An old guy trick to mitigate turbulence is to use rudder only to level the wing. When a wing drops and we startle and use aileron only or do not lead rudder to bring it back up, the nose yaws first before rudder we apply rudder. Step on the ball is a late fix and things get rough. What is moderate turbulence to aileron users is light turbulence to rudder only users. This rudder, correct yaw rather than adverse yaw, technique is especially helpful on short final (especially through trees). As with gusts at altitude, we do not want to turn and thus need absolutely no aileron. Dynamic proactive rudder to nail the centerline (straight line) will speed a wing a bit but will not cause the wing wagging of aileron usage. I consider 24 a no go around runway. Since full flaps and power/pitch deceleration coming into high ground effect is default for me, touching down very early (even using soft field technique) is no problem. Go around can be very dangerous here going into higher terrain and trees and dam. Considering terrain and trees, I also consider only one way out...down drainage (again generally default.) Another default, very useful here, is the basic level in low ground effect takeoff (think soft field technique which is generally the best short field technique because of the free ground effect energy. The bluff is tall, but level in low ground effect we can easily be at cruise airspeed by the end of the runway. Neither Vx or Vy is appropriate on long runways because they both forfeit free ground effect energy. When low, where airspeed and not altitude is life, zoom reserve airspeed or maneuvering airspeed makes the outcome of the maneuver far less in doubt as do Vx or Vy energy state. Turn down drainage over the wire rather than try to outclimb terrain (the bluff.) Maneuvering airspeed will make this comfortable and safe.

I've made that exact flight! That's always a fun approach. Nicely done.

Just have to say, I work here on our yard crew, and I hope that you enjoyed your visit!

What an awesome airport, wow!

Love your channel. Looks like an awesome place to visit. Always dreamed of taking the family on a flight. Finally got my ppl in January and been flying a bit in S IL.

Just found your channel and enjoy the flying and might add no music makes these a great ride along video. Thank you for sharing your flying life with us. Got my PPL in 1973 and did fly into the 1990's but a heart attack and a triple bypass ended my flying now 80 but have not lost the desire to fly. Looking at the Areo light 103 as a way to get back in the sky, maybe just to old? Or forever young?

I'm based at KBPK, right beside Gastons. Please everyone monitor 123.00 on your second radio because, KFLP, KBPK, and the Valley are all on that frequency and for some stupid reason Gaston's on its own frequency and there have been lots of near misses. With that being said, Gastons always fun to land at, but guess since fly over it all the time I take it for granted!

😱 *promo sm*

Catch a fish. They shouldn't let you depart till you catch an 18" rainbow.