Rough River KY 2: Stranded vs. VFR into IMC

Join me in the Cirrus for part 2 as I head home from Rough River Kentucky and encounter weather that humbled me. In an attempt to avoid VFR into IMC, I landed the Cirrus and left it behind so I could get back home. We will get back to fun videos after this one but this was eye opening as a VFR pilot the irony of being in such a capable plane with an incapable pilot was frustrating.
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[@martinpauly]

Good decision - and you are absolutely correct in that getting your instrument rating will ensure cloudless skies on at least your next dozen trips! - Martin

[@DeltaNovember1776]

The worst part about an IFR ticket is from then on, all clouds will either be icing or convective.

[@FBCStuttgart]

I’ve landed at both of those airports. It’s crazy how big the walnut ridge airport is when you consider how small the town is. I took my instrument written exam this past week. I passed but it was hard! Hopefully I’ll take the check ride in a couple of weeks. Great decision on landing. Glad you stayed safe to fly again. Keep the great videos coming. If you ever make it up here to northwest Arkansas I think you’ll like it!

[@morthomer5804]

Did you get the drink decanter from Bear Grylls?

[@RIP5582]

nice.

[@larrykorona5502]

That plane on the ground at Walnut Ridge was part of a restaurant at one time. It appears that the building was torn down, and looks like it will be rebuilt?

[@KevinSmithAviation]

Great decision Bryan. Keep up the great work, love the channel. 🤘🇺🇸🛩️

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Thank you very much

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Smart. Dan sent me. New follower.

[@peteranderson037]

I dislike the term get-there-itis. The proper term should be get-home-itis because that's usually when the bad decisions are made. Cancelling a flight when you are at home with options is easy. Cancelling a flight when you have a job you have to be at the next morning and you're 100s of miles away from home is the hard part.

[@depotdan4654]

With the CAPS, I thought the Cirrus was exempt from VFR minimums.

[@ShuRugal]

They're not exempt from VFR minimum, just traffic separation minimums.

[@DiggyPowell]

@@ShuRugal lol

[@gdofred]

@@ShuRugal ouch!

[@FrankBredow]

@@ShuRugal this will never get old

[@MrTriath1337]

@@ShuRugal too soon! Lol

[@mooorecowbell4222]

Nice shot of tied down 771BC. Oh... that comment was meant for 310 Pilot. Who is J. P. Sillee?

[@Runninhard247]

You do realize that you you could have went live with the developing story. There are people who follow you that live close enough to have picked you up and got you to Little Rock or Memphis and would have been glad to do so just to get the chance to meet you right?

[@flyingkub]

Brian (with a Why). The old saying of better to be on the ground wishing to be in the air, than in the air wishing to be on the ground, came about from someone doing a flight just like this one. Good choice and you get even more respect from me, for putting the story out there.

[@Kevlux86]

Your life is worth a gazillion times more than the Uber rides and plane tickets and we all value the hell outta yah! Thank you thank you for being a good example here of making the tough right decision. Here’s hoping the views you get on this one will more than make up for the cost. Love yah, man!

[@firepro329]

Multiple buildings, and 56 planes destroyed or damaged in KJBR 12 months ago including my 182. Take time to build all that back… including the hall of frames !!

[@quinnjim]

Great video. Getting stranded is definitely a part of GA flying. That instrument rating would have come in handy! I've gotten stuck twice in the last 10 years due to weather despite having all the ratings. You have to know when to call it quits. I'd be happy to watch some real world videos like this from you in addition to the funny stuff.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

I am working on that exact thing moving forward. Real world flying vlog style but wrapping it in humor. Thank you very much for watching and being a long time friend of the channel. I appreciate you.

[@nickolson1491]

Bryan, the only thing worse than being on the ground at Walnut Ridge is being in the air over Walnut Ridge in a microburst. Good decision making!

[@FixLife119]

Uber ride was expensive but you saved money on new underwear. Good call!

