2022 Fly-Outs:

August

On Saturday, August 27th, seven members flew in two aircraft to Cambridge-Dorchester Regional Airport (CGE) in Cambridge, Md. for breakfast at the on-field restaurant, Katie’s at the Airport.

Ray Franze, Gary Keller and Gil Motz flew over with Marshall Martin in his Cessna 206 (N206WT). Marshall filed IFR which helps make the various airspace (DC SFRA / Bal-Wash Class B) a non-issue. Due to Biden’s weekend trip home to Wilmington, Del. and the subsequent TFR, airspace complications abounded regardless of which direction one flew to get to CGE. Proper study and experience though, may help one realize the airspace isn’t as scary as it might seem.

Curtis and Kate Berry, and their daughter Kalyn, flew over in the family’s Cessna Cardinal (N52543). They opted to fly the VFR corridor between Baltimore and Washington on the way over to Cambridge.

The air was silky smooth with not a cloud in sight on the way over. The only downside was the amount of haze greeting us on a typical August morning in the Mid-Atlantic.

The restaurant at Cambridge was busy. We had to wait, but not long, as they provided a round table to accommodate all of us. The restaurant was short staffed—fair warning given by our waitress. We did have to wait a while for the food to arrive. At one point we realized we landed a little over an hour ago and still didn’t have our food yet. When the food did arrive, everything was as ordered and tasty. The omelets were a hearty portion. The scrapple did not disappoint—one reason to frequent airport restaurants in Maryland. The prices were fair—not as inexpensive as some airport restaurants, but not as expensive as others. With large windows overlooking the ramp and high ceilings, the restaurant feels inviting with a lot of natural light.

The flight back was pretty uneventful as well. As the sun and temperatures rose, cumulus clouds materialized with some light disturbances in the air. Descending out of 6,000’ Marshall was in and out of the clouds getting some actual IMC.

Another good flyout in the books for EAA Chapter 36.

June

On Saturday, June 25th, six aircraft carried 11 members westward to Cumberland (CBE) for breakfast at the airport’s Hummingbird Café. Fun fact, Cumberland is a Maryland airport that is actually located in West Virginia.

A few new faces joined in on the fun. Elliott Haines flew over with Curtis and Kate Berry in their Cardinal (N53543); and Marshall Martin flew his Cessna T206 (N206WT) over. Ray Franze led the gaggle in the Cherokee 180 (N8468W), followed by Dave and Rayanna Anderson in their BRM Aero Bristell (N937LC), Mark and Sandy Hissey in their Piper Archer (N8097Q). With the nose strut rebuilt, Gary Keller and Gil Motz were able to fly the Chapter 36 Flying Club Cessna 172 (N8223U) for this month’s flyout—and no surprise due to it’s 145 hp engine, they brought up the rear.

The air was very smooth from HGR to CBE. Slightly hazy (it is summertime in the Mid-Atlantic), but not an issue. It was neat listening to the radio communications of each aircraft requesting taxi and takeoff clearance while airborne and already enroute.

A couple who flew in from Altoona, Pa. (AOO) marveled at the sight of a conga line of aircraft coming in to park and inquired if it was an organized flyout. Two planes were parked on the restaurant’s ramp when we arrived and our six quickly filled the remaining space as best as we could.

Most of us took advantage of the full-service fuel price of $6.50/gallon—which as of this afternoon is $0.90/gallon cheaper than the self-service fuel price at HGR. The FBO brought the truck over to restaurant to fuel our planes. When I asked for 10 gallons in the left tank, he asked for my credit card. I told him I would need that for the restaurant and was told he’d be back with it well before we were done eating. Sure enough, not only did he fuel our planes up at the restaurant, he came back not long after we were seated with our cards and receipts—great fuel price and service.

Despite a limited seating area inside the restaurant, Hummingbird Café was able to accommodate our group with two tables and a corner booth—all near each other. Meals included breakfast sandwiches on toast, omelets, eggs with home fries and sausage, and peach cobbler French toast. Before tip, my meal was only $10 nearly a third of that was due to a $3 orange juice. So one can have a good meal at a reasonable cost there.

