Windy_City_Pilot
November 10, 2000, 02:26 AM
This was probably my best experience ever as a pilot... I've only been flying for a year and a half, so I know it might not compare to some of the things you all have done! http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif
Anyways, two weeks ago was my first flight into Chicago Midway airport, coming from Champaign IL. Let me tell you, the flight was awesome! I have flown into Meigs like 3 times, but I liked this experience even more (I am partial to MDW since I would like to fly for Chicago Express and ATA). First of all, IMC prevailed throughout the entire flight, until we broke out on the ILS 4R at maybe 1500 ft to sidestep 4L. Right after I did that, the MDW Approach controllers slid a Saab in before a Southwest 737, something I have never heard of when in IFR conditions. So here I am flying an approach in a Piper at 120 knots, with a Saab just a bit behind on approach to 4R, almost keeping pace. VERY cool. Not to mention facing the skyline as you come in, and realizing you have a very tight little airport to land at.
Departure was the real story though. As I arrived at 4L for departure, an ATA 757 Heavy took off on 4R, putting on quite a show heading toward the skyline. After that, a Southwest 737 was put into position on the same runway while I was put into posit/hold on 4L. So, the tower clears the 737 for takeoff, and it begins rolling. Right as it begins to move, here is the conversation:
TWR: "Piper 4164X, do you have the 737 to your right in sight?"
64X: "Affirm., 64X."
TWR: "OK, Piper 4164X maintain visual separation from that 737, 'cause he's going left and you are goin' right. Winds 050 at 12, turn to a heading of 130, cleared for takeoff."
64X: "Roger, right to 130, on the roll, 64X."
So we leave, and pass RIGHT over the terminal in a hard banked right turn to avoid the wake. I look down and below me is an ATA 757 on 31R doing a runnup, shaking and all, and two Southwest 737s holding short of 31C for a landing AirTran 717! Quite a spectacular event for a newbie like myself. I handled it pretty well, considering my instructor was all nervous (He's not from Chicago; plus I worked at ATA MDW for a summer so I heard a lot of stories).
To conclude, I think I better add a little tip: no matter how awesome something is, don't forget your checklists... we took off without our transponder on, landing light, and fuel pump off. Nothing too serious, except we looked like fools when departure asks "Piper 64X, please turn on your transponder." Thank God that the ceiling had lifted somewhat!
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Windy City Pilot
Chicago, IL
Anyways, two weeks ago was my first flight into Chicago Midway airport, coming from Champaign IL. Let me tell you, the flight was awesome! I have flown into Meigs like 3 times, but I liked this experience even more (I am partial to MDW since I would like to fly for Chicago Express and ATA). First of all, IMC prevailed throughout the entire flight, until we broke out on the ILS 4R at maybe 1500 ft to sidestep 4L. Right after I did that, the MDW Approach controllers slid a Saab in before a Southwest 737, something I have never heard of when in IFR conditions. So here I am flying an approach in a Piper at 120 knots, with a Saab just a bit behind on approach to 4R, almost keeping pace. VERY cool. Not to mention facing the skyline as you come in, and realizing you have a very tight little airport to land at.
Departure was the real story though. As I arrived at 4L for departure, an ATA 757 Heavy took off on 4R, putting on quite a show heading toward the skyline. After that, a Southwest 737 was put into position on the same runway while I was put into posit/hold on 4L. So, the tower clears the 737 for takeoff, and it begins rolling. Right as it begins to move, here is the conversation:
TWR: "Piper 4164X, do you have the 737 to your right in sight?"
64X: "Affirm., 64X."
TWR: "OK, Piper 4164X maintain visual separation from that 737, 'cause he's going left and you are goin' right. Winds 050 at 12, turn to a heading of 130, cleared for takeoff."
64X: "Roger, right to 130, on the roll, 64X."
So we leave, and pass RIGHT over the terminal in a hard banked right turn to avoid the wake. I look down and below me is an ATA 757 on 31R doing a runnup, shaking and all, and two Southwest 737s holding short of 31C for a landing AirTran 717! Quite a spectacular event for a newbie like myself. I handled it pretty well, considering my instructor was all nervous (He's not from Chicago; plus I worked at ATA MDW for a summer so I heard a lot of stories).
To conclude, I think I better add a little tip: no matter how awesome something is, don't forget your checklists... we took off without our transponder on, landing light, and fuel pump off. Nothing too serious, except we looked like fools when departure asks "Piper 64X, please turn on your transponder." Thank God that the ceiling had lifted somewhat!
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Windy City Pilot
Chicago, IL