Had a nice lunch on the "back porch" of the casino today... needed not only to get some sunlight, but to check the weather, as I would be flying after work.

A bit windy early this afternoon... and out of the east, which would mean a crosswind at 5R2 unless I got really lucky.

     

One of the irritating showoffs playing with the cross-shore breeze... I could watch gulls for hours, even if their  innate ability is humiliating.

     

I was not worried about these buildups: they were isolated and had that short-lived look to them. But the area forecast still called for gusting winds out of the southeast, and visibility under 10 miles.

     


Got quite a workout on my rental checkout; a little too busy to take photos inflight. Besides, there wasn't much to see, especially out over the water... very hazy, and the sun was low.
My instructor was a very calm local who has just retired from the Navy (didn't ask what he was flying for Uncle Sam). He sent me over to Trent-Lott for some stop'n'gos after the usual maneuvers just south of there, then we did a couple at the home base, which proved extremely difficult to find from the east, due to the tall trees along the runway. I did OK, but between my 3 1/2 weeks of rust, the unfamiliar plane and environment, I was a little out of sorts. Made some appalling landings, due to a number of factors... but the CFI seemed convinced I was worthy to take the plane solo, so she and I will be spending some time together Sunday afternoon. I was going to take one or two of the guys from the crew for a ride, but I want to brush up and get a little more familiar with the area first... especially if the  6 or so miles visibility is going to be typical in the near future. And unless I get a better grip on dealing with the funky air near that airport, any inexperienced pax I take up will probably swear off GA flying forever after an approach there.

Anyway, here's my Biloxi girl: a 1974 M-model with a 160-hp powerplant. Lots of cosmetic corrosion, but still in good rig, and the engine is strong. Looking forward to our next date.

     

Why is it that airplane cockpits are always outfitted in the most appealing of colors?

Sounds like fun Sean, good luck with the flying down there.

Water looks a little choppy!!

  The flying rats sure know how to use thermals and the wind!!

  I'm sure that old girl will take care of you!!

  It should be interesting flying around the area down that way.  I'm sure you will see more of the effects of Katrina from the air then you would see from the ground!!

Do you get the holiday weekend off?

Have fun, Sean!!

Willit Run wrote on May 25^th, 2007 at 10:52am:


     

That's a good one...we are under the gun here, so I doubt I'll even get Monday off.
But I may get paid for the holiday and the day's work, so it will be worth it.

Omag 2.0 wrote on May 26^th, 2007 at 5:55am:

That's the plan, m'man... so far the wx looks more promising.