Rhymes with "Aloha Snackbar"

So folks have finally figured out that a truck, with lots of mass and an engine with lots of power, can be used as a weapon. (Not that anyone who has driven a truck like that hasn't figured that out).

Sadly, it was used on a bike path in Central Park in New York.

Amazingly only 6 dead.

It would appear that the terror that has happened in Europe has indeed come here, even if on a smaller scale. Plus the dude did cry "Aloha Snackbar!".....or something which sounded like that.

I expect to see calls for limits on horsepower on trucks. No one needs 400 horsepower in normal use . There is no sporting use for 400 horsepower 6000 pound trucks. Drivers of such trucks should be specially trained and licensed. Nobody needs that kind of horsepower to haul 2 x 4's or drywall.

(Please note that in New York this is a BIG TRUCK. In "Flyover Country" this is normal truck, driven daily for farm or construction use.....or just because we like 'em).  And, oddly, few of those thousands of trucks go on a rampage. It is, of course, the user, not the tool.

My thoughts and prayers for the victims and those affected by this.

ETA: the suspect, Sayfullo Saipov is reported to be from Uzbekisan. His photo makes him look like a fundamentalist.

I am surprised that they admitted that it was terror and that it was a muslim, especially so quickly. 

Well, that was interesting:

I had to go to a court today, to testify as to someone's whereabouts in a murder case from 4 years ago.

Sitting, waiting, outside the courtroom for 2 hours was...interesting.

I, being white, was in the minority. Being a male...dressed well, also made me a minority. Hell, having shaved that week did so.....

Lots of nice people there though, (I listened to a lot of stories waiting) most of whom just got crossed up because they can't follow the rules of society, or have impulse issues. Most were willing to do what was necessary to stay out of trouble, they just COULDN'T do it.

Things like show up at court, pay their fines, register their car, stay sober, not steal, etc. Couldn't afford their car registration, but had $300 sneakers. (Sneakers in court?)

Some took the time to dress well, or at least try. Some ladies wore what was obviously their best attire, even though it was not suited for a courtroom, but more for a club....At least they tried.

Lots of men who obviously didn't bother. Weren't willing to try and impress the judge at all. I look better than that when I am working in the yard. I wondered, for a while if it was just because it was Halloween....

And, as I said, I was a minority, race wise. Only folks who looked like me were the clerks and attorneys.

Yes, I know, pointing this out makes me a racist.

And security was a joke. If you can smuggle a cell phone in (and there were LOTS of those), you can smuggle a fairly big knife or a small pistol. Ask me how I know.....

Not today

Winds 270 @14 gusting 34.

Not good for landing practice, really. Not even though it was straight down the runway. Not until I can do a decent non gusting landings.

Which, sadly, I can't....yet.

I wonder if he is still waiting for clearance?

So, at a towered airport (Class D).

Call for clearance, get it.... am on 1 mile final. Tower warns another aircraft to HOLD SHORT like 4 times on a taxiway leading to a crossing runway. I approach, do a touch and go, and depart to the right. He's still being held. 3 other aircraft call for clearance to land, she gives permission and they do so...Dude is still waiting to taxi. Another aircraft is cleared in and he is STILL waiting.

I think he pissed off the controller. She sounded angry when talking to him.

I departed the area and switched frequencies and he was still waiting as I did so. At least 12 minutes.

I wonder if he ever got clearance to move? Or if he ran out of fuel waiting......?

I learned a very valuable lesson there:
Don't piss off the controller. 

While supplies last......

The Anthology is here!!!

Available now!

Click HERE to go to the Amazon page for Kindle. You can find the Dead Tree Version HERE

Yes, I am one of the authors.

And it is my first published story. I am humbled to be included with these authors.

I'm all jazzed to hell and gone.

Just a hint:

If you are selling an accessory, say an auxiliary light for trucks, one might think that providing SOME sort of dimensions, or (even better) a basic mechanical drawing of the exterior of the light case would be a big part of the information one should provide on the website.....or, failing that, a link to said drawings wherein one could find out if the item is of a size and depth that would work.....

