tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29109245497022357942024-03-18T12:59:20.035-04:00Photographic LogbookA photographic chronicle of my experiences as a private pilotChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.comBlogger590125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-57683484788487593332024-03-11T01:00:00.003-04:002024-03-11T12:53:08.931-04:00The Fateful Call<p>Twenty years ago today, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2004/04/from-renter-to-owner.html" target="_blank">I bought an airplane</a>. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTpVSB0XihblNAGz9vIaeZBHH5SlQ5zViUx1w4hH8Cve31qAm3PiwXcKLKcYHM6-Ew9HZk6s6c59FnNp9C3FUREtTOVauxMFqe9nO8a2W4z-nFltBzl1iyEfL9wwI3zFVvTJn1XXtQSYcVljkDOkR6fDt0KM96ZmoiEUfmUS7bgo9rw7ntqc3MWYJswU/s1450/13Mar2004_N21481-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1450" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTpVSB0XihblNAGz9vIaeZBHH5SlQ5zViUx1w4hH8Cve31qAm3PiwXcKLKcYHM6-Ew9HZk6s6c59FnNp9C3FUREtTOVauxMFqe9nO8a2W4z-nFltBzl1iyEfL9wwI3zFVvTJn1XXtQSYcVljkDOkR6fDt0KM96ZmoiEUfmUS7bgo9rw7ntqc3MWYJswU/w640-h360/13Mar2004_N21481-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first picture I ever captured of N21481, taken at Three Rivers, Dr. Haines Municipal Airport (KHAI) on 13 March 2004, the day after I flew her home from Guthrie, OK.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My first official act as an aircraft owner was cold calling Dad. "Hi Dad! I'm in Oklahoma and I just bought an airplane." It was a cocky way to blindside him with new information, but I had just conquered Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as an early 30-something and needed to crow about it. After all, I was now the proud master of a "private aircraft", a beautiful, gleaming, (twenty-six year old) Piper Warrior II, a PA-28-161. (Or, to decode Piper's designation, Piper Aircraft design #28, 160 horsepower, semi-tapered wing.) Compared to the tired, 100 horsepower, 2-seat Cessna I did my training in, this airplane was a veritable <i>beast </i>and it had a great paintjob, too.</p><p>Less ostentatious, my first <i>experience </i>as a new aircraft owner was immersion into the glamorous world of rural airport courtesy cars. While Westchester County Airport in metropolitan New York has <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/in-search-of-headless-horseman.html" target="_blank">fancy Mercedes loaner cars</a>, that is definitely not the case out in the sticks. In Guthrie, OK, I was privileged to helm the world's shakiest Ford Taurus from the airport to the local Best Western. "Don't drive it any farther than you want to walk," advised FBO owner Glen Crabtree. He was not kidding. Maintaining that wobbly sedan along a true course was a recipe for repetitive stress injury. But in the end, it served the need, the price was right, and I was grateful that I did not need to hoof it between airport and hotel.</p><p>Did you know that Guthrie was the original state capital of Oklahoma? Every local I encountered boasted of that glorious sliver of time from 1907 to 1910, though little was mentioned about anything of note happening since. Guthrie's replacement as capital by Oklahoma City in a 1910 vote was surely a boon to elementary students everywhere facing that dreaded state capitals quiz.</p><p>My favorite new airplane accessory was a warped mutant of a tow bar, slightly bent with opposite ends twisted out of coplanarity and the prongs reattached by welds resembling the inflamed finger joints of an arthritic. It was a veteran tow bar. A survivor. (Barely.) Prior owner Bill was reticent to admit owning that deviant thing, but it served its purpose for ground handling during stops on the long flight home. After my first solo Warrior landing in Bolivar, MO (M17), I used it to pull the Warrior toward the fuel pump and nearly ran the left wingtip into a chain link fence. It was evidence that high wing pilots who buy low wing airplanes need to process their surroundings in a different way.</p><p>"Don't tell anyone I gave you that tow bar!" Bill admonished out of embarrassment. Where I was going, no one had ever heard of him and his secret shame was safe. Until now, I suppose. Surely we are beyond the statute of limitations for embarrassing tow bars. I bought a new one sometime in 2004, but kept Bill's as a trophy of sorts.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9Dwm53TWQsEijQ3Xu1hTg66xJFQKCFEkzIiJn3o2IH6M3Uae1BjA9n_rUTLjhPGjH0E-M6vxNg789-GjcIamSVONlkCmF55Iu7YrhQ2JcSIgDDDyho6oGtJqGZaVRBNJ5EdZ7myOI2NnXOL7QOUx1ZEq_3jMGNJsaT4FkpzSbCTcT1LhqXnhyEP8-mU/s1024/01Jul2004_N21481Panel-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9Dwm53TWQsEijQ3Xu1hTg66xJFQKCFEkzIiJn3o2IH6M3Uae1BjA9n_rUTLjhPGjH0E-M6vxNg789-GjcIamSVONlkCmF55Iu7YrhQ2JcSIgDDDyho6oGtJqGZaVRBNJ5EdZ7myOI2NnXOL7QOUx1ZEq_3jMGNJsaT4FkpzSbCTcT1LhqXnhyEP8-mU/w640-h480/01Jul2004_N21481Panel-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N21481's primitive instrument panel with a "high tech" handheld GPS velcroed to the yoke, 01 July 2004. Five of the instruments in this photo are now desk ornaments, but I still have that headset.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I received the keys from Bill, they were accompanied by a tarnished brass disk embossed with "21481" and a hole punched through it for attachment to a keyring. It obviously predated Bill's ownership of the airplane and I wondered if it was a carryover from the Warrior's time on a flight line when keys to the entire training fleet would have hung together on a pegboard. Decades later, that round tag is still on my keyring.</p><p>Year one of ownership was enriched with an abundance of "learning opportunities". These began with the first time I engaged the Warrior's starter as owner. A rapidly diminishing groan came from the Warrior’s snout and the prop lurched through a half-hearted partial arc before stopping. The lessons? Too long with the master switch left on during a pre-purchase inspection can really kill a battery. Also, weak batteries cannot start airplanes. Quinn from Crabtree Aviation helped me jump start the plane, which I ran for a time to restore some oomph to the battery before shutting down at Guthrie's fuel pump. I had never personally fueled an airplane previously because the pumps in Three Rivers, MI (KHAI) were full serve only. It was a morning of many firsts. </p><p>When I was ready to make my escape from balmy Guthrie for much colder Three Rivers, I was relieved that the starter turned the engine over without struggling. With March being one of those "you never know what you're going to get" months in the wintry north, I found myself creeping forward, state to state, VFR only, and hypervigilant of weather conditions. These were days before the proliferation of AWOS/ASOS stations and the advent of ADS-B (FIS-B) weather displayed on a tablet in the cockpit. (A tablet? What's that?) It was only my second time using GPS in an airplane, with credit to Kristy for realizing that it would be a useful cross country navigation tool before the thought occurred to me. That aerial journey home was six times longer than my longest flight to date and was made at the controls of an airplane in which I only had an hour in type. Given my minimal experience at the time, I am not sure if this made me intrepid or stupid beyond the actual fact of a successful outcome.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElzpKMWoTQdBvRV65oumCxkUVFE7_JpKm_ssP_azxDgVPPLmb7Jp9y0HDWU1R2vp1-GBtQlRuYy5e4RLn4IM1rOC-6hnRgST6NqSOHaf-R29PKowTJDaYntyPMyHolJ8GvmI66VXmZU7ZQ6Ma8tD_l_f00EKc20CZLQ-h8ypwOBxSD0lUFiJAKYuyaNE/s1578/07Apr2004_Formation481LeftRearHigh.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1578" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElzpKMWoTQdBvRV65oumCxkUVFE7_JpKm_ssP_azxDgVPPLmb7Jp9y0HDWU1R2vp1-GBtQlRuYy5e4RLn4IM1rOC-6hnRgST6NqSOHaf-R29PKowTJDaYntyPMyHolJ8GvmI66VXmZU7ZQ6Ma8tD_l_f00EKc20CZLQ-h8ypwOBxSD0lUFiJAKYuyaNE/w640-h360/07Apr2004_Formation481LeftRearHigh.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">07 April 2004: <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2004/04/kristys-first-ride-in-her-new-airplane.html" target="_blank">Kristy got her first ride in our airplane</a>. Photo by Arjo from Dave's Decathlon.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Knowing how to jump start the plane was a valuable skill, especially the first time Kristy and I flew to Dalton Airport (3DA) in Flushing, MI to visit my in-laws. Giddy to show off my beautiful airplane, I skimmed too quickly through the shut down checklist and left the master switch on over lunch. This reinforced the lesson about weak batteries being unable to start airplanes, but now I was well versed in jump starting the Warrior. Because of this incident, Penny suggested naming the plane "Charger", but the 1970s Chrysler OEM alternator in the plane was as close as I wanted to associate with the Dodge brand. (Appropriately enough, I later learned that the alternator was definitely a bit "dodgy".)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaYMGgtkGpO5scn7VfP4JV4FM9RLDjMXXAluPiOqNvsNwGmY0ht1tYQVW3OOolIA3uqSuZOBLOHPMZpqYvWa7GAocsX9tnbOWvzFrq63f3n4UdQZukK6x8MZJATfOT2tAg0ESuFXMtYDNKBGVuafEA5WFsurPfnCMiAiCA691h7aQCBjXM2UA5wOTCfI/s2048/24Apr2004_481-3DA-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaYMGgtkGpO5scn7VfP4JV4FM9RLDjMXXAluPiOqNvsNwGmY0ht1tYQVW3OOolIA3uqSuZOBLOHPMZpqYvWa7GAocsX9tnbOWvzFrq63f3n4UdQZukK6x8MZJATfOT2tAg0ESuFXMtYDNKBGVuafEA5WFsurPfnCMiAiCA691h7aQCBjXM2UA5wOTCfI/w640-h360/24Apr2004_481-3DA-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 at Dalton Airport with Terry about to get his first flight, 24 April 2004, photo by Kristy?</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Leaving the master switch on is one of those actions accompanied by such mortifying embarrassment that it only happens once. Another comparable example from the "lack of attention to detail" bucket is starting an airplane and attempting to taxi out of a parking spot while still chocked, something that I have also done exactly once. Because it happened on a crowded ramp in front of a popular fly-in restaurant in St Mary's, PA (KOYM), I was guaranteed long lasting shame as a memory aid. Once is enough.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV48ct9bciUicpSkEXd9LeCJTOtI91gDjGIKFM6q3R5H5Un7CMLFUnP8ttN7Ax2cmuxoMwuYpGjJA2sJJYxMaimYg5gvGciFqI__-BiJM31wpYFyJPQqjbrhl_V6PUtiYuY86FltPxhyZsDocmNwoMRmhZe4xQ1g5wNB5xA_KIGsYqobGwYMgRdKOeaKM/s1024/22Jun2005_KristyDepartingSouthHaven.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV48ct9bciUicpSkEXd9LeCJTOtI91gDjGIKFM6q3R5H5Un7CMLFUnP8ttN7Ax2cmuxoMwuYpGjJA2sJJYxMaimYg5gvGciFqI__-BiJM31wpYFyJPQqjbrhl_V6PUtiYuY86FltPxhyZsDocmNwoMRmhZe4xQ1g5wNB5xA_KIGsYqobGwYMgRdKOeaKM/w640-h480/22Jun2005_KristyDepartingSouthHaven.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristy with Warrior 481 before embarking on our <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2005/06/an-aerial-road-trip-to-fort-myers.html" target="_blank">grand adventure to Florida</a> in 2005.