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.