Stevo1kinevo had a similar situation. The ATCer wasn’t very courteous when Steve wanted to practice an approach in VFR conditions. I loved it when he said, “It’s their job.”
Mr. Pauly you handled this like the consummate professional that you clearly are. I must comment, however, that I am embarrassed by the service you received from JAX ARTCC! The person working "flight data" is (clearly) not on a scope, and perhaps that is the reason he is working that position, (not yet qualified, etc.). Nonetheless, you should expect immediate and professional service, especially as you identified yourself as the PIC of a taxiing aircraft, using the landline number published. He seemed to try to avoid doing anything other than advising you to do what you already tried to do, Then he said "they probably won't pick up for me; they're pretty busy." INCREDIBLE!!!! This is NOT the usual level of professionalism I have experienced over the past 48 years of flying in JAX ARTCC's airspace. I might suggest that this be brought to the attention of the facility manager over there in Hilliard - I am sure he would agree this is not the usual great service we typically see at JAX ARTCC and might perhaps counsel this employee on the required duties at flight data when an airman telephones from a pending IFR departure.
ZJX are also running with 20-30% less staffing (if not more) than usual and running more traffic. Flight data calling me at a scope is my absolute last priority.
@@fatputtsgolf I can see how the staffing situation makes your job harder and more stressful, and that should be corrected. In the meantime, though - how do you suggest I should pick up my IFR clearance from KSSI? Thanks, Martin
@@martinpauly i still train to give clearances through flight service. If I’m not mistaken flight service still operates and will call the area directly. If you get this flight data desk ever again don’t ask, tell them to forward you directly to the area providing service to KSSI. Every area has a supervisor that will answer the phone and at the least get your number to call back when they can let you out.
@@fatputtsgolf Interesting - so if I understand you correctly, Flight Service may be a better path than calling the published CD number for KSSI (which takes me to Flight Data). On a related note - I happened to speak with a retired JAX Center controller last night who worked the sector with KSSI for many years. He told me there are two transmitters for 126.75, one at Brunswick and one at St. Simons Island. He suspects that between retirements and new training, the knowledge of that switch (and how/when to use it) has been lost. Best regards, Martin
I love how you handled the situation on the ground...professional, courteous and aware...I'm sure it was a frustrating situation. That was a beautiful flight and a great way to end an enjoyable weekend. I enjoy the videos when your wife and children can join as flying is bout family and I love to see how they interact with you and the airplane. I also enjoy seeing how the avionics upgrade is working for you in real world situations.
Thank you, David. Frustrating as these delays are, it really doesn't help anything to get upset. Like you said, we enjoyed a beautiful flight once we were airborne. - Martin
one cool cat, with precise and clear radio communications. a perfect training tool for a new instrument student or rect ifr rated pilot, also a refresher for an old one like me. thank you Martin you also have a wife who seems to enjoy the whole thing, something i never had still married though to the same wife after 52 years.😇
Martin, I was on an IFR cross country with one of my students a few weeks ago and heard you on Evansville approach and mentioned how much of a fan I am of your channel. I appreciate your videos and always learn something!
Martin, I really enjoy your videos and like other viewers have stated, I learn so much from watching them start to end. I got my IFR ticket about 3 years ago and am just now venturing out into the realm of "real-world" IFR. I learn a lot from your interactions with controllers and having an IFD 440 in my Long-EZ, the breakout videos on screen really help me learn. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos--I know they are a lot of work!
Glad to hear this is helpful for you. And yes, as you are finding out, what we teach for the instrument rating is only a portion of what you'll need to know to effectively fly IFR when traveling the country. Regards, Martin
You are welcome! Yes, these are some of those situations which - while important for real-world instrument flying - are rarely covered well in instrument training. - Martin
I've had the exactly same experience in KSSI. It's time for them to change the procedure there. They should either install a local ATC antenna or allow flight service to relay the clearance when you call them.
Hi Martin. The first thing that caught my eye was the Aero Commander and that’s because I saw Bob Hoover fly that plane so many times he was all class. Except in the beginning you flew over some beautiful green country side. Finally seeing spring here in Idaho.
I had the exact same thing happen to me 2 years ago when trying to depart IFR from Jekyll Island which is about 10 miles south of St Simons. I got the feeling I was talking to the wall.
It was always a pleasure working you out of CID, one of my resident favorites years back. I hope to chat on the freq. again some day down in S. Florida. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for this nice comment! We are in Fort Lauderdale every now and then - which facility are working at these days? Sadly, a lot of controllers from CID have left to other places (with more traffic and more action, I assume). - Martin
@Martin Pauly I'm currently at KMIA. Maybe one of these I'll catch you on the radio working FT. Lauderdales arrival/departure sector. That's the same story that happened to me. I left CID to come back home and work more traffic. Keep up the good work! 👍
Martin, the same thing happened to me at SSI last year. It was so bizarre, the Jax Center clearance delivery guy also made me feel like I was bothering him. I hope your video makes it up the chain at Jax CTR. Thanks for your videos, keep them coming 🛫
Thanks, great vid, as usual 👍 I was flying with an instructor last week and he reminded me that 'Runway vacated' is preferred, not 'Clear of the r....' as 'clear' is for clearances, just as 'takeoff' is only for takeoff clearance. Ever since the 2*747 crash at Tenerife
Thanks for the comment, Neil. Do you have a reference for the "runway vacated" guidance (e.g. in the AIM or an AC)? I had not heard of this before. Not saying it's a bad idea, but the potential for confusion with a landing or take-off clearance at an uncontrolled field (which is where I would make this kind of report) seems a bit far-fetched given that there is no such thing as a landing clearance or take-off clearance at such airport. (Speaking for the US here - maybe it's different in other countries.) Regards, Martin
Missed you by a week at St Simons Island. We really enjoyed it! We were on a driving trip but I was mapping out the option to fly down from Chicago. Thanks again for sharing these videos. No need for artificial or exaggerated drama. Just the very real hiccups of things like radio reception.
