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Broken-Field Running

Getting there and back can mean abandoning Plan A for a new strategy. Situational awareness is key.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author's 2700-nm round trip to view the solar eclipse demonstrated the adage that "no plan survives first contact," necessitating frequent adjustments to original flight strategies.
  • The journey involved navigating significant challenges such as adverse weather (icing, storms), an overtaxed ATC system, and high traffic volumes around key event areas.
  • Successfully completing the trip relied heavily on strong aeronautical decision-making, operational flexibility, and effective risk management to adapt to evolving conditions.
  • Despite the complexities and need for constant plan changes, the experience highlighted the practical utility and value of a personal airplane for unique travel adventures.
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The idea that “no plan survives first contact with the enemy” is a modernized version of something a Prussian field marshal, Helmuth von Moltke, wrote in 1871. It’s appropriate in many activities, as long as we change “enemy” to something a bit softer, like “opposition.” In everyday use, it can refer to authority figures who are not on our side. Air traffic controllers, for instance. Events, too, like weather.

In early April, I flew my Debonair on a 2700-nm round trip over four days, from Florida to Maine and back, to view the April 8 eclipse. The eclipse itself was an amazing, epic experience in many ways (see this month’s Editor’s Log on page 2 for more deets).

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