I believe it was 2004. I flew from Washington D.C. to Columbus. The plan was to fly to Columbus. From there, we were scheduled to fly back to Washington and have a 2-hour break before flying down to Miami.
This was on December 23, 2004. Columbus had been dumped on with several inches of snow. On the afternoon of the 23rd, it started sleeting. As we sat at the gate, I was informed of a runway change for takeoff. Pilots really dislike runway changes. Next, we were told that our assigned runway was being deiced. I always made it a point to keep my passengers informed of any delays. I could hear the groans.
So, we sit and wait; 15 minutes, then 20 minutes, finally, after a 25 minute delay, we get clearance to pushback and taxi to the runway. As we were accelerating down the runway, I could feel the nose wheel wanting to slide sideways. I aborted the t/o and returned to the back of the line. Another deicing of the runway and 40 minutes later, we were ready to go again.
Almost two hours late, but we were finally airborne. We arrived in Miami an hour and fifteen minutes late, but we were all safe. And, of course, the passengers gave us a round of applause, which was always appreciated.
So, when we fly in winter and the weather is iffy, be patient with the pilots. They are doing what they must to keep everyone safe. I would be worried if they tried to rush the t/o. Flying during icy or snowy conditions requires very mature and conscientious pilots, who show patience and do their due diligence. It can be very tricky with landing and taking off. Safety first.
This was on December 23, 2004. Columbus had been dumped on with several inches of snow. On the afternoon of the 23rd, it started sleeting. As we sat at the gate, I was informed of a runway change for takeoff. Pilots really dislike runway changes. Next, we were told that our assigned runway was being deiced. I always made it a point to keep my passengers informed of any delays. I could hear the groans.
So, we sit and wait; 15 minutes, then 20 minutes, finally, after a 25 minute delay, we get clearance to pushback and taxi to the runway. As we were accelerating down the runway, I could feel the nose wheel wanting to slide sideways. I aborted the t/o and returned to the back of the line. Another deicing of the runway and 40 minutes later, we were ready to go again.
Almost two hours late, but we were finally airborne. We arrived in Miami an hour and fifteen minutes late, but we were all safe. And, of course, the passengers gave us a round of applause, which was always appreciated.
So, when we fly in winter and the weather is iffy, be patient with the pilots. They are doing what they must to keep everyone safe. I would be worried if they tried to rush the t/o. Flying during icy or snowy conditions requires very mature and conscientious pilots, who show patience and do their due diligence. It can be very tricky with landing and taking off. Safety first.