We really enjoyed our stay on the island. We'll be back for sure, I just hope we'll have VFR weather on departure so I can get my clearance in the air. - Martin
I came across your video while browsing through TH-cam. I grew up on Saint Simons and learned to fly at McKinnon Field in my dad's Bonanza. That was back in the day when McKinnon had an FAA tower and Delta and Eastern provided service to the Island. That Bonanza experience put me well ahead of the power curve when I got to Pensacola to start Navy pilot training, as the T-34 was nothing but a modified Bonanza. I moved back to the Island after I retired from United, except now the population has grown from 3,000 when I was growing up, to 16,000. The airport is a popular stop for Navy helicopters from JAX and Army helicopters from Hunter and points north. The fact that Southern Soul Barbecue is right across the street has nothing to do with it, wink wink, nudge nudge. You'll often find Davis Love III and other PGA tour golfers there. Paul Rudd occasionally drops in from time to time. He discovered SSB while on the Island to film Anchorman II and pronounced it some of the best BBQ he's ever had . . . and he's a Kansas City guy. Now he keeps finding reasons to stop by. Anyway, enjoyed your video. Happy flying.
@@martinpauly Amen, brother. Everybody who came across Rudd when he was down here loved him. He was really nice. One of his co-stars, umm, not so much.
Nice video. Awesome views! As a ham radio operator I can tell you that indeed a bit more transmitting power can make the difference. But also that jet behind you is some 3 foot higher, and when its antenna on top of the fuselage is also that much higher, and sure will make the difference.
This was a great learning experience. This scenario is all too common. Best way to handle it is get the hold for release clearance before start. After start, attempt the frequencies for a good reception spot (sometimes this might even mean just cell reception), stop where you have reception, call for release. Prying a release from the guy on the phone is a lot easier than a full clearance. I go to a coastal airport often that the only place to get any kind of reception for anything is on the ramp, I have to do my runup on the taxiway, taxi back to the ramp, call because vhf doesn't work, get my release, then have about 5 minutes to taxi to the runway and be wheels up.
I wish I had more time to fly more and make more videos. I'll keep them coming, but please remember this is only a hobby for me, and I have a day job. - Martin
Martin and Beckey, I about busted a gut laughing at her explanation of the "Beech" at the Beech Bash! I had my wife come in and listen and she gave me "the look" because we had been to Tullahoma TN for an ABS Instructor Clinic and I told her about the Beech Party when we left she said "It is pretty here but where is the beach?" If we get rid of these stuffy heads from allergies we will be at the Bash...but not with our swimsuits!
Wow! Never had that kind of response when calling an ATC phone number for a clearance. Madisonville is just a short hop from my home airport. Enjoy the Beech Bash!
@@fatputtsgolf Yeah, I think you are right. The published numbers I have called have always been answered by a controller. Wonder why this was different?
Last summer I landed in Madisonville and three dogs ran out to meet us on the runway as we were rolling out. I quickly made an announcement and shut down the engine so that we didn’t have an accident. 😮 luckily we were able to quickly escort the dogs away and get the plane started back up to move off.
I’ve flown there before and asked jax why they weren’t able to hear me, they tell me it’s a dead zone in that area, they did have a radar outage last time I was there, very difficult to contact them at SSI, but handled it well!
A few years ago I was leaving KSSI at the break of dawn with no wind and a low thin overcast layer which was dissipating quickly to the south towards Florida which was my destination. I elected to depart off of 22 which lined up with my direction of flight and being in an amphib it gave an out to land on the water as long as I didn’t hit the overturned Hyundai container ship. I was able to obtain my clearance over the radio from the hold short line of 22. While on the radio there was a jet at runway 4 that decided to taxi out and sit on the runway. I quickly started calling them to ask if they had an IFR release and noted that I did and it was quickly running out. Finally after a few minutes and not a word from the jet I could see them turning around with their tail between their legs and exiting the runway. Not a word was spoken from their end. I suspect they were trying to get a clearance over the phone as I did not hear them on Jax frequency requesting a clearance. I still think about how rude they were to enter the runway and then no apology or even acknowledgement after the fact. Felt good wagging my wings going by them. Moral is you can get reception away from the buildings and at the north end to clear obstacles to the south. That and don’t enter an active runway without a release.
Hey Martin, enjoyed the video thank you! You really needed patience with ATC getting that clearance. Years ago, before cell phones, you had to run from inside an FBO or Ops building after calling ATC on a pay phone. Then of course you had maybe 15 min to run to the plane start it up and get off the ground before the clearance time expired. Fun! The advances today in aviation are spectacular, but there sometimes is a reminder of the past...thanks for sharing your experiences.
Martin - I made the decision to install a 16 watt radio for just the issue you encountered. What I am surprised by is the fact how difficult it was for you to get the clearance with the guy on the phone.
@@martinpauly It did for me. Another benefit was the extended range I see when I’m in the system. Areas where my 10W radio was having range issues hasn’t been a problem with the 16W radio.
@@martinpauly I should add one more thing about radios. Often when upgrading radios, avionics shops will re-use the RG-58 that is already in the plane. I had this happen to me and found replacing the old cable with new RG-400 really improved a few things including unwanted static and better transmit and receive capability.
I’ve had this issue there in the past. Specially when trying to pick it up while holding short of runway 4. But when I’m by the FBO, holding short of 22, I can pick up the frequency no problem. Same airplane, both low IFR days.
I feel your pain with that issue there at KSSI. I had the same problem a few years ago from that side of the airport but just a heads up, if you are at the end of RWY22 or close ish to the FBO you can get JAX on the radio. The GTN 750 and 650 should have 10 watt transmitters to help with further distance transmissions. Also it was a pleasure speaking with you at sun n fun this year.
same experience here every time .... there seems to be a pervasive lack of professionalism from both pilots and ATC and .... we've started avoiding SSI these days
Hi Martin you are very professional and instructive I recently landed in you home town airport Cider Rapid Coles to your hangars We landed on A320 from GlobalX just bringing your town team from college games March madness
Just found your channel by chance! Loved the Key West Flight you uploaded. If you are ever back in Florida, please let me know! I'm a 250 hour PPL working towards my instrument as of a couple weeks ago and I'd love to sit right seat if you're ever near DeLand (KDED) Thanks for sharing what you do!
Did you get to enjoy Southern Soul BBQ at the departure end of 22 across the street? It’s walking distance from the FBO! My kids love going there! You have to keep an eye on your max gross after having lunch there 😂
That guy at JAX Center needs an attitude adjustment. I would have moved a little though and tried a few different spots on the field to get better reception
The problem with moving around on the field is that ATC only wants to receive the call from me when I am ready and number one for departure (which makes sense to me). That gives me only one location from which to make the call. - Martin
She called him out on not calling switching tanks!! As funny as it is, it shows that he always calls out his actions and she expected it and when she didn’t hear it she made sure it happened.
