Recent content by rangerz

Tied down for 2 nights. No significant weather or wind was forecast while we were there.

I'm generally a fan of the two-step process many have already outlined. Wake up call - <Facility Name> - <Type> <Callsign> I usually don't bother with 'Request' on an initial contact figuring it's a bit redundant. Operating from home based, one of my motivations for a very simple 1st call is...

I have many hours behind Lightspeeds of various generations. Bose in turbines, and now a Dave Clark One-X that came with my partnership share. I will be shopping again at Oshkosh to see what I like the best of the current generation. For me, an ANR is a must. Besides generally being able to...

Morning fog lifted across the northern Gulf Coast in time for a great turn out at the Wings over Wiggens flyin. We flew over from 82J and arrived just before the parachute jumpers and about 15th overall. Ground staff did a good job parking and wing walking as well as having 'do not touch'...

Adding GA2 to my list for upcoming Atlanta trip.

As already mentioned, MSFS if you have a decent computer is remarkably good these days for both VFR and IFR pre-gaming even into rural areas. Barring that, Google Earth can help - but use it in conjunction with your sectional charts. With practice, you can anticipate remarkably well from a...

Garmin Pilot app on both a tablet and phone combined with SkyTimer on my phone. Nice complement to dual G5's and a 650 to run the big map on the iPad with weather and the phone as a dedicated traffic display. SkyTimer so far has been the simplest, best fuel tank timing aid I've ever...

Had enjoyable weekend on Tybee Island using KSAV as our base. Sheltair arranged a rental car with Hertz and it was at our plane within minutes of shutdown and minimal paperwork on the pick up or drop off. Tybee is a fun island and pretty low key in the off season. Tybee Island Lighthouse...

Lots of time in a Sundowner for my IFR rating. Easy to fly (it's a Beach). 2 doors for easy in and out. 113kts - yeah that's the downside. Earned my PPL in a Grumman Tiger so was a bit spoiled on cruise speed from the start but I didn't really need much speed for the IFR rating. Of course...

You might check with eaa485.org - lots of local CFI's on the members list.

A trip I want to do this year for sure!

I assume you're specifically thinking about when you need clearance pre-takeoff due to low weather or other factors? Some considerations beyond the basics of getting a clearance (find the clearance phone # in the AFD) that I feel are important in this type of departure assuming a typical...

Got it for the first time in the PA-24-250 a coulpe months ago. Clear but high humidity and around 40F. Noticed the MP was about 2" lower than what I set it. Pulled the heat and within seconds got back the 2" of MP. Of course that had me pulling heat every little bit the rest of the flight.

Do you have any specific but less common skills? Language, A&P, ... Volunteering is set up in a lot of fiefdoms so while you can choose the fief, the opportunities are somewhat related to your available skills till you pay your dues. I don't expect you get Tram or Aircraft direction duty...

My Verizon pricing is comparable. I travel a lot both domestic and interational. Over the last 15 years Verizon has always worked well no matter where in the US. I use a Google FI Android phone for international but Verizon will work for $10 a day