Busy Day!

Today’s weather was perfect for flying. Blue skys, light winds, warm weather. The only problem is, everyone else is thinking the same thing: let’s go flying.

I have never, ever, ever seen Buttonville this busy before. I had to wait about 10 minutes to take off right from the get-go. This was a normal take off and landing just to get a feel for this plane and the conditions. It was non-stop on the radio and people were stepping all over eachother.

The next time around it was a short field take off and landing. I nailed the take off perfectly. The landing was not so good. This is the warmest temperature I’ve flown in with 40° of flaps. Reducing the power causes the plane drops like a rock. At least I hit my touch down spot ;)

After two more circuits, I figured out the landing and was nailing them. I take a peek at my watch and figure I have time for one more. I taxi back to the holding bay to find 4 planes infront of me — crap! I’m listening to tower and the plane that is number 1 to take off cant get a word in. I hear the controller saying “number 5 to land”. Five more minutes pass and the controller is telling people in the circuit to change frequencies to 119.9 Mhz. I stay on my current frequency (124.8 Mhz). By this point the controller is telling other planes that they cant enter the control zone and to start orbiting over certain points.

I see the number 1 airplane taxi to the runway and take-off… hmm.. I didn’t hear him get permission. I decide to tune to 119.9Mhz. That controller is taking care of landings/take-offs while the other one is taking care of traffic entering the zone.

By the time I’m number 1 for take-off it’s been 20 minutes later. I ask to taxi down the runway to get back to the apron, my rental time is up! I scoot down the runway and taxi off on Charlie behind two other planes already there.

I did learn something today.. How to transmit using two radios ;) I had radio one tuned to Tower and Ground.. and I had radio two tuned to 119.9Mhz.

Each year the Canadian 99s put on a “poker run” as a fundraiser. The idea being that you fly to a bunch of airports and pick up a card for $5. Make your hand and hope you win. The majority of the traffic at Buttonville today was because of this event.

No flying tomorrow because its my brothers Birthday. I have a lesson booked on Monday though.