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Downwind
Dr. Smoky Askew, attorney Perry Hubbard, and I, circa 1950, decided we had to have an airplane. Also, all three of us and Laura Askew began study for our license. License granted and the Captain began to use the plane for short family trips and to visit district offices as a division hydrologist USGS.
A number of exciting experiences evolved thereafter.
"Tower, this is Cessna N242Alpha approaching downwind north south runway. Request permission to land."
"Cessna N242Alpha, permission granted. Variable winds across runway up to 10mph." "Cessna N242Alpha, on final."
First on assignment USGS to Kotsebue, Alaska to develop groundwater for DEW line stations – permafrost areas. All went well until the return flight when the co-pilot of Aleutian Airlines did not appear for the return flight. Pilot to the passengers, "Does anybody have a pilot’s license?" "LaMoreaux just obtained single engine license." Pilot: "Come up and sit in the co-pilot position so we can fly to Nome.
When I did so, I learned that all instruments were nonfunctional. That explains my qualifications for co-pilot. I received no flying time compensation.
Phoenix, Arizona – the Captain visited district office, Chief Herb Skibitzke. Herb had a small private plane and asked if I would like to fly over the Grand Canyon with him. "Yes indeed." Upon return to the airport, the Captain landed Cessna halfway down the runway, brakes locked, plane skidded off into the grass next to runway. Tower: "Cessna are you having problems?" Skibitzke: "Hell no! We always land this way!"
Many great trips followed. Some of the most entertaining ones were with my graduate classes in hydrogeology. Examples illustrated from the air, of correlation between geology and air photography, also changes in vegetation, soils, heat, topography, and other factors. One intriguing example: I explained to the class we could determine a contact just by motion of plane. For example, flying from red soil of Eutaw, then over Demopolis white chalk. Heat reflection caused the plane to vibrate. Teaching graduate students by private plane would not be possible today.
Always wanted my children to learn to fly. Unfortunately, they would crawl into the back seat and the throbbing of the engine would have them asleep pronto!
"Tower, Cessna N242 Alpha ready to take off north south runway." Tower: "Cessna N242 Alpha – roger, take off approved. Have a good trip."
On my final check, before receiving my license, the planned travel was Mobile, Bay Minette, Pensacola, Tuscaloosa. If successful, I would get my license. Many times my instructor would guide my pre-flight check and tell me, "You only made one serious mistake in flying the airplane." On my cross-country, the plan was to land and refuel at Bay Minette Airport. Unfortunately, it was unattended, locked fuel pumps. I decided there was enough gas to get to Pensacola. Little did I know.
Flying east of Bay Minette, the large main highways go over to Pensacola. The other more southeast around the curve of the Gulf. I was watching instruments and visual flight signs – ignored my instruments, which kept pointing the wrong way and followed the wrong highway southeast away from Pensacola.
Some 30 minutes later, with compass pointing north to Pensacola, I decided the instrument was right. I turned 90° back toward Pensacola as my gas gauge registered in the red. My prayer was, "please God, get me in this time and I will keep my gas tank full in the future." God answered my prayers and I flew the last few miles on empty. I never let my tank get low again.
- Phillip E. LaMoreaux
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(800) 472-1988 x 1054
