DJ Naamnaam

Best & Worst Landing - Flying

• So I arrived at the airport this afternoon for a joy flight that takes about 20min max. Everything was going well, I got the pre-flight finished in record time but noticed the plane was running low on oil. So after finding the oil and adding a quart I noticed a minor dent on the prop. I got a second opinion by a CFI who happened to be strolling by since all the mechanics were out for the day.
• Once checked and ready to go I noticed the fuel truck hadn't yet arrived and we were already 45mins into our time for the flight that only takes 20mins lol. Needless to say, you get pretty anxious and pissed off when it's 108F outside and pax are waiting to board for a Birthday flight. Plus you're cutting into precious rental time because the plane had to be back in a couple of hours.
• Anyhow, after getting the pax situated and comfortable in a hot cabin I was eager to get the engine running to get some air flow into the cabin. I yelled, "Clear," out the window and turn the key to start, but of course it wouldn't start. Thinking it wouldn't need much fuel from the pump I decided to lean everything out and try again and again, and again. Finally after, pushing the throttle all in with no mixture, the glorious 180 horses were ready to go, it finally started.
• By now we were an hour into our time and still had to get clearance for taxi to the run-up. So finally after another 15 min delay due to traffic and a long taxi, we were airborne.
• We then arrived at our destination airport only to be given the following instructions:
• ATC: Fly runway heading at or below 1,500 ft, altimeter 2992 and make left closed traffic for RWY 26.
• Me: Roger flying runway heading at or below 1,500 ft, 2992 for left closed traffic, RWY 26
• ATC: At your 2 O'clock is a Cirrus, 4 miles out. Follow that traffic.
• Me: Looking for the traffic.
• ATC: Cirrus is now 2 miles from the field.
• Me: Traffic in sight.
• ATC: Roger, you're number 3 for RWY 26, Cleared to land.
• Finally as the traffic in front of me had cleared the runway, it was my turn so I decided I had to do something to make up for the almost 2 hour delay. As I was getting the plane ready for landing I had recalled, an article in Flying mag that said to picture your landing being a certain way in your head before the actually landing. Needless to say I got a pat on the back as soon as we exited the runway. A few moments later, we were parked and outside the plane with people cheering for the birthday boy.
• We didn't have much time due to the delay but we grabbed a bite to eat. Unfortunately, time was running out so we had to head back to the plane w/o having time to cut the cake and got back in the air quickly and smoothly.
• On our way back home we decided to fly along the beautifully clear California coast to allow for a pleasant view as well as give the birthday boy a chance to experience his hands at the controls. The best part about flying privately and being able to take your friends and family up with you is to see that first smile when the person realizes that he or she is flying the plane all by themselves. I'm sure other pilots can relate to the joy of giving someone the gift of flight.
• Anyway, we made it back to our home airport inbound for landing slightly ahead of schedule when
• ATC gives me some more fun news:
• ATC: Extend downwind I'll call your turn.
• Me: Roger, you'll call my turn.
• ATC: Turn base and stay at altitude.
• Me: Turning, staying at 1,900.
• ATC: Switch to other Tower Freq. and expect left closed traffic, you're not cleared to land.
• Me: Roger that, switching to Tower Freq. for left closed traffic.
• ATC: Overfly the runway, I'll call your turn.
• Me: Overflying, you'll call me turn.
• ATC: Make left turn now and join the pattern.
• Me: Roger, joining the pattern.
• ATC: You're cleared to land Rwy 16, follow the Gulf Stream.
• Me: Cleared to Rwy 16, looking for the traffic.
• ATC: Turn base now, caution wake turbulence.
• Me: Turning base, roger.
• After that little delay I was no longer ahead of the clock anymore and I prepared for the amusement ahead. As I came in for landing I noticed the wind sock showing the direction of the wind blowing in the opposite direction which meant I had a tailwind of at least 7-8kts and a jet in front of me generating wake turbulence.
• While the pax were busy looking out the window for that shadow of the aircraft and billboards I prepared for a fun landing to say the least. As we neared the ground, the plane was crabbed slightly for that tailwind crosswind giving the illusion to the pax that we were not coming in straight but I was calm and in control. On top of that I had to make sure I stay above the jet's glide path and land beyond it's touchdown point to avoid wake turbulence. However, the winds also had a surprise for the birthday boy as we experienced a bit of wind shear on our way down.
• I was now well beyond the touchdown point of the jet and I aligned the plane with the center line right before the gear touching the ground only to experience a bumpy wheelie on my left, followed by another bumpy touch of the rest of the two wheels. Even though it wasn't as great as the one I had performed on our previous leg, it was the best I could do given the conditions. However, I knew it'd make for an interesting conversation once we were parked.
• So at the end of it all I recalled the old saying, "Any landing is a good landing," and called it a day.
• Pictures to soon follow!