[@paratyshow]

Yes BrYan! I'm a bit disappointed you didn't board your return in full "I'm a pilot" mode. Thanks for the video.

[@dutchygirl]

Still would love to see that!!! In that case I'm expecting to see a lot of epaulettes all over too ;-)

[@paratyshow]

@@dutchygirl and he has got to swagger!

[@dutchygirl]

@@paratyshow A bit more attention seeking might get him some extra subscribers!

[@TheCymbalProject]

Not a pilot.. but I've been watching AOPA Air Safety Institute videos for years now. One look at that opening graphic and I was already like... "nope" lol. Instalike!

[@marcoantoniobotero]

When you fly a plane with all the bells and whistles for IFR flight but you don’t know how to use them 😂

[@usslindstrom]

If only that Cirrus had IFR servos for autopilot instead of just cheap VFR ones.

[@Parr4theCourse]

Ya could have gotten Kevin to fly ya home, when's the Instrument Checkride?

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Trying to get it on the examiner's schedule. Guessing 4-6 weeks

[@Parr4theCourse]

@@JustPlaneSilly AWESOME!!!

[@WolfPilot]

@@JustPlaneSilly Which DPE are you going to use?

[@martijn9568]

Your mistake was not taking the Grumman ofcourse ;-)

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Couple of things, First, Flight Aware weather isn't 100% accurate. My track looks like I flew directly into the only rain for miles. That is actually what I was dodging. Same thing with the flight to JBR Looks like I dodged the hole to fly through the rain. Quite the opposite. Lastly, I regret my music choice on the 2nd half. I realize now it' kind of annoying.

[@Kenriko]

They should really put up a photo of you holding Josh Flowers photo in that hall of frames.

[@brianb5594]

You will be loving that instrument rating Bryan with a Y. 😊. You are 100% correct on ForeFlight radar. D-E-L-A-Y. ATC is big help on stuff like that and also what the charter-turbine guys are doing. It’s a chess game up there with the weather. My rule of thumb is stay way away from the convective stuff and always have an escape route. I recall an old video from John King talking about always knowing where the VFR weather is. Great video and your humor makes it even better.

[@wyflyguy114]

I’m sure your resolve to get your instrument rating is even stronger now.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

It's the ONLY thing I'm focused on right now.

[@wyflyguy114]

I k now the feeling. I’m 💯 focused on finishing multi rating in the 310. I’m supposed to check ride tomorrow but may have to cancel due to illness ☹️

[@jmmredhawk]

Doesn't chops have his by now or do you have to fly vfr to make KZbin videos?

[@JustPlaneSilly]

@@jmmredhawk Nothing to film in the clouds :) Yeah, FlightChops got his rating a little before COVID hit.

[@jmmredhawk]

@@JustPlaneSilly wow, not sure how shittyaskflying allowed that to go by unnoticed. You should totay do an imc flying spoof. Talking over a grey screen.

[@stephenyoungblood3683]

The old plane at Walnut Ridge used to be a restaurant.

[@malcolmellis9654]

it'd make a really cool place to live in while u build kit planes in a hanger...that'd be sweet as

[@mattgirgenti3595]

well done! Good video about proper decision making. Tried a few things, kept an out, and pulled the plug when needed. I also fly an SR22 and am keenly aware the plane is more capable than me! Sadly, most landing seems to remind me of that. The planes a jerk :) (I ALWAYS remember: Most bad weather accidents are investigated a few hours later in good weather!!!)

[@batesvillbilly368]

KJBR or KBVX would have been good choices.

[@kevincollins8014]

Dude why didn't you just land at Jonesboro, sign yourself off for IFR then continue on home? 🤷😆

[@mikeryan6277]

When I saw you with your headset on in the airport I thought you were going to do something like be talking on the headset mike while walking past the flight attendant. something like " Roger, I'm boarding the aircraft at this time" would have been classic.

[@kellytrimble4120]

The FBO at Joneboro was one on the best in the region before the tornado. Not sure what it's like now. You should have landed there first.