The flight back was smooth over the ridges despite the rapidly increasing heat. We did encounter light chop once we cleared the ridges and were over the valley making our way back into the traffic pattern at HGR. Elliott rode back with Ray—his first flight in a low-wing plane since 1963 (I’m pretty sure that’s the year).

While we could have “car pooled” better, there’s a sense of accomplishment at the controls of a successful flight—and the ramp looks better with more aircraft. Of course with avgas prices being what they are now, car pooling is a prudent idea. Hopefully there’s enough interest in future flyouts between pilots and non-pilots that we need all of these aircraft and more while using up every available seat. It was great to catch up, talk about the upcoming trip to AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wis., meet new friends, renew experiences and just overall enjoy some more camaraderie amongst the chapter.

May

The flyout to Lancaster Airport (LNS), PA for lunch at Fiorentino’s on-field Italian restaurant was symbolic of the Chapter’s “adapt and overcome” ability. Driving to the airport the line of clouds to the northeast of Hagerstown were low and indicative of a front. Depending on the weather service used, the chance returned for scattered thunderstorms throughout the area at varying hours of the day. And the low pressures signaled that the weather wouldn’t drastically improve for the flight to LNS and back.

Never mind the weather; Gary and Gil arrived at the hangar to find -23U with a collapsed nose gear strut. Fortunately, Ray had seats available in the Tailwinds Flying Club’s Piper Cherokee 180—N8468W.

Curtis and Kate departed early in their Cardinal, destined for Westminster’s Carroll County Airport (DMW) for cheaper avgas—approximately $0.50/gallon cheaper than the self-serve fuel at Hagerstown. They would head north from there and meet us at Lancaster.

There was some concern about a direct flight to LNS from HGR which involved flying over ridges with relatively low clouds and strong surface winds. Not the most ideal environment for a fun flight to go have lunch with friends. Ray and Dave elected to fly up the valley—essentially mirroring I-81 past Chambersburg and Carlisle. Lengthier than a direct route, it afforded them an opportunity to check out the actual ceilings enroute while affording them with plenty of “outs” along the way.

Just as we were a few miles east of Franklin County Regional Airport (N68) and about to request Flight Following from Harrisburg Approach, we heard Curtis checking in with them. Shortly after Dave checked in with Harrisburg Approach, the controller queried Dave if he and I were essentially together—not a formation flight, but two aircraft flying from the same departure airport, flying the same route, and to the same destination. From that moment forward when talking to Dave, the controller referred to Ray and those in -68W as “company traffic.” And when Ray told Harrisburg Approach he needed to descend to 3,000’ for clouds [Appch wanted us at 3,500’ over Capital City (CXY) and Harrisburg International (MDT)], the controller proactively called Dave and said, “-7LC that goes for you as well, approved to 3,000,’ maintain VFR.” It was the loosest formation flight I ever flew (~ 5 nm), but Harrisburg Approach essentially treated us as a “flight of two.”

Lancaster greeted us with strong winds, but they were predominantly aligned with the runway. Curtis and Kate were already seated at a table on the patio which recently re-opened following renovations. Michelle joined us from Frederick (FDK) with her son and Lin Caywood—an active pilot and instructor at Bravo. Their departure was delayed, but thanks to modern communication capabilities they were able to relay their food orders to those of us already at the restaurant. This really came in handy since they had to depart earlier than the rest to get the plane back to Frederick. The food was really good which is typical of Fiorentino’s; and the prices were reasonable. You should fly to LNS for lunch or dinner; it’s truly worth it. When you do though, tanker enough fuel to get back home or to another airport with reasonable avgas—per AirNav, LNS’ self-serve fuel price is $7.70/gallon. The FBO is now in the main airport building, and they now have a bin full of chocks on the ramp near the pedestrian gate everyone uses for the restaurant.

Michelle and company departed for Frederick. After a while, the rest of us made our way back to the planes. Dave and Ray pretty much took the same route back to Hagerstown while Curtis and Kate went westward.

For our second flyout of the year, we had four aircraft and 10 people. Next month (6/25) we’ll head back to where it started in 2020—Hummingbird Café at Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE). Whether we have breakfast or lunch there, and therefore the ETD, is yet to be determined.

