Tuesday, December 27, 2011

All the way to SeaTac!

It is not a long flight, only a few miles, but the difference's between Auburn Muni and SeaTac Intl. are great. No tower at Auburn, one runway. Three runways and lots of radio protocol to observe at KSEA. I planned this adventure for a few weeks. Using the AFD I called ahead and got all the needed information. I learned about the fee's and how to save a few bucks. The newest 'third' runway is far to the west, and the GA terminal between it and the Tango taxiway, west of 16C. My two passengers & I loaded up in the 182 at Auburn, took of on 34 then called SeaTac tower as soon as we had copied the ATIS. I was sent over the Seahawk transition , over the 16 numbers, and as we crossed over 16R I was cleared to land behind the A320. We were 1000 AGL , so I pulled power off, carb heat on, full flaps, and down like an elevator to the tarmac. It was a two minute separation for wake turbulence so I landed longer than the tire marks. It was over a mile of taxi to the GA ramp. Noah at the GA ramp was very friendly and the lounge is nicely equipped. Several well stocked vending machines, free gourmet coffee and clean restrooms. The only thing to beware of is that the pilot lounge is open from the outside , but you are locked in. They call it security. Get in get warm, but you can't leave the lounge until you are let out. Leaving KSEA is a bit different, you must first talk to Clnc Del to get a release, I was told to go directly back to tower for taxi, I don't know if GA always does this or they were slow enough it was just easier for them. I taxied almost a mile again, before tower offered us a midfield departure. It sure sounded strange to be warned that there was ONLY 4,400' of runway remaining. Ha! Auburn is only 3,400. We were off,90mph & 1000FPM with a west turn out almost before I reached the perimeter fence. The controllers were very nice,professional and helpful. although I made a few minor errors in how they do things, at all times they made me feel like I was welcome at SeaTac Intl. Just after they released me into VFR , they called back to see if I was still on Freq, (I was) and I received a warning of an A/C 700 ' above & crossing at right angles. They didn't have to notify me, but they did. Thanks guys. I did train at BFI with a mix of large aircraft, that may have helped me to not be intimidated by the big iron at SeaTac. Big or Small I land at 'em all.