Time To Be Awesome

by Split Scimitar

We See The Light

Sunrise at 7:22, I’m into the tower at 7:17 to power on the ATC equipment. The computer takes about 10 minutes, so once the first linemen are prepping the airplanes, the fuel trucks are in use as I check once again to make sure everything works, I wait until the strike of 7:30, as posted in the NOTAMs before announcing,

“Attention all aircraft and vehicles, time 0730 local. Victorville Class D surface area in effect. Air traffic control service is now available. Temporary Flight restrictions within a 15 NM radius of the field, surface to 15,000.” “GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD MORNING, ANGEL FLIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! Hey! This is a radio test, Time to Be Awesome! One More Day here, before the big show at the SBD! Is it just me, or is that a little too much Pony? Whee-hoo! Feed me a block of salt and jump start a heart attack! That’s why I could never be a vegetarian! No offense.”

“Ground, Angel Maintenance.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Angel 3 looks good. Spitfire wants her in formation.”

“Angel Maintenance, roger.”

“Ground, Angel Flight, taxi.”

“Angel Flight with 3 instead of 8, Ground. Information Y current, wind 130 at 11, altimeter 29.91. Runway 21, taxi via C A. On A, monitor tower 118.35.”

“Y, C A 18.35, runway 21, Angel Flight.”

When Angel 3 reaches A, I call, “Angel Flight, Victorville Tower, say direction of departure.”

“Angel Flight departing northwest.”

“Angel Flight Roger. Runway 21, line up and wait.”

“Line up and wait 21, Angel Flight.”

“Angel Flight, your discretion. Runway 21, cleared for takeoff. Remain within 15 NM of the field, surface to 15,000.”

“Angels cleared for takeoff 21.”

“Angel 8, Ground.” I call. No response. “Angel maintenance, ground.”

“Go for Angel Maintenance.”

“Is Angel 8 on call?”

“Affirm, but no dispatch order has been given yet.”

“Roger.”

As I watch both at the radar and my own eyes, Angel 3 does some proper left shark stuff, I assume to push the frame to its limit for retesting. Eventually, she rejoins the formation and continues with their routine.

Soon, the Angels make their first stop. Spitfire huddles all the pilots together and gives a good pep talk. They’re still not quite show quality tight, but they’re well on their way based on what I can see from the tower. This next round involves all 7 Angels, because apparently Dash is the star of the show, doing her own stunts that the remaining squad supports. It’s gonna be so! Awesome!

“Ground, Angel Flight plus 1, taxi.”

“Angel Flight plus Angel 8, Ground. Information B current: wind 130 at 18, altimeter 29.94. Could you still accept runway 21 or would you rather go off the long one?”

“We’ll take 21.”

“Roger, Angel Flight, runway 21, taxi via C A.”

“C A, 21, Angel Flight.”

“Ground, Angel 8.”

“Angel 8, ground.”

“Request runway 17.”

“Angel 8, as requested. Runway 17, taxi via C E, cross runway 21. Will this be an intersection departure or full length?”

“Full length, Angel 8.”

“Angel 8, roger. Runway 17, taxi via C E E1, cross runway 21.”

“C E E1, runway 17, cross 21, Angel 8.”

“Angel Flight, monitor tower 118.35.”

“18.35, Angel Flight.”

“Angel 8, passing D, monitor tower 118.35.”

“18.35 past D, Angel 8.”

As soon as Angel 8 crosses runway 21, Angel 1 reaches the hold short line.

“Angel Flight, Victorville Tower. Runway 21, line up and wait.”

“Angel Flight.”

I wait until Dash is past the roundabout before I say, “Angel Flight, runway 21, cleared for takeoff, remain within a 15 NM radius of the field, surface to 15,000 to remain within your TFR.”

“Cleared for takeoff, Angel Flight.”

“Angel 8, Victorville tower. Runway 17 at E1, line up and wait.”

“Line up and wait 17, Angel 8.”

“Attention all aircraft, information C current: wind 150 at 12, altimeter 29.93.”