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On another flight to Dalton, we (i.e., Kristy) learned empirically that opening a tube of hand lotion at 5,500 feet can result in rapid self-dispensing. Because good science requires reproducibility, we (i.e., Kristy) demonstrated the same phenomenon in 2017 over the Smoky Mountains with a <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2017/08/flight-to-totality.html" target="_blank">dip tube style water bottle</a>. At least water eventually evaporates. Hand lotion is a messier problem.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJyCVPeFeVPpnIGcauONTlVLNrB6hzdGOv2ZoIBTQsAK6NnB4wI5bWMNv-AipFd1BbBoiDiMOOnKKPoLXHMjJgYi40kRTXzSaS7w_E7Vv6HCgpt3q6hLdj7BYu9VfTrcem8Pbs7MNTySwJjKx0eE7hDfPNQnbYchJIEZs0-Ap5EPzf2vrG7o1fOAxSBI/s1747/05Apr2004_N21481-0D1Hangar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1747" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJyCVPeFeVPpnIGcauONTlVLNrB6hzdGOv2ZoIBTQsAK6NnB4wI5bWMNv-AipFd1BbBoiDiMOOnKKPoLXHMjJgYi40kRTXzSaS7w_E7Vv6HCgpt3q6hLdj7BYu9VfTrcem8Pbs7MNTySwJjKx0eE7hDfPNQnbYchJIEZs0-Ap5EPzf2vrG7o1fOAxSBI/w640-h360/05Apr2004_N21481-0D1Hangar.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked in front of my first hangar in South Haven, 05 April 2004. Nose strut inflation is a little low.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I first brought the airplane home to her new hangar at the South Haven Area Regional Airport (0D1/KLWA), I was immediately faced with a geometric challenge. I needed to push an airplane with a 35 foot wingspan through an opening that was 40 feet wide. While the numbers certainly indicate that the goal was achievable, perspective can be a funny thing and those wingtips seemed awfully close to the sides of the hangar as I anxiously pushed the airplane inside with Bill's misshapen tow bar. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5QvgBfy5n3IDX-tjkWDBnaTymfyYpMKsIN1YW3bt5BdNO-qDJJhpoT3cD5z4fMNYpYcFz1Xi8hIXEe01_3aDu8Wm0b3ttgSAUDvuLwdJBpqB4yPZ5k8DpDIK7PK-PbObgIpnYAYN1pcPAMA7ZGEkMa1OQzNrcovZgoZXl_ineYZ_JTfFm18LDNKh5QA/s1024/25Sep2004_Warrior481Rear.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1024" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5QvgBfy5n3IDX-tjkWDBnaTymfyYpMKsIN1YW3bt5BdNO-qDJJhpoT3cD5z4fMNYpYcFz1Xi8hIXEe01_3aDu8Wm0b3ttgSAUDvuLwdJBpqB4yPZ5k8DpDIK7PK-PbObgIpnYAYN1pcPAMA7ZGEkMa1OQzNrcovZgoZXl_ineYZ_JTfFm18LDNKh5QA/w640-h346/25Sep2004_Warrior481Rear.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out darn (oil) spot! Soiled hangar floor visible at the South Haven Airport, 25 September 2004.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>During that first year of ownership, my mentor Dave encouraged me to take control of my own maintenance and worked with me to accomplish my first oil change. Unlike the Lycoming O-360 in his Super Decathlon, the Warrior's oil pan did not possess a quick drain valve on the right side. These valves allow for clean and easy voiding of used oil from the engine through a hose and into a container. With my airplane apparently lacking such a convenience, we rigged a funnel in the mouth of a jug to catch the oil after removing a plug from the oil pan. This resulted in permanent recoloration of the hangar's concrete floor because the oil pan drained more quickly than the funnel, which overflowed almost immediately. In this case, the funnel was what we chemists call the "rate limiting step". </p><p>To add further insult, while cleaning up the resulting mess, I noticed that there was a quick drain valve installed on the <b>left </b>side of my oil pan. Oil change padawan that I was, I revealed this to my chagrined Jedi Master and we both learned something useful about making assumptions across engine models. Despite crunching over kitty litter on the hangar floor for the next couple of weeks, a discernable localized stain persists to this day. At least all future oil changes went smoothly via the newly discovered quick drain.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJYiqjFK-5ssnUHEI-HhI__BGvxK_tZTZgeVZbalVK4MBGTgJdHARNP8lnWuuBIUDteRxknLTnfrNJSpOsL9a644sEDw1QJQfHs9TjfHjcTLa1OIb11MUNlPVftB__N1XGz_92i_8xAxLM8z7izhQsrtAm4B2SLiTfStvV-af6vgynIX7-7QR9hokSbY/s1705/22Aug2004_N2468WFormation-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1705" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJYiqjFK-5ssnUHEI-HhI__BGvxK_tZTZgeVZbalVK4MBGTgJdHARNP8lnWuuBIUDteRxknLTnfrNJSpOsL9a644sEDw1QJQfHs9TjfHjcTLa1OIb11MUNlPVftB__N1XGz_92i_8xAxLM8z7izhQsrtAm4B2SLiTfStvV-af6vgynIX7-7QR9hokSbY/w640-h360/22Aug2004_N2468WFormation-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you have friends trained in the art of formation flying, they <b>always</b> want to practice. Whenever our airplanes were in the air together, Dave was always parked off my wing. 22 August 2004.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Another aerial incident emphasized the importance of an instrument scan that goes beyond the basic six pack of primary flight instruments. While flying southbound over the Lake Michigan shoreline with Dave in his Decathlon flying in close formation off my starboard wing, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2004/09/all-shook-up.html" target="_blank">I lost transmitter capability</a>. This was quickly followed by horrific screeching on the intercom and eventual loss of radio reception. Confused and annoyed, I returned to base at South Haven. While grumpily snapping off switches during the shut down flow, I reached for the avionics master switch and noticed for the first time that the ship's ammeter was pegged at zero. This meant that the alternator was no longer providing any current to the electrical system and that everything was powered on borrowed time until the battery gave up. Alternator failure was the natural outcome of my 1970s Chrysler alternator breaking loose from its mounting on the front of the engine and shaking around until its internal components disintegrated. (See? I said it was dodgy.) These kinds of events change a pilot's behavior. How many pilots grab the housing of their alternator to give it a good shake on every preflight? I've been doing that consistently for 20 years as a result of the Alternator Incident. Additionally, though it may be inconveniently placed on the lower right portion of the instrument panel, that ammeter remains in my scan all these years later.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vI8Bp4FMu5OiqU15wej4uCOfXR5iKwzbWv-4NddFuqu7AbjdmiuBCYnxTAedl6PUreN1KiCgRjJIYzR2A3DdCXzFxaV0rYVOseU4cm47NMs4BVg086gyiiEzH27cslY71X_ZEM7mNd-NC52jHg3ajB4hSHMFs5s2o6p2UvwyrA_ntYlGfu4_hYc9fFU/s1280/Photo_073005_005-edited.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vI8Bp4FMu5OiqU15wej4uCOfXR5iKwzbWv-4NddFuqu7AbjdmiuBCYnxTAedl6PUreN1KiCgRjJIYzR2A3DdCXzFxaV0rYVOseU4cm47NMs4BVg086gyiiEzH27cslY71X_ZEM7mNd-NC52jHg3ajB4hSHMFs5s2o6p2UvwyrA_ntYlGfu4_hYc9fFU/w640-h360/Photo_073005_005-edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cell phone photo by Ross W from Dave's Decathlon in formation with Mark in 33P and me in Warrior 481 over South Haven, MI, 30 July 2005. Fun fact: Ross' grandfather Irving had been in aviation for so long that his 1926 pilot certificate was signed by Orville Wright. This photo was taken just nine days after Dave and I were <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2011/05/exodus-professional-life-of-private.html" target="_blank">laid off from "UberCo"</a> along with 500 other scientists.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>When I first took possession of Warrior 481, it quickly became obvious that my landing skills needed refinement. According to the official Cherokee Warrior II Information Manual, the recommended approach speed with full flaps is 63 knots. However, on the flight home from Guthrie, I made my approach at exactly 63 knots to the Kentland Municipal Airport (50I) in the midst of a windswept Indiana cornfield. When the wheels made contact, the airplane gently went airborne again before settling a second time. It was less of a bounce and more of a skip. "I liked your landing," said the old timer working the airport while grinning toothily. "Both of 'em!" When I reflect on meeting the fellow 20 years ago, all I remember is white hair and teeth.</p><p>To my frustration, this kept happening, but only when I was flying solo. Realizing that 63 knots was intended for the airplane at its maximum gross weight, I started backing off on my landing speed when lightly loaded. Eventually, I settled for a fence crossing airspeed of 55 knots when solo, 60 knots when carrying one passenger, and 63 knots when loaded near maximum gross. Given the Warrior's propensity to float at higher approach speeds, these adjustments made my landings softer, shorter, smoother, and more consistent. This was affirmed by a total stranger one day at the Mason County Airport (KLDM) in Ludington, MI. Right after I touched down, a pilot waiting to depart was so moved by the grace of my refined landing technique that he offered this unsolicited commentary on the radio: "That was a really nice short landing for a Warrior!" It wasn't just the rando in Ludington who validated my technique, it has also withstood the scrutiny of many flight instructors over the years.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Pja5bojWLOPgMy1ceDAEbCcIbc5c8CUzeBkDODRJh7hvn4HgitlHZ_MBxhz6Xgwym5bDFI9zYUeD0mwqZACbDjkUz318LIwIVFhuG4MgTbUZzwHcJyMnl7V9tHpxZhZwxJr49V_QvT6dHmX3V3jjCLKZ88xtQdYzix8Wu5NaWBGRVq7KM_wDJfD_SQ/s1024/2003Sep17_0D1Final14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36Pja5bojWLOPgMy1ceDAEbCcIbc5c8CUzeBkDODRJh7hvn4HgitlHZ_MBxhz6Xgwym5bDFI9zYUeD0mwqZACbDjkUz318LIwIVFhuG4MgTbUZzwHcJyMnl7V9tHpxZhZwxJr49V_QvT6dHmX3V3jjCLKZ88xtQdYzix8Wu5NaWBGRVq7KM_wDJfD_SQ/w640-h480/2003Sep17_0D1Final14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 September 2003: riding back seat with Dave and looking down South Haven's grass runway 14.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>With normal landings figured out, the next challenge was landing on South Haven's turf runway 32 that was normally favored by the wind off Lake Michigan. Although 3,260 feet is plenty of length to land a Cherokee, this was complicated by high trees on the approach end and an undesirably gopher infested surface for the latter half of the runway. Flying a steep approach while cranked around sideways in a full forward slip became the norm to get down and stopped before the runway midpoint. Just above the ground, all three axes of flight needed to be fixed before touchdown: wings leveled, rudder used to align the airplane with the runway, and a gentle pull on the elevator to ensure settling the airplane on its main gear. During one instance, we were hosting a cookout at Dave's hangar. I performed this landing maneuver in front of a large audience of other pilots while making all three attitude corrections in one fluid motion and settling to the grass light as a feather. It was pure poetry; all these years later I still remember exactly how that landing felt. Taxiing off the runway to run a gauntlet of witnesses, I was appalled to see Mark hold up a big sign with the number "6" on it. Once he knew that I'd seen it, he laughed and inverted the sign to read "9", then dropped the sign altogether and picked up another that read "10". Behind him, the others held up both hands with all fingers splayed, a perfect 10 from every judge and a welcome confidence boost for a newbie aviator.