Got to go flying last night with Rob in 09L. We met at KLOM at 5pm and, after spending a few minutes trying to deciper some returns around Reading that were showing up on the radar, we decided to get airborne and see how things looked as we progressed East. Intended destination was Zerby/Schuylkill County airport in Pottsville, 61nm from KLOM.

Climbout was unremarkable and, while it was hazy and really just gray, we didn't see any signs of rain or convective activity. So, we dialed in the Pottstown VOR and were off. We decided to fly the VORs so that I could brush off some dust in advance of a couple of rental checkouts that I have the horizon. We flew a radial from Pottstown with cross checks from East Texas and Ravine. Course was good and our positions were confirmed with the GPS. Reading provided Flight Following, although we only heard from them upon our initial request and then again when we cancelled. It was a nice night to be in the air, even with the lackluster visibility.

As we neared Zerby we heard a flight of two military helicopters calling a position at our 11 o'clock (Apaches, maybe?) Rob got a visual and we got a nice view as they passed from our left to right.

Zerby sits up on a litte plateau and was a really pretty approach. Not much activity at the airport and only saw a few planes on tie downs. Runway was in nice shape, though.

A quick taxi back to the departure end and we were airborne again. VOR still dialed in for Pottstown, we were heading home. Overflew the northeastern edge of Reading's Class D and came in over Pottstown/Limerick and then Perkiomen.

Slight headwind on the return trip, as you can see from the cooling towers. Still made decent time. Before we knew it we were in the pattern for Wings.

1.9 on the Hobbs, felt like about 45 minutes. Good night to go flying. Trying to see if I can make the NE Flyers gathering at WWD this weekend. Gary offered to pick me up and I'd love to get the checkout at Big Sky done, but Kelly's working this weekend and I'm not sure if I can get coverage for the kids on Saturday. Stay tuned.