It's not like such a bit of information would take up that much server space, nor would it be difficult to put into a website along with all the pretty pictures....

Must not have paid 'em off....

So now the NAACP is suggesting a "Travel Warning" for American Airlines to all black passengers.


Cites "Troubling Trend" of incidents with black passengers.

Do you believe that American is prejudiced? That they would dare have a coporate policy to discriminate?

Moar landings

Plus, my first touch and go at a towered airport. (class D).
I am learning how important airspeed is at touchdown, as I was cautioned by a commentor several posts back.


But I'm learning, if slowly.

Soon.

2 years, $500+ BILLION Samolians

That is what the audit of the Obama HUD shows.

$500 billion in 2016.

$3.4 billion in 2015.

So bad even the auditors aren't sure WTF is going on. 

All that money, unaccounted for because of terrible accounting practices.

No one is sure exactly what was done, or where they money went.

If I had done my business accounting using these methods, the IRS would own the business next audit.

Being Federal employees though, I doubt that there is an accountability though....

The war on (some) terror

Soon, it will have consequences for real Americans.

One must now have proper papers to travel, at least via air:

They were previously allowed to use mere driving licenses. 
But residents of some US states may soon require additional ID, such as passports, if they wish to embark on air travel - even if just domestically.
That's the new procedure on the horizon for people from states that have not yet introduced the standards required by the 2005 Real ID Act, which demands stricter regulations for state-issued IDs.
The states that haven't yet fallen into line each now have a grace period of three months to meet the revised criteria. 
This deadline expires on 22 January 2018

Over half the states don't yet have 'acceptable" standards.

If flying after 22 Jan 2018, be aware and plan accordingly. Oughta be interesting on and after that day at the TSA chcekpoints.

Y'know...

I am fully aware that 44 degrees F isn't that cold.

And yes, I understand that in 3 or 4 months, I will dream about days this warm.

Nonetheless, today (and, to a lesser extent, yesterday) is a cold,wet, damp, dreary, just plain chilly day.

BRRR. 

Not today

Ceiling too low and viz is 3 miles.

Maybe Wednesday. 

I like it

Kinda nice when you are making an approach, short final, and the VASI comes on suddenly and there are two red and two white.

Just sayin'

Nope, I didn't

Crash the plane, per the email question. Just been busy, so no posting.

Did fly Thursday, landings and a bit of airplane handling. Flew north, turned back and forth between two points, then turned the 172 using only ailerons (hard to not use the rudders after being trained to do coordinated flight) then again using only the ailerons. then only rudders, then ailerons only.

Then back to the airport. Landings. wind was 300 at 6-10 knots, so I got a bit more crosswind landing on runway 27. I'm getting better. And more confident.



Spent Thursday afternoon and Friday rebuilding the verandah at the range with a bunch of other guys. Went well. It's nice working with men who come to WORK, and bring their own equipment and tools and are prepared for the  task. Folks who take direction, but really need none.

This morning, however, my diet is pretty much Ibuprofen, I haven't walked purlins nor fastened a metal roof in a lot of years, and am feeling it today.

Today, more firewood. 

Not even an inch.

Think Bump Stocks are a toy for rednecks who just like to turn money into noise and smoke and we should sacrifice 'em to make the Gun Grabbers happy?

You really need to read this then. 

Crosswinds.

Yesterday, I did crosswind landings.

I prefer to slip than to crab, I think. I find it a lot easier at the end.

5 good ones, and one where we miscommunicated and I thought I was stopping but was told to go around. So I rushed and applied power and took off accidentally with flaps. Which I chose not to change until I was at a few hundred feet of altitude. First time taking off with flaps. Came right off the runway in 50 degree weather and 800 foot field elevation with all those flaps. Lots of lift, and lots more drag.

Plus I gotta start my turns sooner. I over shot my base to Final turn twice 'cause of the wind.