“Santa Ana’s?” Dash asks on frequency.

“Probably. San Bernardino as it stands right now is 300 at 9. Though if it’s Santa Ana’s, the wind should be blowing out.”

“Great.”

“Well, I guess it’s good on ‘ya to practice in these conditions. If they hold tomorrow, you’ll be outta here before they shift. Break. Angel 8, runway 17, cleared for takeoff.”

“Cleared for takeoff 17, Angel 8.”

About 20 minutes later, I key on frequency, “Attention all aircraft, information D current. Wind 180 at 18 gusting 23, altimeter 29.94.”

“Tower, Angel Flight, do you have a TAF?”

“Negative, but most weather models I can pull up and from my own past experiences, the wind will die down, but it’ll be like this for at least a couple hours.”

“Roger. We’ll go ahead and land. It’s pretty rough out here.”

“Angel Flight, roger. Runway 17, your discretion, cleared to land.”

“Cleared to land 17, Angel Flight.”

“Sorry about this. The only disadvantage to training here. Santa Ana winds generally run from September to May. Hence the unpopular saying, Santa Ana’s are 9 to 5.”

“Interesting. Never thought of that before.”

“The more you know.”

“Tower, Angel 3, remaining airborne for extra flight testing.”

“Angel 3, roger. The airspace is yours.”

“Angel 3, thanks.”

“Angel [1, 4, 2, 6, 5, 8], left [E2/E3]. [E2/E3] E to the ramp, cross runway 21, monitor ground 124.45.”

“Angel 3, if able, describe the conditions out there.”

“It’s pretty rough. More the gust factor than atmospheric instability.”

“Angel 3, roger. Thank you.”

“Ground, Angel 1.”

“Yes’m?”

“If and when the winds die down, we will be practicing with smoke.”

“Angel 1, roger. Understand dress rehearsal.” I say as I write that note down on another post it note.

Just as the clock strikes 11, I get concerned. Our NTSB representative hasn’t shown up yet, so I text Rosalina and ask if she can cover in case he shows and they decide to resume practice.

A few minutes later, she arrives just as Angel 3 finishes.

“Tower, Angel 3, landing.”

“Angel 3, tower. Runway 17, cleared to land.”

“Cleared to land 17, Angel 3.”

*ring, ring*

“Oh, 202’s calling.” “Hello?”

“Hi, is this Split Scimitar?”

“Yes. You can just call me Max.”

“Ok Max. Carlos from the NTSB. Sorry I’m late. I’m on my way right now.”

“No problem.”

“See you soon, Bye.”

“Bye.”

I then hand the ATC reigns over to Rosalina, to which I hear her transmit, “Angel 3, left E3, E3 E to the ramp, cross runway 21. Monitor ground 124.45.”

After I grab my multi-passenger golf cart, I wait by the gate and look out for cars. I then boot up the handheld and call, “Victorville Ground, Chief 1.”

“Chief 1, Ground. Loud and clear.”

A few minutes later, the pilot and his passenger show up.

“Good afternoon.” I greet.

“NTSB called.”

“You’re first. Go ahead and park anywhere near here. For security reasons, I can’t have you drive.”

“Sure.”

Not too long after they climb onboard, another car arrives. I open the gate and let him in.

“Hi, Carlos?”

“Yes sir!”

“Split Scimitar, but Max is fine.” I say offering my hand.

“A pleasure.” He says shaking it back.

“Go ahead and park over by them, I have to escort you for security reasons.”

“Alright.” He says heading down to park.

After all 3 are aboard and holding on, I call, “Ground, Chief 1.”

“Chief 1, Ground.”

“E to the Arrow in the roundabout.”

“Chief 1, E, cross runway 21, R to the roundabout.”

“E, cross 21, R, Chief 1.” And after checking their security, I put my foot down and head to the plane.

At the roundabout, I park a respectable distance and let the three go as they please. I get asked only what traffic was in the airspace when they declared the emergency: “all aircraft were on the ground when they first called.”

After the inspector does a thorough inspection of the prop and cowling, he gets denied the ability to access the engine block, as only maintenance personnel per rental company procedures can remove the cowling.