Spannender Abflug! In solch einer Situation die Ruhe zu bewahren ist sicher nicht einfach, insbesondere da der Mann am Telefon mir nicht besonders freundlich vorkam. Geniesse deine Videos immer wieder, macht weiter so! 👍🏼Grüsse aus der Schweiz - Frans
Thanks - a few people have hinted at that. The problem is ATC only wants me to call when I am ready and number one for departure - so if the wind is from the north, I can't really do that from runway 22. - Martin
You could transmit on guard 121.5 and all jets who are in contact with ATC overhead will be monitoring the frequency, make sure to quickly qualify your reason for using guard ( lest you get chastised for it ) and ask for a relay to center to request a good frequency to use or to have them reach out to you. I might be one of those pilots if I’m at work and would certainly not mind doing this for you if I heard your attempt.
@@maxmcvicker So you are saying "call the local approach facility before a trip". Let's say I do that, and they give me guidance on how to get my clearance and IFR release easily. That guidance is what needs to be published for the airport, to avoid the need for every pilot to call in before every trip to the area. The place to share this information already exists; it's just that in this case the published information is not useful. Let's fix that, instead of encouraging thousands of extra phone calls to the facility each year.
Sorry you had such a lousy experience, that’s not how it’s supposed to work. He should have gotten the clearance right away. The radio works but only from the ramp, you taxi towards 22 you can’t get it, very weak.
I tried to confirm this after this flight, and didn't get a 100% bulletproof confirmation - but I think your assumption makes sense. I thought I'd double checked since I normally hear one of the two: "released", or "hold for release". - Martin
Interesting situation. Most of Australia is class G below 8500 so we don’t need a clearance to take off IFR from most non controlled aerodromes. If we can’t get centre on the ground we just contact them airborne. Hopefully any traffic is on CTAF.😂 US is clearly more organised but that situation looks annoying.
We have some Class G, though much lower (typically 700 feet AGL or 1200 feet AGL) - but it can be busy airspace around St Simons Island, I wouldn't want to take my chances there. Plus around St. Simons Island controlled airspace actually goes down to the surface. - Martin
That’s weird a few months ago I was at st Simmons and we called for clearance on the phone also and they had no problem giving us the clearance over the phone
99-Charlie-Echo didn't have to wait very long to be able to take off (the jet immediately behind you at St. Simon), they got him out pretty darn quick and cleared him to 2000 knowing you would already be well above that by that time (what she probably was looking to see is what your climb-rate was, once she knew you had a really good climb-rate, she went ahead and cleared the jet). And yes, that Jet would have had a better transmitter and likely a better antenna as well. When the plane is bigger, the Standing-Wave-Ratios are more optimum because it gets to use the entire plane footprint. One thing you could do is check it with a meter as It indicates whether there is an impedance mismatch between the load and the internal impedance on a radio frequency (RF) transmission line, or waveguide.
I’ve never had trouble calling the phone number. That’s literally their job to provide that service. If there isn’t enough room in the sky then I understand but if they’re too busy to take a clearance from a flight data position then they need to split it off.
Most Bonanzas (incl. mine) do not have ice protection on the wing. A few do (either pneumatic boots or TKS). Flying through clouds is no problem unless the temperature is below freeing. - Martin
I do not know what the legal perspective is on that. Would be interesting to find out. I know that cancelations (at the conclusion of a flight) are relayed through other aircraft sometimes. - Martin
@@martinpauly I suppose because there is no information to ‘read back’ for the cancellation. As you suggest, the relay pilot takes the responsibility of passing the information correctly and accepting that you received it correctly. Cheers from 🇦🇺❤️
It appears comments provided by pilots in ForeFlight for SSI has 131.375 as some type of “repeater” that gets you to JAX Center for clearance. No where to be found in the AFD, so guess it is something that is stumbled upon.
I have seen that frequency in a few comments now. Very interesting - if it's an approved service, I wonder why it's not listed in any FAA publication. And if not, can I legally use it and rely on it? - Martin
Hi Martin, met you last year at the beech bash. Looking forward to seeing you again sir. You are still one of my inspirations and I follow you. Never heard a phone call go quite like that. He didn't seem to want to help, maybe it's just me. I liked the way you handled it though. Hopefully see you next week. Fly safe. Oh yeah and your wife is hilarious!!
ForeFlight has a service to provide IFR clearances via text message at certain large airports. That does not include a "release for departure", though - only the route, altitude, frequency and transponder code. And St. Simons Island isn't covered by this service. I wish something like this was universally available, though - at all airports. - Martin
Just departed out of SSI today. It was a madhouse on a Sunday morning. Fortunately able to pick up clearance in the air. Did you by chance send a link to this video to ZJX?
I have not sent a link. I don't even know where (which email address) I would send it to. I did post it on a couple of ATC-related Facebook pages, though. - Martin
@@ericm333 So you are referring to the ammeter going slightly negative. There are always some fluctuations in the system, and having it move around from, say -2 to +2 is a perfectly normal indication (despite the red color on the display with ANY negative numbers here). If it was consistently negative, or if it was a much bigger discharge (e.g. -5) then that would be a reason for concern.
I’ve flown in and out of there many times. I’m honestly surprised you got good cell signal at the end of 4. Sometimes it’s a black hole right there. It’s extremely hard to get anyone on the radios for clearance on 4. As far as him not giving you your clearance over the phone that was ridiculous. I’ve gotten clearance at the end on the phone holding short immediately. If it was a really busy day (traffic gets crazy there they even have a pop up tower sometimes) then I could understand but it was a slow day it seemed.
Interesting comment about cell coverage... I had good coverage on the island all weekend (with AT&T); it didn't even occur to me that it might be a problem at the airport. - Martin
🌴Thanks for Video M&B. ,,regarding your radio-equipment : When/ If have time, go for a checkUp on the transmissionLine(coax) & antenna. ,,The radio & antenna might not be optimized matched well together. (Swr/Reflected-radiowaves on your Radio-setup might have creep'ed-up. ,,Either because of age/ moisture in the coax-cable(and/or the plugs), partially damaged antenna,..or just not matched well from the time the radio was installed ) //Thanks again for wonderful&interesting videos. Have nice weekend over-there.