[@raddad10]

Loved the coffee pouring Jonny in the first 45 seconds

[@WolfPilot]

That had to burn your ass knowing that with that signature you could have done a pop-up IFR and sailed over the top of that crap and been A-OK. I am excited that you are just inches away from IFR rating. I bet after you finish check-ride you will feel like a made man from the movie "Good Fellas".

[@rosslyn7697]

No way, I can't believe you stopped in Walnut Ridge. That old 37 you peeked inside used to be the Parachute Inn. Ate there many times, great food. Unfortunately they closed down a few years ago. Too bad, when it was open ARG was a great $100 hamburger flight!

[@grummangreaser4701]

I like the serious side of you. Awesome video.

[@133dave133]

The SR-71 never had icing problems. Just sayin.

[@stevegiboney4493]

Something about the 1200 degree friction heating?

[@treasurediver93]

How’d you land without the chute? (I kid, good call)

[@circuitmonkey6653]

I have that same pitcher. I always serve the in-laws OJ with it when they stay over.

[@rjthomasindyusa]

I’m betting that there was a kidney in that red cooler on your back seat and you were on your way back from Mexico. Nice way to cover your tracks! Your Dad is your ‘partner’? It sounds more like he is a broker or the 'big guy' for the cartel and you are the errand boy. You must of been under a lot of pressure and desperate to join the ranks of Cirrus owners... Of course it's all just a guess... please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.... 😉

[@paratyshow]

LOL

[@johnreed8872]

Hey BrYan , great video, perfect example of good risk management! Even with the new ticket, a little more flexible work schedule would be nice. Nothing silly about VFR into IMC so Thanks for setting the bar for the rest of us! Blue Skies brotherman!

[@midlifeflyer]

Excellent video. The "stranded at the FBO" with no services and no transportation almost happened to me too when we had to divert for stormy weather. Except the FBO was the pits with only a ratty sofa *and* I was with my wife and another couple! If I did a video of the plan to find somewhere else reachable, the background music would have been The Animals' "We Gotta Get Outa This Place."

[@petruzzovichi]

Having been an orderly about 50 years ago I quickly spotted your drink pitcher in the first few seconds of this video...I'm on a rebound from Dan Gryder and Probable Cause...and I'm pleased to say I'm a new subscriber from Northern Idaho Panhandle. I'll begin clicking off your other videos with confidence you will attain your subscriber goal. Nice Job...

[@RedDawnAviation]

I once flew into IMC when everything went to crap between airports. (Days before ForeFlight etc) quite spooky.. thankfully I had some instrument practice at the time and was familiar with the area. Hit auto pilot, hdg mode and alt. made my way to a known junction in the freeway I knew was about 100 MSL with no obstacles over 200’ (ish) and 3 miles from the airport. I could see about a quarter mile. Got to 700’ saw the road and scud runner to the airport. One heck of a spooky moment. I used approach to verify my location as well, but for some reason forgot to tell them my problem. 🍀

[@FlyChuckyFly]

Nice Bryan! Even with the IR, there are times you still don't want to mess with some of that weather. But, you do get the option to divert a little farther around the big stuff if you can see it between layers. Good luck on the checkride!

[@printbr]

OK, normally I don't find most of your content funny. But pouring that drink from the Johnny just made laugh. Maybe I will subscribe now. :)

[@iandickson5716]

Thanks for the great decision making advice....... and the Hall of Frame joke....... The world can always use a little more humor and music.

[@matthewmiles3974]

This is a totally relatable experience I had over north central Texas a little over a month ago. I wound up VFR on top of an un-forecasted layer north of Amarillo on my way to Mason Co. (T92) with ceilings below reported down to about 2,000 AGL. I knew I there were clear skies toward Lubbock and ultimately diverted to Lubbock Exec. and landed to regroup. I It was a tough decision to make as I was in a perfectly IFR capable aircraft but I am not instrument rated. The weather continued to deteriorate at my destination and there were no rental cars to be had largely due to it being Easter weekend. I had to make the tough call to abandoned my plans to continue and flew home to Montana instead. I now have a deeper appreciation how the dreaded "getthereitis" can get pilots in trouble.

