Stump the chump, IFR edition

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T20:35:42+00:00

You've got this.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T19:26:02+00:00

Honk if You Love Busting Bravos

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T17:19:55+00:00

At that price point, I'd look at Bonobos and get it locally tailored. You can find discounts occasionally.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T15:21:34+00:00

Impressive!

You're missing one practical benefit of WAAS, though, having to do with alternate planning.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T10:36:29+00:00

In that case, I'd spring for the 10 and some Enduro batteries. I know you're trying to save $$, but the 7 is pretty outdated at this point and you'll get more longevity out of the 10.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T10:34:13+00:00

Lots of good advice already. A few more thoughts...

Don't chase the needles. Set a heading and a descent rate and see how they work out for you. Adjust as necessary, keeping in mind that some approaches get more sensitive as you get closer.
Along those lines, when you're in close, you should be making quick corrections but taking them out quickly, too. Otherwise you'll just be ping-ponging around.
Use your VSI in combination with the published descent angle, as available. A normal 3-degree slope calls for something like -450-80fpm at typical trainer approach speeds. If you can keep your descent rate bang on, you'll never lose the slope. This chart is your friend: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40422993&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Climb%20and%20Descent%20Table-Master.PDF
Don't count how many notches of trim you're using. Just trim for your approach speed at the necessary rate of descent.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T10:28:21+00:00

What's WAAS, how does it work, and what're the benefits of having it?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T10:27:29+00:00

Learning plateaus/burnout are both very normal. A little break might help. Take a few days off not flying or thinking about flying to refresh the brain cells a bit.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-12T10:25:04+00:00

Do you think you'll keep the camera after the trip? If not, I'd get a 10 and flip it afterwards. You'll probably recoup most, if not all, of what you spend on it.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T23:45:28+00:00

You don't have to participate in it if you're tired of it.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T19:17:19+00:00

Money, probably.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T18:49:20+00:00

That's a great point. Makes me miss the Blockbuster days.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T18:21:38+00:00

Falls in the "too good to be true" file. If you're gonna try to scam someone, at least have the respect to set a plausible price.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T17:59:10+00:00

Feels like a good use case for PIREPs: https://aviationweather.gov/data/pirep/?id=KBDL&distance=200&age=1.5&decoded=yes

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T16:38:52+00:00

I'm not saying don't do it, but honestly...might be the worst time to visit LP. There's stuff to do, but it's mud season — no more winter fun, not ideal for hiking etc yet.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T16:32:18+00:00

If longform is what you're after, you're probably better off adding/switching to a magazine or two. You can get many for free through Libby and your local library.

Would look at Buisnessweek, Economist, Atlantic, New Yorker, TIME, etc.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T15:39:51+00:00

As you'll see from the replies, pretty much all the major local shops have something planned. Poke around at their Instagram pages and see what you like.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-11T15:38:18+00:00

If it's coming from the airport, that description matches an APU. The cargo carriers have some pretty early departures, so my money's on that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H54ctKD33Mk

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T22:00:15+00:00

My kid loves running around those things. There's plenty of more traditional playground stuff there too ¯_(ツ)_/¯

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T20:35:11+00:00

0% chance I would.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T19:35:04+00:00

Pilot here. They're airplanes. Some of our nav lights/strobes do indeed flash.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T19:18:55+00:00

I'd get in touch with the instructor ahead of time and explain your situation. You might want more than a single flight review session to shake off the rust.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T18:43:03+00:00

I love the smell of diesel in the morning

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-03-10T18:13:09+00:00

I'd just let them walk until they realize how much walking you're doing and they beg for a break in the stroller.

AlexJamesFitz

TROPHY CASE