And on the climb out at about 500 ft AGL, Bob pulled my hand on the throttle back just a bit, just enough to change the engine note. "Ok, engine failure. what now?"

"Straight ahead over the railroad tracks" says I .."Nice field there".

"What if a train comes?"

"Then we are screwed," I answered. " We will hit it".  "First ever midair with a train....."I laughed. So did he.

Went around and landed again.

I need some practice, but I can do this. I finally realized that the runways are (generally) a lot longer (and most are wider) than I need, so there is lots of time and lots of space to land on.

Didn't fly today, the winds were 200 10 knots gusting to 28. 

Nice

Took the Palmetto State Armory AR-10 out to the range today for the first time.

I didn't need one, but had been thinking about building an AR-10 as a project, and PSA had 'em on sale. Full lowers for $159, and stainless steel uppers in .308 for $399. Free shipping too.... Hoo-Ray!!, an AR-10 for under $600.

And, while I dithered, the asshole of Vegas did his thing.....and I decided to, as it were, pull the trigger ...'Cause I figured there might be a run on 'em as folks stocked up just in case the RNC boys and the NRA kinda chose to knuckle under to the DNC/Bloomberg folks.

I got all the stuff a bit over a week ago, but only got to the range today. What with my normal stuff, the rush to finish splitting wood before winter, the whole flying/Ground School/Study thing, I've been busy.

And besides, when it is good range weather, it's good shooting weather, and when it ain't good for one, it ain't good for the other.

Anyway, got out to the range today. The range was all being used at 50 yards, so that is the distance I had to use, unless I wanted to wait 'til everyone else left.

All I had on it were some older pop up back up peep sights for an AR that I didn't like, but they did the job for testing.

A bit over 40 rounds, 5 at a time. Best group at 50 yards was 4 touching and one flyer about an inch to the left. Not bad for a 10 knot wind with gusts to 25.

Now I gotta find some decent glass. I'd really like to find a 4-16 x 50 MOA dot first focal plane with fine crosshairs and an empty 4 MOA diamond in the middle. I have one on my stainless heavy barrel .223 Wylde upper that is the best scope I've ever had, great FOV, great glass, great eye relief, but alas it has no name on it and I got it at a gunshow, used, so I have no idea who made it. Never seen one like it since, but I'd love to have another. Easy to measure distances with, large enough FOV for decent holdovers without having to adjust zero, just a great scope. It might move to this upper.....maybe.

Anyway, I'm happy. not bad for $559.00 for a decent AR-10. I'll likely spend as much or more for decent glass for this rifle as I spent ON the rifle.

Now I gotta stock up on some powder and 150 G .308 bullets.

Question for the ladies:

So, does a man wearing makeup and a dress make a woman?

'Cause a woman wearing mans jeans and workboots and a flannel shirt doesn't make a man.

Yet, oddly, we allow folks with Gender Confusion (mostly men) to use the term "her" when they are feeling feminine that day....or just feel like wearing a dress. Or whatever that day makes them feel like a girl.

But seriously, what makes one a woman? At what point is a man still a man even if he chooses to "identify" as a woman? How do you define it?

At what point are you willing to let them be in a locker room with you?

Seriously. I'm trying to ask the hard questions.

If a man, who self identifies as a woman (that day) is wearing a dress and makeup....is that a woman?

How about if (s)he decides to get some kind of hormone therapy? Is (s)he now a woman?

How about if they have surgery to alter their genitalia? Are they now a woman?

What makes a woman a woman? Lack of male genitalia? Breasts? Ovaries? Lack of testes?

At what point are you willing to let them into a locker room with you and your prepubescent daughter?

How do you define a woman? VS a man playing dress up?

Please, be specific. 

Someone dares say it:

"America doesn't have a problem with guns, but the "Third World" portion of America does have a gun problem"

You really should click the link and read, as they say, the whole thing.

He's right:

Except that, if history is any guide, he will fold at the first sign of unhappiness from his opponents and give up on doing the hard things, much less the right ones.

