Flight Planning

This dates back many years, to March 1989. I was transporting a heart for transplant, together with a doctor and nurse, from the southwest of England to Papworth Hospital near Cambridge. Because it was the middle of the night, the only open runway nearby was a USAF Alconbury. As I approached, I was asked a […]

Pull the mixture or condition lever and the propeller comes to a stop. Turn off the switches and what had been saturated with noise and vibration becomes still and quiet. After removing your headset and while sitting in the momentary silence that follows a flight, perhaps you’ll hear the engine ticking as heat dissipates. It’s […]

I was tuned to Indy Center yesterday and heard this exchange with a plane on flight following: Indy Center:“Cessna 12345, contact Indy Center on 124.62.” Cessna 12345:“Can I have something that doesn’t end in a ‘2’ or a ‘7’?” Indy Center:“What was that request?” Cessna 12345:“Can I have a frequency doesn’t end in a ‘2’ […]

In their older years, my parents were cheapskates. When I visited them in their Southern Texas retirement community, they always were delighted to share their favorite places, those with senior discounts, dollar-breakfast specials and cheap all-you-can-eat buffets. The same proved true when buying unleaded: I thought it odd they would drive six miles round-trip to […]

A reader of IFR Refresher recently inquired about the ATC/Pilot relationship for departures from airports in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace—specifically executing these clearances, and ATC’s expectations of how that aircraft will maneuver. Hailing from an en-route center where mountainous terrain dominates and TRACONS are scarce, I frequently encounter situations where aircraft request departure off one […]

On a flight from Panama City, Florida to Asheville, North Carolina, I heard ATC asking another aircraft if his transponder was on — to which the reply was: “We’re putting quarters in the slot now.” Ray Mansfield

Many years ago, as a student pilot sitting on the ramp at Kansas City Downtown Airport, I was in the plane with my instructor listing to “information whiskey” on the ATIS recording when we heard a high-pitched squeal followed by laughter on the tape. My instructor turned to me and said:“Sounds like there’s a little […]

I remember my first flight as left-seater in a TAA (technically advanced aircraft). Too. Many. Buttons. And each switch, knob and button had multiple roles, depending on my stage of flight and the information I wanted to pull up or program into it. And harmony? Well, other than the integrated glass panels available on then-new […]

Recently, on flight following above Santa Barbara on a beautifully clear afternoon, approach was uncomfortably quiet. After several minutes of silence I called: Mooney 1234:“Approach, Mooney 1234. Is there anybody there to talk to?” Approach:“Mooney 1234, say request.” Mooney 1234:“Just checking to see if it really is this quiet.” Approach:“Yes, it really is.” [Pause.] Approach:“Mooney […]

Dave strolls into the FBO carrying a travel bag and a pizza box. I let out a sigh. “Well, look who showed up. Dave, you’re 45 minutes late.” “Well, I needed gas, and there was a pizza place next door and, well, that smell hit me. I got some for everybody.” “We’re already late and […]