Thanks Robert, Mike & Moses... cheers gentlemen
Mike I wear my sunglasses at night...
Actually today's run was great because coming out of Coposa we hit the top of the overcast around 9000'. After about half way to SCDA, the sky became the proverbial "severe clear"... nothing but sun, which was quite nice not having to second guess if a peak would suddenly reach out and result in my "early retirement".
Robert I noticed you mentioned not using VOR... Maybe sometime (before next race) I can work on that with you and anyone else interested. Including any questions about the ADF.
I hold a CFII / MEII (Flight Instructor w/ Instrument Instructor rating) but it's been years since I actively used it. It would be surprising quick to learn as long as my instructing skills aren't complete crap by now.
I just noticed today my DME next to the T&B in the VC was active (trying to sound like Robin Williams). Normally that wasn't part of my scan as so much of the time it was covered by the wheel...and we were not supposed to use it anyway... and my NAV sub-panel was actually a modified Dangerous Dave panel (thanks btw DD). My word I did not use it for Navigation... only used to utter the words, "oh crap" (that is what I said Bry? or was it more vulgar than that?) when out the corner of my eye I saw a "tenth" tick off (movement caught my attention).
DME certainly wasn't necessary (more like a luxury just as in RW for me) and obviously many times not even available. The only time I was wishing for it was thinking about having to do an Instrument Approach into Quito. The only approach plate I could find was the VOR/DME Rwy 35 where DME was required to ID the FAF (Final Approach Fix) and stepdown fixes.
So might want to let Miss Nell know that while I violated the "letter of the law" by having a working DME, I did not violate "the spirit of the law". Nevertheless, I understand I could be assessed a "maintenance" violation.
Edit: Dang... also wanted to thank all the hard work to make this happen... Mike for sure, Paul... who else? SOH Staff and Server. Thanks!
