The Flying Ortho

03/01/2026

These three tiny puppies were found alone as strays high up on a mountain—cold, scared, and fighting to survive. They had a fourth sibling, and heartbreakingly, despite everyone’s efforts, he was just too sick and didn’t make it. 💔

But because of the incredible family who found them, three little lives were saved. Instead of turning away, they stepped up, protected them, and refused to let their story end there.

A rescue in Miami immediately said yes—and even more amazing, families were already waiting, ready to open their homes and hearts. All that stood in the way was distance.

That’s where Pilots N Paws came in.

I picked up these sweet babies in Gadsden, loaded them safely into the plane, and flew them all the way to Miami—three frightened little souls heading toward a future they never could have imagined.

From a lonely mountain… to warm arms… to forever homes.

This is why we fly. This is why rescue matters. ❤️

If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, please consider adoption. There are so many beautiful, loving dogs—just like these puppies—waiting for someone to give them a chance at happiness.

Sometimes, all it takes is one yes to change a life.

🐶✈️💙 Cirrus Pilots N Paws

02/15/2026

Strong winds make every landing a little more honest.

Flew the RNAV (Z) Runway 8 into Jacksonville International (KJAX) on a very windy day, with winds 18 knots gusting to 22 and a significant crosswind right down final. Constant corrections, disciplined airspeed control, and full focus all the way to touchdown.

These are the flights that keep you sharp and remind you why precision matters—especially when the atmosphere isn’t cooperating.
If you love real-world IFR flying, crosswind landings, and seeing how challenging conditions are managed in the cockpit, this one’s for you.

✈️ Thanks for flying along with The Flying Ortho.

Cirrus

Strong winds, gusty conditions, and a demanding approach.In this flight with The Flying Ortho, I fly the RNAV (Zulu) Runway 8 approach into Jacksonville Inte...

01/26/2026

Caribbean blue, runway in sight. 🌊✈️

Flying a visual approach into Providenciales (PLS) in Turks & Caicos, landing Runway 10 with full ATC audio from initial call to touchdown. Crystal-clear island views, smooth flying, and real cockpit radio.

If you love scenic landings, real-world radio calls, and island approaches, you’re in the right place. Thanks for flying along with The Flying Ortho.

👇 Follow for more real-world flying, procedures, and unforgettable approaches.

Cirrus

Join The Flying Ortho for a stunning Caribbean arrival into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Turks and Caicos. This flight features a visual app...

01/17/2026

From an euthanasia list in Atlanta… to a forever home in Raleigh. 💔➡️❤️

Today’s flight wasn’t about clouds or runways — it was about saving a life.

Mr. Wiggles had a deadline he couldn’t outrun on four paws… so we gave him wings.

Watching him step off the plane knowing his worst day turned into his best day is why these flights matter. Every rescue reminds me that sometimes all it takes is one yes, one flight, one chance.

If you’re thinking about adding a dog to your family — please consider adoption. There are so many Mr. Wiggles out there, just waiting for someone to believe in them. 🐶✨

Cirrus🐾✈️💙

Join me, The Flying Ortho, on a powerful Pilots N Paws rescue mission in my Cirrus SR22T, accompanied by my good friend Michael Greico of Lake Murray Pet Pal...

01/10/2026

☁️ 700 ft ceilings. Solid IMC. No room for error.

Descending through the clouds into Columbia Metro, trusting nothing but the instruments and the training. This ILS 11 approach was one of those moments where the world outside disappears—and precision takes over.

Breaking out at minimums never gets old.

This is why we train.
This is why we fly. ✈️

👇 Would you fly this approach?


Cirrus

Low ceilings. Solid IMC. Precision flying.In this flight, I take you along for a serious instrument approach into Columbia Metropolitan Airport, battling IMC...

01/08/2026

Flying through some of the most complex airspace in the country ✈️🇺🇸

This flight took us straight through the DC SFRA, into Class Bravo airspace, and down the RNAV 33R approach into Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Every mile in this airspace demands focus, discipline, and trust in your training. Controlled chaos, professional radio work, and a smooth arrival on instruments remind you why preparation matters and why aviation never stops challenging you.

