Quoted from fiebichpv
Wow, what an interesting trip. You encountered lots of experiences, both in the air and on the ground. You must feel very proud of yourself for this accomplishment. Thanks for sharing your story! Bravo!
Paul Fiebich
It was an interesting trip, as all long XCs tend to be. I will admit though; the insistent poor weather conditions kind of spoiled some of the intrinsic enjoyment and satisfaction. I really had to keep reminding myself to not fall to the "get there-itis" temptation. With even just reasonable weather conditions I am sure the trip is very doable in four summer days in a 150; but it took me just shy of seven days because of the amount of time I just sat around waiting for reasonable weather. So, I guess if there is anything I am proud of, it is that I maintained my commitment to reasonable judgment, and did not force it.
The trip also convinced me to double down on some very basic xc safety equipment. I flew over some pretty remote landscapes, and always kept in mind the direction to the nearest major road, even if I was several miles away on my flight path. Still, a forced landing in some areas would have created some pretty big challenges. I had some basic survival goodies with me; but in retrospect, not really enough. For example, I made sure I always had at least two quarts of drinking water in my cooler. However, the conditions were so hot; that had I force landed any more than a couple miles from civilization; that amount of water would not have lasted long at all - even if I were hiking on a road...
I also chose to forgo bringing my tent or tools to save weight. In retrospect, I think I should have brought both.
Because of how much time I lost waiting out weather, I did choose to fly some during the hottest parts of the day. This made for some pretty uncomfortable flight time in the 150. While not nearly as lightly wing loaded as a max; the 150 gets tossed around pretty good in convective conditions, and it is anything but pleasant. Morning and evening flights when conditions permitted were simply joyful. Afternoon flights were ok if I could out climb the convective activity; but that was not always possible; especially over the mountains.
As I have every time I have taken a multi-day XC trip, I thoroughly enjoyed the feeling of landing at low key field, with a self-serve pilot lounge. Something about a loaded refridge with a honor system payment cup that brings me back to simpler days, and the concept of people trusting people. Likewise, the truly helpful nature of so many aviation people never ceases to amaze me, again, especially at the smaller fields. While local FBOs at places I have been based charge high after hour assistant fees. I had to practically beg the kid you drove out to help me get my battery charged at 9:pm at night to take $10 for his hassle. In his words... "Ah, no worries... that is what we are here for..." I haven't' heard that at an FBO in quite some time...
Finally, I am pretty sure I have to let one of my certified planes go this year. Maintaining two is just way too big a hit to my pocket. The decsion of which to keep is not easy. The Mooney is such a capable XC plane, and a great plane for sharing experience of flight with others. However, the 150 really is a closer match to my primary flight mission - simple flight with some XC capacity in a pinch.... at a cost I can justify. I think the trip cemented my decision that when it comes time to put one bird on the market at the end of the summer; it will likely be the Mooney. Parting with the 150 just does not feel right in my gut... No matter that some label them as derogatory spam cans, the 150 is such an honest airplane, I think I will keep it...
Finally, I think the 150 will fit in my hangar WITH my Eros... That would make me very happy...
Why focus on proving how great you are, when you could focus on becoming better?...
