Cherry Point gave us clearance to decend through their airspace. Though we didn't get a pic going in, we have a nice one of Cherry Point going out. MRH airport reminds me allot of Manteo, in that it looms on the edge of land stretching out to the sea (or sound). It's never really intimidated me to see the edge of the runway so close to the water. (A good pic comes later).

An Aztec is on long final for 08, which wouldn't have been my first pick (winds varied from 340 to 020). Still winds are light, so I don't mind a slight crosswind. I'm blown closer to the runway in the downwind than I'd like, so I abandon the square base to final, and circle it around. I don't compensate enough for the wind, and I'm a bit right on final. No problem, as I get her back on track (I remeber not to correct to much and too quickly.) I had flaps to T/O and give Ty the word to "give me full flaps". Normally I'd handle that duty directly, but uh, Ty has long legs and it's between then on the panel! I feel the plane settle, which was strange...I didn't know if the wind had changed or what. I increased power to stabilize the decent. I notice my airspeed...100k! WHOA, WTH! At this bank, with those flaps, I shouldn't be PICKING UP SPEED! Yet I was. "Crud I'm way to fast" I announce over the comm. Near the threshold throtlle cut, I was still at 90k...15k too fast. I simply hold her off...slowly bleeding airspeed, and at half the runway I touchdown. Somewhat firm, but not bad. It's then I go to retract flaps, and notice the problem during approach...they were fully up! I had failed to visually check the flap position...normally I look right after I set them. In this case, my flow didn't happen, because I asked for it to be done. I cannot fault Ty for my lack of proper flap instructions, but he indeed cleaned up the flaps instead of switching to full. OMG I couldn't believe I just did a no flaps landing! Even with crosswind I at least have the first stage of flaps (T/O - 15°). It certainly explained the excessive speed!

Whilst I was getting over that, the FBO was ready for me and guided us to the parking. We'd pick up 10gal of fuel to avoid the 15$ landing fee. We get instructions on how to walk to the Sandbar Restaurant, and we quickly realize...this isn't the short walk he mentioned over the phone. It takes us 25min to walk there, most of which involves walking around the airport. A few stray dogs tagged along, hoping for a treat. After passing a lot of huge sailing vessels, the sign for the Sandbar looms.

They obviously have an artist in the family, as the sign, ceiling, bathroom doors, etc...were all painted in vivid colors. Almost with an aggressive brush, paintings of everything from the sea life, to tiki images loomed. This place certainly had character, but was the food as good as our buddy Dave said it would be? Ah indeed it was. Ty ordered a couple rounds of oysters as appetizers. I had to refrain, as my stomach & head remembered the last time I chugged down oysters. Ty & Emil were lovin' 'em though!

We had a very nice view of the harbour as sat. We all ordered some form of seafood platter, and the waiter, whom also looked like the owner, was very quick and friendly. The winds had changed and now the planes approach took them right over and beside the restaurant. Apart from the roar of planes to and fro, it was a very quiet scene. Our dishes arrived quickly, and the food...awesome! Dave didn't let us down! I could barely eat all my shrimp and scallops! Thumbs up from all the guys! Ty ended up being sneaky, and grabbin' the tab inside! Someone get this guy a touchscreen phone! He deserves it!

Alas, time to head out. After dismissing the long wait for a taxi, we walked back. On our way around the airport taxiways, one guy in a mooney was zooming around! He must have been in a major hurry...any faster, and he could have lifted off the taxiway!

I grabbed the fuel receipt, checked the fuel (which didn't seem like they added the 5gal to the right wing). I dismissed it, as we still had 28gal total. Soon after we were up in the wild blue again. Before turning home, I decided to climb and go out over the coast and check out the view. It was really a nice site. Emil, as always, snapped some nice pics!

<--(Up the Nuese River) (A nice view of Beaufort & the Airport)-->



Flying back at 4500' was far smoother. Ty has some helo flight experience, so after a quick breafing on the G1000, controls, and the trim was set, I handed over the controls. After a few minutes of getting the feel for her, he was flying pretty well. Altitude was maintained well, and if he was getting off the GPS track, he'd intercept nicely.

Soon we were near PGV and a few other Diamonds were buzzing around. I came in nicely, ensuring that the flaps were correct this time around. I was after a nice greaser, and ended up being about a foot off the runway when she began to stall. Dang, not what I was hoping for...a minor hop. Ah well. I put it out of my mind as I still make the first turn-off back to the FBO. I always mourn pulling up to the parking...the time was short 1.4 hour on the tach, 1.7 on the hobbs. As always, it's not a question of when do I WANT to fly again, but when do I have the FUNDS to fly again. In this case, much thanks go to Emil & Ty for helping pay their share of flight costs!!

Everyone seems to leave happy, as Ty talks of flyin' to Fayetteville. It's always nice to leave with smiles, and talks of them beginning their journey to become pilots themselves!

(Photos courtesy of Emil Sanchez! Thanks man!)

The Coastal NC Tour!

