To Fly Is To Learn—Every Time

A seemingly easy flight from Charlottesville to Tampa proves that there’s no such thing as an easy flight.

Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 08:01 AM ET

Verified

No matter what airplane you fly, there's always a chance to gain knowledge whenever you get a throttle in your hand. Courtesy: Dick Karl

Key Takeaways:

A seemingly routine flight quickly became challenging due to unexpected weather, a series of significant ATC reroutes, and a nearby airport closure, severely impacting planned fuel reserves.
Faced with critical fuel estimates, the pilots demonstrated excellent teamwork and communication, making real-time decisions to adjust flight parameters and approach strategy.
The experience underscores the unpredictable nature of aviation and the crucial importance of pilot adaptability, problem-solving, and professional synergy in ensuring a safe and successful outcome.

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“Do you want to fly this leg?”

It’s Capt. Bill, my flying buddy, once again demonstrating his seemingly limitless generosity. I met Bill while attending Cessna Citation CJ1 recurrent training at SimCom in Orlando, Florida, where he was my instructor. He now manages and flies a CJ2+ based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for a cool company. Sometimes he hires me to be his first officer/co-captain.