2021 Fly-Outs:

September

EAA Chapter 1041 at Gettysburg Regional Airport, Gettysburg, PA hosted their second Pancake Breakfast weekend of the year–the earlier one back in June. Participation in the "fly-out" was thin for a variety of reasons–some of the regulars were down south enjoying Triple Tree and other destinations to the south while others elected to drive due to Gettysburg's relative closeness–particularly to their homes. Andrew and I flew up in the Chapter 36 Flying Club's Cessna 172, -23U. The weather was gorgeous and perfect. On climbout, once trimmed properly the plane climbed out without the need for manipulating the controls. We climbed up to 3,500' to cross the ridge. As we were flying over Waynesboro and approaching the ridge we tuned to Gettyburg's CTAF frequency to build a picture of the arriving air traffic. Much to my surprise the radio was silent except for a distant airport using the same frequency. Shortly following our initial radio call though, numerous arrivals called in from a variety of directions. With no one ahead of us, we were #1 and picked to land on Rwy 6. I chose that runway to help facilitate the arrivals who could rollout and park without anyone needing to back taxi and interrupt the steady stream of arrivals behind us.

Breakfast was delicious as expected, and our hosts were gracious as always. I had a chance to connect with their President, Henry, about our upcoming Poker Run; and he introduced me to Dan who manages the FBO and relatively new fuel farm. I also got to see "Uncle Bob," who isn't actually my uncle–but we share direct relatives. You always hear about how aviation is such a small world–to think we probably attended the same baptisms a few decades ago as members of different sides of the family–only to reconnect through aviation today.

The downside with choosing Rwy 6 to land is it's the least convenient option for departing at a fly-in event due to the lack of a parallel taxiway at Gettysburg. We had to wait for a couple of arrivals and a low approach by a Stearman before we could back taxi and depart which we did–quickly, but safely–while additional traffic was downwind-to-base to arrive. The flight back was smooth and uneventful. Camp David was hot over the weekend and we made sure to avoid it during the short flight to and from Gettysburg.

Here's to looking forward to another attempt at attending the Flying Circus next month.

June

On Saturday, June 26nd, two airplanes and five members flew over to Reading Regional Airport, Reading, Pennsylvania (RDG) for lunch at Klinger’s at the Airport. Ray Franze, Gary Keller and Gil Motz flew in the Chapter 36 Flying Club’s Cessna 172, N8223U; and Mark and Sandy Hissey flew over in their Piper Archer, N8097Q.

Mark and Sandy stopped at the self-serve fuel pumps and the guys in -23U took advantage of the opportunity to get a much needed head start. Ray filed IFR and shortly after departure -23U was climbing through the clouds nearing the HGR VOR and during the turn to the northeast. Eventually Mark and Sandy popped up on ForeFlight and it wasn’t long before they were out in front thanks to the extra horsepower. Of course, flying IFR we had to go out to the VOR before turning toward Reading while VFR departures were able to proceed on course right away.

The air was smooth at altitude except when bouncing through the clouds. During the approximately 75-minute flight in -23U, the clouds were building up to the point that we were no longer skipping through the tops but closer to the middle. This prompted a few requests to ATC for heading deviations and a climb. The winds werestrong and gusting at RDG, but for the most part they were right down the runway (Rwy 18). I can tell you that slow and steady does not win the race—the guys in -23U arrived at RDG to find Mark and Sandy pointing at their watches having already sent us text messages to let us know they made it to the restaurant. I think Mark even did some S-turns at altitude followed by some slow flight paralleling our course before leaving us behind. Fortunately, he was high enough above us wake turbulence wasn’t an issue.

We were able to get a table right away inside the restaurant, which does also have outside patio seating. Our waiter did a great job checking on us often—although I’m sure it helped they only had 3-4 tables worth of customers. My burger was delicious, and their chips are unique—the texture reminded me of Rice Chex cereal and they are seasoned.

The airport restaurant is in the main terminal building adjacent to the Air Traffic Control tower. When it’s time to leave, look for the “Do Not Enter” signs above the doors going out to the ramp, and go through them. Reading has two FBOs, one closer to the terminal building. They do not have self-serve fuel, and the fuel price is approximately $0.50/gallon more than the self-serve at Hagerstown. The folks in the tower were friendly andgreat to work with coming in and heading out.