Interesting that the jet had communication on the ground but you guys didn’t. Also ADSB is amazing. It can turn an IFR departure into a VFR departure🤷🏻♂️
Not always possible but I always try to file between towered fields for this reason or have 1000 and 3 to get the clearance airborne.......I've never had good luck with GCO/RCO or phone numbers.
I typically pick up airborne if the weather is good enough. That day in St Simons Island it wasn't. And from my experience this system works much better in most other places. - Martin
Maybe a combination of things - higher transmit power on the radio, taller fuselage (so antenna is a bit higher), and slightly different position on the field. - Martin
Maybe so, but the JAX center flight data didn’t help out by saying everyone needed to be at the hold lines ready to go in order to receive a clearance. Looks like a somewhat frequent problem that is culminated by both geography and ATC procedures. I think a ground-based RCO frequency would be a safe touch to St. Simons.
Just my thoughts: I think it's a bit shameful that ATC doesn't have better comms at such an airport. It's not like it's a jungle strip in the back woods. VHF radios are "line of sight" type radios. Obviously the terrain & distance play into the issue you were having. More wattage on the radio "may" help, maybe / maybe not. Google says: "Generally, small aircraft transmit about 5 to 10 Watts whereas airline VHF radios transmit about 20 to 50 Watts. All depending on the model." In the radio world, doubling your transmit power typically only makes a "just noticeable" difference on the receiving end. The best thing, in this situation, is getting the antenna higher or out from behind obstacles like trees and buildings. Next time a situation presents itself like this, try moving the aircraft a few inches/feet "this way or that way"; it's amazing the difference it can make with VHF. The jet may have higher wattage transmitters but his antenna is also higher up than yours...
Thanks for that explanation. Unfortunately, moving around on the field isn't a good option since they also insist you call them only when ready for departure and number one at the hold-short line. As you wrote, the real solution here is better comms at KSSI. - Martin
Stevo1kinevo had a similar situation. The ATCer wasn’t very courteous when Steve wanted to practice an approach in VFR conditions. I loved it when he said, “It’s their job.”
Second nice flight with you today. Now its time for me to get some yard work done . Just got to love the squeaker landings. Thanks Brian.
Hope you enjoyed the yard work as much as the video, Brian!
- Martin
Nice flight with that new instrument panel! Thanks for sharing. Don/NE Ohio😊
Thanks, Don. I *LOVE* the new panel!
- Martin
You are both SO CALM.....IVE LIVED SSI 22 YEARS AND THIS VIDEI MAKED ME NAUSEOUS
Mr. Pauly you handled this like the consummate professional that you clearly are. I must comment, however, that I am embarrassed by the service you received from JAX ARTCC! The person working "flight data" is (clearly) not on a scope, and perhaps that is the reason he is working that position, (not yet qualified, etc.). Nonetheless, you should expect immediate and professional service, especially as you identified yourself as the PIC of a taxiing aircraft, using the landline number published. He seemed to try to avoid doing anything other than advising you to do what you already tried to do, Then he said "they probably won't pick up for me; they're pretty busy." INCREDIBLE!!!! This is NOT the usual level of professionalism I have experienced over the past 48 years of flying in JAX ARTCC's airspace. I might suggest that this be brought to the attention of the facility manager over there in Hilliard - I am sure he would agree this is not the usual great service we typically see at JAX ARTCC and might perhaps counsel this employee on the required duties at flight data when an airman telephones from a pending IFR departure.
Thank you for your comment. I don't want to get anyone in trouble with this video, but I agree the situation was quite undesirable.
- Martin
ZJX are also running with 20-30% less staffing (if not more) than usual and running more traffic. Flight data calling me at a scope is my absolute last priority.
@@fatputtsgolf I can see how the staffing situation makes your job harder and more stressful, and that should be corrected. In the meantime, though - how do you suggest I should pick up my IFR clearance from KSSI?
Thanks,
Martin
@@martinpauly i still train to give clearances through flight service. If I’m not mistaken flight service still operates and will call the area directly. If you get this flight data desk ever again don’t ask, tell them to forward you directly to the area providing service to KSSI. Every area has a supervisor that will answer the phone and at the least get your number to call back when they can let you out.
@@fatputtsgolf Interesting - so if I understand you correctly, Flight Service may be a better path than calling the published CD number for KSSI (which takes me to Flight Data).
On a related note - I happened to speak with a retired JAX Center controller last night who worked the sector with KSSI for many years. He told me there are two transmitters for 126.75, one at Brunswick and one at St. Simons Island. He suspects that between retirements and new training, the knowledge of that switch (and how/when to use it) has been lost.
Best regards,
Martin
I love how you handled the situation on the ground...professional, courteous and aware...I'm sure it was a frustrating situation. That was a beautiful flight and a great way to end an enjoyable weekend. I enjoy the videos when your wife and children can join as flying is bout family and I love to see how they interact with you and the airplane. I also enjoy seeing how the avionics upgrade is working for you in real world situations.
Thank you, David. Frustrating as these delays are, it really doesn't help anything to get upset. Like you said, we enjoyed a beautiful flight once we were airborne.
- Martin
one cool cat, with precise and clear radio communications. a perfect training tool for a new instrument student or rect ifr rated pilot, also a refresher for an old one like me. thank you Martin you also have a wife who seems to enjoy the whole thing, something i never had still married though to the same wife after 52 years.😇
Thanks for the kind feedback.
- Martin
Martin, I was on an IFR cross country with one of my students a few weeks ago and heard you on Evansville approach and mentioned how much of a fan I am of your channel. I appreciate your videos and always learn something!
Thanks for the shoutout on the radio, Alfred. I hope your flight was fun!
- Martin
Martin, I really enjoy your videos and like other viewers have stated, I learn so much from watching them start to end. I got my IFR ticket about 3 years ago and am just now venturing out into the realm of "real-world" IFR. I learn a lot from your interactions with controllers and having an IFD 440 in my Long-EZ, the breakout videos on screen really help me learn. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos--I know they are a lot of work!
Glad to hear this is helpful for you. And yes, as you are finding out, what we teach for the instrument rating is only a portion of what you'll need to know to effectively fly IFR when traveling the country.
Regards,
Martin
NICE!! thanks for the ride along.!!
Glad you liked the flight, Gary.
- Martin
@16:30 i always say... it's always sunny above the clouds :D - great video
non-towner IFR clearance is really a long one, I learned real-world situations from you. Thanks, Martin
You are welcome!