“That’s okay.” He responds. “This might be one of the shortest investigation periods for GA. If all you had was a bird strike that destroyed the prop and cowling, all I need is a completed report within the next week along with a NASA form for the TFR, a wildlife strike report by my request, and a letter to your local FSDO about the sequence of events, or just schedule an interview.”

“I have my NTSB 830 report with me. Digitally.”

“Would you like to print off a paper copy?” I ask.

“Did you submit it electronically?”

“I did.”

“Okay. Well, just in case, I’d like a paper copy.”

“No problem. We’ll head back after you finish up here.”

“Do you have your other reports in your possession?”

“No I don’t. The NASA and Wildlife forms were filled out via online application.”

“Right. It’s no problem, but on the off-chance we don’t receive it, we’ll just call you and you can submit them again.”

“Sure.”

After Carlos puts on a glove and does some knocking tests, he pulls out his phone and attaches a thermal camera. As I watch him move around the aircraft, I ask, “checking structural integrity?”

“Yeah. If it was a vulture they struck, it’s worth checking.”

“Yeah. Are you going to have to check on potential landing sites of the vulture?”

“Yeah. We can try. ATC tape can give us a good radius.”

“Right.”

“Should we call the FSDO and obtain an SFP assuming we can get a technician to put a new prop on?”

“Maybe. Since this is merely a wildlife strike, the biggest case that either the FAA or the NTSB could build is breaking the TFR. Though, if you filed a NASA report, you wouldn’t have anything more to talk about other than at the most an interview and some TFR re-education courses. Don’t take my word for it, though. As soon as ATC can release the tapes, we can work out an approximate search radius for the vulture in question, assuming it didn’t survive and landed with a reasonable trajectory. Give it a couple of days, a week at most, then we’ll see. And with that, looks like we’re done for today. Sorry to get you all the way out here.”

“No problem. I understand.”

“When you’re ready, we can head back.”

“I think…” Carlos replies as he takes some notes and more pictures, “we’re good.”

“Alright, let’s head back.” The pilot replies.

“Ground, Chief 1.”

“Chief 1, Ground.”

“R short of E, to the ramp.”

“Chief 1, left E, cross 21, taxi to the ramp.”

“E, cross 21, to the ramp, Chief 1.”

When the three head out, I return to tower and check on the weather. Rosalina then hands me the headset, so I ask if we want to split. She accepts and takes Ground/Unicom, but before she takes it, I broadcast on all 3 and see what’s up.

“Attention all aircraft, information F current. Wind 150 at 12. Altimeter 29.94.”

No sooner do I switch to tower only does Spitfire radio back, “Ground, Angel Flight, taxi.”

Rosalina quickly plugs in her headset and transmits, “Angel Flight, Ground. Which runway would you like?” “Roger, Angel Flight, runway 35, taxi via C C1.” “Angel 8, Ground. Runway 21, taxi via C A.”

A few minutes later, I then get Spitfire calling, “Tower, Angel Flight ready at 35.”

“Angel Flight, runway 35, cleared for takeoff. Remain within a 15 NM radius of the field, surface to 15,000.”

“Cleared for takeoff 35, Angel Flight.”

“Tower, Angel 8 on A for 21.”

“Angel 8, tower. Runway 21, line up and wait.”

“Line up and wait 21, Angel 8.”

When Dash takes position, the formation fly runway heading. I wait about 8 seconds before I clear Dash for takeoff.

With the 7 Angels in formation, Fat Albert’s crew leaves the airport. Wondering where they go, my thoughts are rudely interrupted by Dash buzzing the tower. No sooner do her turbofans deafen us does the smoke show begin despite the High Winds. After they do a complete run through of what appear to be their entire skill set, I get a radio call.

“Tower, Angel Flight, landing for full stop and taxi back.”

“Angel Flight, tower. Runway 21, your discretion, cleared to land.”

“Cleared to land 21, Angel Flight.”

“Tower, Angel 8, landing.”

