So, how do you avoid a final glide to an airport that's closed for, say,
repaving? I've been surprised three times that way: two of the times
checking with Duats (or equivalent) would've avoided the problem;

Non U.S readers may skip the following

Not just NOTAMs but TFRs (Temproary Flight Restictions). With the
election campaign heating up, the prez is on the road more - and with it
come TFRs, sometimes with little notice:

Mar. 10: Cleveland, Ohio
Anticipated - Mar. 11: East Meadow, New York
Anticipated - Mar. 12-14: Thurmont, Maryland
Anticipated - Mar. 12: Cincinnati, Ohio
Anticipated - Mar. 12: Jackson, Wyoming

Bust one and you'll have a real good look at an F16 - followed by a chat
with the Secret Service.

To respond to a Bill Daniels post about some "high time pilots" not
being proficient, I can only agree and add that because a man eats all
his life, doesn't make him a gourmet.

Tony V