When I have time, I sometimes volunteer to fly dogs for an organization called Pilots N Paws. Recently the stars lined up for a terrific trip from Van Nuys, California, to Hayward. A blind poodle needed a ride to meet his new owner and, having been stuck training in a simulator for nearly three weeks, I needed to fly.
A Blind Dog Flies Home
Key Takeaways:
- The author volunteered for Pilots N Paws, flying a blind poodle from Van Nuys to Hayward, overcoming initial challenges such as a cold-start engine and gusty winds.
- The flight included diverse conditions, from strong headwinds and turbulence on the outbound leg to flying through clouds and an unexpected, minor icing encounter during the IFR return.
- Despite the challenges, the author safely navigated the conditions, including requesting a lower altitude to clear ice, and ultimately considered the varied and purposeful flight a "perfect" experience.
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