Pietenpol-List: A cool monring flight
Posted: Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:52 am
Original Posted By: "Jack Phillips"
Tennessee has had more than it's fair share of wind and rain this year, making it iffy for having a good day for flying when I had the day off. Got some time in last night, but it was windy and landing was with a 90 degree cross wind. Forcast for today was clear with wind 5 to 10.Showed up at the airport shortly after sunrise. Sky was severe clear, no wind and the temp was 32 degrees. N502R seemed as eager as I, and started on the first flip of the prop. Spent more time than normal warming up the engine, then taxied to runway 4. As I taxied out I noticed that the WWF's ("warm weather flyers") were all setting inside the FBO, probably bitching about the cold weather.The Ol' Piet and I spent a little over an hour in the air. Me, just enjoying flying and the beautiful fall colors and the Ol' Piet obviously pretending that she was a Super Cub, climbing like a home sick angel in the cool air.Made my landing (not the best I've ever made but not the worst either) and taxied to my hanger (the WWF's were still sitting in the FBO). I wouldn't have missed that flight for anything. What a day! I really encourage Piet owners not to put their planes away during cool weather, but to get out and enjoy the great flying that cool weather brings. Your Piet will love you for it. If you have questions about what to wear for warmth and what to do to preheat the engine, there are plenty of cool weather flyers here on this list that will be glad to offer suggestions.Gene in Beautiful TennesseeN502R (just don't tell her she's not a Super Cub)________________________________________________________________________________
Tennessee has had more than it's fair share of wind and rain this year, making it iffy for having a good day for flying when I had the day off. Got some time in last night, but it was windy and landing was with a 90 degree cross wind. Forcast for today was clear with wind 5 to 10.Showed up at the airport shortly after sunrise. Sky was severe clear, no wind and the temp was 32 degrees. N502R seemed as eager as I, and started on the first flip of the prop. Spent more time than normal warming up the engine, then taxied to runway 4. As I taxied out I noticed that the WWF's ("warm weather flyers") were all setting inside the FBO, probably bitching about the cold weather.The Ol' Piet and I spent a little over an hour in the air. Me, just enjoying flying and the beautiful fall colors and the Ol' Piet obviously pretending that she was a Super Cub, climbing like a home sick angel in the cool air.Made my landing (not the best I've ever made but not the worst either) and taxied to my hanger (the WWF's were still sitting in the FBO). I wouldn't have missed that flight for anything. What a day! I really encourage Piet owners not to put their planes away during cool weather, but to get out and enjoy the great flying that cool weather brings. Your Piet will love you for it. If you have questions about what to wear for warmth and what to do to preheat the engine, there are plenty of cool weather flyers here on this list that will be glad to offer suggestions.Gene in Beautiful TennesseeN502R (just don't tell her she's not a Super Cub)________________________________________________________________________________