The Flying Ortho

04/05/2026

A recent flight into KFPR Treasure Coast International Airport on the RNAV 10R approach was a powerful reminder of just how much air traffic controllers do for all of us every single day.

The frequency was extremely busy, and you could hear the pressure in the moment as ATC worked hard to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. It was one of those flights that really makes you stop and appreciate the people on the other side of the radio. Their job is incredibly demanding on a normal day, and stressful situations only become harder when staffing is limited and workloads increase.

Air traffic controllers carry an enormous responsibility, often in high-pressure environments where every transmission matters. They deserve so much respect and appreciation for the professionalism, focus, and calm they bring to the system every day.

This flight was not just about the approach and landing — it was also a reminder to be thankful for the men and women who help keep our skies safe.

Thank you to all air traffic controllers for everything you do.

Cirrus

Join The Flying Ortho for a busy arrival into KFPR Treasure Coast International Airport flying the RNAV Runway 10R as air traffic control works a heavy workl...

03/29/2026

A routine arrival into Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR) in Fort Pierce, Florida quickly turned into one unforgettable landing when a storm rapidly built on approach and engulfed the final and runway just as we were coming in.

The wall of rain off the right side of the aircraft was incredibly impressive, and watching the weather close in that quickly was a powerful reminder of just how dynamic flying can be. This video includes multiple camera angles, including footage from my Meta glasses, giving you a true cockpit view and letting you experience the landing just like I saw it from the left seat.

What made this flight even more meaningful is that it was part of a Pilots N Paws mission, helping precious dogs get one step closer to their forever homes. Flights like this are about so much more than aviation—they are about using aviation to make a difference.

It was an exciting approach, an unforgettable view, and most importantly, a mission with purpose.

If you enjoy real-world flying, challenging weather, cockpit views, and rescue missions that truly matter, I hope you enjoy this one.

Cirrus Pilots N Paws

Things got intense on approach into Treasure Coast International Airport (KFPR) in Fort Pierce, Florida when a storm suddenly built right over the airport an...

03/15/2026

Early Morning. Dark Skies. True IFR from Start to Finish. ✈️🌫️

Some flights remind you just how much precision, training, and trust in your instruments matter.

This flight began before sunrise departing Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) with ceilings sitting around 500 feet, making it a true IFR departure right from the start. The mission was a Pilots N Paws rescue flight headed to Rock Hill / York County Airport (KUZA).

As we got closer to the destination, the weather became even more challenging with ceilings dropping to around 200 feet. That meant flying the instrument approach all the way down to minimums, knowing the runway might not appear until the very last moment.

Moments like these really highlight the discipline and precision required in instrument flying. When you’re in the clouds with limited visibility, everything comes down to trusting your training, the procedures, and the instruments in front of you.

But what makes flights like this even more meaningful is the purpose behind them. Through Pilots N Paws, aviation becomes a tool for something special—helping transport rescue animals from shelters to foster homes and families who are ready to give them the love they deserve.

There’s nothing more rewarding than combining a passion for aviation with the chance to help give these animals a second chance at life.

Thanks for following along on another mission with The Flying Ortho.

✈️🐾

An early morning departure in the dark turned into a true IFR flight from start to finish.In this video, The Flying Ortho launches from Columbia, South Carol...

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...