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Mea Culpa: Confessions of a Joyful Pilot

Over the last several months, I have committed several aviation sins. I once went on a flight without checking the weather. I recently departed without calculating my takeoff distance or obstacle clearance. On more than one occasion, I landed from a non–“stable approach,” being both below and above target approach speeds. I’ve flown non-standard traffic patterns. I’ve flown outside the glide range to the nearest airport. I’ve even flown without talking to ATC or filing a flight plan.

July 9, 2025 /24 Comments/by

Friday Photo: T-6 Low Pass at a Regional Fly-In

The rain finally broke, and the brave at heart finally started arriving at the remote fly-in.  Individuals lined the runway to enjoy planes of all sorts performing fly-bys.  All done for no other reason then to enjoy the machines in their natural environment.  This T-6 kept the radial engine purring and provided a bit of smoke for ambiance.  No one complained.

May 16, 2025 /0 Comments/by

Friday Photo: AirVenture Cup Race Fly-Over

My wife and I participated in our second AirVenture Cup.  The Wisconsin mornings proved to strong of a pull to avoid a morning flight.  The event draws many people, and an occasional fly-over for the local fans is encouraged.  So, with an empty pattern and a beautiful sunrise for the backdrop, I was able to grab a quick snapshot of our host airport, Wausau Downtown.

April 18, 2025 /1 Comment/by

Friday Photo: Practice

I fly for fun. No competition. No performances. But, I’m always striving to get better. So, an early morning, before a departure on the airlines, provided a perfect setting to get some seat time. The loop wasn’t perfect. The upline wasn’t perfect. But, the scenery, morning, and memory was spectacular. I’ll continue to enjoy seeking the unattainable “perfection.”

January 24, 2025 /3 Comments/by

Friday Photo: Sunset Over the Ozarks

Pilots in this area are so fortunate to have private strip owners who will share their beautiful landing locations. I was lucky enough to make landings at three of the available strips. There have been times when the wildlife refused to leave their grazing spots, as I’m forced to enjoy a low pass.  Still, never a bad way to spend the evening.

November 15, 2024 /5 Comments/by

Extend downwind for an arriving flight of two

Two F/A-18 Hornets, the Blue Angels, on low approach, sped towards the runway on final.  They made their “carrier break,” circling to land.  We were excited with our vantage point for the early show. A Blue Angel viewed from pattern altitude is not something one sees every day. Allie gave us a “pretty cool, huh” over the intercom. We were all smiles as continued on our extended downwind.

September 4, 2024 /2 Comments/by