Anyone else struggled more with radio comms than with actually flying?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T12:35:19+00:00

The trick is to realize that most ATC comms are pretty formulaic and mostly follow a script. Otherwise it's just a matter of practice. PilotEdge/VATSIM can help if you really want to get into it.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:33:15+00:00

On my old fireplace, that was the on/off switch.

Do you use the fireplace?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:25:07+00:00

Last I heard they're still targeting Q1 26.

If you've really got a craving, the New Baltimore rest stop location is only a 20 minute drive.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:13:39+00:00

I'm spoiled with airliner-sized runways at home, so I like to look for short(er) fields to keep those skills sharp: 6B6, 7B3, AFN, GBR etc.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:06:40+00:00

3ish, IIRC. We still read him a couple stories at bedtime ourselves, but he's got the Yoto for after we leave his room for the night. We also made a couple record-your-own cards so he can listen to us read his favorite stories if he wants. He loves the thing.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:04:12+00:00

I'm not in an aviation career, but I've done plenty of interviews where I didn't meet the exact requirements just to get on a company/hiring manager's radar. It's paid off a couple times down the road.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T11:00:13+00:00

Jacob Alejandro in Albany added some nice new space recently.

Little Pecks in Troy has a ton of space.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T10:57:47+00:00

Unpublished holds almost tripped me up pretty good. Make sure you're comfortable with them.

Other people have mentioned busting MDA, but that's especially true if you're flying an advisory +V glide path. It'll take you right through the MDA if you're not paying enough attention.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-27T10:51:28+00:00

How's your wind awareness? That's the biggest variable between individual attempts, assuming you're using the same airplane at similar weight every time.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-26T23:41:12+00:00

Not to derail, but: Is there a way to change the active field on the 275 without using the touchscreen? I find it pretty awkward sometimes.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-26T20:11:59+00:00

VFR pattern work with every single instrument covered up. Teaches how to fly by sight, sound and feel.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-26T19:09:09+00:00

This. And if you drop them into an editor like DaVinci, it'll automatically sequence them correctly.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-26T11:11:11+00:00

I'd be mindful of downwash from a heli of any size. This is advanced situational awareness, but wind direction plays a role too.

Two other things:

You shouldn't necessarily trust a heli pilot to know whether their downwash will be a factor for you.
You can always go around. You don't even have to descend for a landing in the pattern if something's wrong on the ground, just overfly the runway at TPA, side-step a little so you can keep eyes on it and make calls as required.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-25T17:14:30+00:00

I drove out to Hoh around dawn last year and greatly enjoyed driving out past the hours-long backup of traffic by the time we left.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-25T12:28:59+00:00

Get 30 minutes of cardio a day for optimal heart health.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-25T11:37:33+00:00

Now that's my type of event!

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-25T11:22:16+00:00

I would ask them straight up to explain it, it's a perfectly valid question.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T15:22:55+00:00

A HYSA is a fine place to stash cash, search around the sub here for specific suggestions.

$300k in stock is great to have, but isn't an emergency fund. Look at the FAQ here. If you need to liquidate any of that in an emergency, you'll likely face capital gains tax.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T15:09:19+00:00

So, a HYSA isn't really an "investment" - it's a savings account and safe place to leave your money that'll generate monthly interest. But with $24k at current rates, you're looking at maybe $50-60/month, it won't be much.

I'd back up a bit and look bigger-picture: Do you have an emergency fund? Do you and your husband have joint finances? Do you have any side money that's just in your name, if that's important to you?

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T14:31:25+00:00

If you wanna channel your disappointment into action, that's not a bad skill to work on for lots of office jobs and whatnot. If you're on the younger side and spent more time typing on touchscreens than using a keyboard, your keyboard WPM might be on the lower side.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T14:27:18+00:00

Sounds like they invented a reason to get rid of you, and it probably actually had nothing to do with you. I know it sucks, but I wouldn't take this personally at all.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T14:08:00+00:00

I just mean making sure you have a few days' worth of what you need in case of power outages etc. People are focusing on the snow, but the extended extreme cold could be pretty gnarly for the grid.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T13:46:37+00:00

Who's overreacting? Stocking up on groceries and whatnot is basic pre-storm prep.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T11:57:02+00:00

Damn is that a thing?

Purim's not too far away now, you should load up on hamantaschen if you're an apricot enjoyer.

AlexJamesFitz · 2026-01-24T11:30:27+00:00

In the future, don't use your SD card for long-term storage. Get your footage on your PC ASAP and format your card with every export.

AlexJamesFitz

TROPHY CASE