[@ko9446]

The CGI of the nose wheel perfectly splitting the center line looks real.

[@Paul355c]

Love it Bryan. Great decision-making and good to share to help others. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I had to do the same things about 2-years ago. My situation involved a 5-hour rental car ride home and came back in 2-weeks to get plane. Good luck with check ride.

[@hsuflyguy]

At KARG, that 737 is a former WN bird. It was part of a restaurant and had tables in it with a building attached to the south with the kitchen and more seating. It was in old WN livery but has since been sold and repainted in the same paint scheme that the Beatles plane was painted in when they landed there back on September 18, 1964. It was the only time that all four Beatles were in Arkansas together. Hopefully the restaurant gets rebuilt, it is a nice quiet place to fly into with some little known history. It also has a nice war museum on the other side of the FBO.

[@nicolasanderson]

The airplane there at KARG used to be a restaurant that closed a few years ago. It was a nice place. I’m from the area and wish it would never have closed

[@larrykorona5502]

One more thing about Walnut Ridge, it's got huge runways because it was a WWII AAF training base, but as said in the clip, it's in the middle of nowhere. Nice museum on the field, and now that the restaurant is gone, not much else.

[@garylarson2993]

Sooo... you took off with a Lightspeed headset and diverted while wearing a Bose headset?? Is that a Cirrus thing? ;-)

[@raspucin70]

So...are you venturing in one of those traveling channels now? :) Good decision making, those "get homeitis" chatterbugs are worse than a siren song

[@lockedin60]

A most healthy way to fly. You have a bottom line in mind. You did not cross it. You chose to live and see another day. It may have cost a few more dollars but you get a chance to earn a ticket that makes that type of flying less risky. I wish all general aviation pilots had the same attitude and patience. Great Job!

[@BRTardiff]

Pro tip: Drinks flow better if you attach the Lady J adaptor. Great video.

[@N937LC]

If you would have switched to North Up from Track up you would have made it.

[@msnpassjan2004]

11:00 Captain Moonbeam was IFR in a Cessna Caravan and had to over night due to weather.

[@charlescrisefi8784]

Totally respect your decision! just remember just because you are gong to have a ifr ticket does not mean you always get out !

[@dburton7929]

Pro tip - dump the face diaper, your ability to think clearly will improve dramatically.

[@ShuRugal]

If you traded your Grumman for a Mooney, your dad would have let you ferry him to the Cirrus :p

[@stevegiboney4493]

If they could both fit in the cockpit…

[@ShuRugal]

@@stevegiboney4493 Mooney has a 43.5" cockpit width, Grumman has a 41". 2.5" upgrade for the Mooney.

[@bdanza]

Dude you seem a little dehydrated, you should have someone take a look at that.

[@cduemig1]

Smart move. That’s a great dad you have there to not only be your “partner” in the cirrus but going to get it.

[@ibgarrett]

Bryan - I had EXACTLY the same type of scenario happen when I was “that close” to my instrument checkride as well. I know for me - an IFR rating doesn’t equal I ALWAYS get to go… just means I can go…. :)

[@sarahgupton2552]

Subscribed. Good decision to land. I’ll be watching.

[@ziprweld9814]

IFR ticket is awesome you'll love it. Not always the answer though to sail through weather. The other day I was in a cloud for 60 seconds and 1/8" of SLD/sleet built up. I'm pretty sure I was well on my way to below the bases before ATC approved my "request" for lower.

[@TheAirplaneDriver]

Have time to spare, go by air! Been there done that many times.

[@ronjohnson9507]

More time yet take a jet

[@Bill3558]

Weather frustration is part of ga flying. We have to be flexible. You did the right thing. Enjoyed the video. A Cirrus. Damn! Wish my dad had one.