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnGs4NY31c7YYT8_Cwm5wfoEASUj4LN-U1S-0OyXLVWhXCyG0Pxln_YYKkt4dZSyCRnonVOPRDMj4lHkyoq8MhKRnWO1MddPDlC6S_87rROljt5gaeAkGz7043s8Wrl19juWoyA5swGkgHQ0i4jWLA5GW2sYbOpYLFc456lPCUhDik8St7_HlG4F2unQ/s1024/120901_FirstTimeAtControls-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnGs4NY31c7YYT8_Cwm5wfoEASUj4LN-U1S-0OyXLVWhXCyG0Pxln_YYKkt4dZSyCRnonVOPRDMj4lHkyoq8MhKRnWO1MddPDlC6S_87rROljt5gaeAkGz7043s8Wrl19juWoyA5swGkgHQ0i4jWLA5GW2sYbOpYLFc456lPCUhDik8St7_HlG4F2unQ/w640-h480/120901_FirstTimeAtControls-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2012/09/that-first-time-grin.html" target="_blank">The Bear on the controls for the first time</a>. 1 September 2012.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Obviously, more learnings were to come. Increasingly longer cross country flights and the need to manage weather. Achievement of an instrument rating and the need to manage weather in a completely different way. Flying with first an infant, then a toddler ("Me fly in the Daddy airplane?"), and eventually a precocious youngster to whom I regrettably described the function of the Course Deviation Indicator ("Daddy, you're off course <i>again</i>.").</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs71M-qcnWtPczgl-Eap9r5YYcGv9U6m5734Hi5-gtaTWC8jdR2zu4l55izRp4MrO_bixvraYlwUTiXGOq4R1jw4wfWIjsGbgdFKT-rqeC2hHAbFV4aEK7QmDoBlY8AW36kJbmL89v_5npdjaYS0_VRQrU2tk-TElO20EDyZLzFbucuWyCe_0OYeivlio/s1024/140908_N21481Cortland-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs71M-qcnWtPczgl-Eap9r5YYcGv9U6m5734Hi5-gtaTWC8jdR2zu4l55izRp4MrO_bixvraYlwUTiXGOq4R1jw4wfWIjsGbgdFKT-rqeC2hHAbFV4aEK7QmDoBlY8AW36kJbmL89v_5npdjaYS0_VRQrU2tk-TElO20EDyZLzFbucuWyCe_0OYeivlio/w640-h480/140908_N21481Cortland-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Cortland, NY, 08 September 2014.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A house is a house and a car is a car, but buying an airplane in 2004 literally changed the course of my life. One <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2020/07/how-warrior-481-got-her-groove-back.html" target="_blank">new engine</a> and several <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2021/03/ghost-in-machine.html" target="_blank">avionics upgrades</a> later, she is still going strong. I have logged 2571.8 hours at her controls, we have visited 263 airports in 29 states and provinces together, and travelled a total distance of approximately 340,000 statue miles. I have<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/03/an-eighteen-year-view-through-acrylic.html" target="_blank"> seen many beautiful vistas</a>, enjoyed wonderful adventures, happily shared the experience with others, stayed connected with far flung friends and family, and learned much along the way. It is often said that the cockpit is a poor classroom. While I agree with the sentiment underpinning this, airplanes and aviation are nonetheless excellent teachers.</p><p>Stagnation was the main motivation for venturing down the ownership pathway. By the end of 2003, I ran out of worthwhile adventures in the rental aircraft available to me in Three Rivers, MI. I was getting bored and I needed something new to do or else I would have stopped flying altogether. With <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2013/05/origin-story.html" target="_blank">Dave as a role model</a> and concrete example that it was possible, I bought an airplane 20 years ago and never looked back. </p><p>I guess the strategy worked, because here we are.</p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-60777384772254408182024-02-04T20:37:00.799-05:002024-02-12T13:58:33.092-05:00Always Have an Out<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Stir Crazy</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In aviation safety circles, a mental condition colloquially known as "get-there-itis" characterizes a pilot so mission focused, so determined to reach a destination, that they make unsafe decisions. While accidents might result from dangerous weather, poor fuel management, or hastily overlooked maintenance issues, an underlying root cause may be a pilot falling prey to these situations due to a laser focus on completing the mission in spite of circumstances that make flying unwise.</div><div><br /></div><div>More often than not, winter flying in Upstate New York is contingent on the ceiling. When the Lake Ontario "permacloud" creeps across our region at 1000 feet from November to March, access to the sky can be severely limited. Ceilings are often too low to fly beneath and slowly climbing through a cloud layer of indeterminate thickness in sub-freezing temperatures risks icing. For me personally, this means that winter IFR departures are out of the question unless the cloud layer is so thin that the blue of the sky can be readily discerned through it. In the name of avoiding <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2016/01/kerosene-milestone.html" target="_blank">prolonged periods of time</a> in freezing clouds, I put my instrument rating on a shelf for the winter unless cloud exposure will be minimal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because of this, Upstate pilots become antsy as winter weeks pass without any "altitude therapy". This can result in a strong case of "go-flying-itis", a variant of get-there-itis more focused on merely getting into the air rather than trying to actually go someplace. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2012/03/know-your-limits.html" target="_blank">The pilot I watched wreck a Rochester Air Center Skyhawk on a windy winter day at Le Roy in 2009</a> definitely had go-flying-itis. </div><div><br /></div><div>As February 2024 unfolded following a gloomy January, many of us contracted serious cases of go-flying-itis. Much like alcoholism, there is no cure, but the condition can be managed with careful flight planning and disciplined judgement.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Like Lucy Pulling the Football Away from Charlie Brown</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>For Saturday morning, February 3, four pilots were inspired by a promising forecast and excitedly planned a flight to Keene, New Hampshire. However, a persistent low ceiling scuttled those morning plans. With some patience, I managed to fly solo in the late afternoon <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2024/02/glorious.html" target="_blank">on a local sightseeing flight</a>. Though it was not what I originally planned, it was literally a glorious experience and go-flying-itis was safely ameliorated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plans for a group flight shifted to Sunday morning, this time with a destination of Lake Placid for brunch at the Big Slide Brewery and Public House. Both the airport and the restaurant are favorites of everyone in the group with one exception. Dave had never been to Lake Placid at all</div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday morning dawned clear and beautiful at 25°F with lawns, trees and rooflines sparkling with a frosty, crystalline coating. Terminal forecasts and MOS outlook models differed greatly on whether a ceiling would roll in after our planned departure. Forecast discussions suggested that a low, thin cloud layer was expected to slide over central New York from Canada by mid-morning, creating a risk of shutting us out of our home airport on return. While Tom and I texted back and forth that morning, I scrolled through the forecast materials and came to the following conclusions:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>By all indications, Lake Placid was to remain VFR with a high ceiling all day. Getting back out of Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains would not be a problem.</li><li>I had no concerns flying over a low -- if extensive -- cloud deck to get home because that would carry no icing risk.</li><li>The cloud layer expected to cover central New York for our return was forecast to create a marginal VFR ceiling at home. However, it was also expected to be thin, icing severity was forecast as trace (FIP, Forecast Icing Product), and there were no icing AIRMETs posted during the timeframe of the round trip flight.</li></ol><div>Thus, the primary risk was returning to Sodus with a low overcast. Because I am willing to descend quickly through a thin cloud layer during the winter, an instrument approach into Sodus would be my "out" if the forecast for a marginal VFR ceiling came to pass.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I felt that I had a suitable Plan B and conditions under which I could safely exercise it, I was on the very edge of a "no go". Variables that would have tipped the decision would have included:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>If there was a credible threat of an overcast forming above Lake Placid, the combined risks of icing (climbing slowly through freezing clouds of indeterminate thickness) and mountainous terrain would have been unacceptable. I had zero desire to depart Lake Placid under IFR.</li><li>If the en route clouds were forecast to occupy typical cruise altitudes between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, the icing risk would have been too great owing to exposure time.</li><li>If the ceiling over Sodus was forecast to be IFR (below 1000 feet), the risk of not successfully completing an approach into our home airport would have been too high. Current minimums on the RNAV-28 are 558 feet AGL since we lost our LPV approaches due to obstructions.</li><li>If the ceiling over Sodus was forecast to be more than 1,000 feet thick, I would have deemed this to be too much time in the clouds with potential icing risk.</li><li>If the FIP model predicted more severe icing than "trace", even a brief transition through the clouds may have been unacceptable.</li></ol></div><div>I declared on the group text that I was willing to go and why I found the risks to be acceptable. Tom agreed. Ed, who is not instrument rated, decided that uncertainty around that ceiling was too great and wisely bowed out. And Dave, who is instrument rated but not current, opted to fly with me.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Crystalline</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Our two aircraft launched from Sodus at 8:30 am, Dave riding right seat with me in Warrior 481 and Jamie riding with Tom and Alicia in Two Six Romeo. Dave and I have flown together many times over the years, including a <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2016/06/hello-cleveland.html" target="_blank">memorable trip to Cleveland</a> in 2016 and, more recently, as a regular safety pilot.