On 13 Nov 2015 14:57:44 GMT, Robert Moore wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote
A gusty cross wind nearly blew me
off the edge of the runway into the grass as I was about to touch
down, but was able to recover successfully, and plant it firmly on the
macadam. Whew! What a memorable ride. :-)

MACADAM....?????

I would suggest that you do a "Wikipedia" on "macadam", "tarmac",
and "asphalt". I'm 80 years old and haven't heard the word macadam
used since I was a child. I constantly hear "tarmac" mis-used by the
news media who mean to say "apron" or if you were in the Navy, "ramp".

Bob Moore


Hello Bob,

I'm happy you found my little story of interest. And it's always a treat to
hear from an ATP and former PanAm captain, not to mention flight instructor...
Given the fact that I'm currently enjoying my seniorhood, the word "macadam" is
somewhat familiar to me. Here's what Merriam-Webster has to say about the
word's definition: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macadam

macadam
noun mac·ad·am \m?-'ka-d?m\
: a road surface made with a dark material that contains small broken
stones

Full Definition of MACADAM

: macadamized roadway or pavement especially with a bituminous binder


Here's the Dictionary.com entry:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/macadam?s=t

macadam
[muh-kad-uh m]

noun
1. a macadamized road or pavement.
2. the broken stone used in making such a road.
3. a road surface made of compressed layers of small broken stones, esp one
that is bound together with tar or asphalt

So, while the word does indeed date from the early nineteenth century, it does
seem to describe the KVNY Runway surface accurately. Given that many English
words originated a long time ago, I believe I'll continue using 'macadam'.

How about regaleing us with an IFR antidote from your illustrious career. I'm
sure you could relate many interesting tales, perhaps something that might
entice the OP into obtaining an instrument rating and becoming a more
professional pilot.

Best regards,
Larry