Smooth Night Air

Capping off a busy Tuesday, I decided to take to the skies to maintain my night currency as a private pilot. Basically, that just takes 3 landings to a complete stop every 90 days. The weather was so nice all day, Laura sensed I might be tempted and confessed as much to my Mom. It wasn't long thereafter that I called and confirmed her suspicions. As soon as dinner was over, I'd be heading to the airport, but not alone... I duped Dad into going with me.


Though a frequent flier, he's made no secret of the fact that he'd never ride in a plane too small to have a bathroom so this was quite the coup. The girl working the counter at the airport must have sensed some apprehension on his part and offered him a sick sack, which I'm proud to say he declined and more importantly, didn't need.



Since my currency had expired a few days earlier, I couldn't carry passengers until meeting the landing requirements. A few quick solo trips around the pattern took care of that and it wasn't long until we were both headed into the cool night air. I decided we'd take the short trip from Madison County Executive (MDQ) to Huntsville's International (HSV) since this affords a nice view of the city and gets me some practice talking to a tower, flying in controlled airspace and landing at a different field. Plus, it's just plain cool landing landing on the same runway used by the 747s that haul cargo between here and Europe.


Aside from all the major roads and downtown, it was pretty easy to spot Huntsville International as soon as we were pointed in that direction and we were also able to identify the Space and Rocket Center, the Madison Publix on Hwy 72 as well as the recreational complex just a block north of our subdivision. All of this in just a quick glance from 3000 feet when on the ground they're separated by a 30 minute drive.


After landing at the "big airport", we quickly departed to make way for two other departures and headed back to Madison County. When we landed, Dad didn't jump out of the plane and kiss the ground though I may appreciate his steel nerve a little more when Jack grows up and I put my life in his hands for the first time...