Superhero Dynamic Duo reunited again!

 Ms. Denise arrived via commercial carrier on Monday so the duo is finally reunited after nearly a year and it's almost time to race. The ladies spent the day getting caught up and trying to avoid the Oklahoma heat in the afternoon. Plans were made for a first test flight together in the Sight Seein' Mooney in the cool of the following morning before the day's heat and potential moisture settled in.  This flight is just to take the plane up and test loggers, avoid Jokers* and surprises, as well as confirm various 'safety kits' that might be needed for the race.

We talked earlier on this blog about keeping the luggage to a minimum and that STILL is very important, however depending on what type of flight any pilot takes, it is important to bring important emergency items along even if they add a few pounds to the cabin. In this case, the ladies should have a fairly uneventful trip save for the last third where crossing the Continental Divide comes into play. Though again very unlikely, accidents as well as Mr. Freeze* in the mountains can carry added risk to any single engine plane crossing. The weather can be unpredictable at times and there is always a remote possibility that help is not going to be instantly available during storms or in wilderness of the Rogues Gallery*. This means the team will carry a basic first aid kit with a few add-on compression wraps, analgesic gel, duct tape, and pain meds just in case. 

Further, a general survival tool-kit is also carried, which has a knife, strobe light, emergency power supply, mirror, life straw, waterproof matches, lightweight reflective jackets, space blanket, and some basic cordage. The team also carries tie down stakes for the plane as well as a can of emergency oxygen and a small bottle of water, sponge, and rag to clean the windscreen or deal with Poison Ivy*.

In the evening the ladies take on their first 'mission brief' to go to the big screen and talk through the race route. No secret sauce or Penguin* waddling here - just a more detailed overview at each race leg, the particular race fly-by reporting rules, and radio frequencies for each stop. Since the weather will be warm and humid during the first half of the race, the team considers the amount of extra oil, fuel, and their own hydration needs to keep both WO-man and machine healthy, happy, and running strong.

It actually all sounds more foreboding and formal than the actual process truly is. The point is for both pilots to know the mission, rehearse potential sticking points, and execute a plan to seek as much cockpit efficiency as possible. Weather and temperature will most certainly reveal a Riddler* or two into some parts of the race, but again that is what all of the teams are thinking about and how their ships and crews can best handle the task. Our superheroines, Teresa and Denise will run through similar test flights again over the next couple of days before heading to Alabama to impound the plane for the race next week. Watch out, the Dynamic Duo* is officially back but you may not recognize them unless you squint really hard and look past the MASKS*!

* For Batman nerd references only ... all others should simply turn away in disgust.😁

-ed-