EAA Chapter 430A Flat Tire, a No-Go Call, and the Case for a Go-Bag
I discovered, to my chagrin, that while I thought I was ready for most situations, it turns out I was not. The events which lead me to this conclusion was a simple local day fly-out with our 430 group. Once a month, we gather to fly to a restaurant, normally within up to 100 miles. This event was no different. Beautiful severe VFR, temps in the low 50’s and smooth air. Uneventful. Traffic and landing done in accordance with all the proper etiquette. We enjoyed lunch with about 20 pilots. After lunch, we decided to fuel the airplane with cheaper gas than at our home airport.
While fueling, a fellow pilot asked me if I noticed the nose wheel was going flat, which was visible as we watched. I had completed a preflight before taxing it to the fuel pumps, so this was a surprise.
I walked to the FBO and asked if they could come out and help, which they did. They filled the tire with air, only to watch it deflate very quickly. Rather than go into all the details of what happened, a tube was available at Tacoma Narrows. I have a daughter living close by, so she picked up the tube and brought it to us. Daylight at this time of year has a sunset at 1731, with evening civil twilight at 1802. As we watched the clock tick forward, our window for departure was shrinking. The tire arrived, the A&P had the tire prepped for the new inner tube, but the clock was still progressing. Tire assembled, checked for leaks and replaced on the nose of the RV9-A. As I continued to look at the clock the time was not standing still. Can I legally takeoff? Yes. Will I make back to my home airport? Most likely. Will it be legal? Barely, but will it be safe and is this a good decision? Lots of GO/NO-GO decisions. My decision was a NO-GO. Get-home-itis was not going to be a factor. We secured the plane and when to our daughter’s home.
In the morning, we were faced with temp and dew point the same; 200’ overcast, ¾ mile visibility, and mist. We arrived back at the airport about 1100. Clearing was very gradual, and at 1400, we were able to launch. We flew home in only 22 minutes ON-TOP to our home airport which was clear below 12000.
Now that you have the background, here is the question: ARE YOU READY? We discovered we were not. We were unprepared to not be home the same day we left. We had appointments which needed to be cancelled, we did not have our prescriptions, or in my case, a charging system for hearing aids, or cords for our electronics, phones, and tablets. Having a toothbrush is nice to have as well.
A small GO-TO bag is now one of the things to have with us at all times, for the airplane, as well as the car. It takes very little space with almost no weight added and worth having, JUST IN CASE! WE ARE READY…now!
get-there-itis (noun, aviation): The determination of a pilot to reach a destination even when conditions for flying may likely be dangerous. Related: get-home-itis, continuation bias.
From the March 2026 newsletter
Written by Ken “Brownie” Brown.