Here’s a pic of Vyctor having his oil heated prior to our flight:
We took off just after 10:00 and headed straight overhead the field at about 4000 feet. I was just about to start aerobatics when my intercom went out – we couldn’t hear each other through our headsets. A little embarrassed, but I told him we would just have to yell. I checked a couple of my radio fuses, but everything looked fine. We did aerobatics for about 15 minutes – he LOVED it! I asked him if he wanted to take a break and we could fly over Niagara Falls. I called the tower to say we would be heading south to the Falls. They replied that my communications were almost unreadable. I tried again, but it was the same. I decided to stay in the St. Catharines airspace and just do more aerobatics. After another 10 minutes, I called the tower to say I was coming in to land. They couldn’t hear me at all. They asked if I wanted to land, and if so, to click my microphone twice. I did. I then called them on my cell phone just to make sure they knew how I was coming into the circuit. There were quite a few planes coming and going, but the the tower made sure to update everyone with my position. As I was descending, I noticed my transponder was also out. Once on the downwind, I tried to put my flaps down, but nothing (since they’re electric). I switched off the alternator but still nothing. I came in and did a fairly decent flapless landing. My passenger loved the adventure. I asked him if my supervisor/his wife was going to have me fired for our experience, but he assured me she wouldn’t. We all had a good laugh when we got down and out of the plane. I told him that this flight wouldn’t count and we would go up again. Fortunately, my mechanic was going to do my annual inspection that day – what perfect timing!
Actually, I meet with mechanic the night before. We had our Recreational Aircraft Association Christmas dinner Friday night. Although our numbers were down a little this year, it was still a great evening. We had a traditional English dinner:
My friend Rick was quite excited about the fact that his yorkshire pudding looked like a little toilet:
Speaking of yorkshire puddings, I decided to lob one at my mechanic’s head. Fortunately for him, I missed. I blame it on the poor aerodynamics of the yorkie. I think it was his wife who got me in the side of the head a little later on. I also got hit when I was up front, handing out presents. I “accidentally” hit Rick too. Tee hee! I’ve always wanted to have a food fight!
After dinner we had a great quartet perform for us:
One of our members always dresses up as Santa and I decided to join him this year, as Mrs. Claus:
It was a great evening – such a great group!
On Tuesday we’re leaving for Clearwater, Florida to have my CCSVI surgery repeated. I really wish I didn’t have to have it redone so soon, but apparently many people are in the same boat. We’re flying into Tampa, which is about 20 minutes away from Clearwater. On a bright note, I scoped out the nearby malls, so I should be able to complete most of my Christmas shopping.
I just want to thank all of the folks who have given me their support and words of encouragement for my upcoming procedure. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me.
Today’s symptoms: Felt a little drained today, probably due to all of my excitement yesterday! My sinus headache is getting a bit better each day.
Lizzy McFly 