He's a weasel without a backbone. Or he just postures but has really sold himself cheap....I can't tell which.

Rand Paul: Congress needs to be 'the boldest we can' with tax reform to compete with other countries

So far, this year, Mr. Paul has exceeded my expectations, if only because I had none for him.

Note for CP:

Email me, please.

TheMiddleOfTheRight at Geemail dot Kom.

Thanks

Who did he piss off?

While I don't know Harvey Weinstein, and until a few days ago, had never heard of him, I gotta ask:

Who did he piss off?

Apparently his use of the "casting couch" was well known, and all those women who went to him for his access willingly chose to do so. As far as I can tell, he NEVER forced anyone to fall upon that couch. Apparently they chose to pay that price in an attempt to gain stardom.

Plus, he'd been using that tactic for more than 20 years....And, apparently everyone in the business knew it.

I find it hard to believe that he is the only man (or woman) to use their power like that.

Why, suddenly, is the fact that he did so, something of a terrible revelation? Apparently it was an "open secret" until a few days ago, then it became something else.....

It looks like he is being "Cosby'd" to me. Someone is mad at him and is going to take him down.

So why now? Why are they going after him NOW?

Why not earlier, or 5 years ago....or 3? Or even last year, before the election?

Why now? Who gains? 

The nose of the tent under the camel.....

So, here we have a VERY broadly (and poorly) written ban on "bump stocks or "any part or combination of parts that is designed and functions to increase the rate of fire of a semi-automatic rifle."....

and it is, indeed, the opening for further Gun Control.

Make no mistake, I have no need for a bump stock. I've seen and used one. It is merely for the most part, a way to turn expensive ammunition into smoke and noise downrange. One cannot be accurate when using a bump stock (I can't, anyway). nor do I think any of the other toys mentioned in this bill are useful for a marksman.

Having said that, this is the opening wedge. Especially since it is a "bipartisan" bill.

Let us not forget that the ATF(e) has stated that Bump Stocks are legal. No one can prevent someone else from choosing to use something legal in an illegal manner. Nor were Bump Stocks the only way that killing large numbers of people can be accomplished. 

6

Yesterday was better weather.

Flew to another small airport, about 20 miles away. Wind there was 170 at 8 so I landed on 20.

5 times. All decent landings. Lots of room for improvement, but good ones nonetheless.

Flew home, did one go around because we thought there was an animal on the runway, then a full stop landing.

I'm much happier with my progress than I was a week ago.

I do find the 172 to be much heavier in pitch than the 150.

No father

Or, at least, no father figure.

All those Moms didn't need a man in their life (except to pay the bills and donate sperm).

Home improvement stores are running out of customers: Need classes and "clinics" to teach Millenials how to do things like pound nails and replace hinges.

I knew how to do most things like that, if not well, at least safely and by age 15. Most of my friends (those whose parents weren't divorced, and even some of those whose parents were) could do so as well. I had a Dad. Mom chose well.

Lots of 30 somethings and 40 somethings are adequate at "man" tasks....they can build a wall, fix a door, weld, run pipe, wire and outlet, do drywall, etc. Hell, lots of women learned. Not so today....

20 somethings can't do any of the above, cause no one taught 'em how. No dads to teach 'em. Some men can't even change a tire. (or open a car with the keys locked inside)

Blame their moms.

(I should point out that Dad never taught me now to "pick a paint color" though. He (like me) saw the world in 8 bit color)


ETA: Apparently (according to comments) I am wrong, at least partially.

It may be that many millenials are simply unwilling to learn. But I do know that none of the ones that have learned to do things didn't have fathers...they all learned from Dad how to do man things. I know of very few that can do man things who lived without a father.

Prolly no flying today, either

Didn't yesterday, visibility was less than 3 miles and the ceilings were at about 600.

Pretty much the same today.

But, I am scheduled for 10 AM, and if the weather screws me, apparently there is a backup plan for filling in some holes in my knowledge.

