South Florida Round Robin

The day was supposed to be simple enough. Depart for Gainesville (KGNV), then come back to Miami. Both legs should bring me to just about 6 hours of flying for the day.

We were off the ground before 8am, so I was optimistic about the weather cooperating with us. I was flying with a student (KA) who I signed off for his instrument checkride. He’s one of the stronger students, and a pretty chill guy, so the flight was pretty laid back- until we contacted flight watch to get an update on the Gainesville weather. The forecast was not good. There was a growing line of thunderstorms heading for GNV, and the meteorologists thought it would get there at about the same time we would.

We decided that a diversion to Lakeland would be our best option. The only problem was that we were at 8500ft, and 15nm from the airport- so we did a spiraling descent in order to set up for the RNAV approach to runway 27. Visibility was ~6nm, and while we were still legally VFR, we paid keen attention to the instruments to ensure we kept everything under control.

After an uneventful landing, we opted to go to Venice (VNC) on the west coast. I’d never been there, so I was looking forward to it. By the time we got within about 15nm of Venice, the visibility was much better, but still not terrific. We opted for the RNAV approach to runway 13, which started with a procedure turn at the initial approach fix. Well, we got lazy and half-assed the procedure turn, so wound up going to the final fix at a funny angle. Not surprisingly, Tampa Approach had something to say:

N123, verify you’re on the RNAV approach to runway 13. I see you are a mile left of course.

I had to think quickly:

I’m flying with a new student, and he isn’t very good at it yet. Sorry about that.

Roger. Maintain VFR- frequency change approved. (laughter in the background)

Of course, KA was more than a little upset with my reply, and used his fist to express his displeasure. Whatever- I still thought it was funny.

After Venice, our trip continued down the west coast to Marco Island (MKY). We tried unsuccessfully to reach Fort Myers approach for about half an hour, and did not establish communication until we were abeam RSW at 5500ft. I think the controller just had a bad headset, because the next controller to take the scope had no trouble taking to us. Stranger things have happened I guess.

After an uneventful RNAV approach and landing at Marco Island, we decide to go to Key West, because KA needed to build some more time. However the weather is against us, so a flight directly back to Miami seems to be the safest option.

At 5500ft eastbound, we dodge a few puffy clouds to maintain VFR. The air is cool and smooth. This is the type of flying I like to do. At the end of the day, I flew about 5 hours, saw a new airport, and got to have fun with a friend/student. I like being a CFI.