Flying West From the Winter
by Deborah Fallows
Flying around in a small propeller plane is more fun and much safer when temperatures are moderate, when the moisture in clouds doesn’t turn to ice on our wings, and when, after we land, we find people strolling on the sidewalks and lolling in outdoor brewpubs instead of huddling inside against cold rains or snow. (Read it here.)

Flying Up Down East
by Deborah Fallows
You won’t be surprised to hear that we decided to make a precautionary landing in Portland, the closest big airport. Jim told the controller that we were “changing destination because of non-emergency equipment problems,” a phrase I hadn’t heard before. He also requested a change from “Visual Flight Rules,” under which we flew whatever course we chose, to an Instrument Flight Rules plan, in which ATC would guide us to the destination. The ATC responded without a breath’s delay. “November 435SR is cleared to the Portland airport via direct, maintain 3,000 feet. Let us know if you require assistance.” (Read it here.)