Where were you?

I know that you have been asked that question more than once about your presence on September 11, 2001. I know where I was. I was in midtown Manhattan, on a corporate AV show. We were in the middle of listening to a lot of jabbering researchers talk when our projectionist from Local 1 comes on com and tells us that his wife (who worked at the World Trade Center) was out walking her dog and was running late when she saw the first plane hit the Trade Center. She was hysterical. I'll never forget the panic in his voice. I had a short break between speakers and told them I'd go up to my room and see what was on the TV. When I got there, I saw the first tower that was hit, burning. As the news casters were describing the scene, here came the second one. I had to get back down to my crew and let them know.

I will spare you all of the details that you have already heard by people who are much more qualified than I am. I can tell you that my pregnant wife was supposed to meet me the next day to begin our last vacation before our baby was born. That all ended with the first plane. At least she was supposed to meet me on the 12th instead of the 11th.

Fast forward 10 years. This September 11, 2011 was much different. We live in a world we would have never dreamed of 10 years earlier. We have to put any liquids we want to take on the airplane in a little quart sized bag. We have to take off our shoes and be scanned by x-rays before we can even enter the gate area of an airport. Even our small airports have more security than we ever imagined.

For these reasons, I am happy that I spent this September 11 taking my lovely wife for her first flight with me as a private pilot. We took off from McKinney on a beautiful morning headed south to Lancaster for breakfast at Runway Cafe. We took off behind a Legend Cub owned by a friend who departed to the east while we headed south. Soon after we landed, I heard the cub giving a position advisory as he was headed to land at Lancaster also. We got to spend a long morning waiting for our food but we had no agenda so time didn't matter. While we were waiting, a fellow pilot stood up to give a very nice talk about remembering what the world was like 10 years ago with empty skies and how we have regained control. It was a nice touch to an already memorable day (my excellent landing may have had something to do with it also).

So if I am asked again, where were you? I was with my beautiful wife in Lancaster enjoying a fantastic breakfast.

September 11, 2011 - Safely back at McKinney

Finishing Up

I guess everyone though I had given up but I've just been busy. I have been busy with life, wife, child, job, cooking and more life. I have been flying since my last post. I have flown a lot. So much so that I finally passed my check ride on August 21, 2011.

It was a grueling day. I had to get up at 5:30 AM in order to be in Durant by 8 AM. On our way out of KTKI, I got behind a large group from the EAA on their way out to breakfast. I was running a little behind and was number 6 for takeoff. UGH! Aniesh, my instructor, came with me because the examiner wanted her there to meet him.


I finally got to KDUA and was a little concerned. Nothing ever goes as planned, or in this case, forecast. It's summertime and the winds in this part of the world are usually out of the south. I landed on the 35 foot wide taxiway (the runway was closed) to the north. Unusual for August.

After a long round of paperwork and the oral, we finally got to the flying part around 11:40 AM. For the next 2 hours, we did every maneuver required by the PTS. The only issue I had was the wind. That north wind that was so unusual turned to a direct crosswind. This wasn't good for a 35 foot wide makeshift runway. So we headed south to Texas to do landings at Greyson County (or North Texas Regional as they like to be called now). When we got there, we had very difficult conditions to deal with. Winds were now direct crosswinds 14 knots gusting to 19. Luckily, the runways are 150 feet wide. The problem is that above 15 knots, you really don't have anymore rudder to keep your nose pointed straight. As I have heard it said, above 15, you are a test pilot.

None of the landings were impressive but I think the examiner was a little more lenient because of the nature of the winds.

As we headed back to the north to finish up, I was expecting to be told that the ride was over but we continued to finish up S-turns and turns about a point. He seemed satisfied and was ready to head back to Durant. One last thing, a slip to a landing. By now, the winds had shifted to a more southerly direction and slowed. After 14 gusting to 19, this would be easy, even with a slip. When we got to the ramp and I helped him out of the airplane and watched as he didn't kiss the ground. I guess that means that I passed.

We went back in and finished the paperwork where he issued me my new pilot certificate. I had FINALLY done it. I called Anish, who was at the casino having lunch. One of her other students flew up and they were doing airwork while I was taking my check ride. I let her know that I would fly back by myself as a newly certificated pilot. By now it was about 103 degrees and BUMPY. I made me way back to McKinney where my wife and daughter were waiting. I was tired, hungry and hot. Anna wanted to go for a flight, no matter how hot is was. I took her up for a quick lap around Lake Lavon. Finally, fatigue and hunger took over and I make the worst landing I have made in months.

Once we got the plane tied down, Aniseh and her student made it back and I thanked her for everything she had done for me in a short period. Then it was picture time.

My awesome instructor Aniseh

My first passenger Anna!

Aniseh and Anna