Yes, these are some of those situations which - while important for real-world instrument flying - are rarely covered well in instrument training.
- Martin
I've had the exactly same experience in KSSI. It's time for them to change the procedure there. They should either install a local ATC antenna or allow flight service to relay the clearance when you call them.
You have my vote for that. Actually, given how busy they are, an antenna at KSSI would make a lot of sense.
- Martin
Hi Martin. The first thing that caught my eye was the Aero Commander and that’s because I saw Bob Hoover fly that plane so many times he was all class. Except in the beginning you flew over some beautiful green country side. Finally seeing spring here in Idaho.
Hi Mike. Yes, that Commander looked very nice. I, too, can't see one without thinking of Bob Hoover.
- Martin
I had the exact same thing happen to me 2 years ago when trying to depart IFR from Jekyll Island which is about 10 miles south of St Simons. I got the feeling I was talking to the wall.
It was always a pleasure working you out of CID, one of my resident favorites years back. I hope to chat on the freq. again some day down in S. Florida. Keep up the good work!
I’m currently at CID, and agreed!Martin is one of the local BEST for sure!
Thank you so much for this nice comment!
We are in Fort Lauderdale every now and then - which facility are working at these days?
Sadly, a lot of controllers from CID have left to other places (with more traffic and more action, I assume).
- Martin
@Martin Pauly I'm currently at KMIA. Maybe one of these I'll catch you on the radio working FT. Lauderdales arrival/departure sector.
That's the same story that happened to me. I left CID to come back home and work more traffic.
Keep up the good work! 👍
Martin, the same thing happened to me at SSI last year. It was so bizarre, the Jax Center clearance delivery guy also made me feel like I was bothering him. I hope your video makes it up the chain at Jax CTR. Thanks for your videos, keep them coming 🛫
Thanks, Steve. We'll see if any improvement ideas come from this.
- Martin
The problems in Jax center have been going on for months now. Please don't blame the worker bees.
Thanks, great vid, as usual 👍
I was flying with an instructor last week and he reminded me that 'Runway vacated' is preferred, not 'Clear of the r....' as 'clear' is for clearances, just as 'takeoff' is only for takeoff clearance. Ever since the 2*747 crash at Tenerife
Thanks for the comment, Neil. Do you have a reference for the "runway vacated" guidance (e.g. in the AIM or an AC)? I had not heard of this before. Not saying it's a bad idea, but the potential for confusion with a landing or take-off clearance at an uncontrolled field (which is where I would make this kind of report) seems a bit far-fetched given that there is no such thing as a landing clearance or take-off clearance at such airport. (Speaking for the US here - maybe it's different in other countries.)
Regards,
Martin
Missed you by a week at St Simons Island. We really enjoyed it! We were on a driving trip but I was mapping out the option to fly down from Chicago. Thanks again for sharing these videos. No need for artificial or exaggerated drama. Just the very real hiccups of things like radio reception.
We really enjoyed our stay on the island. We'll be back for sure, I just hope we'll have VFR weather on departure so I can get my clearance in the air.
- Martin
This couple is chill. Great video. thanks.
You did a great job keeping your cool during this situation, very professional. Awesome flight up to your destination. Thx for sharing.
Thanks, Ken!
- Martin
I came across your video while browsing through TH-cam. I grew up on Saint Simons and learned to fly at McKinnon Field in my dad's Bonanza. That was back in the day when McKinnon had an FAA tower and Delta and Eastern provided service to the Island. That Bonanza experience put me well ahead of the power curve when I got to Pensacola to start Navy pilot training, as the T-34 was nothing but a modified Bonanza. I moved back to the Island after I retired from United, except now the population has grown from 3,000 when I was growing up, to 16,000. The airport is a popular stop for Navy helicopters from JAX and Army helicopters from Hunter and points north. The fact that Southern Soul Barbecue is right across the street has nothing to do with it, wink wink, nudge nudge. You'll often find Davis Love III and other PGA tour golfers there. Paul Rudd occasionally drops in from time to time. He discovered SSB while on the Island to film Anchorman II and pronounced it some of the best BBQ he's ever had . . . and he's a Kansas City guy. Now he keeps finding reasons to stop by. Anyway, enjoyed your video. Happy flying.
BBQ praise from a Kansas City guy - that's a good endorsement!
- Martin
@@martinpauly Amen, brother. Everybody who came across Rudd when he was down here loved him. He was really nice. One of his co-stars, umm, not so much.
Nice video. Awesome views! As a ham radio operator I can tell you that indeed a bit more transmitting power can make the difference. But also that jet behind you is some 3 foot higher, and when its antenna on top of the fuselage is also that much higher, and sure will make the difference.
Yes, I bet those two things made all the difference here!
- Martin
This was a great learning experience. This scenario is all too common. Best way to handle it is get the hold for release clearance before start. After start, attempt the frequencies for a good reception spot (sometimes this might even mean just cell reception), stop where you have reception, call for release. Prying a release from the guy on the phone is a lot easier than a full clearance. I go to a coastal airport often that the only place to get any kind of reception for anything is on the ramp, I have to do my runup on the taxiway, taxi back to the ramp, call because vhf doesn't work, get my release, then have about 5 minutes to taxi to the runway and be wheels up.
Wow. Another great video Sir. Please don’t wait so long in between your videos.
I wish I had more time to fly more and make more videos. I'll keep them coming, but please remember this is only a hobby for me, and I have a day job.
- Martin
@@martinpauly Thanks for the reply. I appreciate and enjoy your videos.
Hope all are well and safe.
Martin and Beckey, I about busted a gut laughing at her explanation of the "Beech" at the Beech Bash! I had my wife come in and listen and she gave me "the look" because we had been to Tullahoma TN for an ABS Instructor Clinic and I told her about the Beech Party when we left she said "It is pretty here but where is the beach?" If we get rid of these stuffy heads from allergies we will be at the Bash...but not with our swimsuits!
Cloud surfing. My favorite!
I *love* cloud surfing!
- Martin
I had a similar flight out of Vero Beach last month to Augusta for stop northbound, great job…..
I hate cutting grass too….
Well, I got the grass mowed after all.
Happy wife, happy life! 😁
- Martin
Wow! Never had that kind of response when calling an ATC phone number for a clearance. Madisonville is just a short hop from my home airport. Enjoy the Beech Bash!
