The CFS says I need to call for a transponder code at least 30 minutes before entering the control zone for this airport, and that includes entering it by taking off at this airport. I call and tell the flight services specialist who answers my details, including that this will be a local flight, returning to the same airport. He says that flow times are required for all aircraft arriving here from, and then he lists off every airport within a 50 nm radius. Except this one. Heh, loophole. The rule is supposed to give them greater control over local flights, but they weren't expecting me to attack from within. I get my code, and no flow time.
Trim is set for take-off, doors secure and circuit breakers are set. Engine start goes well, each engine catching right away as I motor the starter, with the propeller spinning up perfectly to 1000 rpm. I turn on the avionics master, reset the Shadin fuel flow meter to show full fuel, and power through OK-ing the prompts on the Garmin while I listen to the ATIS. I get my clearance, set up the avionics and when I finish my run up, it's time to call ground for taxi. I see three airplanes all painted with the same airline colours taxiing out from a side apron onto the taxiway I need to follow, so I note with my call, "check the parade." The controller ignores my comment and just gives me clearance. Well I though it was cute. I guess he sees them every day.
When the three airliners have been cleared for take-off I'm next. I roll, ailerons compensating for the crosswind and then rolling to turn into it as soon as I'm airborne, in order to maintain runway heading on climb out. I adjust the power, sync up the props and tweak the mixture to compensate for the engine that otherwise has a higher fuel flow and lower EGT than the other. There's a sound from somewhere in the aircraft like rain on the roof. It's not raining. It's a vibration from somewhere. It's not the props, but I re-synchronize them anyway. The glareshield isn't loose. Maybe there's a screw somewhere rattling around inside the dashboard. The sound goes away before I can troubleshoot it.
Later in the hotel the air conditioner makes the exact same sound. At least, it sounds like rain on the roof. Is rain on the roof my default answer to unidentified sounds? Nothing wrong with rain on the roof, so long as the roof doesn't leak.
5 comments:
Cute story! - well written - reminds me why I want to go flying this morning too. (And yet it really is raining on the roof, so let's see if the mountain weather let's us take off or not).
Ali in Switzerland
Here comes the rain again...
I can't wait until I'm old enough to fly. For now, FSX seems realistic enough.
Skyguy, it's sooner than you think. The US and Canada don't have a minimum age for duel instruction, and in Canada you can fly solo at 14. I think it's 15 in the US. Using flight sim well can save money and time on your training, too. I suggest not landing
In the US, you can receive dual at any age, and can solo a glider at age 14. You need to be 16 to solo with power. A private pilot license requires (at least- you can be older) age 16 in gliders or 17 in power.
Not landing? I'm guessing you mean with flight sims ... agree if so, they fail miserably to train that well, and may set some bad habits.
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