“Angel 8, runway 21, follow company formation, number 7 for landing. Runway 21, cleared to land.”

“Cleared to land 21, number 7, Angel 8.”

“Angel 1, say intentions for takeoff.”

“Depart runway 35, complete run-through of flat show.”

“Roger, Angel 1, 4, 2, 6, 5, and 3, left E, contact ground 124.45.”

“Left E, contact ground, Angel Flight.”

“Angel Flight, Ground.” I hear Rosalina speak, “runway 35, taxi via C C1.”

“Angel 8, say intentions on the go.” I call after she lands.

“Angel 8, depart runway 3 as part of the flat show.”

“Angel 8, roger. Left E, contact ground 124.45.”

“Left E, 24.45, Angel 8.”

“Angel 8, Ground. Runway 3, taxi via C C2, hold short runway 35.”

“Tower, Angel Flight, Ready on 35.”

“Angel Flight, tower. How long between your maneuvers begin and Angel 8’s entrance?”

“2 minutes.”

“Angel Flight, Roger. Runway 35, line up and wait.”

“Line up and wait 35, Angel Flight.”

“Tower, Angel 8, short of 35 at C2 for runway 3.”

“Angel 8, tower, cleared onto runway 35. Runway 3, line up and wait.“

“Cleared onto 35, line up and wait on 3, Angel 8.”

Dash then moves onto the runway quickly.

“Angel Flight, runway 35, cleared for takeoff.” I call after Dash stops moving.

“Angel Flight.”

As the Angels engage in sequence and depart per show procedure, I wait until they collectively level off before beginning the 2 minute timer. When that time expires, I call,

“Angel 8, runway 3, cleared for takeoff. Formation your discretion.”

“Angel 8, rolling.”

A full run through of the flat show calls for a full stop, taxi back, complete run through of the low show. Rinse and repeat.

Before they practice the high show, they stop for lunch and some fuel and smoke replenishment. Rosalina stays with me even as they take care of themselves, but she eventually leaves to go and get food. More leftovers, so I’m not complaining.

When she returns, we dig in to our lunches while they enjoy food on the ramp. A few minutes later, Dash runs in and asks if we want anything from Freddy’s. I ask for only a concrete dessert and Rosalina asks for a sundae. I give her a $20, but she leaves before she can take it.

Suffice it to say, the radio waves are dead. No chats, no hats, no bats on frequency. About 35 minutes later, Windy and Bow come up to the tower and ask if they can sit in with us.

When Dash returns with our orders, we thank her, which cues her parents to go ahead and do some shopping of their own. They then leave in her Porsche while we enjoy our desserts to the sight of the Angels lining up for the off.

“Angel Flight, Victorville Ground,” Rosalina says about 5 minutes later, “information G current: wind 140 at 9, altimeter 29.93. Runway 21, taxi via C A.” A few minutes later, Rosalina says, “Angel Flight, monitor tower 118.35.”

“Angel Flight, Victorville tower.” I call about 10 seconds later. “Runway 21, line up and wait.”

“Line up and wait 21, Angel Flight.”

“Angel 3, tower.”

“Angel 3, go?”

“Curiosity question: any anomalies on your test flights?”

“Thankfully, no.”

“Roger that. Glad you’re back at it.”

I wait for a response but she responds late with, “Thank you. Glad to be of service.”

“Roger. Angel Flight, runway 21, cleared for takeoff.”

“Cleared for takeoff, Angel Flight.”

“Angel 8, Victorville Ground, runway 35, taxi via C C1. Passing C2, monitor Tower 118.35.”

A few moments later, after Dash rushes down, I call at a proportionate speed, “Angel 8, runway 35, cleared for takeoff, formation your discretion.”

“Cleared for takeoff 35, Angel 8.”

“Think about this,” I tell Rosalina, “it’s back to Maui for you, and after we take care of the paperwork, we can finalize it in Honolulu between island hops.”

“Yeah.” She says rather distantly.

“What’s the matter? Not glad to be heading back?”

“I am. It’s just that I think I’m gonna miss the fun times like this we’ll have together.”

