Chance Commander encounter

[N1049j]

Today on a trip from KTAN to Lincoln Park N07 I was getting ready to taxi and fly home when I had a complement from a fellow commander owner that just happen to be taxing behind me. N7MA a great looking red 114, I believe, which I could not see very well as he wanted to take off in the other direction. As I was rolling out I did a stupid thing and forgot to close the passenger door after dropping of a friend to pick up his Columbia. I seldom carry passengers and I am using that as an excuse and sticking with it. Anyway I was surprised how much the hydraulic door closures actually pushed the door open about a foot. Had to do an immediate return but the good news was I was able to get a picture of N7

 

[janderson]

Bob Sidoti's '92 114B.

Judi

 

[plight]

Chuck .. Don’t think you’re alone on that one. I triple check my doors, Before start up, during run up, and when I take the numbers for take off. I also triple check Gear Down when landing (base, downwind and final).

 

[proppilot]

Guilty. Leaving Phil's airfield in Buttonville a few years ago I had failed to secure my upper lock. Not far to the home field but NO WAY was I going to be able to latch it in flight. Now I do Phil's triple checks !

 

[N1049j]

Hey to the Canadian guys has anything changed in the flying to canada. I believe I am going to fly up this week depending on weather. See you in Buttonville

 

[wiguy]

Sounds like Canada is open, just bring the vaccine proof, then jump through the other Eapis hoops. I think most of us have forgot or had a door come ajar over the years. The door coming open, or cargo has also lead to a handful of accidents. I think there was just a high speed reject with a Mooney over a cargo door opening, leading to serious damage. With most planes, beyond a little noise, nothing to fret over, ‘disregarding’ is one of my favorite things to do.

I think there are some still trying to squeeze in an Al-Can Hwy trip this Summer. I’d also expect border tourism & fishing lodges have had a rough go lately.

 

[rringgold]

On last evenings news, the cameras showed a several mile backup of vehicles in International Falls, MN all waiting to cross the border into Canada.

 

[plight]

From an General Aviation perspective is which Airport of Entry you can clear at. Buttonville was an AOE, but was shut down along with A LOT of other CND AOEs. Best to call CBSA (1-888-226-7277) to find out where you can clear. Currently, non essential people are welcome into Canada. I believe if you're fully vaccinated, then you don't have to quarantine. You also must have a PCR test completed no more then 72 hours before entry. Here's a handy link:

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/t...ed-travellers-entering-canada#determine-fully

Hope this helps ...

 

[N1049j]

Yes did a bunch of checking and Kingston is ok to clear into with time 8:00 to 4:00 I believe. You must also do load arrive canada app and complete that as well. A lot of stuff to do and comply with the 72 hour test requirement. As far as clearing into the states there are many options.

 

[plight]

Sounds good Chuck. My partner spoke with the folks at Buffalo (KBUF) about clearing there, as non essential workers. Other folks that I've spoken with report that flying into the US is about the port you decide to clear at. Some say no, unless you're flight crew, but other say yes if you're a non essential worker.

 

[edbakos]

Hi Chuck,
Sorry for the late reply in getting back to you - Ed here - was behind the wheel of N7MA that morning. Always nice to see another Commander out there, and it was nice chatting with you. Hope to see you again at Lincoln Park.
Ed

 

[N1049j]

Thanks Ed! Don’t think I will forget this encounter as it was memorable takeoff and go round with the door opened but did get a chance to snap a picture of you.

 

[N4843W]

If you get in a slow cruise, level, open the side windows, it is no problem to close and lock the door in flight. In 20 years and 4,000 hours in 43W I (or a passenger) have probably done it 10 times.

 

[N1049j]

Hey nice tip I will remember it!