Coming back both planes flew back VFR below the clouds; comfortably flying between 2,500’ and 3,000’ with Flight Following the whole way back. Due to the ridges, we flew west toward Harrisburg and then followed I-81 through the valley. A few scattered rain showers were easily avoided and the air was pretty smooth down below as well.

Perhaps the next time we plan to fly over to Reading we include time to visit the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, which is on the field. Due to AirVenture, we won’t have a scheduled “Fourth Saturday Flyout” in July. Come join us in August (28th)!

May

On Saturday, May 22nd, two airplanes and six members flew over to Maryland’s eastern shore for breakfast at Sugar Buns Airport Café, Easton Airport (ESN), Easton, MD. Ray Franze, Gary Keller and Joe Boyle flew in the Chapter 36 Flying Club’s Cessna 172, N8223U; and Austin Colby flew his wife Brittany and daughter Mackenzie in his Cessna 182, N20761. VFR conditions prevailed, but Ray and Austin both filed IFR for the flight over which simplifies the process of flying through the SFRA and Class B airspace.

-23U departed HGR first but of course over time Austin’s -182 caught up to the flying club’s underpowered -172. The downside to both planes being IFR was the required separation ATC had to provide so -761 got someadditional vectors for spacing and an eventual climb to 6,000.’

The air was exceptionally smooth at altitude and the route of flight over to Easton took both airplanes between downtown Baltimore and BWI where the guys watched a steady stream of Southwest Airlines flights departing Runway 28 with more taxiing out for departure. As -23U was starting to cross the Chesapeake Bay at 5,000’ it was treated to a Southwest Airlines 737 passing underneath as it began its final turn back toward BWI. Traffic was busy at Easton but both planes were able to enter the pattern and land without any issues as Easton’s controltower did a great job managing it all.

We were able to get two tables right away inside the restaurant, which does also have outside patio seating. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you go to Sugar Buns Airport Café, you “have” to get the sugar buns. Once again, they did not disappoint! Austin and Brittany were smart and also got a couple to go. The service was a bit slow and disappointing but I’m pretty sure they only had one waitress available and there was a steadystream of customers after we arrived—and the manager (owner?) seemed to be making things worse for the poor girl. The meals were very good and we learned they “don’t have sides [of chipped beef gravy],’ so if you order one be prepared for a full serving. The camaraderie was second-to-none which typically provides more value than the meal itself.

Maryland Air had -23U topped off with fuel shortly after we arrived so all we had to do was pay for it on our way out. Their really nice FBO has numerous aircraft hanging from the ceiling with several having ties to the state’s historical aviation manufacturers like Fairchild and Glenn L. Martin. By the time we were ready to depart, the ramp was full of aircraft that flew in for breakfast at Sugar Buns.

Austin and his family departed first, with Gary and the guys departing right behind. Gary flew the return trip in -23U with Ray handling the radios to coordinate flight following and navigating the busy airspace. Potomac Approach cleared us through the Class B airspace before we asked for it, and our route back took us right over top Martin State Airport (MTN), a public airport that also has the Maryland Air National Guard’s 175th Wing, and their A-10 fleet below. Although P-40 was expanded and “hot,” we flew through the outer ring of the TFR (5-10 nm radius) which was acceptable because we had a unique squawk code and talking to Potomac Approach. They just told us to keep that squawk code all the way to the ground when they handed us off to Hagerstown tower.

While Easton and its sugar buns were the destination and goal, getting to fly others through an area of busy, relatively complex airspace and constant radio chatter while watching airlines depart off your wing and arrive right below you—as well as flying through an active TFR without an F-16 intercept because you’re doing it properly—is a reminder that often times it’s the journey, not the destination that matters

2020 Fly-Outs:

September

PIREP: “Fourth Saturday Fly-Outs” – LNS (Sat. Sep 26, 2020)

EAA Chapter 36 continued its “Fourth Saturday Fly-Outs” with an afternoon flight to Lancaster Airport (LNS) for lunch at the on-field Italian restaurant, Fiorentino’s. A look at the 10-day forecast on Monday, for both Hagerstown, MD and Lancaster, PA, showed very favorable conditions for a likely VFR flight up on the upcoming Saturday. As many as four aircraft and ten individuals were looking to make the flight—including our Ray Aviation scholar and his instructor who would join us during a cross-country training flight.

