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I Learned About Flying From That: Rock ‘N’ Ride

To see more of Barry Ross' aviation art, go to
barryrossart.com.
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A pilot experiences a catastrophic engine failure and fire shortly after takeoff during a ferry flight with his date, Loretta.
  • Demonstrating impressive airmanship, the pilot skillfully executes an emergency dead-stick landing, battling an oil-covered windscreen, strong winds, and his date's panic.
  • Despite the successful rescue, the harrowing experience ultimately ends his relationship with Loretta and reinforces the lesson that preventing distress is more valuable than dramatic rescues.
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Relationships are often defined by shared experiences. So was the case with Loretta and me. When the tower asked if we wanted to declare an emergency, my date’s panicked expression suggested that our future together might require more than a safe landing.

The Cessna 182 ferry mission was to be routine. N15AP had just been returned to service following an annual and needed to be repositioned from Burlington, Vermont, to Warren-­Sugarbush Airport. Like many newer pilots seeking flight time, I had made my interest in ferrying airplanes known to the local maintenance shops. The pay was terrible, but ferrying did give me the opportunity to fly a lot of different models. And, to the point, my logbook totals were rapidly increasing.

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