Cross-Country to Eagle River and Stevens Point

My student Greg took me on a ride around northern Wisconsin today as he executed a well-planned cross-country flight. We flew from Green Bay to Eagle River (passing over Rhinelander first), then to Stevens Point (passing over Rhinelander again), and back to Green Bay.

Rhinelander

The temperature on the ground was barely in the teens, and the cold air was so dry that we could see forever in the air. Winds were very light on the ground.

According to the lack of radio chatter, few people were out flying today, probably because of the cold. But we were unlucky enough to fly over Rhinelander's airport exactly at the same time another Cessna departed and flew north towards Eagle River, where we were going.

We radioed to the other pilot letting him know we saw him. But he never said he saw us, even though we were above and in front of him. He explained he was heading toward Eagle River and said something about "17." I now realize that's a highway, but this an example of why pilots shouldn't use only local landmarks when communicating over the radio. Non-local pilots might not know the names of landmarks (most highway numbers aren't printed on our maps).

We decided we would give up the right-of-way and move off of our route sideways to get out of the way of the other airplane, which was climbing and keeping the same speed as us. The last thing we wanted was to lose sight of someone who didn't necessarily see us, and have him climb up and hit us. The other airplane zigzagged a little, maybe doing some lake sightseeing, and seemed to finally level off below us. Then he flew east of the direct route to Eagle River, so we were relieved a little.  I keeped a close watch on him while my student maneuvered into Eagle River's traffic pattern to land.

Perhaps the other pilot saw us the whole time, but you know what assuming does.

FAA regulations require pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft whenever weather conditions permit. In other words, whether you use a radio or not, and regardless of whether air traffic control is working with you, you need to pay attention and look out your window and watch where the heck you're going. Today was a reminder of the importance of keeping a watchful eye even if it seems like no one else is out there.

Can you spot the other plane in this picture? (Look towards the center, then up and to the right a little!)

The Camp 10 Ski n Snowboard area southwest of Rhinelander

Rolling hills

Taking off from Stevens Point. Lots of plane and vehicle tracks on the runway.

Christmas Party at the EAA Museum

Our EAA Chapter UL41 Christmas party was tonight in the Founder's Wing of the EAA AirVenture Museum. This is the second year in a row we've had the dinner there. It's a fitting venue! Our group had the opportunity to browse around the museum. Here's a picture of the three Christen Eagles hanging above the lobby in the museum entrance.

Looks Like January Now

We have snow again!

Ercoupe Flight with a Full Moon Rising

Still not believing it's January, I flew the Ercoupe for a while with the heat barely on, over our nearly snowless landscape. I landed at Waupaca around sunset and flew back with a full moon rising. The radio was busy with a lot of other pilots enjoying such nice flying weather.

Weyauwega Lake, still mostly dry

Wheels in January

Without the leftover Christmas decorations in the hangar at Iola, it would be hard to believe it's January. There is almost no snow, and it is about 45 degrees out.

Jim and I drove in for lunch today instead of flying, because the forecast said there would be too much crosswind at Brennand Airport by the time we got back. Well, that forecast turned out to be wrong, but we were glad that we avoided getting the plane dirty anyway. A few of the 20 or so planes that flew in got muddy bellies from wet spots on the airport.

The roast pork was melt-in-your-mouth delicious! We stuck around for a couple hours talking to friends.

Madison Again, over Frozen Lakes

Another student, Greg, planned and flew a cross-country flight with me to Madison today. We stopped at Oshkosh on the way back. The day started out sunny and then clouded over. Yesterday was pretty cold, only in the teens. Since last week's cross-country to Madison, the bigger lakes like Winnebago and Butte des Morts have frozen over. We saw an awesome sunset during our return to Green Bay.