The Area Forecast the evening prior called for relatively low overcast skies with cloud tops ranging from 6,000-10,000 feet. In the morning, Hagerstown and areas to the North/Northeast were reflective of the Area Forecast. The conditions were certainly not ideal for sightseeing passengers or VFR-only operations and as such, the reduced turnout was understandable. Conditions were discussed concerning the types of clouds, stability of the atmosphere, propensity for smoothness vs turbulence, freezing levels, NOTAMs and viable options. Curtis and Ray, two of the chapter’s instrument rated pilots decided conditions were within their capabilities and comfort level to keep LNS as the destination.

Ray and Gary were the first to depart HGR in the Chapter 36 Flying Club’s Cessna 172. After a decent wait on the ground, Curtis and Pete departed in Curtis’ Cardinal. We were breaking out on top of the clouds between four- and five-thousand feet MSL. Once leveled off at five thousand feet, we enjoyed the breathtaking views of being on top of an overcast layer with blue skies and sunshine. Occasionally we were in and out of clouds at that level.

There wasn’t any banter on an air-to-air frequency as both planes were dialed in with Potomac and Harrisburg TRACONs on an instrument flight plan. But we could hear each other checking in on frequency and responding to instructions from ATC.

Despite the weather, LNS was pretty steady with inbound and outbound traffic. We figured Curtis and Pete would end up landing first despite leaving last due to their speed, but Ray and Gary were put behind everybody—“Cessna -23U turn left heading 020, vectors for sequencing, you’re number four into Lancaster.”

LNS had low overcast, but the ceilings were several hundred feet above minimums for the approach and both planes were able to land at LNS without any issue. Fiorentino’s is located at the main airport terminal building; and we were seated at a table on the outside patio under cover as soon as we arrived. I’m sure the weather helped make it easier to get a table right away.

While awaiting our pizzas, Twisted Mac, and flatbread sandwiches, we were able to observe other aircraft landing, smell the sweet smell of burnt kerosene as Southern Airways’ Caravan taxied in, and simply enjoy the camaraderie of another flyout.

August

PIREP: “Fourth Saturday Fly-Outs” – CBE (Sat. Aug 22, 2020)

EAA Chapter 36 kicked off its “Fourth Saturday Fly-Outs” with a morning flight to Greater Cumberland Regional Airport. Reduced seating capacities at PA restaurants (including outside per the airport restaurant) and a forecast for afternoon scattered convective activity caused the plan to change from a lunch flight to Lancaster, PA (LNS) to a breakfast flight at Cumberland (CBE).

The area saw widespread low-lying clouds; and Cumberland’s visibility was low at the time we all made our way to our hangars. Upon hearing of the rapidly improving visibility, seven members climbed aboard four aircraft and departed for breakfast.

Austin burned the most fuel taxiing down to Rwy 27 in his Cessna 182; the rest of us departed from Rwy 20. In a perfectly descending order, Curtis and Kate departed in their Cessna 177 Cardinal, followed by Ray and Gary in the Chapter 36 Flying Club’s underpowered Cessna 172. Bringing up the rear was Mark and Sandy and the lone Piper to make the trip.

Some good banter and important pre-arrival coordination were discussed enroute over the air-to-air frequency. Despite the low-lying clouds in the valleys and the high overcast, the city of Cumberland and its airport was basking in the morning sun as all four aircraft approached. Mark and Sandy enjoyed the last laugh—despite being the last ones to depart, they were the first to arrive.

Hummingbird Café is located behind the airport’s terminal building; but pilots are still able to taxi up to the parking area beside the restaurant. Due to arriving just as the restaurant opened, the group was able to get seated right away. From breakfast sandwiches to omelettes and French toast, the meal was delicious—and the prices were very reasonable. The only regret was not getting a funnel cake to go to have for the ride back!