ATW with the Six Pack  

Leg 2: KPHL-KIAD  

Pilot: Bryan K.  

November 11th, 2004  

My two days in Philly were quite interesting! And with the nice weather, it made it even more enjoyable for some sightseeing. But, time to leave, we have plenty of nautical miles ahead of us. Today, another short flight is planned, as we slowly progress south, down the US East Coast, for lunch in Washington DC. I could not help to smile when I checked the weather for my hometown (Aylmer, Qc) and saw that it was already snowing there!! The good folks at Milville Jet Center had already prepared my Conquest, and all the required paperwork was filled in a snap.

Flying into the Washington D.C. area is not an easy task, especially if you are not a US citizen. Since I did’nt have much say in the flight plan, our route will be quite basic, at a cruise altitude of 12 000’. As I contacted Philadelphia Clearance, I was instructed to climb to 6000’, and fly the runway heading after takeoff. Here I am, as left engine is starting to spool-up. Nice view of downtown Philadelphia in the distance.  

After a quick taxi, I am rapidly cleared for takeoff on runway 8. This shorter runway is located right next to the GA parking area, quite convenient. As we started to roll, tower advised of a departing Airbus on the longer runway 9, I’ll have to keep an eye on him.  

I was rapidly passed to New Tork Center after takeoff, and I had to fly over downtown Philly to proceed on our planned course.

The flight was quite calmed, and traffic in the area was quite light, on this nice autumn morning. Here, I am flying along the Chesepeake Bay. Off the left wing, you can see KMTN (Martin State Airport).

At aroud 86 nm out of Dulles (KIAD), I received my first vector for the approach. New York Center also indicated I would be landing on runway 19L. Here’s a shot of downtown Baltimore, as we descend to 6000’.  

As we approached the Potomac, (note the Appalachian Mountains in the distance) we flew close to KGAI (Montgomery Co Airport, in Gaithersburh, Maryland).  

On short final to runway 19L at KPHL. Full flaps out, and ready to land!  

Landing was very smooth, but I missed the centerline… Oh well, I’ll have a lot more chances to practice as my ATW progresses!  

I was surprised how much Dulles was quiet this morning. While I taxied to the local FBO parking (Hawthorne Aviation), I did’nt cross anyone, and Washington Ground was almost mute.  

Parked in the GA parking. I plan to catch a ride downtown for a nice lunch and maybe a tour of The White House, and then fly to Norfolk (KORF) this afternoon.  

Remember to check the complete flight report in the “logbook” section!     Cheers!     Bryan Kirk