</div><div><br /></div><div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">04 Feb 2024</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - LKP (Lake Placid, NY) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3.4</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2779.3</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofm-M_EVD6MquLqTcyS3js_ElQM9xcNWnzn2yWTzp5CKquORhpx_OfJuAJDKOj5qrUVjnvzqwFKrsSRgN2u0AOnWavO6HzLbMLNLf_Mx5i8Sgg4mNKTMGIRwBj4aLZna3B66tHW9xvq7fiwbcI7JIKj5v2x4rMxZnLPOuVQVV5O-9SADU8nMjTcbm4pY/s4032/240204_DaveChris.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofm-M_EVD6MquLqTcyS3js_ElQM9xcNWnzn2yWTzp5CKquORhpx_OfJuAJDKOj5qrUVjnvzqwFKrsSRgN2u0AOnWavO6HzLbMLNLf_Mx5i8Sgg4mNKTMGIRwBj4aLZna3B66tHW9xvq7fiwbcI7JIKj5v2x4rMxZnLPOuVQVV5O-9SADU8nMjTcbm4pY/w640-h360/240204_DaveChris.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a beautiful morning to fly through smooth, crystal clear air under a vast cerulean dome. Although Lake Placid has been a popular destination for Williamson Flying Club pilots, this was to be Dave's first visit. He was in for a treat and, sure enough, as soon as the Adirondack Mountains were discernible as distant ripples on the horizon, Dave was snapping photos.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2DXsbRzfbOHEDXh063T_ErRmW76wXaWZ9iYoedIYj__3bAAdrIzxKd9Q_ZAUbYu6AyDvyGr_CuuvTnYrwXzH54wlbbsq5HrrcNIUJLiVQpv0dIZniKBPnBsYvOoax1lSNHzbKzIwP4nTRGMKIU7F9vvLG13sQnJodGUog-3cL9Ed9mltV1_T_S9ygQo/s3955/IMG_3312.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3955" data-original-width="2966" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2DXsbRzfbOHEDXh063T_ErRmW76wXaWZ9iYoedIYj__3bAAdrIzxKd9Q_ZAUbYu6AyDvyGr_CuuvTnYrwXzH54wlbbsq5HrrcNIUJLiVQpv0dIZniKBPnBsYvOoax1lSNHzbKzIwP4nTRGMKIU7F9vvLG13sQnJodGUog-3cL9Ed9mltV1_T_S9ygQo/w480-h640/IMG_3312.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Dave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Much like my house that morning, the upper elevations of the Adirondacks were frosted white, making them a starkly beautiful sight as they grew in the windscreen. We flew over occasional cloud scrims that partially obscured the ground. With the Saranac Lake ASOS continuously calling out a clear sky in real time, we proceeded above the gauzy layers with confidence that we would not become trapped above them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEKZOxURyCg2zXIZS3HGGu6UWJnxHFOGJ0DV_ooAO8gHMd5s0N4ILZ5TBnu7UA0vGXMzJsKRaTtxnNAz8hva4oqUk_GaHlqovOliP_NH6IT0nW-1G436iW6vtrc_UTAmryQec-H7kZeKcvNYw8RZjrnkgiK73IzPVDsFqvMdf9ed0wcY0jRBv6z1kHmY/s3907/IMG_3316.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3907" data-original-width="2930" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEKZOxURyCg2zXIZS3HGGu6UWJnxHFOGJ0DV_ooAO8gHMd5s0N4ILZ5TBnu7UA0vGXMzJsKRaTtxnNAz8hva4oqUk_GaHlqovOliP_NH6IT0nW-1G436iW6vtrc_UTAmryQec-H7kZeKcvNYw8RZjrnkgiK73IzPVDsFqvMdf9ed0wcY0jRBv6z1kHmY/w480-h640/IMG_3316.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whiteface Mountain in the distance. Photo by Dave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As we flew closer, I used a chart to show Dave that Lake Placid sits in a bowl defined by the Adirondack High Peaks and how there was a break in the wall to the northwest toward Saranac Lake. I described how we would break off from our direct track to the airport from the southwest in order to circle northward and follow the low terrain into the valley.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkzhNCIFX659b6q2RgUIbJe2MykUuSo72I3w8ilxw5M3dtPqor9-LeCjjCY4SCHFlPYNChV1bAnXb10P3IZ8iWylcJhZ2h8ljB7M0yqpieJpCtpfWN2WmYseuW1V0EXN5MYMILCiLOMjPh6x-8_zSkwKMyMsTofy1YEu2iSrGUgjAQiNchHXdCx1uKMU/s4032/IMG_3318.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkzhNCIFX659b6q2RgUIbJe2MykUuSo72I3w8ilxw5M3dtPqor9-LeCjjCY4SCHFlPYNChV1bAnXb10P3IZ8iWylcJhZ2h8ljB7M0yqpieJpCtpfWN2WmYseuW1V0EXN5MYMILCiLOMjPh6x-8_zSkwKMyMsTofy1YEu2iSrGUgjAQiNchHXdCx1uKMU/w480-h640/IMG_3318.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whiteface Mountain. Photo by Dave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The view of Whiteface Mountain was stunning as we entered the local area around Lake Placid, the mountain’s frosted upper elevations contrasting sharply with the darker terrain below. I fished around in the back seat for my camera, but it was buried beneath our coats and I was too busy for a lengthy search. Fortunately, Dave captured the scene. When he texted this photo to his wife, her response was, "You look low. I hope you're landing."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6stM54okufqov8INOy1fdGOsObiXRgqZsUoA3TmTI7PD8nlNTs86cKU4CLCfzcBwkW-beFMIcnoJstlrzZxHdoQ1e0-EcYIzdtyVSLwFOYXzfaKRsfjt9MGnQplmTms3XaFOfuPYf366EWnWwPKEgxs2dWZHdUPDZ8T3d7nTb6lCUYBOysy-J-FvxTPc/s4032/IMG_3320.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6stM54okufqov8INOy1fdGOsObiXRgqZsUoA3TmTI7PD8nlNTs86cKU4CLCfzcBwkW-beFMIcnoJstlrzZxHdoQ1e0-EcYIzdtyVSLwFOYXzfaKRsfjt9MGnQplmTms3XaFOfuPYf366EWnWwPKEgxs2dWZHdUPDZ8T3d7nTb6lCUYBOysy-J-FvxTPc/w480-h640/IMG_3320.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! That's me! Photo by Dave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Pilots like to show off for other pilots and I was pleased to accomplish a smooth landing with Dave as witness. Honestly, I think Dave was too dazzled by the beautiful scenery for my artful landing to make any kind of an impression on him. Rightfully so; this is why the Adirondacks are a year-round favorite destination of mine.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Rise and Swine"</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vp-HbXBvABC0wdB93uCIBEf7kbnGnYd7ZmhfIjia28T_x-CHZbTa5fsPeSdmnEbMDJsjngaseDfWc4zldwDZt-IIN8uZQ3uNeJqCZxIxVp_QadXZtgpyRxoRecXs0sBGCexgxywAVo9q0C9yhwRUepslNTajs7eCODtopvCPNBkqgoeIFwEn0qziOBU/s4032/240204_LakePLacidGroup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Vp-HbXBvABC0wdB93uCIBEf7kbnGnYd7ZmhfIjia28T_x-CHZbTa5fsPeSdmnEbMDJsjngaseDfWc4zldwDZt-IIN8uZQ3uNeJqCZxIxVp_QadXZtgpyRxoRecXs0sBGCexgxywAVo9q0C9yhwRUepslNTajs7eCODtopvCPNBkqgoeIFwEn0qziOBU/w640-h360/240204_LakePLacidGroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Six Romeo, Dave, Alicia, Tom, and Jamie.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We paused for a quick group photo before walking to Big Slide via the back exit from the airport parking apron.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy0kao7CEre2qomn3QRMSwh_FFhywG7cqixE3POuwo4COSLxZSZ3ncHUKu-03BjTM-iBnTQVleeeySjl6HImR56bWt_rLoNVRP3d-p03dcigndS_5iXdzQ01dDORD7f3lFvHeqnmJjZDjmmrY2xl3vcG4VjERHPW6aYqL_GkxJ8y2jWxUm9ekcbTR_kc/s3888/200215_BigSlide-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="3888" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvy0kao7CEre2qomn3QRMSwh_FFhywG7cqixE3POuwo4COSLxZSZ3ncHUKu-03BjTM-iBnTQVleeeySjl6HImR56bWt_rLoNVRP3d-p03dcigndS_5iXdzQ01dDORD7f3lFvHeqnmJjZDjmmrY2xl3vcG4VjERHPW6aYqL_GkxJ8y2jWxUm9ekcbTR_kc/w640-h640/200215_BigSlide-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photographed 15 February 2020.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Big Slide boasts a seasonal menu of whimsically named dishes (like "Rise and Swine") with locally sourced ingredients. I went the savory route with biscuits and gravy (including buttermilk biscuits from Bake Placid Bakery) while Tom and Dave indulged in the sweetness of lemon blueberry French toast. Alicia's regular French toast and Jamie's Hangover Helper breakfast sandwich rounded out the orders. Reasonably priced, beautifully plated, and delicious as ever, meals at Big Slide never disappoint.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jamie's ordering of a sandwich caused me and Tom to reminisce about the time he <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/03/the-patron-saint-of-gallinaceous-digits.html" target="_blank">ordered "The Stearman" at the West Wind</a> without reading the menu carefully enough to realize that the massive burger was cradled between two grilled cheese sandwiches instead of a conventional bun. The look of pure terror in Jamie's eyes when that ostentatious burger was placed before him was priceless.</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed this morning outing with some of my favorite people. We talked about flying, about trip ideas for 2024, about other personalities around the airport ("What the f*ck is REDACTED thinking?"), and monitored weather conditions back in Sodus as they fluctuated between marginal VFR and VFR during our absence. We debated about departing VFR and picking up a pop-up IFR if needed versus filing IFR from Lake Placid and ultimately decided on the former.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Aptly Named Whiteface</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GjIcq7NxK45giUbuoRGwoWrjWiIUt_rXz0hdfU7EfdKok87xkIHLtpmGH863tES0YZlzXfmwofFffMxedHeIxCh_W22txSod0v2JVw7th7EflI-RfRFDUZM8kUb7ZYQ7-Pg3rfB4m2K9I7bPFl5oCaMvDWL7e3mBgeYo4__BYhuxmgy0VJ38QfaYCgs/s4032/240204_N21481LakePlacid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GjIcq7NxK45giUbuoRGwoWrjWiIUt_rXz0hdfU7EfdKok87xkIHLtpmGH863tES0YZlzXfmwofFffMxedHeIxCh_W22txSod0v2JVw7th7EflI-RfRFDUZM8kUb7ZYQ7-Pg3rfB4m2K9I7bPFl5oCaMvDWL7e3mBgeYo4__BYhuxmgy0VJ38QfaYCgs/w640-h360/240204_N21481LakePlacid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obligatory shot of Warrior 481 on the ground at Lake Placid.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On departure from Lake Placid, Tom turned directly for home whereas Dave and I banked east to circle Whiteface. Because it was his first visit to the Adirondacks, I wanted him to have the full experience.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMZto5APedGxs8XYX2E5ll3DCcpqUqBxyDX05p6NLpymumd8Fhyd6J8_oGOXkhUfIuYde8lKjNifnYX6fBRzqrpL55GO9RROFhIlCmZwC_MlJSdCOoJu-TK4JdXlBY_SBMHmK-AHar1iNNS7ycb1we2iC-V8CLU1mXIvAz9Pz6-ZzXChGPhh36jfDi-0/s3831/240204_Whiteface-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2155" data-original-width="3831" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMZto5APedGxs8XYX2E5ll3DCcpqUqBxyDX05p6NLpymumd8Fhyd6J8_oGOXkhUfIuYde8lKjNifnYX6fBRzqrpL55GO9RROFhIlCmZwC_MlJSdCOoJu-TK4JdXlBY_SBMHmK-AHar1iNNS7ycb1we2iC-V8CLU1mXIvAz9Pz6-ZzXChGPhh36jfDi-0/w640-h360/240204_Whiteface-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, by the time we departed, I had located my iPhone and was back to capturing images of the world beyond the Plexiglas.