February 10, 2008
This is our story and we're sticking to it. Different perspectives? Yes! But perspectives are what make the world interesting!
His story: Karen and I spent the weekend in Virginia (Friday night in Roanoke, Saturday night in Richmond). We had a pretty strong headwind on Friday, averaging about 135 knots groundspeed. Saturday we had a great tailwind as we flew east to Richmond. I saw consistent groundspeeds of 198 knots (227 mph), but never could quite get it over the 200 knot mark. The whole trip (124 nm) took less than 40 minutes. It is at least a 3 hour drive.
Her story: We had a great time visiting friends in Richmond on Saturday. The weather was clear and it only took 45 minutes to get to Roanoke then 45 minutes from Roanoke to Richmond. We stayed at a Days Inn near the airport since they advertised on their website that they had free shuttle from the airport. We landed at 1:00 pm and called for that shuttle to be told that it was not available. They suggested we take a cab. I reluctantly told them ok and that we would be right over to check in. To that they responded check-in is at 3:00 and they would have to charge us an extra day stay for early check-in. I called my friends to come get us.
His story- For some reason we had to stay at the airport a little longer until our friend arrives to pick us up. But a cool
C-5A Galaxy landed and I was able to check out the other crafts parked nearby.
Her story- We had planned to stay for brunch with the gang the next morning but Jack said we better leaver sooner as opposed to later so we packed up and got to the airport. No shuttle either- but luckily our friends also stayed at this upstanding Days Inn!
His: When I saw the forecast I decided the earlier we left, the better and I’m glad we did. We took off from Richmond International (RIC) at 10:00 AM. Surface winds for takeoff (we were using runway 20) were 250 degrees at 25 knots. Good thing an RV-4 has a pretty good rudder. Our course was 226 deg. And the winds were from 260 at 59 knots, giving us a groundspeed of only 118 knots, so what should have been a 45 minute flight took an hour and 10 minutes. And that was 70 minutes of pure turbulence. It was the most uncomfortable flight I've ever made.
Her: Ditto! Really bumpy up and down- hitting my head on the canopy and I couldn’t even read. I was reading a story about peace and personal introspection. I had to put the book away. The jolting was making me feel queasy. I was freezing as well at 6500 feet and had on my gloves and coat.
His: There were 59 knot headwinds, and surface winds that were 22 knots gusting to 31 knots. Good thing we got home when we did, because later the peak gusts went to 53 knots! I had in the heater and all it does is warm my right calf and foot.
Her: I could smell the heat but could not feel it. Jack said this flight wasn’t dangerous- just bouncy and uncomforable. He kept laughing each time we gained or lost 400-500 feet. Since we sit tandem, he could not see me. Now I was holding the barf bag.
His: The turbulence about beat us to death, with the G meter ranging from -0.5 to + 3.1 G's.
Her: He kept announcing to me what G’s were involved. I tossed my cookies just as RDU was in sight.
His: Karen decided her breakfast would be more comfortable in a sack. Poor girl – first time she’s ever gotten sick while flying with me. By the time we got back to Cox, RDU (Raleigh Durham International) was calling the surface winds 280 degrees at 21 with gusts to 31 knots. Fortunately, the runway at Cox is 09/27 so I didn’t have too much crosswind to worry about, but I would be landing downhill.
Her: I had my eyes closed trying to settle my stomach.
His: I called into Cox field to ask if there was anyone in the traffic pattern. Nobody else was.
Her: Wonder why?
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