You aren’t dealing with ATC on that number. ZJX Flight Data are not certified controllers.
@@fatputtsgolf Yeah, I think you are right. The published numbers I have called have always been answered by a controller. Wonder why this was different?
I’ve had the same issue every time in ssi. Thankfully we’ve always been able to depart vfr and pick up in the air
Last summer I landed in Madisonville and three dogs ran out to meet us on the runway as we were rolling out. I quickly made an announcement and shut down the engine so that we didn’t have an accident. 😮 luckily we were able to quickly escort the dogs away and get the plane started back up to move off.
That's an unpleasant (and unexpected!) surprise, for sure.
- Martin
I’m sure the dogs were just trying to make friends with your plane 😊
As always thanks for bringing us along. That controller was really hoping you'd get ahold of them and just hang up😂
It would have made his job easier, I guess.
- Martin
That was flight data, not a controller
@@e63-i3c Thanks for that. I learn something new every day 😁
I’ve flown there before and asked jax why they weren’t able to hear me, they tell me it’s a dead zone in that area, they did have a radar outage last time I was there, very difficult to contact them at SSI, but handled it well!
A few years ago I was leaving KSSI at the break of dawn with no wind and a low thin overcast layer which was dissipating quickly to the south towards Florida which was my destination. I elected to depart off of 22 which lined up with my direction of flight and being in an amphib it gave an out to land on the water as long as I didn’t hit the overturned Hyundai container ship.
I was able to obtain my clearance over the radio from the hold short line of 22. While on the radio there was a jet at runway 4 that decided to taxi out and sit on the runway. I quickly started calling them to ask if they had an IFR release and noted that I did and it was quickly running out. Finally after a few minutes and not a word from the jet I could see them turning around with their tail between their legs and exiting the runway. Not a word was spoken from their end. I suspect they were trying to get a clearance over the phone as I did not hear them on Jax frequency requesting a clearance. I still think about how rude they were to enter the runway and then no apology or even acknowledgement after the fact. Felt good wagging my wings going by them.
Moral is you can get reception away from the buildings and at the north end to clear obstacles to the south. That and don’t enter an active runway without a release.
Good story, Terry. Another moral is what we do on the ground is often just as important as what we do in the air.
- Martin
Love that discussion about cutting the grass… 😂
I know my place at home... 😁
- Martin
Hey Martin, enjoyed the video thank you! You really needed patience with ATC getting that clearance. Years ago, before cell phones, you had to run from inside an FBO or Ops building after calling ATC on a pay phone. Then of course you had maybe 15 min to run to the plane start it up and get off the ground before the clearance time expired. Fun! The advances today in aviation are spectacular, but there sometimes is a reminder of the past...thanks for sharing your experiences.
Yes, I remember those days. I don't miss them at all!
- Martin
@@martinpauly for sure, for sure! Lol
SSI! A favorite! Best BBQ, and a hotel with a pool that's more or less on the ramp!
Yes - Southern Soul is a favorite!
- Martin
😂 You have the patience of an radio ham trying to pick up a DX-spedition in the static! 👏
🤣
Amazing patience!
Thanks, James.
- Martin
Vielen Dank für das schöne Video.
Gern geschehen!
- Martin
Martin - I made the decision to install a 16 watt radio for just the issue you encountered. What I am surprised by is the fact how difficult it was for you to get the clearance with the guy on the phone.
Did you find that the 16W transmitter makes a noticeable difference?
- Martin
@@martinpauly It did for me. Another benefit was the extended range I see when I’m in the system. Areas where my 10W radio was having range issues hasn’t been a problem with the 16W radio.
@@martinpauly I should add one more thing about radios. Often when upgrading radios, avionics shops will re-use the RG-58 that is already in the plane. I had this happen to me and found replacing the old cable with new RG-400 really improved a few things including unwanted static and better transmit and receive capability.
@@Marauder92V Makes sense. I don't think that's a factor here - all the wiring was completely replaced in 2022 when my panel was upgraded.
- Martin
Highly recommend the Bell Buckle Cafe! Can't believe JAX would ignore their own Flight Service person, as he claimed.
We *love* the Bell Buckle Cafe - but unfortunately they are closed on Sundays, so it wasn't a choice for us that day.
- Martin
You are a pro! Thanks for these great videos.
Thanks!
- Martin
I’ve had this issue there in the past. Specially when trying to pick it up while holding short of runway 4. But when I’m by the FBO, holding short of 22, I can pick up the frequency no problem. Same airplane, both low IFR days.
Glad I'm not alone! 👍
- Martin
I feel your pain with that issue there at KSSI. I had the same problem a few years ago from that side of the airport but just a heads up, if you are at the end of RWY22 or close ish to the FBO you can get JAX on the radio. The GTN 750 and 650 should have 10 watt transmitters to help with further distance transmissions. Also it was a pleasure speaking with you at sun n fun this year.
Thanks, Richard - and see you again at Sun 'n Fun 2024?
- Martin
This is exactly my guess, I do believe there should be somewhere on the ground in this airport is able to reach the radio
I “FEEL” your pain!!!!
Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Andy!
- Martin
Chuckled at the most exciting moment of the flight (GPSS Turn). I thought the most exciting moment was when the Bo stopped at 10k all by itself.
Agreed, that was another strong contestant for "most exciting moment" of the flight.
- Martin
same experience here every time .... there seems to be a pervasive lack of professionalism from both pilots and ATC and .... we've started avoiding SSI these days
Nice flight
Thanks 😎
- Martin
Hi Martin you are very professional and instructive
I recently landed in you home town airport Cider Rapid
Coles to your hangars
We landed on A320 from GlobalX just bringing your town team from college games
March madness
Welcome to Iowa - I hope ATC and the FBO treated you well in my home town.
- Martin
That was painful….admire your patience….
Sometimes flying does take patience... nothing we can do about it.
- Martin
Great video. Being a software engineer, does has its advantages. 😊
Just found your channel by chance! Loved the Key West Flight you uploaded. If you are ever back in Florida, please let me know! I'm a 250 hour PPL working towards my instrument as of a couple weeks ago and I'd love to sit right seat if you're ever near DeLand (KDED) Thanks for sharing what you do!
I love going to KSSI. Great place to fly into.