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxB6uIh3TZ5yUs7puXIvMIKaNwHuabeMj73ERy5tEk79cu5NH_zTAtfiIBiXOysK8vaL2jK3H_66E18EkonfwebieXLOFcJk96Iby5is8we5ORKal3TcnoV6p-yoJtpVCD4oUuowO1H8DolSlRlLu2BDUT-tkxBQMl3MhP73SyOHmm0t9YJooDN-YTHk/s3860/240204_Whiteface-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2173" data-original-width="3860" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxB6uIh3TZ5yUs7puXIvMIKaNwHuabeMj73ERy5tEk79cu5NH_zTAtfiIBiXOysK8vaL2jK3H_66E18EkonfwebieXLOFcJk96Iby5is8we5ORKal3TcnoV6p-yoJtpVCD4oUuowO1H8DolSlRlLu2BDUT-tkxBQMl3MhP73SyOHmm0t9YJooDN-YTHk/w640-h360/240204_Whiteface-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing a plume of snow billowing from the peak of Whiteface, I was concerned about experiencing turbulence downwind of the peak, but the air remained benign all the way around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpwDgxD-U78C6D4SCm0TD5YcJb1vHtsGn-861PqR-O-QBY6s1EhfckGBRBSTYxLFRl0E1vp0bVryLZAb4L5_vNCfVRM8CwGsK9FjLO8ahZ8N5Y3sAsmD9N7u_caISC-dDkcmRwGv_mDRRtPEdQh3p8BVHh2cvM4qNL-dgMMFRadFfwrODcvoq70Pb6uk/s3927/240204_Whiteface-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2211" data-original-width="3927" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpwDgxD-U78C6D4SCm0TD5YcJb1vHtsGn-861PqR-O-QBY6s1EhfckGBRBSTYxLFRl0E1vp0bVryLZAb4L5_vNCfVRM8CwGsK9FjLO8ahZ8N5Y3sAsmD9N7u_caISC-dDkcmRwGv_mDRRtPEdQh3p8BVHh2cvM4qNL-dgMMFRadFfwrODcvoq70Pb6uk/w640-h360/240204_Whiteface-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMKM4stD0wg048NiVpDzjL2VZqMw6IHd-q874aO6ElsdizvHg2wcLGL6o_XTO0yGDXBLI9SHnz8OpPh_nWWJk8I9ICFsphgUXsHBXqSR3orAhGhyeIzPmNtmmJPz7Wz79c_oEhg2owja2QUx855hnPK7EbRYW27UXVindGYyJ04jLZ6ZmmkEzg2Tlx5g/s3703/240204_Whiteface-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2777" data-original-width="3703" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMKM4stD0wg048NiVpDzjL2VZqMw6IHd-q874aO6ElsdizvHg2wcLGL6o_XTO0yGDXBLI9SHnz8OpPh_nWWJk8I9ICFsphgUXsHBXqSR3orAhGhyeIzPmNtmmJPz7Wz79c_oEhg2owja2QUx855hnPK7EbRYW27UXVindGYyJ04jLZ6ZmmkEzg2Tlx5g/w640-h480/240204_Whiteface-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKdVt6i1b8oqdYlyyEe35pe8hm1tnyPleRa9FdZKnQ7YnhuLdK6COpeLPMoneb-fKjOknlXdLVHi0QQKf-cSfe-pTjD-jd5f_Pk3s4SFituIgAVzYxNlU3vAtx-xH03Xm48c0WC0aLBsUJvwzzzv72rvF41RRFTMUTUDgYWRZasKXJyooDOZN-5GxXHk/s4006/240204_Whiteface-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2255" data-original-width="4006" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKdVt6i1b8oqdYlyyEe35pe8hm1tnyPleRa9FdZKnQ7YnhuLdK6COpeLPMoneb-fKjOknlXdLVHi0QQKf-cSfe-pTjD-jd5f_Pk3s4SFituIgAVzYxNlU3vAtx-xH03Xm48c0WC0aLBsUJvwzzzv72rvF41RRFTMUTUDgYWRZasKXJyooDOZN-5GxXHk/w640-h360/240204_Whiteface-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peak of Whiteface with Lake Placid behind it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7H_OlCzDh7PxTpcJzNKZIYR_FdJ1CwkUI3XEVMbuHc453RbF71g5ke_dreh8BTcn00kEZpG2GTzJq7yqIw21dc70EY1fJVGhzBk9mCwCDSjKymmk4WR15-RtXVoJczGNV0VQjSVjpyrwL4Jsy57b1JxiYJuPXcs4q0knHqtpmMSIvhz6fYLVT7kaDq8/s3898/240204_Whiteface-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2194" data-original-width="3898" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7H_OlCzDh7PxTpcJzNKZIYR_FdJ1CwkUI3XEVMbuHc453RbF71g5ke_dreh8BTcn00kEZpG2GTzJq7yqIw21dc70EY1fJVGhzBk9mCwCDSjKymmk4WR15-RtXVoJczGNV0VQjSVjpyrwL4Jsy57b1JxiYJuPXcs4q0knHqtpmMSIvhz6fYLVT7kaDq8/w640-h360/240204_Whiteface-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pop Up</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Several miles out from Lake Placid, we overflew a solid overcast consistent with predictions in the forecast discussion. Lake Ontario was obscured entirely and a lump in the otherwise flat cloud deck marked the position of the cooling tower of the nuclear plant in Oswego. Closer to home, with the airport weather reporting marginal VFR, Tom and I separately picked up IFR clearances from Syracuse Approach and requested the RNAV 28 approach to Sodus. As we progressed westward, it was obvious that the ceiling was breaking up and, determined to log an approach no matter what, I went under the hood while Dave served as safety pilot. Even if we managed to miss all the clouds on our way down to the waiting runway, I would still be able to count the approach toward currency. In actuality, we never went IMC. </div><div><br /></div><div>It never fails. Whenever I get excited about exercising a well-considered Plan B, conditions work out in a way to render it unnecessary. But in the end, having a backup plan is far more important than needing to execute it. Sometimes a single backup plan is not enough. What if we had returned to a much thicker cloud deck than forecast? We intentionally launched that morning with full fuel, which meant that we returned to Sodus with three hours remaining. This was Plan C, giving ourselves plenty of additional range to find a safer landing site if needed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Flying is not without its dangers, but by taking well-considered risks and providing ourselves with backup plans to manage reasonable challenges, we can counteract the influences of get-there-itis and go-flying-itis and prudently experience the majesty, fellowship, and wonderful destinations that our airplanes help us experience. This morning was a prime example.</div><div><br /></div><div>Always leave yourself an out.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-54324598319569108562024-02-03T20:22:00.024-05:002024-02-05T20:28:59.956-05:00Glorious<div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">03 Feb 2024</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - ART (Watertown, NY) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.9</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2775.9</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>After weeks of low, dreary ceilings, I was able to escape and fly along the Lake Ontario shoreline. This is a case where pictures communicate better than words.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH2AkUyff6-7BG8c95W-C1ktv6TxlKMyF2JF10-PlSUq5HfXKHGMewHCRrMpIAw_rDll-CyEjbLurKOWT8cdRXt8HXKheDdMnErV9S06p5I3_-loTSGcPzgwCqHQeAgVnWIDQYPM1nQX-QXUuQeSjX3gU18l-yp4E9GNxshSiREWvUpC5bIiQ_EcdVtk/s2837/240203_ShorelineCruise-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2837" data-original-width="2127" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH2AkUyff6-7BG8c95W-C1ktv6TxlKMyF2JF10-PlSUq5HfXKHGMewHCRrMpIAw_rDll-CyEjbLurKOWT8cdRXt8HXKheDdMnErV9S06p5I3_-loTSGcPzgwCqHQeAgVnWIDQYPM1nQX-QXUuQeSjX3gU18l-yp4E9GNxshSiREWvUpC5bIiQ_EcdVtk/w480-h640/240203_ShorelineCruise-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy9dkaSMUa2SWmhm0Y90YvP-qpo67jRdmKsyFfEIyneQgnjA9UZ1JYIyZ90LC7DuQ4RvRLOKN-TLmiXplH27kC3efL1YoaHE7TokbNoNVcXfRQmkxRPnr7inBCMACqO-UpXSe5JG1nenyjJRO1o2FHflDMm_GfcWffsnlmYT7TpGO3Qea3PdOkDm6sSk/s3911/240203_ShorelineCruise-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3911" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBy9dkaSMUa2SWmhm0Y90YvP-qpo67jRdmKsyFfEIyneQgnjA9UZ1JYIyZ90LC7DuQ4RvRLOKN-TLmiXplH27kC3efL1YoaHE7TokbNoNVcXfRQmkxRPnr7inBCMACqO-UpXSe5JG1nenyjJRO1o2FHflDMm_GfcWffsnlmYT7TpGO3Qea3PdOkDm6sSk/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-l99KS8r1ghJv1j17D-xZqTKO8KF_9nr1lkTbuzQtZw-OXDoBZd-DZVFMGDdqoooVFyrZoxZCeowiepqSE5Q0zZYxs7hVJb84ZkesIAVv-jC_nhyYibQmznkSOakgBAAzkkwkAF3nrz4GI-hGfYkD9j6z3QD_5ab9Ayf_T3yi5vy9JFAs3hfoGneBaI/s4028/240203_ShorelineCruise-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2266" data-original-width="4028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-l99KS8r1ghJv1j17D-xZqTKO8KF_9nr1lkTbuzQtZw-OXDoBZd-DZVFMGDdqoooVFyrZoxZCeowiepqSE5Q0zZYxs7hVJb84ZkesIAVv-jC_nhyYibQmznkSOakgBAAzkkwkAF3nrz4GI-hGfYkD9j6z3QD_5ab9Ayf_T3yi5vy9JFAs3hfoGneBaI/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRRFj1995vspWR5gBUhyckBWqyNHNshci-o1KA7vsuU0gXWdpovDE3TbCpgSuHW72cjNY-IC8QX0Z9c6Ys_d9yuIEY146LcN4nQX8H16epHQEE9JqOZLrXYzQ6DWR5U7GfzvDsNfon3VhQLqIvaOXekxpJZUovNtRyqmfKByASxQyGZKSxk8c5Omu1II/s3953/240203_ShorelineCruise-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2964" data-original-width="3953" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRRFj1995vspWR5gBUhyckBWqyNHNshci-o1KA7vsuU0gXWdpovDE3TbCpgSuHW72cjNY-IC8QX0Z9c6Ys_d9yuIEY146LcN4nQX8H16epHQEE9JqOZLrXYzQ6DWR5U7GfzvDsNfon3VhQLqIvaOXekxpJZUovNtRyqmfKByASxQyGZKSxk8c5Omu1II/w640-h480/240203_ShorelineCruise-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ0XgdB9Nu8mNtsaL4xsn12ORF3F6IX30eciMtlh7t4J58hZN0cw1tbkT6d9LhCLz9m30xxSe0ssdilizi6Q35sdFvviwuPFrPUPtfDiCbcUKWf0C7tonxS2XAwJg0gLgr3aKFwISbY22EsKG1cLrXZJAV7alTQZAw5uTctmc-CPJmEJZ0035U4FiyXQ/s3861/240203_ShorelineCruise-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="3861" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ0XgdB9Nu8mNtsaL4xsn12ORF3F6IX30eciMtlh7t4J58hZN0cw1tbkT6d9LhCLz9m30xxSe0ssdilizi6Q35sdFvviwuPFrPUPtfDiCbcUKWf0C7tonxS2XAwJg0gLgr3aKFwISbY22EsKG1cLrXZJAV7alTQZAw5uTctmc-CPJmEJZ0035U4FiyXQ/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIZ6UkMDf6QQnhrWNMozEPJY_bvJj-AK5kqTRTMpy0WucqPuNzgXzGnYT20SKDRG6ejMysvi4DwZtqCYLyfV_stqLGgBgB9boAtNzbbTteXp6xbL6LxH9MuGwrqAtPJTbpdUw7M5Vo43hwtsVs89XN2I6zxKECYTPWN6cSZ9Gf6Q-FwEphSBz5Mw2SAU/s3988/240203_ShorelineCruise-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2243" data-original-width="3988" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIZ6UkMDf6QQnhrWNMozEPJY_bvJj-AK5kqTRTMpy0WucqPuNzgXzGnYT20SKDRG6ejMysvi4DwZtqCYLyfV_stqLGgBgB9boAtNzbbTteXp6xbL6LxH9MuGwrqAtPJTbpdUw7M5Vo43hwtsVs89XN2I6zxKECYTPWN6cSZ9Gf6Q-FwEphSBz5Mw2SAU/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lp6q8Lg4ZwpIhVao88E-CyUkJspdXVPOoN_o6xDvmQDCF_RcV5UEh3Epr4ckAVarTt0CwUiXE2YNj1DUs7M8tAoIo3351-YJ4Y_6oOUz-jgNfKJDLqjEZxlS50bzjawcwrl8dPZcjdUjPIHmuZDmxo1O2Zt4txY82YxEYDjwQHKx_7QTd6nAKnIFtcA/s3701/240203_ShorelineCruise-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3701" data-original-width="2776" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lp6q8Lg4ZwpIhVao88E-CyUkJspdXVPOoN_o6xDvmQDCF_RcV5UEh3Epr4ckAVarTt0CwUiXE2YNj1DUs7M8tAoIo3351-YJ4Y_6oOUz-jgNfKJDLqjEZxlS50bzjawcwrl8dPZcjdUjPIHmuZDmxo1O2Zt4txY82YxEYDjwQHKx_7QTd6nAKnIFtcA/w480-h640/240203_ShorelineCruise-11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88sZulOgsPMIvqXltiLEKpDlHMEe9Li6l8bNa8v7Z02Qfv2waKdWEOjr8rIGfuhzVCx3RTmMDBhaBq5rdfcgnnCzR-NDebKio_TCFgNJa0yIkE5b5_l0SiKEoSpLFreCSEnLRSMn258F2DJWsd15RAzC61rplRCK7YJooL49IslgOYQmhyphenhyphen42W8Z3PY28/s3890/240203_ShorelineCruise-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="3890" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88sZulOgsPMIvqXltiLEKpDlHMEe9Li6l8bNa8v7Z02Qfv2waKdWEOjr8rIGfuhzVCx3RTmMDBhaBq5rdfcgnnCzR-NDebKio_TCFgNJa0yIkE5b5_l0SiKEoSpLFreCSEnLRSMn258F2DJWsd15RAzC61rplRCK7YJooL49IslgOYQmhyphenhyphen42W8Z3PY28/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax3lTE0IAcis3Ehnn1u7eUpjdpqHWFjdfoQhHIHPZJ96kxoI8dfxdFEnGyvC-WgMf4_RKbkcOXb-98ZBaNa50_YgtiNK6DIUtNl3vkL0_RRXMNBD_wBoLomO7ZuZ2QAgHM2WwI2rz0y0jTG3GLfucsXLFvhRH5EhmDn7TMYymVf6NBgbVUvQ2bmYmgyU/s4032/240203_ShorelineCruise-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhax3lTE0IAcis3Ehnn1u7eUpjdpqHWFjdfoQhHIHPZJ96kxoI8dfxdFEnGyvC-WgMf4_RKbkcOXb-98ZBaNa50_YgtiNK6DIUtNl3vkL0_RRXMNBD_wBoLomO7ZuZ2QAgHM2WwI2rz0y0jTG3GLfucsXLFvhRH5EhmDn7TMYymVf6NBgbVUvQ2bmYmgyU/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHUoT6NeagX9d38pN3kLml-3MJ62ngEQmCsxiz3eQFIEEjTDfi0357R2RZfajehHiUKp6QEgAE4FcOP00WkvCy73FWynuaOe-TACsA7x5x0N-J4rKRi4A3kzVIObub5Ta28WbUa21MGS_tT5w5n65bZxPgutfu0GYjHU_-bLgd3K03gqeLyS4Ce6-Wd8/s3967/240203_ShorelineCruise-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2231" data-original-width="3967" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHUoT6NeagX9d38pN3kLml-3MJ62ngEQmCsxiz3eQFIEEjTDfi0357R2RZfajehHiUKp6QEgAE4FcOP00WkvCy73FWynuaOe-TACsA7x5x0N-J4rKRi4A3kzVIObub5Ta28WbUa21MGS_tT5w5n65bZxPgutfu0GYjHU_-bLgd3K03gqeLyS4Ce6-Wd8/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61KVWZmxWIsocd28_RF6JQnX9CqDnYwhxDLwQkj9HAsbft0zXzhoSXztevQj9Er-D1A8wm3_Qalev2p7gANLF-MNbaXTBanWGBre9F1U005HlfL8ENO5omm4SYUfktXx7P68RvM6wIbsiwrrfn6F08B0VVzjOotKHp644oLI5n5z6oLaD_489wntcYlY/s3967/240203_ShorelineCruise-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2231" data-original-width="3967" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61KVWZmxWIsocd28_RF6JQnX9CqDnYwhxDLwQkj9HAsbft0zXzhoSXztevQj9Er-D1A8wm3_Qalev2p7gANLF-MNbaXTBanWGBre9F1U005HlfL8ENO5omm4SYUfktXx7P68RvM6wIbsiwrrfn6F08B0VVzjOotKHp644oLI5n5z6oLaD_489wntcYlY/w640-h360/240203_ShorelineCruise-22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-80860611585344352882023-12-26T12:00:00.002-05:002024-01-24T17:26:54.628-05:00Reflection 2023: From Floats to the FRZ<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Gratitude</span></i></b></p><p>For over a decade, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/search/label/Review" target="_blank">I have returned to my logbook</a> at the end of each year to review all that occurred and select some prized images that I think best represent the preceding twelve months. Every time I do, I cannot help but feel immense gratitude for the remarkable things I have experienced as a pilot. I am thankful for pioneering aviators who made it all possible, for a career that allows me to fund it, for flight instructors who taught me their skills, for family that tolerates my fascination, and for friends who eagerly join each adventure.