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Had a trip Wednesday departing Huntsville at 0830, flying to Venice, Fl, as copilot on a privately owned Sabreliner 40A. The day was to end with me driving to Indianapolis after my return from Florida that day.
The night before, Tuesday, I filed our flightplan. Depart HSV at 0830, direct Seminole VOR, near Tallahassee, then the CLAMP 4 Arrival, direct Venice. 1 hour, and 20 min enroute, filed for FL410, with a planned true airspeed of 450 kts.
Upon my arrival, I had the airplane pulled out of the hangar and fueled. While this is going on, I spend my time in the airplane getting the required charts together, then calculating weight and balance. After that, I reference the performance manual to find our V speeds for the takeoff, max allowable EPR settings, and required runway length. Speeds for today will be (18,000 lbs): 114, 118, 124. We will need 4700 feet of runway. Max power at takeoff will be 2.25, 2.18 for climb, and 2.16 single engine.
After everyone had arrived, and clearance was received, we taxied to rwy 18L, and departed.
We eventually accepted a lower altitude of FL370 for the trip down to Florida, and enjoyed clear skies and a smooth ride for the entire trip. The TCAS onboard showed traffic all around us, and the frequencies were quite crowded with other traffic.
After our descent, we landed at Venice, using the 5000 ft runway 4. Vref for this landing would be 118, so it would be necessary to use maximum reverse thrust available, as well as heavy braking. After a 4000 ft landing roll, I helped unload the aircraft, and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the company of the aircraft owner.
About, 1330, I began the drive to SRQ, where I would catch a USAir flight back home. Traffic was terrible, as there was a wreck on I-75, so I nearly missed my flight.
USAir had my name misspelled in their computer, and after many keystrokes, the very helpful ticket agent gave my my boarding passes with a complimentary upgrade to first class.
The TSA must love us pilots. They gave me the full treatment, and after a quick confrontation over the screener looking in my wallet, I was on my way.
The flight to CLT was aboard a B737-400, N445US. Old bird, with a very friendly crew, which did manage to leave the FSB sign on for the entire flight. After reaching CLT on time, I enjoyed a pizza and beer (still thirsty even with the 2 on the plane). Upon reaching my gate for the flight to HSV, some other pax were getting boarding passes for a flight on DL through ATL. I offered my seat, as there were 4 screaming kids about to board the RJ, but was lied to by the gate agent, and was subjected to a shit smelling diaper seated in row 1 on the Jungle Jet.
After a miserable ride in the back of the Embraer, N840MJ, we arrived at HSV at 2055. Almost exactly 12 hours after I left in the Sabre.
After getting home, we departed Huntsville, via Cadillac Catera, for IND. departure time of around 2300, we arrived at IND about 0700. My stomach was upset for sitting in aluminum tubes or cars all day, so I was having to stop at every rest stop I saw.
Anyhow, 23 hours, and over 2000 miles later, my girlfriend and I were in Indy visiting her family for Thanksgiving, and being very thankful for everything we have.... and for the 3 hour nap before dinner.
The night before, Tuesday, I filed our flightplan. Depart HSV at 0830, direct Seminole VOR, near Tallahassee, then the CLAMP 4 Arrival, direct Venice. 1 hour, and 20 min enroute, filed for FL410, with a planned true airspeed of 450 kts.
Upon my arrival, I had the airplane pulled out of the hangar and fueled. While this is going on, I spend my time in the airplane getting the required charts together, then calculating weight and balance. After that, I reference the performance manual to find our V speeds for the takeoff, max allowable EPR settings, and required runway length. Speeds for today will be (18,000 lbs): 114, 118, 124. We will need 4700 feet of runway. Max power at takeoff will be 2.25, 2.18 for climb, and 2.16 single engine.
After everyone had arrived, and clearance was received, we taxied to rwy 18L, and departed.
We eventually accepted a lower altitude of FL370 for the trip down to Florida, and enjoyed clear skies and a smooth ride for the entire trip. The TCAS onboard showed traffic all around us, and the frequencies were quite crowded with other traffic.
After our descent, we landed at Venice, using the 5000 ft runway 4. Vref for this landing would be 118, so it would be necessary to use maximum reverse thrust available, as well as heavy braking. After a 4000 ft landing roll, I helped unload the aircraft, and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the company of the aircraft owner.
About, 1330, I began the drive to SRQ, where I would catch a USAir flight back home. Traffic was terrible, as there was a wreck on I-75, so I nearly missed my flight.
USAir had my name misspelled in their computer, and after many keystrokes, the very helpful ticket agent gave my my boarding passes with a complimentary upgrade to first class.
The TSA must love us pilots. They gave me the full treatment, and after a quick confrontation over the screener looking in my wallet, I was on my way.
The flight to CLT was aboard a B737-400, N445US. Old bird, with a very friendly crew, which did manage to leave the FSB sign on for the entire flight. After reaching CLT on time, I enjoyed a pizza and beer (still thirsty even with the 2 on the plane). Upon reaching my gate for the flight to HSV, some other pax were getting boarding passes for a flight on DL through ATL. I offered my seat, as there were 4 screaming kids about to board the RJ, but was lied to by the gate agent, and was subjected to a shit smelling diaper seated in row 1 on the Jungle Jet.
After a miserable ride in the back of the Embraer, N840MJ, we arrived at HSV at 2055. Almost exactly 12 hours after I left in the Sabre.
After getting home, we departed Huntsville, via Cadillac Catera, for IND. departure time of around 2300, we arrived at IND about 0700. My stomach was upset for sitting in aluminum tubes or cars all day, so I was having to stop at every rest stop I saw.
Anyhow, 23 hours, and over 2000 miles later, my girlfriend and I were in Indy visiting her family for Thanksgiving, and being very thankful for everything we have.... and for the 3 hour nap before dinner.
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