The Joy of Aviation

Had another great flight yesterday. Lots of firsts and records for me.

• First time in moderate turbulence
• First time in the rain
• First time flying above overcast
• First time calling flight services for an enroute weather update
• First fly-in

My Dad and I attended the EAA Rutland chapter’s Leaf Peepers breakfast. It was as advertised – wonderful blueberry pancakes, sausage; eggs toped off with real Vermont maple syrup.  It was a brisk day up north and there was an AIRMET for moderate turbulence below FL010. This too, unfortunately, was as advertised.

Heading north we flew low and slow along the west side of the Hudson River. Around Hudson, NY we intercepted the 020 radial of ALB and started our climb to get over Albany’s airspace, and eventually to clear those majestic multicolored VT mountains.

We climbed through the clouds (scattered at this time) and it was smooth as glass at 5,500.  It was a really nice ride, but the clouds were getting denser and there were less and less big holes. Just at the time I was deciding to continue above and hope for a hole, we started to fly over a very large opening.  I couldn’t say no to the opportunity.  We circled down to about 3,000 MSL and continued east. WOW it got pretty bumpy as soon as we got under the clouds. Luckily, we were only about 15 miles out.  I slowed it to maneuvering speed and took in the splendor of the vibrant autumn mountains before us.

This would be the first time landing at Rutland (RUT) (another first!) and finding the airport at 3000 MSL was a challenge. I was watching my landmarks – particularly Lake St. Catherine, were, growing up, my family would spend a couple of weeks during the summer.  I could see the lake clearly, but still no airport.  Maybe over this next mountain, I keep saying.  About 3 ridges later, there it was – big as day.

The landing was one of the most challenging I’ve had in a while. Four planes in the pattern. A fair cross wind and gusty. I only used about 20d flaps, came over the threshold a little hot, floated a bit and planted it perfectly. Awesome!

We taxied over to the main terminal area. One of the club members was waiting for us and directed us to a parking spot.  There were about 25 planes. What a variety!  Many old tail draggers like the Aronica Champ. A couple home built – one that was so odd it looked like it shouldn’t even fly!

Dan and I had our hotcakes, enjoyed the hospitality of the club, and hung around for about an hour taking in the majestic views of the Green Mountains. Later we were entertained by the mass exodus of the breakfasters. The conga line of departures reminded me of the post-air show mass take-offs we watched each day at AirVenture this summer. Four of the fly-in attendees even gave us a formation take off and flyover, complete with smoke.  Everyone got a kick out of that.

It was finally time to start thinking about going. We debated taking our planned course which would have taken us along the eastern side of the Berkshires. That was exactly along the border of the turbulence AIRMET which was supposed to ease up by 2:00 – it was 1:00 now. The alternative would be that we head back west to known calmer skies.  But I’ve flown that route dozens of times now, and I’m always looking to make each hour a new one.

We decided to try the southern route. If it’s too bad, we’d head west.  I checked the weather with a particular eye on cloud cover.  At that time, it was clear to scattered in the Mid-Hudson Valley.  We launched and immediately started getting bounced around.  Worst turbulence I’ve ever experienced (not that I’ve experienced that much, I have the luxury to date of avoiding it).  It was strong enough to give us a firm push in out gut – the kind that changes your voice when you are talking.  It started to rain a bit too – visibility remained at 20+ miles. I slowed the plane to about 85/90kts and were still getting pushed around quite a bit. The cross winds pushing on the tail were very prominent.  It was absolutely gorgeous scenery all around us, but after about 10 minutes, I turned to my father and asked… “have you had enough or is the view worth it.”  He said – “let’s turn west.”

I turned west, and as I did, there was a huge hole in the clouds about 5 miles in front of us. My escape route!!  I climbed though the clouds – having to do a climbing 360 when I could see that I wasn’t going to keep my clearances.  Circled and climbed and out trough the top. Up on top there were large buildups. I had to go north for a while to go around them – while still climbing.

Cloud tops were about 7,000 MSL and I set my sights on 8,500.  The air was silky smooth. The sun was hot. The sky, an intense blue. And all around below us was a think white blanket of clouds.  It was as if we were over covered mountains.

I started heading south and dialed in Kingston VOR (IGN). This was quite an interesting experience. I’ve never flown above overcast.  It was eerie and fantastic. Then thoughts of “is there going to be a hole” started to permeate the conversation. When I checked the weather – 40 mins ago, it was clear back in Poughkeepsie.  But looking over the cowl, all you see is a desert of white… its only natural to start having doubts.

The anxiety built as we continued.  The more we flew, the more we couldn’t ignore it.  So, I said, this is silly, let’s find out what’s going on. I dialed up Burlington FSS and asked. Sure enough, clear skies with the cloud line ending about 30 miles north of my destination. GREAT! Now we can relax and enjoy the ride.

Sure enough, the overcast turned into scattered and then few.  It was clear over Poughkeepsie (POU).  I called the tower. “Report 3 mile right base runway two-four”.  It was clear sailing all the way home.

This was quite an adventure.   Pretty much missed out on a lot of autumn leaves, but there’s more days left in the season.  My next major flight is to my friend Pete to Portland Maine.  Once we get north of Massachusetts, the “new hour” meter will be running full blast.  That’s in about 3 weeks. That will be Pete’s second time in a light plane and the third time in his whole life of being in any kind of plane. We are both looking forward to that.

Have you done any leaf Peeping this year?

What’s your most memorable “change of seasons” flight?

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• Local foliage flight with my daughter