Pilots live by the clock. Every minute matters—cross-country hours, solo hours, night flying hours, instrument conditions, and beyond. Each flight is logged with exactitude, as the capricious nature of wind can profoundly impact the journey's duration.

In March 2019, I embarked on a significant milestone: flying Big Boy to Dayton, Ohio, for its annual inspection. As I noted the time in my logbook, it dawned on me that this would be my longest solo cross-country flight to date. Typically, I am accompanied by a passenger, an instructor, or another pilot. But this time, the sky was my sole companion (KLOM > I73). As a VFR pilot, I am bound by Visual Flight Rules, necessitating clear skies for safe travel. [note: since this blog entry, I've successfully completed longer solo X-Country flights - ironically, one of them returning from successfully completing my IFR certification.]

March 27th unfolded as a pristine day! At Wing’s Field (KLOM), I packed Big Boy with the essentials: baggage for the inspection, airframe logbooks, and attire for an upcoming conference in Atlanta, GA. After completing the pre-flight checks, I prepared to taxi to the runway. A medical helicopter performing an engine-out exercise momentarily delayed my departure.

Once the runway cleared, I set forth on my flight plan, navigating VOR-to-VOR, practicing my VOR tracking. Traveling along the Victor airways. Although VFR, I utilized this method as part of my IFR test preparation [Note: I would earn my IFR rating in December 2020]. Departing from KLOM to PTW VOR, I requested flight following from PHL approach and was subsequently handed off to Reading Approach. As I veered towards Lancaster (LPR VOR), Reading adjusted my course slightly for traffic, followed by a similar change from Harrisburg. Despite these minor course deviations, my navigation remained steadfast.

Approaching the Zanesville VOR, with plans to continue to Yellow Bud VOR, Columbus Approach notified me of 11 targets at my altitude. Faced with the options to ascend, descend, or deviate, I chose to descend from 6500 feet to 4500 feet. This adjustment introduced some turbulence, a sharp contrast to the previously smooth flight.

Arriving in the Dayton vicinity, I recognized Moraine (I73) by its distinctive landmarks: a factory with three smokestacks, a tall antenna atop a hill, and the river's unique curve. After landing, I taxied to Brad’s hangar, concluding an uneventful yet memorable journey—such is the nature of the pilot experience.