The point of going somewhere, is not the destination, but the journey itself. I'm not sure who first coined that phrase, but it certainly holds true in my book! You certainly don't have to twist my arm to fly either!

This go round, I wanted to fly along the beautifull NC coast, and take in sights. As I rarely like going it alone, I had my amigo Emil, and daughter Maggie along with me! Emil had mentioned he really hadn't been to any museums, so First Flight (Kill Devil Hills) would certainly be the first stop! After that we'd take off down the coast, as pass over several light houses, including the most infamous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! So there are some GREAT pics in this blog! (BTW you can click for the big versions!)

Initially I planned to take the two seater DA-20, but they called and said there had been a "prop" incident. Before my mind could imagine possible horrors, they immediatly said it involved digging into a soft field! Oh my, don't they know an airplane is a horrible lawnmower?
They said the DA-40 was available, and would let me rent it at the DA-20 prices! REALLY! Awesome! That meant more people could join in the fun! Unfortunetly, they filled up both tanks (40 gallons! OMG!) and that meant 3 adults and one child would be 50lbs over gross! Dang. When I called them back to try and get the tanks drained, they said they were heading out to repair the DA-20 and wouldn't be around. Well, looks like someone was staying behind, and that ended up being Meg. Shoot...I really wanted everyone to go, but Meg was still feeling sick anyhow.

At a cool 65° I headed out to the airport. It was 2:45 when Emil arrived, and witnessed the last of the pre-flight. "Nice plane" he chipped. I couldn't agree more! I pointed out the control surfaces, and gave him a quick overview of their function. He'd never been in a small GA plane before, yet he didn't look nervous at all! Hmmm we'll see :P.

The preflight was done, and right as I said "All we have to wait for now is Mag..." there they were at the gate. Right on time! I helped Maggie get situated. They really don't make visibility good for the little ones. I had to have her sit on her backpack. Putting on her headset, I was happy to see she was exited. I was worried that after doing this once, that she'd not be as interested. Emil hoped in, and I was reminded how the few inches of side-to-side space really make a difference. Meg watches on as I bring down the rear side canopy and hop in myself. Winds were favoring 26, so I knew she wouldn't get to see us take-off.

What sometimes takes a while, ok seems forever, is the rest of the stuff between starting her up, and actually flying. The DA-40 has more things to check out than it's little brother. Still we're through the run-up, called and activated the flight plan, and we're set for flight!


We're about 300' up when Emil gives his characteristic "Woah!" followed by "this is nice!" Flaps up, prop to 2400RPM, and we're off on the first leg of our journey to FFA (First Flight). By the time we get to 5500', we're behind by a mere 2 minutes. No problem, this puppy can cruise around 130k (though I recal 135-140?). Not allot to see untill we reach the edge of of Albemarle Sound. No autopilot in this one, so Emil handles taking the shots.



The next leg hangs out on the right land side of the sound, and offers up a great view. I snap a picture of the glass cockpit right before I change headings. The winds gave a light tailwind and virtually free of turbulence! YAY High Pressure! With things all trimed up I take a few shots of my fellow crew!

Crew : Maggie Crowell aka "Trooper"

Responsibilities: Identify and relay all ground visuals to the PIC. Also reads stories after the sun goes down. Reminds the PIC that he could be making better time, as we're hardly ever "there yet."

Favorite Manuever: The "rollercoaster", a steep climb pullin a few G's, followed by an immediate -G dive. She can't get enough of 'em!

Crew: Emil Sanchez

Responsibilities: Enjoy the view, not get sick, remind the PIC he needs a G1000 refresher as it's apparent I don't know but 1/4 of it's features! (Still don't know how to get XM radio working!) Finally learn how to fly this here airplane!

Favorite Manuever: The "rollercoaster" of course!

Now back to the trip commentary. We were around 30 NM away from the coastline, and we could see it quite clearly. A mere 15 minutes and we'll be there. Flying, IMHO, is hugely enjoyable...then adding to the fact that you don't have snake and wind through roads to get to your destination. A drive that took 2hrs 15min, will take us 40min tops. I begin throttling down, and setting the prop back to decend back down to 1500'.

We arrive at FFA and while I'm used to seeing a decent amount of traffic, there was none. Winds were again calm, so go with the historical wind data, and setup for RWY 20. As we turn into the downwind leg, Emil takes a GREAT shot of the monument.

I'm still getting used to operating a constant speed prop, versus the fixed pitch I'm used to. Transitioning back to full prop (rpm) takes a little more time, and I'm not quite "ahead" of the airplane. Once I slow her down, and do all that, I'm usually back on track. Landings usually make first time passengers a little nervous, as their not used to pearing down at the runway. Still, Emil showed no concern, and I give my lovely crew a nice squeky landing! Always a good thing, especially when in a plane I don't fly as much.

We taxi up to the parking area, and find two powered gliders prepping their gliders for flight. While I certainly think their neat, I just wouldn't want to go up in one. Not enough, um, frame around me I guess. Though I'm sure that's the whole point. We were half-way up the monument walk when one took off. From my point of view they were pitching pretty darn high for a while, I was quite impressed actually.