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Photos</span></i></b></p><p>Let's briefly relive the year through snapshots...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz18TDWzKm4JxUInujJ2LIsZxS_xaT7g94Mu-eX-oGgELW4KnlYVpZq-Dtsh9KnY6QCLouoXTVTiZtygkx4p3wWDGot_DWKDQyLFod7iN9vHPWd0uQYpNx7vCPOU3UXsz9WyblyYnPAGH2GksiDWdRuJtCo_AtfUpRAIm-ZOMLLzred6QKrp_rM-0henk/s2040/IMG_6068.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2040" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz18TDWzKm4JxUInujJ2LIsZxS_xaT7g94Mu-eX-oGgELW4KnlYVpZq-Dtsh9KnY6QCLouoXTVTiZtygkx4p3wWDGot_DWKDQyLFod7iN9vHPWd0uQYpNx7vCPOU3UXsz9WyblyYnPAGH2GksiDWdRuJtCo_AtfUpRAIm-ZOMLLzred6QKrp_rM-0henk/w640-h360/IMG_6068.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sundogs bracketing old Sol as observed from above a solid cloud deck.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/11/sundogs-fire.html" target="_blank">Sundog's Fire</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLidD93ikrJ0HzaRsTntgJo_hZgeFE81CXb-SJ1wmoAg59E2KJD9Q4tGkZev9w8MyZcMsoxGX8seA-qjUaVP3bAxxvFu6Z7uKRP70rht1sqyVLQtbNyNZK8AXLVc9jcN60-8_6Dsp-y6DHDtPaAkgBKJB5bctLTPA5x5rbcnmG4x6vpgqfCHeYDBWyLWM/s2048/230813_29D-SDC-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLidD93ikrJ0HzaRsTntgJo_hZgeFE81CXb-SJ1wmoAg59E2KJD9Q4tGkZev9w8MyZcMsoxGX8seA-qjUaVP3bAxxvFu6Z7uKRP70rht1sqyVLQtbNyNZK8AXLVc9jcN60-8_6Dsp-y6DHDtPaAkgBKJB5bctLTPA5x5rbcnmG4x6vpgqfCHeYDBWyLWM/w640-h480/230813_29D-SDC-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Allegheny Reservoir on the New York / Pennsylvania border on the way home from our family vacation.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/bears-in-blue-ridge-part-3-down-with-odp.html" target="_blank">Bears in Blue Ridge | Part 3, Down with ODP</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40i8QVf9qJr1NE0Mr6c6-gLIIcDvp6W-CaIqRuXi1miYd9VIS52Y-r6nYf4aJ5NeBaemvlxswsYt3LexEoGsDCuBQrBEkKigLwIwGLeiW2xLOeqFMQ-apvtcAeW01g-r-03lSmw_ALHMcosW2jCkGT1-r7sD_I3R0UhF0Jqm6_7ggK6MRoG5iK6LbgQQ/s5184/230731_FirstFlightAerial-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40i8QVf9qJr1NE0Mr6c6-gLIIcDvp6W-CaIqRuXi1miYd9VIS52Y-r6nYf4aJ5NeBaemvlxswsYt3LexEoGsDCuBQrBEkKigLwIwGLeiW2xLOeqFMQ-apvtcAeW01g-r-03lSmw_ALHMcosW2jCkGT1-r7sD_I3R0UhF0Jqm6_7ggK6MRoG5iK6LbgQQ/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Flight Airport and the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills, NC.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6niC__5j07ZMVShSMhRB9Rt-emH-mKa95Xvo2YFfv0G9VBEKeDaDGPOFN4ww8k0T6YVN8hzHM1CZ3JHil2H59cJLkf5RlXQnddplyDXxPUqEtnzH8DvYP0F1Ka0cbh_RfuOLp1ik0DjZBpVtcAdGGq65rd28n1leE2XjsYhEsTH9DzmP1FJrOhXEfag/s1944/230924_Cloudflying-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1944" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6niC__5j07ZMVShSMhRB9Rt-emH-mKa95Xvo2YFfv0G9VBEKeDaDGPOFN4ww8k0T6YVN8hzHM1CZ3JHil2H59cJLkf5RlXQnddplyDXxPUqEtnzH8DvYP0F1Ka0cbh_RfuOLp1ik0DjZBpVtcAdGGq65rd28n1leE2XjsYhEsTH9DzmP1FJrOhXEfag/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Between layers en route to Saratoga Springs, NY for a ... <i>gulp</i> ... college visit.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/09/painted-cloudscapes-to-saratoga-springs.html" target="_blank">Painted Cloudscapes to Saratoga Springs</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFxHHFFXeZ-RSrGLzlHZ8wGc2kp8Yg_Dk0ob8rlySKNUl9I4kz86ojHyE7FQlgYNZ7KiVG2i5iYU-QhLyqm0BUNLWtF-lQujgCRZJOfWlUnSssMy4CddAGN4Ppi37TAW9GWzxsb_HCBfkpqPcllJq1ikxFdiEP6EB5R6hh_nwDn3h0IIMEAJkHn9b4LQ/s4740/230312_LakePlacidWhiteface-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="4740" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFxHHFFXeZ-RSrGLzlHZ8wGc2kp8Yg_Dk0ob8rlySKNUl9I4kz86ojHyE7FQlgYNZ7KiVG2i5iYU-QhLyqm0BUNLWtF-lQujgCRZJOfWlUnSssMy4CddAGN4Ppi37TAW9GWzxsb_HCBfkpqPcllJq1ikxFdiEP6EB5R6hh_nwDn3h0IIMEAJkHn9b4LQ/w640-h360/230312_LakePlacidWhiteface-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain seen while giving colleague Jeff L his first airplane ride.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/03/good-reputation.html" target="_blank">Good Reputation</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfMCb0Ke7wEfUhI9OJB4rDsBeT95rz4wc3AFM3I3TUjQZ2CwbLnu9TO49hV2IszXFI1TCy5N-cKCG0mFXq7zQ4NcMTkKQl-HBLTI86DgrN2IxYzc1xF8r-i2CMaVsAtTTgxbog13AZBJEwFKQkHlPfo3D15qLLEXqL2ctWirsGuXmoXctGjeltoIVCzM/s2970/20230731_145239.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="2970" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfMCb0Ke7wEfUhI9OJB4rDsBeT95rz4wc3AFM3I3TUjQZ2CwbLnu9TO49hV2IszXFI1TCy5N-cKCG0mFXq7zQ4NcMTkKQl-HBLTI86DgrN2IxYzc1xF8r-i2CMaVsAtTTgxbog13AZBJEwFKQkHlPfo3D15qLLEXqL2ctWirsGuXmoXctGjeltoIVCzM/w640-h296/20230731_145239.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxiing Warrior 481 on the ramp at the Wright National Memorial with Tom. Photo by Scott L.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiVTwCAX1h5Ad3Khjf_el0roxapfSanXchFB5dl7Ftz-CDLYySUZYnBVfLDTKA1bRZqRQQsf-AuoCadfI02qt5tOdNsAzhZvuL1GIVYi9NJ85MD7_eHDMGIeGcJWrFf4iLxN-uWxsxa9xMixTyMtx9dkz83I-StNBUXObzJ_p4TqPSk34HyEMCeJve3g/s1997/231010_CGS-SDC-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1997" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBiVTwCAX1h5Ad3Khjf_el0roxapfSanXchFB5dl7Ftz-CDLYySUZYnBVfLDTKA1bRZqRQQsf-AuoCadfI02qt5tOdNsAzhZvuL1GIVYi9NJ85MD7_eHDMGIeGcJWrFf4iLxN-uWxsxa9xMixTyMtx9dkz83I-StNBUXObzJ_p4TqPSk34HyEMCeJve3g/w640-h360/231010_CGS-SDC-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susquehanna River from over central Pennsylvania.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-1-of.html" target="_blank">Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 1, Of PINs and Prop Locks</a>")<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaeTytnjGk99PD2zhw1hF6xwghcahesCsDtCWGzbzuaqVT6vOnX70XpmQkTlzQ5qCkj-VGzn-sNWQSbRtFTwt74KfwZFLbEnFECTU6MhXZh1NhBy5Koxl1jnFJvvsC96EhtrZuNKtMzhS3NJ09-Uq8tZ4ZqnL7QybpOL_1O2T0ht_lTm6XIX28tCKHqw/s5184/230511_SeulChoixPointe-8.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaeTytnjGk99PD2zhw1hF6xwghcahesCsDtCWGzbzuaqVT6vOnX70XpmQkTlzQ5qCkj-VGzn-sNWQSbRtFTwt74KfwZFLbEnFECTU6MhXZh1NhBy5Koxl1jnFJvvsC96EhtrZuNKtMzhS3NJ09-Uq8tZ4ZqnL7QybpOL_1O2T0ht_lTm6XIX28tCKHqw/w640-h360/230511_SeulChoixPointe-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse in Michigan's Upper Peninsula en route to Escanaba (moonlight not included) to see Tiff.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-3-trading-160.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 3, Trading 160 Horsepower for Two Horses on Mackinac Island</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8UpBOrWRwKbiXEYp-Hln20M74OY46Fbu3uc53cGqfZ9IAKJ2xtd0I5IpCNFE49tcTNHOvNxujzmCZ_ZgZ0_rJBryN6v2P37khcdF9ir-aCCrIpOErfi8Lj5B3uDu2N_TpXwBUTteDWCnro4XRFoYRdxEgnYdEA3sCjHoAyD5W0nFBNmEtICd0uBrIdA/s3974/230525_Wingview.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2235" data-original-width="3974" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8UpBOrWRwKbiXEYp-Hln20M74OY46Fbu3uc53cGqfZ9IAKJ2xtd0I5IpCNFE49tcTNHOvNxujzmCZ_ZgZ0_rJBryN6v2P37khcdF9ir-aCCrIpOErfi8Lj5B3uDu2N_TpXwBUTteDWCnro4XRFoYRdxEgnYdEA3sCjHoAyD5W0nFBNmEtICd0uBrIdA/w640-h360/230525_Wingview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twilight over Rochester, NY with Lake Ontario in the background after some IFR procedure practice.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/just-like-old-times.html" target="_blank">Just Like Old Times</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5unodA55c7eF_ef3IiaTteSO2jZbpmpRDPnWfNCR1CnBBvffuQL2VfzcnU46Pkm4oSFNMGO4u1dWJfoD-A0mGkKDeQCsnjBTeorj97UDehMZpkES5pr6JFesExQWzdvvjTKCCCp1e0xJRJxN1iJz1mMQeC9592ChBR_czKJ5Aenopo4w42F0Q8yGiNI/s4236/230801_Norfolk-12.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3177" data-original-width="4236" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5unodA55c7eF_ef3IiaTteSO2jZbpmpRDPnWfNCR1CnBBvffuQL2VfzcnU46Pkm4oSFNMGO4u1dWJfoD-A0mGkKDeQCsnjBTeorj97UDehMZpkES5pr6JFesExQWzdvvjTKCCCp1e0xJRJxN1iJz1mMQeC9592ChBR_czKJ5Aenopo4w42F0Q8yGiNI/w640-h480/230801_Norfolk-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aircraft carriers USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69) and USS Wasp (LHD-1) in Norfolk, VA.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/flying-strand-part-4-flattops-in.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 4, Flattops in the Roadstead</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ck7R_F7n1elSdVwftCApBLjitHUtaCENqkbZ6ShWsctUl5U6KZuK3-yrj0-UZsZyei2UdaBmelg3yxMcXqTsoZ2desuBiFb60rvsFuiETR_QgDJ0rSFwUsosGaXCAAVH4etfn0oAOM1ZPJAL9QKvGe367eafXG708trBNjTXdrCKg5bmRWLqRr4_Y4/s2048/230506_N21481Night.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-ck7R_F7n1elSdVwftCApBLjitHUtaCENqkbZ6ShWsctUl5U6KZuK3-yrj0-UZsZyei2UdaBmelg3yxMcXqTsoZ2desuBiFb60rvsFuiETR_QgDJ0rSFwUsosGaXCAAVH4etfn0oAOM1ZPJAL9QKvGe367eafXG708trBNjTXdrCKg5bmRWLqRr4_Y4/w640-h360/230506_N21481Night.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 after dinner at the Runway Bar & Grill, Bradford Regional Airport, Bradford, PA.