Wow, a leftist reporter who can think clearly

Not many of those around:

"I used to think gun control was the answer. My research told me otherwise."

Of course, most of us who handle firearms on a regular basis already knew that, but to see it in print from a leftist rag is kinda shocking.

And I found it at the Freeholder, who is worth reading when he posts.

(this is how a responsible blogger gives credit when he steals another bloggers thunder, for those of you who fail to give credit four sources, BTW)

NFL folds

SO the NFL (Not the teams, nor the players, but the National Football League itself) has folded regarding the "protests" at the National Anthem at the start of the games.

Apparently, the loss of revenue did what good sense couldn't.

Huffpo has the letter (with commentary).

'Bout fuckin' time.


Now contrast the above with this.

(terrible singing, mind you, but the heart is there)

Have you read this?

Woodpile Report.

Worth a read.

If I could find a way to stop supporting the NRA and to still be a member of my range (it is a requirement for membership) I would quit them...and never return as a member of the NRA....I would.

Ruck 'em. They betrayed every member.

And one bit of justice

Detective who abused his power and arrested nurse who refused his orders fired.

Now she needs to sue him personally for false arrest and abuse of power, plus assault, kidnapping, etc.

And everyone in the chain of command that authorized his actions as well. Not the city, the individuals.

Still must be Trump's fault

According to sources it would seem that there is enough evidence for the US attorney to investigate some of the Puerto Rican Mayors who are hoarding supplies for "those who voted for them", and who weren't delivering aid supplies to those who didn't vote for 'em. 

Still, however, it must be Trump's fault that third world people act like third world people in a third world society.

And yes, it IS still a third world society. If you think otherwise, you've either never been there or you've never left the tourist resort you stayed at.

Found via Wirecutter

"Still 3 million Americans without power"

'cept they aren't Americans.

They are Puerto Ricans.

Not the same thing.

And they don't want to pay taxes, but they want to take our aid and live under our protection. They have no military, no national guard, and yet they still haven't got enough money to even take care of themselves BEFORE the hurricane, much less after.

And now it is Trumps fault that there is still debris is the streets. It should have been cleaned up by the US, apparently. The Puerto Rican's won't take responsibility for their own homes? 

Coverage by CBS starts from incorrect premises and devolves from there....

And, again, a good thing screwed up by the courts

Seems the courts have decided that movie theaters MUST provide sign language interpreters for deaf patrons. 

Yep, the courts (federal) have decided that the theaters must provide a way for deaf people to get the full movie experience (how they gonna experience the music? The other sound effects?) and that the cost of the interpreter(s) must be borne by the theater.

While I am all for the ADA as it was intended, at some point it has (generally caused by the courts, but not always) gone off the rails.

This is but one example. 

As asked:

--- SHARE, SHARE, SHARE ---

National boycott of the NFL for Sunday November 12th, Veterans Day Weekend. Boycott all football telecast, all fans, all ticket holders, stay away from attending any games, let them play to empty stadiums. 

Pass this post along to all your friends and family. Honor our military, some of whom come home with the American Flag draped over their coffin.  

Please "share"................ ........ ...

Via the Feral Irishman

I quit watching at the first "Kneeling" this year, when the owners and NFL management chose to let it happen. 

Y'all are grownups and do what you want. But I think that if you dislike the kneeling, you should tell the advertisers about it. Hit the NFL in the wallet. No ad revenue means less dollars for spoiled players. 

Landings

So Mike, my flight instructor, apparently up and quit.

No big deal, I have a guy named Bob. Older guy, really knows his shit.

Did a call to get a weather brief, and our destination airport was clearing, but not yet VFR. We chose to go there and see what the conditions were.

We flew from VPZ to OXI . Weather was clear and we did some landings. I learned a LOT more, and did 3. There was, again, ZERO wind, so I did some good landings with no complications.

Then did 3 more at VPZ. Again, much smoother.

I think I'm gonna do better with Bob than I was with Mike.

