Flight 106

09-16-00

C172M

NEW-RMG-0A7

6.0 solo, 2 landings

[LEG ONE]

"'much better weather, but strong headwind makes it slow going at first. Fair nav."

  My week in New Orleans was not nearly as debauched as one might expect, but the city did cast its spell on me, and I decide I will definitely return again someday. Steve drops me off at the airport, and I uncover 3KK, give her a very thorough preflight, and get things organized.

I've bought some little souvenirs for my co-workers at a "voodoo" shop in the French Quarter, and for some reason I decide that one of them, a little glow-in-the-dark plastic statuette of a dapper gentleman in a fedora, should ride atop the glareshield, looking back at me. His name is Mr. Mysterioso, and the very fetching young witch at the sales counter had told me he is a valuable ally for travelers. I've bought him for our engineer, Pete, but I will borrow him for this trip.

  One problem with this amazing adventure has been that after a few hours droning in a straight line, one gets bored. But now I have someone to talk to. Mr. Mysterioso doesn't say much, but he's good company. 

The sky is splendid today, and the briefing is very hopeful. The wind has me worried for a while as I follow the same course in the opposite direction, but it is no big deal.
I have a little difficulty finding the airport at Rome this time, but arrive there for fuel close to schedule. this time I remember to close my flight plan immediately!
Another quick briefing, and we're off again. Mr. Mysterioso seems quite comfortable... perhaps he's glad he's not in the bag with the other bric-a-brac.

[LEG TWO]

"Flew close to AVL by mistake! Otherwise OK- SSSLLLOOOWWWWW!"


This leg seems to take forever...
It's not nearly as exciting heading home as it was venturing forth- maybe it's because my vacation will soon be over. But is still deeply rewarding to be doing this kind of flying.
I make my way efficiently to Hendersonville, arriving there in good time despite the wind, and (again) having trouble finding it... in fact, I nearly blunder into the Asheville airspace when I spy that larger airport first and head off that way. I should have trusted myself more- I was right on course, and 0A7 simply slid under the nose before I was looking for it. 

It's great to be back at this friendly little airport; I tie 3KK down in the same place as before, but leave my tent packed. After the sun goes down and I start yawning, I lug my sleeping bag over to the open T-hangar and lie down near the Fly Baby. It turns out to be an excellent place to wake up.


There is, of course, more dense fog the next morning, but again, after the now-ritual run to Mcdonald's and a good briefing and preflight- poof! it dissipates, and I launch into more clear late-summer skies.