Two firsts for me today!!!

ccsmith51 · #1 03-10-2015, 04:26 PM

Most importantly, I flew my first Pilots n Paws flight. I flew from Palatka, FL, to Columbia, SC, to collect a six year old Boxer that needed to get from the rescue there that had pulled him from a kill shelter, to the rescue in Jacksonville that was going to find him a forever home.

604 sm, 4 hours flight, and one very satisfying day!!!

Second, today was the first time I ever used Flight Following. I was a bit nervous about the communications as I don't speak to controlling bodies much. And the multiple freq changes caught me off guard a bit. But it worked great, the controllers were FANTASTIC (I think they could tell I was a bit nervous

), and I felt a lot better looking at the unique code on the xponder and the freq on the comm and knowing that there was someone there immediately if I needed help.

So, kudos to Pilots n Paws for creating an opportunity for me to contribute, and kudos to those of you that are involved in ATC for the help you give all pilots.

pauldan181 · #2 03-10-2015, 04:36 PM

Well done Chris!

Steve Melton · #3 03-10-2015, 04:42 PM

well done.

bsacks05 · #4 03-10-2015, 05:25 PM

Nice going and the wx has been gorgeous here in the SE. I can certainly relate to flying dogs and using FF. Now that you have done it once, it is much less intimidating and very rewarding.

Keep it up, there is a lot of need for PNP pilots. I wish I could do it more often.

petehowell · #5 03-10-2015, 07:16 PM

Chris,

I have 20+ boxer flights and I have loved every one of them. Congrats!

Very well done!!

Infidel · #6 03-10-2015, 07:21 PM

First of all, great name you have there Chris. Flight following is a great asset and once you get confortable and acclimated to using it, it'll come second nature.

And kudos to you for extending yourself and saving an amazing animal.

crabandy · #7 03-10-2015, 08:14 PM

Great write-up Chris!
Keep bugging those ATC folks, don't be afraid to ask for help and keep it up!! I remember building my confidence in class C around midnight in a C150 with a fellow Pizza Villa worker to share expenses. Never be afraid to communicate your needs...

rjbob · #8 03-10-2015, 10:52 PM

I like you for being safer by using an available aviation resource.

I love you for transporting someone's future family member.

Bob Edison

rv7boy · #9 03-11-2015, 06:36 AM

Good job, Chris! I have enjoyed everyone of my PnP flights. The dogs have always been well-behaved passengers and seem to appreciate the love!

Ash · #10 03-11-2015, 08:01 AM

Flight following is a great resource, I was taught to use it early on in flight training and has helped me out several times, especially with spotting traffic before it is visible.

One time flight following really saved me early on. I had departed an airport in an area that was new to me and I was practicing my pilotage navigation skills. I requested flight following and proceeded on course. 5 minutes later the controller called and said I was off course and I made a correction. 5 five minutes pass and they called to check in again and had me turn 10degrees left. This happens a few more times until I (we) figure out that my magnetic compass had somehow picked up a 35degree error. -Thanks Flight Following!

In some cases, it sure is nice to know someone is watching you!