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/dinner-and-show.html" target="_blank">Dinner and a Show</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61nD2DnXFnFmqgQU_DMjghJuba6xIAnfled1NVV0kVcUfQio8_a4b0seyS34DGw4ehtszCHoBU8g-oAvDezi6Zku7zncNzNjPR05YoAIGUa1F1AsGqEAeZT8XjmVXeHX1Kt2OAY8TqzwpSmwOGSP0X71TPSy6nA5c0fl0L0ZmoG9AtOxKvkr_1KiI5wk/s4829/231019_YGK-YRO-11-RockliffeAirport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2716" data-original-width="4829" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61nD2DnXFnFmqgQU_DMjghJuba6xIAnfled1NVV0kVcUfQio8_a4b0seyS34DGw4ehtszCHoBU8g-oAvDezi6Zku7zncNzNjPR05YoAIGUa1F1AsGqEAeZT8XjmVXeHX1Kt2OAY8TqzwpSmwOGSP0X71TPSy6nA5c0fl0L0ZmoG9AtOxKvkr_1KiI5wk/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-11-RockliffeAirport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rockliffe Airport in Ottawa, Ontario, home to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/north-to-ottawa-part-1-with-little-help.html" target="_blank">North to Ottawa | Part 1, With a Little Help from Kingston Radio</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1REkNc_i4YBXPBpcbpuCsOSLc-1ecOokmhEGip4_Xbt4EV1QFPh7yjRuvXjQG04flNwy7S-_hgF47a4VzmDjWqvN_66hGgy0Rc4tY_zB1mhHriizgL_ylbS9liWouCZd4XJ4ORbnvLehw-vqzH1oZaASwS7VoMYiEsUZziLyybUemJdIXB6YkuHhl_Rk/s5333/IMG_5736.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1REkNc_i4YBXPBpcbpuCsOSLc-1ecOokmhEGip4_Xbt4EV1QFPh7yjRuvXjQG04flNwy7S-_hgF47a4VzmDjWqvN_66hGgy0Rc4tY_zB1mhHriizgL_ylbS9liWouCZd4XJ4ORbnvLehw-vqzH1oZaASwS7VoMYiEsUZziLyybUemJdIXB6YkuHhl_Rk/w640-h360/IMG_5736.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuel stop while flying rides in Warrior Eight One Six during the annual Williamson Flying Club pancake breakfast. Photo by Gilead B.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/bold-warriors-and-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Pancakes for Bold Warriors</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq6aSIUlmieM59JH9MZRQlfHWIL_jtTZ9ha137iqq1aauSGswxBLsc-4d3AwluAk3YktvfVijGH2AgH4NPP8cKGoKFYJa4gdRpGtgpGSFFY7WgHxnFJtQ2cN6wmqtn2RY8TP95mEkrimzWKLC5t-oMQM5dkOpJoLdI0OU19TbiyzQDFk5dvD8XoipAXk/s3935/231001_SDC-N30-24.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="3935" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtq6aSIUlmieM59JH9MZRQlfHWIL_jtTZ9ha137iqq1aauSGswxBLsc-4d3AwluAk3YktvfVijGH2AgH4NPP8cKGoKFYJa4gdRpGtgpGSFFY7WgHxnFJtQ2cN6wmqtn2RY8TP95mEkrimzWKLC5t-oMQM5dkOpJoLdI0OU19TbiyzQDFk5dvD8XoipAXk/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley fog en route to Cherry Ridge Airport in Honesdale, PA.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/return-to-cherry-ridge.html" target="_blank">Return to Cherry Ridge</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFnTkDlEZPbiHqR6XTEAhX5aJygVw2hbHd6t23pXs4b5oKBCRFT0RgXnKK7ktag4pBGmYe_ymwaFYQbfU1M5YOBpbab_AFYYLdDrbPFQq2gAnn9RwBCZGHeYlrm62xoaeyk55Nc399VhuY6sOP0lnP-fZyQxbKvwRsaAdOQGkPpOLD6mHGtv86ITfSb4/s5061/230731_HSE-W95-4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="5061" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFnTkDlEZPbiHqR6XTEAhX5aJygVw2hbHd6t23pXs4b5oKBCRFT0RgXnKK7ktag4pBGmYe_ymwaFYQbfU1M5YOBpbab_AFYYLdDrbPFQq2gAnn9RwBCZGHeYlrm62xoaeyk55Nc399VhuY6sOP0lnP-fZyQxbKvwRsaAdOQGkPpOLD6mHGtv86ITfSb4/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandbars in the ocean between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands in North Carolina.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72UwP3PnnHmdQ0cDykjNrDpkKKFHGzhn4LTWweIfZ8kw3vgXPR5631ZTeJNqHW0vH4Fd4w7uk1TiHDthNLBNvOZUInPnulBJZWoDm_FObPFJz582NiCtkaxSPM16qIdwKqmplacKiaQwjB2ypsycwY2n9Ozvp4InT8Owzl4hxbXnj2qVCLNey79hGmJY/s1931/230116_EnRouteTerrain-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1931" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72UwP3PnnHmdQ0cDykjNrDpkKKFHGzhn4LTWweIfZ8kw3vgXPR5631ZTeJNqHW0vH4Fd4w7uk1TiHDthNLBNvOZUInPnulBJZWoDm_FObPFJz582NiCtkaxSPM16qIdwKqmplacKiaQwjB2ypsycwY2n9Ozvp4InT8Owzl4hxbXnj2qVCLNey79hGmJY/w640-h480/230116_EnRouteTerrain-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground fog en route to the Jimmy Stewart Airport in Indiana, Pennsylvania.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/01/nittany-hoosiers.html" target="_blank">Nittany Hoosiers</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX2s2HGAunFPZHY5EzDQg7MS8c1x5t8EJy5s36KtM0AldMwlZRml_dfY0auu7wYgunu3MM049M30Ddv37jFJO87GMiHNwmZNB9iTdDvEOSm7YfgNZl02LsfXF7bL_TLEL_AltaiKudgzlPojiW-rYVRBvWEcFg6JcFg4n0z2g4Wwb3JnSwPgmFRnVUK8/s4963/230731_FFA-HSE-21-HatteraLight.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="4963" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX2s2HGAunFPZHY5EzDQg7MS8c1x5t8EJy5s36KtM0AldMwlZRml_dfY0auu7wYgunu3MM049M30Ddv37jFJO87GMiHNwmZNB9iTdDvEOSm7YfgNZl02LsfXF7bL_TLEL_AltaiKudgzlPojiW-rYVRBvWEcFg6JcFg4n0z2g4Wwb3JnSwPgmFRnVUK8/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-21-HatteraLight.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cape Hatteras Light Station, Buxton, NC seen inbound to Billy Mitchell Airport.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-iP8HTFJ8393Xmt4VTW5eO7-0BMLQ7jKfkmZp4TKabIyuO5jqJkQ9L_bl__mJL05IsEs8Dzl2PKylKHlJwf9Km-TdqevIq9R_q7nb6hpvMu3T-YKt3vDQmEMBWrXyfsSdgK3SDZ715aCDCzbyDXVGyt8ssipgAv_SpGADGTcFa42mu7yW7YKBq83f4k/s5184/230512_Kalamazoo-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2918" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-iP8HTFJ8393Xmt4VTW5eO7-0BMLQ7jKfkmZp4TKabIyuO5jqJkQ9L_bl__mJL05IsEs8Dzl2PKylKHlJwf9Km-TdqevIq9R_q7nb6hpvMu3T-YKt3vDQmEMBWrXyfsSdgK3SDZ715aCDCzbyDXVGyt8ssipgAv_SpGADGTcFa42mu7yW7YKBq83f4k/w640-h360/230512_Kalamazoo-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalamazoo, MI at the conclusion of my weeklong seaplane odyssey in Michigan.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-4-americas-emerald.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 4, America's Emerald Isle</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wfCBiAbgOD_4lN0EPr17n0rGkUkamdN4r66Vvbh_tD0p_DjuoyivHk-8fOLH1xnzrvl_Nus310MD6fsZnV9hL95xQVwSDQSVNZgnFQaJtFngV1_9VYPQE8Jw4nTpjFFhmbCgjauEUNoBP-Xq9ZPTL5V-OjjHrtUeyGcqRilh4eHNC03bNx4cNTnMPA/s1897/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1897" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11wfCBiAbgOD_4lN0EPr17n0rGkUkamdN4r66Vvbh_tD0p_DjuoyivHk-8fOLH1xnzrvl_Nus310MD6fsZnV9hL95xQVwSDQSVNZgnFQaJtFngV1_9VYPQE8Jw4nTpjFFhmbCgjauEUNoBP-Xq9ZPTL5V-OjjHrtUeyGcqRilh4eHNC03bNx4cNTnMPA/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double rainbow south of Sodus, NY seen on the way to Dansville for ice cream.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/inclement-beauty.html" target="_blank">Inclement Beauty</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9KRtTQyoGrXLjxqKDVsQCJzBuAqHrimmY50VKl69Ws8Piyhpd0Wzua6rqLvnJqxQXK_FCmLoEiZuaFryHYLZSBwHybqK4qikSeAFGRK0j92Kpifotfcw57_BSQkgIdO_bYmncz3XRU5O61g5L0VEMJcBDB0Q8LOpGwb72Ldv5tjNXQPn1Joh_xCSJWA/s1957/231216_SenecaLakeReturn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1957" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9KRtTQyoGrXLjxqKDVsQCJzBuAqHrimmY50VKl69Ws8Piyhpd0Wzua6rqLvnJqxQXK_FCmLoEiZuaFryHYLZSBwHybqK4qikSeAFGRK0j92Kpifotfcw57_BSQkgIdO_bYmncz3XRU5O61g5L0VEMJcBDB0Q8LOpGwb72Ldv5tjNXQPn1Joh_xCSJWA/w640-h360/231216_SenecaLakeReturn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A late afternoon cruise along Seneca Lake in central NY.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/12/mind-gap-visit-to-slatington-pa.html" target="_blank">Mind the Gap: A Visit to Slatington, PA</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASRL2540E765jmBUOtQYQxVce0jSR6gDvhFSNjZoLHjxoTAVql5rxM3KWPgC3JU_TZVjf-IQflBeUzUb909aDDPuWkqC9OD6G8o4liQ9E3zmxOVzo_tLP8b17sAwU6GefJxtulvQ8BWcX08s3Rfgxp8gUAPgEkBoekU1w2caUBLW3Jk8445vl-Srgpwo/s4619/230731_W95-FFA-27-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="4619" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASRL2540E765jmBUOtQYQxVce0jSR6gDvhFSNjZoLHjxoTAVql5rxM3KWPgC3JU_TZVjf-IQflBeUzUb909aDDPuWkqC9OD6G8o4liQ9E3zmxOVzo_tLP8b17sAwU6GefJxtulvQ8BWcX08s3Rfgxp8gUAPgEkBoekU1w2caUBLW3Jk8445vl-Srgpwo/w640-h480/230731_W95-FFA-27-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Inlet separating Bodie and Pea Islands in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-YyEmXIrt8r7DEOOUgJgLaT4bwD6zDgaIbjaS4oqd47MJ1BS_M-OERnQlUSZlFa3hpSvFshm_CmMK0Z-AUUXkG2k3q4_GLx3lWk8yr2CyfkajA4YtmwMWfl6kyH_NoMRSP-WssBSNu5igJDqJEQEA2MfoJn122vVC7suvpc_CZYO5SJhQv1IVsPu22Y/s2048/230508_N3071M-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-YyEmXIrt8r7DEOOUgJgLaT4bwD6zDgaIbjaS4oqd47MJ1BS_M-OERnQlUSZlFa3hpSvFshm_CmMK0Z-AUUXkG2k3q4_GLx3lWk8yr2CyfkajA4YtmwMWfl6kyH_NoMRSP-WssBSNu5igJDqJEQEA2MfoJn122vVC7suvpc_CZYO5SJhQv1IVsPu22Y/w640-h480/230508_N3071M-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I earned my seaplane rating in this modified 1947 PA-12 Super Cruiser on straight floats!<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-2-float-flying.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 2, Float Flying</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJLRNLOUTfigrmgBvdAz8L17Y1QJs5zIoiUnclUARCFFuVTr0HC4GGEaWtQET_TPAL1aN9Q0GArMlHYIb-1ZruSRxwWZMzmAcxNkpUx-ampoKlxdmTPhyOOas7dFa_0enObvt8208eAghMdml8jm4QNk1UJ6-P81KQQVoNjEJVcs1nt4mHI0NXPKFWhg/s5184/230801_Norfolk-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJLRNLOUTfigrmgBvdAz8L17Y1QJs5zIoiUnclUARCFFuVTr0HC4GGEaWtQET_TPAL1aN9Q0GArMlHYIb-1ZruSRxwWZMzmAcxNkpUx-ampoKlxdmTPhyOOas7dFa_0enObvt8208eAghMdml8jm4QNk1UJ6-P81KQQVoNjEJVcs1nt4mHI0NXPKFWhg/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norfolk, VA on the return flight from the Outer Banks.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/flying-strand-part-4-flattops-in.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 4, Flattops in the Roadstead</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvI-8TvY0gfQchXKTeDCjD_O3sPVn0kuQNZpcszGQeOS9XyGJCKa9mLhkd3UY8xWgt75PwalgJns-XrXlun7vEZNf5x3mIMPpQcmuhpai8rLvCyb7DHCe9OF_LHR7clK0IcZcMqPaHZpbFeWlQstpi18j9_SfPse4G0AHFdSV3PQ4WTpb7e_C7VmCZPI/s4915/231010_SDC-CGS-19-Harrisburg.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4915" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXvI-8TvY0gfQchXKTeDCjD_O3sPVn0kuQNZpcszGQeOS9XyGJCKa9mLhkd3UY8xWgt75PwalgJns-XrXlun7vEZNf5x3mIMPpQcmuhpai8rLvCyb7DHCe9OF_LHR7clK0IcZcMqPaHZpbFeWlQstpi18j9_SfPse4G0AHFdSV3PQ4WTpb7e_C7VmCZPI/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-19-Harrisburg.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harrisburg, PA on an atmospheric morning en route to my first landing in the FRZ.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-1-of.html" target="_blank">Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 1, Of PINs and Prop Locks</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzZcuHbW7Ti0-odwV73PRQv_SIzLk_o7nx4O_1r8565ZWW9HZojephITXv22IJxiK0unS0rm5Wvni8WLvy4nOTpNjC64dA7b1tf8fcvCV-7XquPVMFNVESGu_P8JfSVWMyANUTkRtpE13e8SHazTSmqnBO1C5H95oW9eCnBV-CuqoEIh1QBMzGHFAONA/s2008/IMG_6115.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="2008" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzZcuHbW7Ti0-odwV73PRQv_SIzLk_o7nx4O_1r8565ZWW9HZojephITXv22IJxiK0unS0rm5Wvni8WLvy4nOTpNjC64dA7b1tf8fcvCV-7XquPVMFNVESGu_P8JfSVWMyANUTkRtpE13e8SHazTSmqnBO1C5H95oW9eCnBV-CuqoEIh1QBMzGHFAONA/w640-h360/IMG_6115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruising home over a cloud deck, playing with the iPhone wide angle lens.