Gulf Coast skies
Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 8:44 pmHad a nice lunch on the "back porch" of the casino today... needed not only to get some sunlight, but to check the weather, as I would be flying after work.
A bit windy early this afternoon... and out of the east, which would mean a crosswind at 5R2 unless I got really lucky.
One of the irritating showoffs playing with the cross-shore breeze... I could watch gulls for hours, even if their innate ability is humiliating.
I was not worried about these buildups: they were isolated and had that short-lived look to them. But the area forecast still called for gusting winds out of the southeast, and visibility under 10 miles.
Got quite a workout on my rental checkout; a little too busy to take photos inflight. Besides, there wasn't much to see, especially out over the water... very hazy, and the sun was low.
My instructor was a very calm local who has just retired from the Navy (didn't ask what he was flying for Uncle Sam). He sent me over to Trent-Lott for some stop'n'gos after the usual maneuvers just south of there, then we did a couple at the home base, which proved extremely difficult to find from the east, due to the tall trees along the runway. I did OK, but between my 3 1/2 weeks of rust, the unfamiliar plane and environment, I was a little out of sorts. Made some appalling landings, due to a number of factors... but the CFI seemed convinced I was worthy to take the plane solo, so she and I will be spending some time together Sunday afternoon. I was going to take one or two of the guys from the crew for a ride, but I want to brush up and get a little more familiar with the area first... especially if the 6 or so miles visibility is going to be typical in the near future. And unless I get a better grip on dealing with the funky air near that airport, any inexperienced pax I take up will probably swear off GA flying forever after an approach there.
Anyway, here's my Biloxi girl: a 1974 M-model with a 160-hp powerplant. Lots of cosmetic corrosion, but still in good rig, and the engine is strong. Looking forward to our next date.
A bit windy early this afternoon... and out of the east, which would mean a crosswind at 5R2 unless I got really lucky.
One of the irritating showoffs playing with the cross-shore breeze... I could watch gulls for hours, even if their innate ability is humiliating.
I was not worried about these buildups: they were isolated and had that short-lived look to them. But the area forecast still called for gusting winds out of the southeast, and visibility under 10 miles.
Got quite a workout on my rental checkout; a little too busy to take photos inflight. Besides, there wasn't much to see, especially out over the water... very hazy, and the sun was low.
My instructor was a very calm local who has just retired from the Navy (didn't ask what he was flying for Uncle Sam). He sent me over to Trent-Lott for some stop'n'gos after the usual maneuvers just south of there, then we did a couple at the home base, which proved extremely difficult to find from the east, due to the tall trees along the runway. I did OK, but between my 3 1/2 weeks of rust, the unfamiliar plane and environment, I was a little out of sorts. Made some appalling landings, due to a number of factors... but the CFI seemed convinced I was worthy to take the plane solo, so she and I will be spending some time together Sunday afternoon. I was going to take one or two of the guys from the crew for a ride, but I want to brush up and get a little more familiar with the area first... especially if the 6 or so miles visibility is going to be typical in the near future. And unless I get a better grip on dealing with the funky air near that airport, any inexperienced pax I take up will probably swear off GA flying forever after an approach there.
Anyway, here's my Biloxi girl: a 1974 M-model with a 160-hp powerplant. Lots of cosmetic corrosion, but still in good rig, and the engine is strong. Looking forward to our next date.