“They won’t be gone forever. I’ll always be able to join you, I just need a day’s notice rather than the tip of a hat. Besides, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. You haven’t been at work regularly.”

“Because the business handles itself. I’m basically only needed at this point to handle the office work. Only on rare occasions do I actually get to do any flying. Speaking of, I don’t want to bring up any bad memories, but why have we never run into your blood relatives?”

“They’re scattered across California. Brother’s a dentist, lives in the Inland Empire. Sister’s a physician, lives in Orange County. One cousin’s a lawyer, lives in the Bay Area. Other cousin’s a dentist, lives in San Diego.”

“Why have I never seen pictures of them?”

“Disownment.”

“Why have I never heard any stories before the disownment?”

“I never came around to it.”

“Surely you had some good times before then.”

“Absolutely, but they’re all inside jokes and stuff like that. Sorry to say, the disownment did little more than sour any and all connections I have to my past. The only exception is that I decided to buy back some of my childhood homes when they hit the market.”

“Was it really that bad?”

“I mean, I was pretty close to them. And there was always infighting; so guess who played the middle man?”

“Mmm.” She hums in response.

“Of course, it didn’t help that at some point in our lives, we’ve all suffered from my family's curses.”

“What curses?”

“Well, there are two big ones, the driving curse, and the intellectual curse. The driving curse is scary, but if we’re moving on a highway at speed, we can fall asleep easily, especially at the wheel. Pulling off and resting doesn’t work because now that we’re stopped, we can’t sleep. The intellectual curse is arguably worse, because despite the insane book smarts, we don’t apply a lot of common sense to practical situations. It’s a weird 2 and 2 kind of disconnect. All this academic knowledge and intellect, but in the everyday life? Just can’t handle money, so to speak. One example, my sister wanted to show how good of a driver she was, so we went to go get gas. We had a gas card that had $20 or so left on it. She fills up her car and such; when she gets the receipt, the card had 33¢ left on it. The card was wrapped in a receipt with the remaining balance from the last fill up, which she threw away after she started the pump.”

Rosalina sighs exasperatedly. “Okay, that kind of common sense.”

“Even better example: my cousin that lives in San Diego to this day, still pronounces unleaded “unleeded” even though he knows it’s pronounced unleaded. Old habits more likely but still. But the real knee-slapper: same cousin, when we were in high school, needed to back a car out of a tight San Francisco parking spot because no one else could fit into the driver’s seat. He starts the car and asks, “which one’s the gas?”

Rosalina tries not to laugh, but poorly stifles a giggle and cracks the corners of her mouth.

“I don’t know why now is when those memories resurface, but I have a feeling it’s not gonna be the last.”

“Mmm.” She hums in response. “Why don’t you go see a psychologist?”

“Because the last time I saw one, he made me feel worse about myself. He actually accelerated my suicidal thoughts. Refused to visit one since.”

“One bad experience?”

“Yeah, and that was enough to scare me.”

“If it gets worse, you really ought to.”

“Even so, you can understand by apprehension towards psychologists in general.”

“What about Sunset? She would be more than willing to work with you. I’m sure she’d understand.”

“I’ve never worked with her. She’s a great friend, and I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship.”

“You’re really gonna have to let that one go. So you had one bad experience with a psychologist. All you have to do is move on. There’s nothing wrong with visiting a psychologist. It doesn’t make you any less of a man.”

“I know.”

“Tower, Angel Flight plus 8, landing for the night.”

“Angel Flight plus 8, Victorville tower. Runway 17, your discretion, cleared to land.”

“Cleared to land 17, Angel Flight plus 8.”

“Angel [1, 4, 2, 6, 5, 3, 8], left [E3/D], contact ground 124.45.”

“Left [E3/D], contact ground, Angel [1, 4, 2, 6, 5, 3, 8].”

Rosalina then ends the ATC transmissions with the taxi instructions. “Angel [1, 4, 2, 6, 5, 3, 8], taxi to the ramp via [E3/D] E, cross runway 21.”