A Memorable Favor

One of the great joys of flying is introducing general aviation to people.

Some good friends shared a problem. Their son was in a sports camp in Baltimore that ended Saturday afternoon and he needed to be at Dartmouth early the next day.

So, I suggested, why not let me fly him in the Bonanza on a recent Sunday afternoon.

It was fun to meet Grant and his father, Lee, at Martin State airport (KMTN). I actually flew over from the airport I use when I'm at the beach, Sussex County/Georgetown (KGED) in Delaware. It was a short hop over from Georgetown, but enough to see that there was plenty of weather moving Northeast along our route....the NEXRAD had more red areas along the planned route of flight than I had seen in quite some time!

We boarded the plane with father, son, bags, cold drinks and sandwiches and headed off on the instrument flight plan to Lebanon, NH (KLEB). It was clear from the start that much improvising was going to be needed.

First, we stopped the climb at 5,000 feet stay below the clouds that were building far higher than the Bonanza was going to go. Then, I requested an immediate course change to the Northwest to keep me clear of the cells that were developing along our direct route to Lebanon. The very helpful folks at Harrisburg Approach worked out not only my requested diversion, but came back with a whole new clearance.

Only problem, after keeping me clear of the weather, NY had routed me back through the massive showers not once but twice in order to get to Lebanon. Hardly the way to introduce my passengers to flying.

Once I got everything entered into the GPS and got my timely NEXRAD update, I developed another plan.....I asked for and got "present position to Burlington, VT." That was easy to get and kept me out of the mess that was developing over New Jersey and New York where the words "ground hold" began to be heard.

As you can see from the route of flight, we proceeded directly for Burlington until we had a clear shot at Lebanon. With a tail wind the entire way, we reached Lebanon in just over two hours without a bump. Boston handed me off high for a visual approach into Lebanon in a rain shower, but visibility was fine and we landed without any issues.

The ramp seemed a bit crowded. I learned inside at the very friendly FBO that they had been playing host to several planes for a few hours trying to get into the NY area.

Grant delivered the best line I've heard in awhile, saying the experience was great in "something metal that goes fast!" He wants to know when the first lessons start.

Having delivered my valuable cargo, I turned to the question of the return trip to the beach....

With my Bonanza based in Leesburg, VA (KJYO) and flown frequently on business, I do most of my flying with an IFR flight plan. Problem for the return trip was that the flight plan on file took me East and then over JFK and Atlantic City into the Delaware beach area and Georgetown. There was way too much weather for that kind of route.

Realizing that I could stay under everything at between 3,000 and 5,000, I ventured out VFR. I couldn't help but feel lucky to be able to fly in and out of this beautiful area with all the freedom we have in general aviation.

I retraced my flight path, staying out of airport areas and the Washington ADIZ, and enjoyed a beautiful 2 1/2 hour VFR flight back to the Delaware. Flying low over the Poconos was a real treat. Once again, even with cells building to the East of me, I had not a bump. And, I was home in time for dinner.

The one item I forgot on this trip....my camera! But, the adventure was too memorable not to record.