We Flew From Blue Skies Straight Into a Nor’easter

We took off over Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains under blue skies from Roanoke (KROA). At the other end: a nor’easter, rain, and winds blowing across the runway at nearly 35 mph. Come fly with us as a beautiful mountain departure gives way to gray skies and a demanding arrival into St. Mary’s County, Maryland (2W6). The scenery changes completely—and the landing takes a lot more attention than the mountain takeoff. From the sunny departure to the rain-covered windshield on final approach, you’ll be right there in the cockpit for the entire flight. Would you enjoy this flight—or be ready to get back on the ground? Tell us in the comments. // Connect on Instagram at   / brendan.m.egan   or at https://BrendanEgan.com // *Video for entertainment only and not designed to be an instructional or educational video. Some of the most frequently asked questions I get asked: -What kind of plane? It’s a 2024 Cirrus SR22T. It’s an Xi which is Cirrus’ custom design program, so we were able to design the paint, colors, interior and truly customize the plane to be our own! -Where are you based? Presently based at KPWK, Chicago Executive Airport, which is about 7 miles north of O’Hare in the north suburbs of Chicago. -What do you do for a living? I own multiple businesses; my main business is a digital marketing agency where we help other businesses grow through digital marketing. -Why do you fly? I got into flying primarily for business. I was sick of dealing with airlines, their schedules, terrible service and delays. I primarily travel for business however also travel for leisure to some pretty amazing places! -When did you start flying? I started flying back in 2016 in a Sundowner; however I quickly realized I very much disliked the plane and didn’t jive with my instructor. I got back into aviation in 2023 and earned my private pilot then with my instrument and commercial the year after. -What do you think is next in your aviation journey? Writing this as of 2026, I’m a little under 1,000 total hours nearly all of which are in a Cirrus. I think there is a good chance a Vision Jet, TBM or similar are in my future but for now I am loving my current plane!