We took in the sites, and ended up diverting to the museum, as it was closing at 5PM. We had 15 minutes, but it gave me enough time to buy some trinkets for Maggie and the Misses. WOOT! Refrigerator magnets, she'll love those! LOL Hmm maybe I should get a T-Shirt too! Maggie picked out a book and a magnet, and we went to catch up with Emil.

We check out the Wright Flyer replica, which never gets old. Emil mentioned they had some serious cahones (sp?), to do what they did. Indeed, as what goes up, must come down...how one comes down can mean another day, or sadly meeting one's maker. Thankfully neither of them met any demise that December day, and gave us all wings. To this day, I always remember, Take-offs are optional, landings are mandatory. (Rule #2 on the W.A.R. list :)

Sadly the park begins to close, but that doesn't stop Maggie from running down the first three landing points. It'd be nice to have her energy. It's a long walk back, and one of the park rangers try and tell us we need to go the other way. "We flew in Sir!" "Oh, ok...nevermind" You'd think they'd be more used to that.

Back in the plane! "da plane, da plane!" This time, after a quick review with Emil, we plan for his first Take off! Always a cool moment! I man the rudder and throttle, and do a short field launch. I give him the word and he begins lightly pulling back! WOOT! We're smoothly off the ground, and as he notices, he pulls back more quickly. I quickly tell him to push forward, get the nose down, and make sure he doesn't pull back more. After he lets it down, I remind him I did the same thing my first time. Ahhh it seems so long ago. As my instructor did, I tell him to keep the nose at the horizon, and we continue to climb. (NOTE to those picky pilots out there: It's understood Vy is such that requires a higher pitch, and keeping it at horizon creates airspeed > than Vy, but it's a good first training method). I ask him to give me a turn to the right...oh ok my other right is fine too! It was all good. I'll have to ask him to put his 2c on the whole thing for us!

Next we fly over coastal shores, at a mere 2000' feet. I'd love to fly lower, but much of the area is protected national seashore parks. (FAA requires overflying of parks to be 2000' above ground level.) The view was fantastic, as I skate back and forth of each side of the islands. We come up on our first lighthouse on Bodie Island. Smartley enough, it carries the same name of the island. Even from 5 miles away we can see it's distinctive and straight black & white stripes.

On our way to Cape Hatteras, I asked Maggie if she was ready for a "roller coaster!" She squelled with a prompt "Yes daddie, I want roller coaster ride!" I turn to Emil, and you could tell he was a little concerned about this manuever! I turn to him and tell him to pucker up and get ready. I get the plane set up for manuevers, and woosh, full throttle as I pitch up. You feel the G-forces plant you in the seat, and then I pitch over, and pull the throttle...you feel your stomach move up as your dair'iar becomes light. "Weee, that was fun daddie! Do it again!" I look at Emil "That was wild man!" I do another one, pitching up a little harder, and down a little more. Maggie's just squeling with joy! I give everyone's body a chance to recover, and the plane as well. I must be getting more consistent with it, as she was back to cruise airspeed and altitue quickly. I ask everyone if they're ready for a real good one. Emil laughs and says "uh, sure". "Ok, now this one's really gonna get yur butt off the seat. I smoothly pull up to high pitch, and push over harder and faster, keeping the throttle in a little longer. Wooosh, up our butts go feeling some good negative Gs. Even the keys float up! Emil's eyes were wider than I've ever seen as he grabs the dash! The last one for the night, leaves everyone happy!


Finally, the cou'de gra, Cape Hatteras! Still at 2000' I did a slow 360° manuever around it. Smartly using the zoom, Emil grabbed a fantastic shot of it's new home. The last time I saw it, it was still on the beach front! I think that was back in '97! I think they began moving it, amazingly so, back in '99 and took them just a few weeks to do it!

It was getting late, and the sun began to set. While initialy we wanted to get back earlier so we could have a nice view of the land, it gave us the most beautiful view of all. As it softly set, you could really see it reflect off the ocean. It was a really cool unique way to see the day end.

After the sun set, it was relatively quiet, and the air was really cool. I had to turn on the heat for the first time! Within 20 minutes we're overflying washington, and decending down for Greenville. I click on the lights, and enter downwind for 20. I notice the lights seem "dimmer" than I'm used to. I usually turn them down to medium on final, but they were still dim. The runway seemed much less visible, as I flare late and WEE a bounce...AIEEEE DANG! I get the nose level, then reset the flare, and land firmly. (After shutdown, I realized what my problem was, I had left my sunglasses on! DOH! Hmm, must add that to landing checklist..take off stupid sunglasses!)

We taxi back, and perform the sad duty of shutting down the plane. 2.6 hours of x-c flight time added to the log, and a buckefull of memories to go along with it. The journey never fails to do that! We took some video too, so hopefully I'll have something put together early next week! Thanks again to my awesome and willing crew; Emil & Maggie! I hope you had as much fun as I did!