We loved the place, and will be back. Will probably wait for VFR weather to depart, though. 😎
- Martin
Did you get to enjoy Southern Soul BBQ at the departure end of 22 across the street? It’s walking distance from the FBO! My kids love going there! You have to keep an eye on your max gross after having lunch there 😂
I didn't go to Southern Soul on this trip, but I've been there before. Great place!
- Martin
Your wife is hilarious. St. Simon's is always fun.
We had a great time there - will be back!
- Martin
I had not heard the term "cloverleaf" for that entry before. I like it.
Maybe I made that up. It reminds of some of the freeway interchanges called "cloverleaf".
- Martin
@@martinpauly I think it's both better and more accurate than the "teardrop" I hear it referred to as.
That guy at JAX Center needs an attitude adjustment. I would have moved a little though and tried a few different spots on the field to get better reception
The problem with moving around on the field is that ATC only wants to receive the call from me when I am ready and number one for departure (which makes sense to me). That gives me only one location from which to make the call.
- Martin
There is something special when closely approaching a nice airport where everything is clean and uniform.
She called him out on not calling switching tanks!! As funny as it is, it shows that he always calls out his actions and she expected it and when she didn’t hear it she made sure it happened.
Spannender Abflug! In solch einer Situation die Ruhe zu bewahren ist sicher nicht einfach, insbesondere da der Mann am Telefon mir nicht besonders freundlich vorkam. Geniesse deine Videos immer wieder, macht weiter so! 👍🏼Grüsse aus der Schweiz - Frans
Vielen Dank, Frans. Zum Glück war der ganz Spuk ja noch am Boden - so war es leicht, die Ruhe zu bewahren.
- Martin
You’ll get better reception at the end of 22. I’ve never gotten them at the end of 4, likely due to those trees.
Thanks - a few people have hinted at that. The problem is ATC only wants me to call when I am ready and number one for departure - so if the wind is from the north, I can't really do that from runway 22.
- Martin
@@martinpauly yes, i lie to them.
You could transmit on guard 121.5 and all jets who are in contact with ATC overhead will be monitoring the frequency, make sure to quickly qualify your reason for using guard ( lest you get chastised for it ) and ask for a relay to center to request a good frequency to use or to have them reach out to you. I might be one of those pilots if I’m at work and would certainly not mind doing this for you if I heard your attempt.
While that might work, the *real* solution is to either improve the COMMs at St. Simons Island or make the published phone number work.
- Martin
Maybe the best thing to do would be just start calling the local approach facility before a trip in there and have a plan.
@@maxmcvicker So you are saying "call the local approach facility before a trip". Let's say I do that, and they give me guidance on how to get my clearance and IFR release easily. That guidance is what needs to be published for the airport, to avoid the need for every pilot to call in before every trip to the area. The place to share this information already exists; it's just that in this case the published information is not useful. Let's fix that, instead of encouraging thousands of extra phone calls to the facility each year.
Of course that would be the best situation but we live in an imperfect world I’m just trying to help you get out faster if they don’t fix the system.
Excellent content!
Thank you, Nathan.
- Martin
Sorry you had such a lousy experience, that’s not how it’s supposed to work. He should have gotten the clearance right away. The radio works but only from the ramp, you taxi towards 22 you can’t get it, very weak.
Hi, just wondering if it’s safe to assume you’re released if given a void time; I always do. Thanks.
I tried to confirm this after this flight, and didn't get a 100% bulletproof confirmation - but I think your assumption makes sense. I thought I'd double checked since I normally hear one of the two: "released", or "hold for release".
- Martin
Interesting situation. Most of Australia is class G below 8500 so we don’t need a clearance to take off IFR from most non controlled aerodromes. If we can’t get centre on the ground we just contact them airborne. Hopefully any traffic is on CTAF.😂 US is clearly more organised but that situation looks annoying.
We have some Class G, though much lower (typically 700 feet AGL or 1200 feet AGL) - but it can be busy airspace around St Simons Island, I wouldn't want to take my chances there. Plus around St. Simons Island controlled airspace actually goes down to the surface.
- Martin
LOL...WTF...that clearance was like a Monte Python skit...
Good analogy
That’s weird a few months ago I was at st Simmons and we called for clearance on the phone also and they had no problem giving us the clearance over the phone
Interesting. Did you use the same phone number (the one in Foreflight or in the Chart Supplements)?
- Martin
Just for perfection: it is DEW POINT, not due point!
Yes - that was a typo.
- Martin
99-Charlie-Echo didn't have to wait very long to be able to take off (the jet immediately behind you at St. Simon), they got him out pretty darn quick and cleared him to 2000 knowing you would already be well above that by that time (what she probably was looking to see is what your climb-rate was, once she knew you had a really good climb-rate, she went ahead and cleared the jet). And yes, that Jet would have had a better transmitter and likely a better antenna as well. When the plane is bigger, the Standing-Wave-Ratios are more optimum because it gets to use the entire plane footprint. One thing you could do is check it with a meter as It indicates whether there is an impedance mismatch between the load and the internal impedance on a radio frequency (RF) transmission line, or waveguide.
Thanks for the feedback and explanation. I guess now I have an excuse to upgrade to a jet, right? It would solve all my radio problems. 🤣
- Martin
@@martinpauly There you go, I'm part of team BFB ..... "Bigger + Faster = Better" 😉
I’ve never had trouble calling the phone number. That’s literally their job to provide that service. If there isn’t enough room in the sky then I understand but if they’re too busy to take a clearance from a flight data position then they need to split it off.
What you describe is what I was expecting.
- Martin
Hi ...one question but Bonanza have anti ice on the wings i immagine to fly on ifr ?
Most Bonanzas (incl. mine) do not have ice protection on the wing. A few do (either pneumatic boots or TKS). Flying through clouds is no problem unless the temperature is below freeing.
- Martin
How r u not freaking out
Would it help if I did?
- Martin
Would the jet be allowed to act as a relay for your clearance?
I do not know what the legal perspective is on that. Would be interesting to find out. I know that cancelations (at the conclusion of a flight) are relayed through other aircraft sometimes.
- Martin
@@martinpauly I suppose because there is no information to ‘read back’ for the cancellation. As you suggest, the relay pilot takes the responsibility of passing the information correctly and accepting that you received it correctly. Cheers from 🇦🇺❤️
It appears comments provided by pilots in ForeFlight for SSI has 131.375 as some type of “repeater” that gets you to JAX Center for clearance. No where to be found in the AFD, so guess it is something that is stumbled upon.
