In a message dated 7/29/2004 9:38:38 AM Central Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:

> 4. Any flight over water in a single engine airplane will absolutely
> guarantee abnormal engine noises and vibrations.


Pilots call that "automatic rough." When over water or rocky terrain
with no flat place in sight, engines ALWAYS start to sound rough.

Reminds me of a story I read once (Heck, EVERYTHING reminds me of a
story!): A fellow was taking flight instruction, and when it came time
for his first dual cross-country, the pretty young lady flight
instructor have him three points they were to cover in the flight and
told him to plan the flight.

On the 2nd leg of the flight, they were over very rocky, inhospitable
terrain when the instructor reached over, pulled the throttle back to
idle and said, "O.K., your engine just quit, so pick a spot to land this
airplane."

The student pilot began to look in all directions, and finally said, as
they were descending, "But there ISN'T any place to land!"

The instructor smiled sweetly and said, "Then why did you bring me here?"

Point well made.