When it comes to flying, I’ve always worked diligently to embrace technology that will enhance the safety and convenience of a flight. As an aircraft renter, this task can be especially daunting. Avionics vary depending on the year a plane was manufactured. Combine that with the aftermarket upgrades by any particular aircraft’s various owners, and you have a hodgepodge of equipment with which you need to be familiar.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to sit right seat, co-pilot in an aircraft with one of the most modern avionics packages available. My friend Steve had just upgraded the instrument panel in his Mooney 252, and he wanted me to accompany him on a flight down south. His aircraft now possessed more glass-cased electronics than I’d ever seen from the cockpit vantage point. Steve was anxious to test his new Aspen Avionics Suite, which had just been installed at Sarasota Avionics a few days earlier. The system allows for nearly complete cockpit automation, requiring the pilot to simply takeoff and land. I was excited to see this new technology provide the fly-by-wire experience I’ve only read about. While I expected the new avionics to be helpful, I was humbled by their ability to enhance our adventure.
As always, there were many issues to address before departing--weather being the most critical. The winds were gusting at 28 knots directly off the north side of Runway 27 when we called to file our flight plan. This condition meant a 90-degree crosswind component as high as 28 knots at our destination airport. Although rarely lacking in chutzpah, Steve and I decided that 28 knots of crosswind component in a Mooney 252 is, well, suicidal! So with the forecast winds diminishing later in the day, we begrudgingly delayed our departure. Sadly, it was still possible the winds would be uncooperative at our scheduled arrival time. However, diverting to Naples or Fort Lauderdale for better runway alignment was far from a reason to be upset. But after enduring a hard negotiation for a one-day reprieve from the rigors of our everyday lives, getting that plane on the ground in Key West was Priority 1.
With nothing but adrenaline gushing through our veins, we departed into brilliant, blue Florida skies. Once airborne, Steve engaged the autopilot and began flying by simply pushing buttons. The entire flight plan had been pre-programmed into the Garmin GPS so all we had to do was sit back and make the changes required by the air traffic controllers. We were initially cleared to an altitude of 11,000 feet--and a short while later, 13,000 feet. We simply input the desired rate of climb and the aircraft did the work with no physical effort from the pilot. We enjoyed a ground speed of nearly 180 knots, which meant our flight time would barely exceed two hours.
While en route, we tested the different systems and familiarized ourselves with their complexities--all the while, eagerly anticipating our arrival in Key West.
We began our initial descent 80 miles north of the island. It was a long, gradual cruise descent, allowing us to reach speeds of more than 200 knots. Shortly thereafter, the Miami controllers handed us over to Key West approach.
There’s something poetic about hearing “cleared for approach” in the Conch Republic. It brings smiles, warm memories, and nostalgia to mind, as Key West is such a special place. This time even more so--especially since the airplane was still on autopilot!
Fortunately, our landing turned out to be a non-event, as the winds had calmed to a mere 10 knots. Interestingly, our decision for a later departure was validated by a Delta flight that was diverted to Miami earlier in the day due to high winds. Its disgruntled passengers were then bussed to Key West--ouch!
As always, Island City Flying Service made quick work of our ground transportation, and within an hour, we were making our way down Duval Street on rented bicycles in search of dinner and a frosty treat. It wasn’t long until we were reminiscing about past trips we’d made and about how in our younger days we couldn’t have imagined flying our own airplane to a destination like this. We reflected on our flight, marveling at the electronic gadgetry available to us.
The next day we lounged at Dante’s Poolside, eating oysters and basking in the Florida sun. We grumbled about having only 24 hours on the island, as we were needed in the real world again so soon. Then we snickered, knowing how lucky we were to have this one day. When it was time to depart, we pedaled our way toward the Southwinds Motel, returned our bikes and grabbed a cab to the airport.
We headed north towards Jacksonville around 5 p.m., and by the time our automated flying machine placed us over Tampa, we were privileged to witness a jaw-dropping sunset. With Steve’s confidence in the new instrument panel building, we had time to tinker with the newly installed stereo system. Before long, my iPod was blessing us with Kenny Chesney’s unique blend of island music. A short time later, with the moon rising in the east, Jacksonville Approach cleared us for our arrival into St. Augustine.
As the auto-pilot flew the approach procedure, I watched the lights of St. Augustine pass below while pondering the last 24 hours. I realized that when frustration with new technology turns to mastery, a deep sense of satisfaction combines to create a magical experience. In the moments just before landing, with the music playing and the moon rising, I experienced that realization, that epiphany, that sometimes in life we get it right--very, very right.
Posts