I have seen that frequency in a few comments now. Very interesting - if it's an approved service, I wonder why it's not listed in any FAA publication. And if not, can I legally use it and rely on it?
- Martin
Martin, I didn’t know you enjoyed mowing grass so much 😅
Oh, I absolutely LOVE mowing the grass (according to her) 🤣
- Martin
Hi Martin, met you last year at the beech bash. Looking forward to seeing you again sir. You are still one of my inspirations and I follow you. Never heard a phone call go quite like that. He didn't seem to want to help, maybe it's just me. I liked the way you handled it though. Hopefully see you next week. Fly safe. Oh yeah and your wife is hilarious!!
Thanks, Harold - see you this weekend in Kentucky!
- Martin
Doesn't Foreflight receive approved clearances digitally now?
ForeFlight has a service to provide IFR clearances via text message at certain large airports. That does not include a "release for departure", though - only the route, altitude, frequency and transponder code. And St. Simons Island isn't covered by this service. I wish something like this was universally available, though - at all airports.
- Martin
Just departed out of SSI today. It was a madhouse on a Sunday morning. Fortunately able to pick up clearance in the air. Did you by chance send a link to this video to ZJX?
I have not sent a link. I don't even know where (which email address) I would send it to. I did post it on a couple of ATC-related Facebook pages, though.
- Martin
Some have seen it ;)
I’ve never known you to be speechless!
It happens! 😁
- Martin
at 29:10 - I don't think that was Big Bird - he's bright yellow and doesn't usually fly.
You are correct, of course 🤣
- Martin
@ 30:33… is that normal indication for AMPS. Jus curious. Thanks for sharing Pauly
Hi Eric, please check the timestamp you sent me - looks like that's the very end of the video.
- Martin
@ 22:53. Thanks for the correction
@@ericm333 So you are referring to the ammeter going slightly negative. There are always some fluctuations in the system, and having it move around from, say -2 to +2 is a perfectly normal indication (despite the red color on the display with ANY negative numbers here). If it was consistently negative, or if it was a much bigger discharge (e.g. -5) then that would be a reason for concern.
@@martinpauly.. Thanks Pauly for the explanation. I enjoy watching your content and always learning.
Had the same issue from Jekyll with jax
Did they also suggest to use the same frequency (transmitter on Brunswick)? That's even further away than from SSI.
- Martin
You will not be able to talk to zjx at Jekyll,... SSI yes
can you attend if your flying a piper?
Yes - everyone is welcome!
- Martin
Beech Becky, not Beach... : P
Though @ the Bash, they may have "Sand which is there".
I’ve flown in and out of there many times. I’m honestly surprised you got good cell signal at the end of 4. Sometimes it’s a black hole right there. It’s extremely hard to get anyone on the radios for clearance on 4.
As far as him not giving you your clearance over the phone that was ridiculous. I’ve gotten clearance at the end on the phone holding short immediately. If it was a really busy day (traffic gets crazy there they even have a pop up tower sometimes) then I could understand but it was a slow day it seemed.
Interesting comment about cell coverage... I had good coverage on the island all weekend (with AT&T); it didn't even occur to me that it might be a problem at the airport.
- Martin
🌴Thanks for Video M&B. ,,regarding your radio-equipment : When/ If have time, go for a checkUp on the transmissionLine(coax) & antenna. ,,The radio & antenna might not be optimized matched well together. (Swr/Reflected-radiowaves on your Radio-setup might have creep'ed-up. ,,Either because of age/ moisture in the coax-cable(and/or the plugs), partially damaged antenna,..or just not matched well from the time the radio was installed ) //Thanks again for wonderful&interesting videos. Have nice weekend over-there.
Thanks for the pointers!
- Martin
The Jet's antenna might have been higher and was able to get JAX center.
That's my guess, too.
- Martin
Interesting that the jet had communication on the ground but you guys didn’t. Also ADSB is amazing. It can turn an IFR departure into a VFR departure🤷🏻♂️
Try the bbq cafe up the street. Amazing experience
Yes - been there. It's great! 👍
- Martin
Not always possible but I always try to file between towered fields for this reason or have 1000 and 3 to get the clearance airborne.......I've never had good luck with GCO/RCO or phone numbers.
I typically pick up airborne if the weather is good enough. That day in St Simons Island it wasn't. And from my experience this system works much better in most other places.
- Martin
24:34 LOL
Martin did you look over at the Commander and think, "hummmmmmm I can make Man Maths work for that........"
A little drool may have escaped my mouth when I saw it...
- Martin
Noticed the Hawker had clearance as they pulled up behid. Maybe the hold is a deadspot with better TX/RX from the ramp?
Maybe a combination of things - higher transmit power on the radio, taller fuselage (so antenna is a bit higher), and slightly different position on the field.
- Martin
Maybe so, but the JAX center flight data didn’t help out by saying everyone needed to be at the hold lines ready to go in order to receive a clearance. Looks like a somewhat frequent problem that is culminated by both geography and ATC procedures. I think a ground-based RCO frequency would be a safe touch to St. Simons.
I can hear you
Beech as in Beechcraft...not as in sand (beach). Heck I thought it might have been the beech tree celebration.
Just my thoughts: I think it's a bit shameful that ATC doesn't have better comms at such an airport. It's not like it's a jungle strip in the back woods.
VHF radios are "line of sight" type radios. Obviously the terrain & distance play into the issue you were having. More wattage on the radio "may" help, maybe / maybe not. Google says: "Generally, small aircraft transmit about 5 to 10 Watts whereas airline VHF radios transmit about 20 to 50 Watts. All depending on the model." In the radio world, doubling your transmit power typically only makes a "just noticeable" difference on the receiving end. The best thing, in this situation, is getting the antenna higher or out from behind obstacles like trees and buildings.
Next time a situation presents itself like this, try moving the aircraft a few inches/feet "this way or that way"; it's amazing the difference it can make with VHF.
The jet may have higher wattage transmitters but his antenna is also higher up than yours...
Thanks for that explanation. Unfortunately, moving around on the field isn't a good option since they also insist you call them only when ready for departure and number one at the hold-short line. As you wrote, the real solution here is better comms at KSSI.
- Martin
I've dealt with a few lazy controllers lately not wanting to do their job. Happens in every profession I suppose