Monday, September 26, 2005

Texas

Well that was interesting. I left the Bay Area with unusual afternoon thunderstorm activity all around SFO, flying directly towards an area expecting a hurricane later in the week.


As I mentioned earlier it has been awhile since I flew somewhere with an assigned seat and in-flight entertainment. The ATC channel was enjoyable on both legs. On the way out I was able hear the pros dodging around all the unexpected weather. Judging from the exchanges it was dodge then request.


On the return trip, I overheard this just as our plane began it's takeoff roll:
Other Aircraft: Nice Roll
Our Aircraft: Nice cutoff
ATC: Ladies
I'm uncertain about what was happening there, and without the ATC channel would have had no idea about it. To paraphrase the key line from the movie "Being There", I like to listen.


Amusing announcement from the Captain:
Thanks for flying United, we know you have a choice of bankrupt air carriers and we’re glad you chose us.
It’s nice to see a sense of humor from the front row.


As far as general aviation, there was none of that. The gods (demons?) of wireless networking made certain that none of that would happen. This was doubly frustrating as I spent an extra day in the Arlington area due to the San Antonio leg being postponed due to likelihood (on last Wednesday) of Rita running right thru the area. I expect I’ll have another trip back to the area in the not too distant future, if nothing else I’m persistent. I have to at least eat at the airport this time.


From a distance, the Grand Prairie airport seems thriving. There was plenty of touch and go activity, much of it helicopter traffic.


No GA activity for this week either, I have to head San Antonio to the rescheduled meeting this Friday. More channel 9 listening.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

Trip Planning

I'm off to Texas on business next week. Since it's a need to get their type of trip I'm flying with the friendly skys. As I think about it, this is the first trip in a long time that either won't be personally flown or with SWA. I would have gone with SWA if not for the odd regualtions regarding their flights into and out of the Dallas area.

On the bright side my contact in TX is a pilot and fliying nut like myself.(except younger and still entertaining the idea of a flying career) That coupled with the Grand Prairie airport being only a mile or so away from the site will result in some sort of genreal avaiation related activity. At least there is a lunch stop.

If things go well, this could become a regular trip. I'll just "have" to get my IFR and a fast plane then......

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Katrina

Another reminder that when it all comes apart we are all responsible for our own lives, and are the first ones that can be of help to those of us around.

I disagree with the often repeated notion that this kind of even bring out both the good and bad in people. I think that this kind of event takes each individual to their most basic level of operation. There are plenty of sad and disappointing stories of inflicted pain and suffering by some bad indviduals. Though, I'm heartened by the story of a young man who drove a school bus full of folks to saftey. The six year old caring for 5 small kids(sad yes, but how strong for one so young).

I've given money, and my level of piloting skills precludes any help from that avenue. I'm traveling to Texas later this month I'll see what I can do down there as well.