Commercial XC with Daniel: Smitty's Round 2, Runway Traps, & Crew Car Upgrades

To help my son Daniel fulfill his commercial pilot cross-country requirements under 14 CFR 61.129(a)(3)(iii) and (iv), we set off on a classic mission: a evening flight up to Idaho Falls (KIDA) for dinner at Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House.

Scenario Training & The Runway Illusion

To make the trip a true commercial learning experience, I sprung a custom scenario on Daniel: a rushed, heavy, cigarette-smoking flight school mechanic carrying tools, parts and an apprentice to fix a stranded plane. We spent the leg probing commercial privileges, weight and balance limits, and cabin regulations.

As we arrived in Idaho Falls, ATC cleared us for right traffic to Runway 21. Turning base in a high-wing aircraft obscured the field, and upon rolling out, Daniel initially lined up on Runway 17. A quick instructor prompt got him lined up on Runway 21 for a smooth touchdown.

The FBO hooked us up with a Mercedes-Benz crew car for the dinner run.

Dinner & Night Currency Operations

The FBO handed us the keys to a Mercedes-Benz crew car, and we drove over to Smitty’s for a great meal as the sun went down.

Daniel enjoying dinner at Smitty’s Pancake & Steak House.

Back at the airport after dark, we preflighted for the return. Realizing I wasn’t night current, I took the controls first and knocked out three stop-and-goes in the pattern. Currency updated, Daniel took over for the flight back home.

En route back to South Valley Regional (KSVR), we covered ground school topics ranging from aeromedical factors to pressurization systems and high-altitude/swept-wing aerodynamics. We put the airplane away after midnight—a long, deeply rewarding flight for both of us!