Crazy Weather!

One of the first big spring storms here in the Republic! This is just about as live as it gets!

Ferry Flight to the Heavy Maintenance Base

Here is a front shot of the Saab 340 that we flew to Abilene, TX for heavy maintenance. A baggage cart owned by United Airlines was blown by gale force winds at DFW a few days ago into the underside of the right wing of this aircraft. It bent the flap hinges and left a scrape on the bottom side of the wing. After considering all of the options, the captain, mechanics, and I decided that it was safe to fly from Dallas to Abilene. Because of the damage, this was only a ferry flight under the provisions of a ferry permit from the FAA. No passengers were on board, and it was only the captain, myself, and a mechanic who were on the airplane. We went slow the whole way, and had to figure the numbers for a no-flap landing, which the captain executed perfectly. Great job to all involved, and I'm looking forward to the magic that the world-class mechanics in Abilene will work on this bird.

The captain considering the options

Discussing procedures

Gaggle of mechanics seeing the airplane for the first time in Abilene

Us (and Boomer!)

Boomer jumping into White Rock Lake over in Dallas

Us at White Rock Lake
Nurse and Pilot. We came home from work at the same time, and we just couldn't resist the opportunity to really cliche it up!

Flying

Between Cloud Layers

"International" Border, as named by my Texan captain (that's right--Texas is definitely a whole different country!) Here's a shot of the Red River on our way to Lawton, Oklahoma.

Rainbow from the air (my IOE captain snapped this pic)

Cumulus Mammatus on the back side of a front on that same flight--there were all kinds of weather events that day. Thankfully, I made it home in time for dinner that evening.

Rediculousness

Here's a shot of the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington. The rumor is that it is costing the city of Arlington $1 billion (with a B) to build...these Texans sure love their Cowboys!