Only issue is he's old enough to have trouble getting into the 150's, so we are gonna go to the 172 (and stay there). But that costs a bit more. Still, I am happier. I think he's gonna teach me more, and better, than Mike.

Wednesday, if we fly, it should be windier, so we shall see how I do in landings with winds. 

Yep, been my observations

in parts of the South Side of Chicago as well.

READ THIS.

“One of the consequences of such notions as ‘entitlements’ is that people who have contributed nothing to society feel that society owes them something, apparently just for being nice enough to grace us with their presence.” ― Thomas Sowell

Y'know

These psychotically anti Trump haters are starting to be just as bad as the psychotically Anti Barry the O haters were for the past 8 years. And it took just about as long for them to get on my nerves.

Fer gods sake folks, GET A GRIP!.

(if you aren't sure if this applies to you, then it probably does)

How about "NO"?

Trump on Puerto Rico debt: 'We will have to wipe that out'

Yeah, no, why destroy the savings of all the folks that own some of Puerto Rico's debt instruments.


You know that if you wipe out the debts, they'll just do it again. It isn't like they've tried to balance their budget over the past 10 years, much less reduce their debt load.

NRA: Giving up your rights

And waffling...

Again.

Are you surprised? I'm not

(FAIRFAX, VA) - The National Rifle Association today issued the following statement: 

"In the aftermath of the evil and senseless attack in Las Vegas, the American people are looking for answers as to how future tragedies can be prevented.  Unfortunately, the first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control.  Banning guns from law-abiding Americans based on the criminal act of a madman will do nothing to prevent future attacks.  This is a fact that has been proven time and again in countries across the world.  In Las Vegas, reports indicate that certain devices were used to modify the firearms involved. Despite the fact that the Obama administration approved the sale of bump fire stocks on at least two occasions, the National Rifle Association is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law.  The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations.  In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans' Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities.  To that end, on behalf of our five million members across the country, we urge Congress to pass National Right-to-Carry reciprocity, which will allow law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their families from acts of violence."

I don't own, nor do I have a need for, a Bump Stock. Having said that, it isn't about NEED. I have no use for one, they seem like an easy and quick way to turn money into smoke and noise. Waste of ammo, cause it is hard to hit anything after the first shot. But some folks like 'em and don't hurt anyone using them.

Had this dude in Vegas used one of his 2 planes and crashed into the crowd, it would have killed more folks,and injured many more. Had he bought a large truck and used it to run folks down, it would have resulted in a similar tragedy.

He used a gun, modified with a LEGAL, ATF approved item, to spray bullets down on a large group of people.

Would regulating these items out of existence have prevented the tragedy? Nope. Would it have lessened it? Maybe, but doubtful.

I am disgusted that the NRA is so quickly willing to cave on something like this. It isn't what I give them my yearly dues to do. It isn't what I expect them to do as a "gun rights" organization.

I am disgusted by their actions and the thought process that led to those actions.

ETA: And so far, for the past 12 hours, their "feedback" page has a runtime error, so I can't connect to them (and they probably don't care) about this matter. 

Failure in Manliness

So I'm at Ground School. (6 PM to 8 PM) and at the end of the class, one of the instructors found that she had locked her keys in the car.

I go outside and find these 20 Somethings trying to see inside the car with the flashlight apps on their phones.

"What's up" sez I?

"Locked her keys in the car" came the answer.

I take the (actual) flashlight out of my pocket and look through the widshield. Sure enough there are the keys. The window is down about a half inch and I can see that the car has electric locks.

"No problem," I say, "someone go inside and see if you can find a hangar"

One of the 20 Something trots off and I go to my truck, open it, toss my bag inside, open the center console and pull out a headlamp, open the toolbox in the back and pull out a pair of pliers.

I get back to the car and the kid runs up  as I am putting on the headlamp. Hands me a hangar.
A white plastic hangar.

Dude, Seriously? Headdesk. Facepalm. If I'd have had both hands free it woulda been a double facepalm.

