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I Learned About Flying From That

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author and flight instructor Donnie encountered rapidly deteriorating weather during an IFR flight, showcasing the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
  • During the return flight, they experienced a dangerous incident where a Cessna 182 released parachutists directly above their Mooney, despite prior awareness of both aircraft's positions.
  • The incident highlighted the shared responsibility among all parties (jump plane pilot, ATC, and themselves) and underscored the critical lesson for pilots to be proactive in ensuring their safety and demanding confirmation, rather than solely relying on ATC instructions.
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“Always be ready for the unexpected.” That is what Donnie Underwood, my friend and flight instructor (private through instrument), always told me. Be aware of what is going on around you and be ready to respond accordingly. This is good advice. On one particular flight, we would experience a good example of what he was talking about.

To celebrate my recent successful instrument check ride, I was treating Donnie to dinner at Lambert’s, a well-known fly-in destination in southeast Missouri. Known as the “Home of Throwed Rolls,” Lambert’s is especially gracious to pilots. Special treatment, from shuttle service from the airport to being escorted through the kitchen to avoid the bus loads of people standing in line (usually a one-to-two- hour wait), makes Lambert’s a favorite of the hundred-dollar dinner crowd. Hot sourdough rolls thrown to any raised hand doesn’t hurt either.

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