Seven new states, and 5 IMC hours later, it was time to go home. The journey home involved a stop in Frederick, MD (state #32). Here is what the final route flown looked like:
But it was a good excuse to use the the new GPS Z approach to runway 23. I had read about GPS Z approaches, which are the latest/greatest precision WAAS approaches with LPV. But I had not seen one in person.
The plan was a quick fuel stop @ Homerville, GA and a short final leg back to Tampa. Unfortunately, the city of Homerville (and it’s mayor) has truly ignored it’s airport. When I arrived it was an absolute ghost town. There was not a single person or plane there and they didn’t even have fuel!! Apparently, the fuel pumps were out of order. Even the runway was in shabby condition. But being the eternal optimist that I am, I made “lemonade” out of this lemon stop. Even though it was deserted and locked, their wireless worked from my Iphone on their front porch. As a result, I was at least able to catch up on calls/emails in relative comfort. Then I took a quick 20 mile flight to Valdosta, where I was able to satisfy both the plane’s thirst and my hunger. Then finally a quick VFR trip home to Tampa:
Overall, the journey has really put my piloting skills to the test (both in the air and even on the ground). Can’t wait to start planning the next batch of states!!!
== T.J.==