[@Twest130]

They use to have a nice little restaurant attached to that 737. Several trips there while I was building time for my instrument and commercial

[@davidallen9526]

No comments about what your poring your drink from...

[@Nate_Higgins]

Good move. You don't wanna end up on one of those Air Safety Institute videos.

[@robertthomas5906]

Good call. I'm here today because I landed and checked into a hotel, or departed a day or two early.

[@ssairshows]

I noticed your Little John is the small size. I need to buy them in the X-large size....just sayin'

[@JustPlaneSilly]

HAHAHAHA!!!!

[@collinssherertz7101]

What did you mix your drink in? It looks like a portable urinal.

[@mikemaloney5830]

Instrument tickets allow you to talk yourself into all kind of deadly situations. Embedded storms, icing, etc. got mine years ago and think of it as an emergency go to tool..... but I don’t drive a cirrus.

[@ForkFlight]

Thanks for sharing the entire experience. Great decision making.

[@devingraves8044]

0:54 nice way to cut before we could see what I'm sure was a picture perfect landing :) On a more serious note! It's nice to see a more serious video from you, and it's nice to see your actual decision making process!

[@n8inc924]

Was that a pee bottle you were drinking from?

[@chrism3872]

Now you know the value of getting a weather briefing for a cross-country flight, even if it visually looks great! That said, you showed excellent judgement when you turned around and landed. That is a variation on the old Turkish proverb "No matter how far you have gone down the wrong road, turn around..."

[@kdub-1200]

Super video! I applauded for $5.00 👏👏

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me. So kind!

[@RB-ie9wf]

Great story! I did the same thing to my dad over 25 years ago and caught a commercial flight home while he had to go back and get the plane. Those moments are priceless. What a wonderful passion for you two to share.

[@terrallputnam7979]

Good for you! Decide to stay on the ground and not fly into IMC.

[@clickster1883]

"Hall of Frame" haha! You're always on.

[@safarieten]

I've also got a drinks container like that. !!!!

[@smenor]

Ugh that definitely makes an IFR rating look even more appealing

[@jesperhouken8075]

When can we expect episode 3 of 317 to be released? Good call on landing.

[@alanaspurling6469]

Uber?? you couldn’t get a rental car? Smart decision making though, even IFR certificates don’t prevent weather taking down small aircraft.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

They had one rental car place but it was closed on Sunday

[@johnhoon7069]

You should never say never that's just tempting fate

[@eaboatnuts76]

IFR is a must if you cross country for utility purposes...

[@waukeshapilot6462]

You were on an Airbus for the ride home! Did I win the Top Secret, I Spy, Embeded, Trivia Question Contest???????

[@savethedeveloper]

an instrument rating wont get you thru thunderstorms

[@groberjager4746]

you made the correct choice!!!! Having to spend a couple of days stranded is better than being DEAD!!!!!

[@jmace5964]

Or literally being all the aviation memes for weeks because of pull chute

[@Vmaxfodder]

As he pours a big ol glass from a ....😂🤣😅

[@stevespra1]

There's nothing easy about being on the ground, wishing you were in the air but being in the air wishing you were on the ground, really sucks much much more.

[@StudioRV8]

You take off with a light speed headset and fly through the thunderstorm with nice set of Bose A20s. Can’t decide?

[@JustPlaneSilly]

LS headset mic went out in flight so I swapped out.

[@Kingmeri]

You brewed your tea in a Johnny can? XD

[@antoniobranch]

VMC INTO IMC IS CALLED "TRICKED AND TRAPED".

[@tommyderoe2063]

If you would have landed 20 miles east in Paragould, i would have bought your lunch.

[@JustPlaneSilly]

Haha. I'm in campbellsville right now looking at a plane and I literally stopped in Paragould for a fue on the way yesterday

[@ForFunFlyer]

Good video, Bryan! Aviation isn't always just awesome and all fun. In real life, these things can happen. I'm glad you made smart choices and be able to share them, instead of whatever alternative. So, good job, well done! And thanks for sharing this! 👍🏻