Sigh.

"No, a wire hangar"

"Oh!" I can see he hadn't thought it through until now.

Runs back inside, returns with a WIRE hangar.

I untwist it, straighten it and they all look at me as if I am some kind of shaman or magician as I slide the hangar into the car and pull the little tab marked "lock" and the doors all go "click!".

She thanked me and they all disperse. I put the pliers back and the headlamp back and started the truck and drove home.

If these young men are the future, we, as a culture, are DOOMED,

Truth:

She: "He's a good person, even if he is a highly intelligent, mostly in control psychopath.".

Me, to myself:  "yeah, true, but that describes many of my friends".

3!

1 Good, 1 Meh, 1 Better.

Weather was marginal when I left the house at 0900. scattered at 1800, overcast 2400. It improved when I got to the airport at 0945.

Preflighted the plane, then a quick briefing, a stop at the desk for a hood, and we taxied to the end of 27 and did the run up.

Wind was 240 at 10. Scattered at 2000 ceiling at 2400.

A good takeoff, and departed to the north. Climbed to 2400 just so I could see what it was like, then descended to 2000 and I put on the hood. (damned thing didn't fit very well).

Flew simulated instruments for about a half hour at 1800. It wasn't too hard to hold level flight, but straight  was a bit of a challenge. I kept drifting 'cause of the wind. Smaller control inputs helped.  But I got that figured out and we flew a bit instruments only, then turned back south and found the airport.

Entered the pattern and flew a good approach. Wind was 260 at 11, steady.

I flew a good final and did a good landing. Without the wind gusting, I did OK and so we did another takeoff and went around again. Good approach, but I wandered a bit after the flare and didn't stay as straight as I should have (gotta pay attention to the rudder!) once on the ground. (hey, it's a wide runway, why not use all of it?) Took off and went around twice discussing what I did wrong. There was another plane that entered the pattern  close in front of me, so I went long before turning base and then I was low. Intercepted the glide path lights at about 1500 and flew a good final approach and a decent (much better!) landing.

Full stop.

Taxied off the runway and to the ramp.

Without the gusts, I could pay attention to the actual approach and flare. I finally got it right. More than once, in fact.

I'm much happier today. Gotta pay more attention to the pattern altitudes and speeds, and I need a LOT more landings.
But this time, Ma Nature chose to smile upon me and give me less complicated landing conditions to deal with. I'm still overcontrolling, but not as much, and I'm much happier with myself.

1.5 and 3 landings.

I'm beginning to think I can do this. 

Nope, no agenda:

"Democrats had a surge of hope"

A direct quote from CBS about Gun Control.

And their coverage has been as if every gun owner had rolled in offal, the facial expressions, the choice of words, the way questions are asked to form the answer...."There is no way for the ATF to know when a person purchases multiple rifles".

"The state of Nevada doesn't require licenses or registration so a person can have as many as they want".

And the kicker:

"This is good news for Gun Control... the Silencer legislation is dead".
Scary thought process to enable anyone to say that

Thought for the day:

Temporary poverty vs Permanent poverty.

It is my opinion that most folks who live in "poverty" (note that the definition changes often) generally do so by choices they make. Many tines over and over. It is a culture, a thought process, and a lack of learning....a failure to connect behavior now with results later.

I employed many folks with the "poverty mindset"...."cant pay the rent, but look at my new tattoo"......"Car needs tires and I can't afford 'em....hey, are you gonna meet us at the bar on Friday night"? Etc etc, wash/rinse/ repeat.

My father says that "Poverty is a state of mind".  The older I get, the smarter he seems.

Man, that's harsh

HERE.

you'll smile. 

As we figured:

I thought the rate of fire was low for an Auto.

Gunman had "Bump Stock" (warning, autoplay video)

Still doesn't answer the other questions though.

Since we haven't heard

on the news media at all about Stephen Paddock's political affiliation, one has to wonder: Is he a leftist? I mean, if he had posted anything Pro-Trump, even once, the media would have found it and would be waving it in our faces right now...

