Overcoming Obstacles: A Memorable Piloting Adventure

The novelty of piloting a plane can be exciting, especially for a casual weekend getaway. During John Glenn's family gathering in Seattle, he invited me to join a flight instead of the long drive, saving hours. This adventure, although challenging, added an extra dimension to the celebration.

Planning the Flight

John Glenn, my friend, was hosting a family gathering at his grandmother's house in the north of Seattle, approximately 2-3 hours away by car. However, the highway would likely be congested on Thanksgiving Day, prompting us to consider an aerial route. After checking a map, I found a nearby small airport that was within a reasonable travel distance.

The plane I rented had ample space for four passengers. But the allure of the adventure was further enhanced when his 14-year-old niece and 12-year-old nephew expressed interest in joining us. The flight promised an adventure for the family, but the weather and conditions made it a test of my piloting skills.

Weather and Terrain

The Thanksgiving Day weather in Seattle was less than ideal, with heavy rain. Despite the challenging conditions, the flight was uneventful initially. However, when we arrived at the small airport, a storm was brewing, and it was raining heavily. Strong crosswinds added to the complexity, requiring careful maneuvering while reminded me of the importance of good landing skills.

Landmark Challenges

The runway was a short gravel strip that ran from the road to a bulkhead over some water. Arriving with a crosswind meant that I had to land from the road end. This allowed for more forgiving touch downs if the approach was a bit short. However, there was a power pole about a few feet off either side of the runway, crossing the approach path.

Due to the poor visibility, I couldn't determine if a power line was strung between the power poles. So, I decided to pull up to avoid a potential accident. Upon checking, I found that the power line ran underground beside the poles, which was crucial information for a safe landing.

The Second Attempt

Elsewhere, the wind had intensified, and the children in the back were visibly frightened. One young girl was even crying. John Glenn, my pilot companion, was more trusting but clearly on edge. Amid these uncertain conditions, I focused on lining the plane up on the approach while maintaining a 20-40 degree slip angle to counteract the crosswind.

To my relief, I made the second landing attempt smoothly. Crosswind gusts added an extra level of difficulty, and I needed to be cautious of clipping the "goal posts." The plane touched down firmly with full flaps and brakes, creating a perfect landing in challenging gravel terrain.

Family Reactions

The thrill of the flight captured the young children's attention, and they excitedly shared their adventure with everyone around. However, the young girl was not eager to come back for the return flight. Her older brother pleaded to replace her, despite his home being closer to Grandma. His determined attitude persuaded his parents to make the round trip to Seattle.

Conclusion

The flight brought us closer as a family, the thrill of adventure blended with some serious piloting skills. The experience highlighted the importance of careful planning, technical proficiency, and the unpredictable challenges that can arise in the sky. It was, indeed, a memorable adventure.