Don
Well Known Member
I don't know that this is strictly RV related as I flew the mission in my Cherokee 140, but I learned about Pilots n Paws on this site from another RV-9a pilot and for the whole mission I was thinking how much more fun and efficient the flight would be when I'm done with my build.
Anyway, I just move to a new airport (to me), KXSA and one of the pilots there had been flying Pilot n Paws missions and wanted to know if I could do one this weekend. It was something I was interested in so I took him up on it. I had heard mumblings about 3 puppies but when I arrived at Elizabethtown, NC, Sylvia had a van full of critters to split between me and another pilot. It never occurred to me that one could fly a Cherokee with 19 souls on board but I did without coming close to W&B limits. It helped that 15 of the critters were kittens. The other 3 were dogs. I really expected my first PnP flight to be with just one or two critters but they cut me no slack and since it seemed safe in all respects (no loose critters, and W&B within limits), I figured what the heck?
It was 2.3 hours each way between KXSA and KEYF. I'm sure it would be 1.5 hours or a bit less in the 9a. Lots of fun, and while it was hot, the visibility was good, the air was a lot smoother than I expected, and it was uneventful in most respects. I've got to say, I like flying with a purpose - it really helps to focus the flight and flying a lot better than the lazy local evening flights for my fun.
Here are a few pictures of some of the critters (sorry for the quality, or lack thereof. My wife took them with her iPhone).
Anyway, I just move to a new airport (to me), KXSA and one of the pilots there had been flying Pilot n Paws missions and wanted to know if I could do one this weekend. It was something I was interested in so I took him up on it. I had heard mumblings about 3 puppies but when I arrived at Elizabethtown, NC, Sylvia had a van full of critters to split between me and another pilot. It never occurred to me that one could fly a Cherokee with 19 souls on board but I did without coming close to W&B limits. It helped that 15 of the critters were kittens. The other 3 were dogs. I really expected my first PnP flight to be with just one or two critters but they cut me no slack and since it seemed safe in all respects (no loose critters, and W&B within limits), I figured what the heck?
It was 2.3 hours each way between KXSA and KEYF. I'm sure it would be 1.5 hours or a bit less in the 9a. Lots of fun, and while it was hot, the visibility was good, the air was a lot smoother than I expected, and it was uneventful in most respects. I've got to say, I like flying with a purpose - it really helps to focus the flight and flying a lot better than the lazy local evening flights for my fun.
Here are a few pictures of some of the critters (sorry for the quality, or lack thereof. My wife took them with her iPhone).