So is he a DNC supporter and they just aren't saying anything about it?

Or is there simply nothing to report: He has no Social Media footprint and no one knows?

Either is possible. I do believe that if he leaned Right they'd have told us about it already. 

1.3

Back in the 150. Think i'm gonna stay there.

Flew for about 20 min refamiliarizing myself with the type.

Then did several simulated landings above a road. Wind was at 190 at 10 gusting to 18.

Was a warning about drone activity 1.5 miles north of runway 18.

Entered the pattern. Did ok there. Was turning base when I saw the helicopter.   About 1000 feet AGL, and about 1 mile off the end of the runway, maybe less. Wasn't happy, it startled me. Kinda in my way. No position calls from them and I admit, it shook me up. Then after we avoided 'em, a belated call warning about helicopter activity. Not sure if it was the helicopters making the call or someone else. But I went around the pattern instead of trying to land that time. I did complain on CTAF that they should have announced themselves when I called my intentions. Yes, I know it is my responsibility to avoid collisions. Still.

They moved north. Seems they were searching for some lost kids.

Entering the pattern again got a warning call about ANOTHER helicopter. Then someone else complained on CTAF that they should announce their positions as they moved around since they were close to the active runway.... Anyway, I saw him, and he was not in my way, so I did a decent approach, but fought the wind. And a gust blew me off the runway centerline just before landing.

Go around. Shit. Again.

Next time, they were both back. We left the pattern to the east and flew a few circles around a point for practice 'til the cop choppers called that they were clear of the pattern.

Then again, a nice approach and a failed landing as again, the wind blew me far off the centerline. I was overcontrolling at the end of the approach.

Go around.

We asked, and the cops were gonna be there for a while, so did another circuit then decided to cut it short.  Mike did the landing. He too had to fight the gusts but kept it close to the centerline to land.

I need a decent day with not too much wind to do a landing or 6 and get myself more confident.

I can FLY ok, I'm comfortable doing that, and I am ok with wind once at an altitude... I can take off. I'm getting better at taxiing...I can do approaches.The last 50-75 feet are a bitch.

I gotta get this landing shit together. 

Very good questions:

Read 'em HERE.

I have wondered about most of these.

I have no answers, and likely won't ever get 'em.

But it does make one wonder.....WHY? Somethin' doesn't add up.

Link found HERE, although I check the Report a few times a week anyway. 

Tom Petty?

Supposedly dead?


ETA: Apparently true

Whoah

Las Vegas shooting.

Early reports say the gunman shot from a hotel window. (Other say there were several shooters, so we really don't know). Sniper(s) from above at the crowd at the concert.

50 dead, 200 injured. Suspect is named as Stephen Paddock.



Prayers for the folks there.

ETA: AAAND the Gun Control propaganda has already started. Plus "Fully Automatic Weapons"!!! and "Any Assault Weapon is easily converted" (which is bullshit).

But they cannot help but dance in the blood of the victims, can they?


ETA2: something odd about this. A 60+ year old from an ASSISTED LIVING facility did this? 

An example:

Of the real reason why we need the Second Amendment.

Borepatch shows one good one.

The police can be stormtroopers in Spain, as there is really no right to own firearms, and everything must be licensed and each license is difficult to obtain.

Therefore the police can run amok and few can stop them. The "citizens" have no real way to fight back.


They can do that here in the US too.....once. Then the citizens can take the offensive if the need arises.

Let us hope we never get to that point here. 

Bummer

No more of those books that the Left and (most of) our government think we should not have access to.

Seems that Paladin Press has fallen on hard times and will close after 40+ years of publishing. So long to the "most dangerous publisher in the world".

If there is something of theirs you were thinking about buying, do it now. There will be no more orders after Nov 28th.

One wonders what some of those guys at the gunshows will sell now?

Yep

Read this.

I cannot agree any more.

How oppressed are you?