It was a picture-perfect early February day in Michigan — clear blue sky, calm wind, 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It was even better because there was no snow on the grass strip. But a storm was forecast to bring 12 inches of snow the next day. That much snow would shut down my flying for days or weeks. I had 90 minutes of free time and full use of my friend Doug’s Cessna 172 Skyhawk. I thought I’d better make a short hop and enjoy this good weather.
As I started the car, I remembered my sunglasses were in the garage. I got out of the car, leaving the door open, and retrieved the glasses. By the time I came back my daughter’s dog, Rascal, a calm, intelligent, 60-pound blue heeler, was in the passenger seat ready for a car ride. Well, I thought, I’d only be up for a little while and he could rest in the car.