If you love advanced avionics, busy airspace, and the art of flying approaches into major airports, this one’s for you. 👊✈️

👇 Watch the full flight and let me know what part of the approach you enjoyed most.

Cirrus

Experience a recent arrival into Baltimore/Washington International (KBWI) while navigating some of the most complex and tightly controlled airspace in the U...

01/04/2026

RNAV (GPS) approach to Runway 33 into Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with 300-foot ceilings and heavy IMC from start to finish.

This flight is a reminder of why instrument proficiency is non-negotiable and why respecting weather is everything in aviation.

If you enjoy real IFR flying, approach briefings, and honest cockpit decision-making, make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along as I continue sharing the realities of flying in challenging conditions.

Fly safe. Trust your training.
— The Flying Ortho

Cirrus

In this video, I fly an RNAV (GPS) approach to Runway 33 into Curtis L. Brown Jr. Field in Elizabethtown, North Carolina, with 300-foot ceilings and heavy IM...

12/30/2025

Night. Rain. Class Bravo.
Cleared into Tampa International after dark, threading heavy rain for an ILS landing on Runway 19L.

Runway lights cutting through the storm.
Instruments glowing.


Cirrus

In this flight, I take The Flying Ortho straight into Class Bravo airspace, descending through darkness and heavy rain for a nighttime landing at Tampa Inter...

12/27/2025

300 feet. Heavy IMC. No room for error.
Flying the RNAV 02 into Rock Hill–York County Airport in solid clouds, trusting the scan, the training, and the airplane all the way to minimums in my Cirrus SR22T (N518BP).

Breaking out at minimums never gets old. ✈️

Cirrus

This one demanded respect.In this flight with The Flying Ortho, I fly my Cirrus SR22T (N518BP) into Rock Hill–York County Airport in heavy IMC, executing the...

12/24/2025

Flying into Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (KGSP) in heavy IMC, I flew the ILS Runway 22 all the way down to near minimums with a 400 ft AGL ceiling. Solid clouds, zero visual references, and a full workload from start to finish.

Flights like this are a powerful reminder that proficiency matters. When the weather is at its worst, there are no shortcuts—just solid planning, sharp instrument skills, and complete trust in the process.

Grateful for good training, capable equipment, and the opportunity to keep learning every time I fly.

✈️ Fly safe. Stay current. Trust the instruments.

Cirrus

Dark clouds. Solid IMC. A razor-thin margin between sky and runway.Join The Flying Ortho for a real-world IFR arrival into Greenville–Spartanburg Internation...

12/21/2025

Join The Flying Ortho on a real-world IFR flight from Columbia, SC to Spartanburg Downtown Airport (KSPA) in solid instrument meteorological conditions. With very low ceilings, this flight features a full RNAV (GPS) Runway 05 approach, flown all the way down to published minimums.
This mission wasn’t just about flying the approach—this was a Pilots N Paws rescue flight, pushing into challenging weather to safely pick up dogs in need of transport. From enroute decision-making to approach setup, you’ll see what real IFR flying looks like—no shortcuts, just disciplined instrument flying until the runway finally comes into view.
✈️ Video Highlights:
• IFR flight in IMC from Columbia, SC
• RNAV 05 approach into KSPA
• Low ceilings and approach to minimums
• Real-world instrument flying
• Pilots N Paws mission helping rescue dogs
Whether you’re an instrument student, CFII, or just love watching real IFR operations, this flight is a textbook example of trusting the instruments and executing a stabilized approach when the weather is at its worst.
Like, follow, and fly safe. ✈️🐾
Cirrus

11/03/2025

There’s nothing quite like the moment you break through the clouds.
One minute, the world below feels gray, uncertain, and heavy… and then — sunlight. A sea of white stretches endlessly, and suddenly everything feels possible again.
Flying has a way of reminding me that even when life feels stormy, the light is still there — just waiting above the clouds.
This is why I fly.
This is freedom.
This is The Flying Ortho. ✈️☁️
Cirrus