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/11/sundogs-fire.html" target="_blank">Sundog's Fire</a>")<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYPw0CIEgvt4U6EEsoezrL5eYE5DY58_m3wNjnsv6jn2L6acyXQ282MZjLGbUTvNpRO8TI9RLhCEP7soklCghyphenhyphenTxSnQNhyphenhyphenAL4JyDhuqqkKlqWuv3Wx-HPCbVPtg3R5FGpRtmIwSJGiui_XuGqbY5kUE3h3dbzi4navT4A9hPB_tCqcd_qE7EgRaLqGlE/s2048/230820_WingtipClouds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYPw0CIEgvt4U6EEsoezrL5eYE5DY58_m3wNjnsv6jn2L6acyXQ282MZjLGbUTvNpRO8TI9RLhCEP7soklCghyphenhyphenTxSnQNhyphenhyphenAL4JyDhuqqkKlqWuv3Wx-HPCbVPtg3R5FGpRtmIwSJGiui_XuGqbY5kUE3h3dbzi4navT4A9hPB_tCqcd_qE7EgRaLqGlE/w640-h360/230820_WingtipClouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wingtip lights reflected within a cloud during a rare nighttime flight in IMC over Ontario, Canada from Michigan.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/nocturne.html" target="_blank">Nocturne</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-Ku0hHHQLJ2XLO4gcP-P572WgLjWyjHNMv1o32gpPhRNDLHfeqc3huwyE64QT7HgQrvEwZk6evVBvalcVUxrKsP6_isnmtW6aK_558lDuQttFLPI1sSI6YusO1dMHfuYsFt2wRREk11hVQvKUWrv972CGl0ULZfAFEhbNUMZVdw2UkMmASrcUb0yE5M/s4619/230511_StraitofMackinac-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4619" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-Ku0hHHQLJ2XLO4gcP-P572WgLjWyjHNMv1o32gpPhRNDLHfeqc3huwyE64QT7HgQrvEwZk6evVBvalcVUxrKsP6_isnmtW6aK_558lDuQttFLPI1sSI6YusO1dMHfuYsFt2wRREk11hVQvKUWrv972CGl0ULZfAFEhbNUMZVdw2UkMmASrcUb0yE5M/w480-h640/230511_StraitofMackinac-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straits of Mackinac and the famous Mackinac Bridge in Michigan.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-3-trading-160.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 3, Trading 160 Horsepower for Two Horses on Mackinac Island</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBjjvAbtJ8fZC4QF7H1dklqTPjv_yTcGZ6Zu0xI0ylIdp6tjX2_A0zubfOGllN6BDch_zFqfZrs-6WAqsdrR63lEqMx2fgzsr2AdC7aNtCYD_SB5TEXhUD7pPwpINLIRyAfUlaVggBkOGP5Ta6eGdaGSTIQ-6ZeDquLqUOp_OYy7qa39VRXAf62Oirvk/s2048/230415_Westfield-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBjjvAbtJ8fZC4QF7H1dklqTPjv_yTcGZ6Zu0xI0ylIdp6tjX2_A0zubfOGllN6BDch_zFqfZrs-6WAqsdrR63lEqMx2fgzsr2AdC7aNtCYD_SB5TEXhUD7pPwpINLIRyAfUlaVggBkOGP5Ta6eGdaGSTIQ-6ZeDquLqUOp_OYy7qa39VRXAf62Oirvk/w640-h360/230415_Westfield-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked at the Westfield Barnes Regional Airport (KBAF) to partake of excellent sushi from Tobiko.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/04/spring-loaded-for-assistance.html" target="_blank">Spring Loaded for Assistance</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YYvlGfUcJTeCi-t6sI4AW1GLKAxglSqBDDRHHDyOueMIrE1jGrqB498roFWhX7ZD1RCJyu5JD0WO7B4fSPR5mnJ2tWP1K4RMvOpdxJO64w5gE03WVXcgGRQ0HrFx2BBuoZnEyfjVk3hmKBKD2ceL4q8JvHEHfr00psUxP2_7MVk-caTRq9hcCNA240c/s5083/230731_DepartFirstFlight.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="5083" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YYvlGfUcJTeCi-t6sI4AW1GLKAxglSqBDDRHHDyOueMIrE1jGrqB498roFWhX7ZD1RCJyu5JD0WO7B4fSPR5mnJ2tWP1K4RMvOpdxJO64w5gE03WVXcgGRQ0HrFx2BBuoZnEyfjVk3hmKBKD2ceL4q8JvHEHfr00psUxP2_7MVk-caTRq9hcCNA240c/w640-h360/230731_DepartFirstFlight.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Departing from First Flight Airport, Kill Devil Hills, NC to explore the more remote areas of the Outer Banks.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmkvD-kSLLNGkhCm3dglJ8APf4bpbLXeXXy3CUgPUvu2TMDoEkP_B4eNar4rVGC-LABp1QVuJOUoQa4gWr05Cu3fqu6uKkXuxbzNujoNPDlpVTDMVYktgQRu_iKFCe5CryxGXKAiJ08GXUtI3D2Fnjrr3SSyzQNNyCxlTrVzWkrMa-6jlWe8_mCOv29o/s5184/230512_EnRouteCharlevoix-9.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmkvD-kSLLNGkhCm3dglJ8APf4bpbLXeXXy3CUgPUvu2TMDoEkP_B4eNar4rVGC-LABp1QVuJOUoQa4gWr05Cu3fqu6uKkXuxbzNujoNPDlpVTDMVYktgQRu_iKFCe5CryxGXKAiJ08GXUtI3D2Fnjrr3SSyzQNNyCxlTrVzWkrMa-6jlWe8_mCOv29o/w640-h360/230512_EnRouteCharlevoix-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mission Point and Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, MI seen on the way to Beaver Island.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-4-americas-emerald.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 4, America's Emerald Isle</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JN9Yv9IX5U5G6n8lWYFuSUIf_ySq7T2e5O42vMmoIAdcMf7BhtrFi603l14tuOXr_QGBiTmvohndwC6mTwDtrD-WLBMD5e_5RGEvEtaUeutF94mJd_UACpwchtTRLJz1Ehuxywjwed3dbZjKHbow2FqNM0jLEkyOiGFghSznuYYUz-a56SP6_hnBQmE/s1968/230509_MuskegonAirportSunset.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1968" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JN9Yv9IX5U5G6n8lWYFuSUIf_ySq7T2e5O42vMmoIAdcMf7BhtrFi603l14tuOXr_QGBiTmvohndwC6mTwDtrD-WLBMD5e_5RGEvEtaUeutF94mJd_UACpwchtTRLJz1Ehuxywjwed3dbZjKHbow2FqNM0jLEkyOiGFghSznuYYUz-a56SP6_hnBQmE/w640-h360/230509_MuskegonAirportSunset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding short of runway 24 in Muskegon, MI at sunset after dinner with Chris J.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-2-float-flying.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 2, Float Flying</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcuKtLg8QdhS_00iVltKRXsYYalGBouB4Hc-MRaXyC2RIJlAdAW7JAvfXnHZC1Q33mtShbtYRKHffm4F5aHlolewNpuQ3nSgqPSO0Twws9_TbOVSfUNg-dRlENdzM5d1HJy5u-mzUofX_KOFJ1aO9Xe3c3Xh9xri9H_JeOF7-4-WWzhpQIDcosNtVxt8/s5184/230731_FirstFlightAerial-8.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcuKtLg8QdhS_00iVltKRXsYYalGBouB4Hc-MRaXyC2RIJlAdAW7JAvfXnHZC1Q33mtShbtYRKHffm4F5aHlolewNpuQ3nSgqPSO0Twws9_TbOVSfUNg-dRlENdzM5d1HJy5u-mzUofX_KOFJ1aO9Xe3c3Xh9xri9H_JeOF7-4-WWzhpQIDcosNtVxt8/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial photo of the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Eu54ITDpU5gr-rDNwrum5KTUqPfI24NftDjgm1P9I43zCs63rQvcVVsaD6MqVl0wYoRWxDgpcJG-pF6WujPwByooA-3xtYxNrgzzrdiFYVN2xihiprLqWXix1k1Yyu1tx17rkhvUVVazeMxCoQORa7nJoioHF1PmSOLVEvZHnutZImoKXfClpLgORQ/s4618/230511_StraitofMackinac-7.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_Eu54ITDpU5gr-rDNwrum5KTUqPfI24NftDjgm1P9I43zCs63rQvcVVsaD6MqVl0wYoRWxDgpcJG-pF6WujPwByooA-3xtYxNrgzzrdiFYVN2xihiprLqWXix1k1Yyu1tx17rkhvUVVazeMxCoQORa7nJoioHF1PmSOLVEvZHnutZImoKXfClpLgORQ/w480-h640/230511_StraitofMackinac-7.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michigan's awesome Mackinac Bridge.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-3-trading-160.html" target="_blank">Hydrodynamic | Part 3, Trading 160 Horsepower for Two Horses on Mackinac Island</a>")<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh1xOL5xkXviTQ3qH_VZyP8L-1-P5cSHlLG-3v9fq9BfAQIldN3qb7mgiijLKQk1cnJ8jL3OgoOKNAi9bx5DtsEHplgszSK8kMM7xZ-0nUy7C0wWdPVH4o3XQz8XuDAGkcHnE9I4YLtIkqNNi0zsx_Epfu3crZA56mLbIb_BrSWNxTjljKlZ0DE4IcX4/s5184/230731_W95-FFA-32-JenettesPier.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVh1xOL5xkXviTQ3qH_VZyP8L-1-P5cSHlLG-3v9fq9BfAQIldN3qb7mgiijLKQk1cnJ8jL3OgoOKNAi9bx5DtsEHplgszSK8kMM7xZ-0nUy7C0wWdPVH4o3XQz8XuDAGkcHnE9I4YLtIkqNNi0zsx_Epfu3crZA56mLbIb_BrSWNxTjljKlZ0DE4IcX4/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-32-JenettesPier.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeanette's Pier, Nags Head, NC.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3YDHViOgkZ8lCI0-BdXBJEnY2Pe6huJGYJ8nOvCJKpUFCBLSB_AZXaiQbuvFKHW6hHWEyvSHkPsFLlqaYB8KFHMn2zbuBiqXYE-ZcZsbJd24s7sRJlNQ8_5BkfgNx1WEgv3ZhnYKQHP5Av4cE6cW0S7adpvWpIiX5_ru1aT0RevCLYh16enx-o639UM/s1848/IMG_6150.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1848" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3YDHViOgkZ8lCI0-BdXBJEnY2Pe6huJGYJ8nOvCJKpUFCBLSB_AZXaiQbuvFKHW6hHWEyvSHkPsFLlqaYB8KFHMn2zbuBiqXYE-ZcZsbJd24s7sRJlNQ8_5BkfgNx1WEgv3ZhnYKQHP5Av4cE6cW0S7adpvWpIiX5_ru1aT0RevCLYh16enx-o639UM/w640-h360/IMG_6150.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset inbound to the Williamson Sodus Airport.<br />("<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/11/sundogs-fire.html" target="_blank">Sundog's Fire</a>")</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Highlights of 2023</span></i></b></p><p>It's been an amazing year in the sky, so much so that I even visited two of my favorite airports (Burke Lakefront, Cleveland, OH and Basin Harbor, Vergennes, VT) and did not write a thing about them! For 2023, identifying the standout experiences is simple.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD1Um-j1K7O-JkxTVVxij6SIdMXOfKnTiBxCdZo-sUcVqRw0a-sThAcaCl0qrd26tPZ5u3FgNJEaLAoomTPQ0HeimSEhqREn6WuUdI5qPuXRnPH7JPXVseC1PqmQJoRxzDNJGCS8r8SMhXl0QZ11tUSK6C2bT46z-R3Mapc6hqVDDA9liOueX5KhNz4I/s2018/230510_N3071M-6-LakeMissaukee-Certified.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2018" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsD1Um-j1K7O-JkxTVVxij6SIdMXOfKnTiBxCdZo-sUcVqRw0a-sThAcaCl0qrd26tPZ5u3FgNJEaLAoomTPQ0HeimSEhqREn6WuUdI5qPuXRnPH7JPXVseC1PqmQJoRxzDNJGCS8r8SMhXl0QZ11tUSK6C2bT46z-R3Mapc6hqVDDA9liOueX5KhNz4I/w640-h360/230510_N3071M-6-LakeMissaukee-Certified.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beached on Lake Missaukee moments after officially earning my seaplane rating. Photo by Tom B.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-2-float-flying.html" target="_blank">earned my seaplane rating</a> in a modified 1947 PA-12S Super Cruiser on straight floats in Traverse City, MI. Float flying is uniquely fun, the vintage airplane was a joy to fly, and instructor Tom B was first class. This was a great experience.</li><li>While earning the seaplane rating, I spent a week exploring northern Michigan where I visited cool places like <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-4-americas-emerald.html" target="_blank">Beaver Island</a> (KSJX), revisited the charming <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-3-trading-160.html" target="_blank">Mackinac Island</a> (KMCD), and <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-1-grade-inflation-for.html" target="_blank">reconnected with family</a> as well as old friends Chris J (KMKG), Tiff Z (KESC), Ross R (KMKG), and Kent & YY (KAZO).</li><li>The Williamson Flying Club travelled in a pack of four airplanes to <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-1-tangier-islands.html" target="_blank">Tangier Island</a> (KTGI), <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-2-achieved-by.html" target="_blank">First Flight Airport</a> (KFFA), and <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-3-pirates-and-devils.html" target="_blank">explored the Outer Banks</a> (KHSE, W95). Thanks to Tom C for the company!</li><li>I earned a <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-1-of.html" target="_blank">Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) PIN</a> and navigated the procedures to land at College Park Airport (KCGS), one of the notorious post-9/11 "MD-3" airports and the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-3.html" target="_blank">oldest continuously operated airport in the world</a> set seven miles from the US Capitol and with <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-2-air.html" target="_blank">Metro access</a> for unfettered access to Washington DC. I see a family vacation there sometime in 2024.</li><li>I flew to the Canadian capital in Ottawa, landed at <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/north-to-ottawa-part-1-with-little-help.html" target="_blank">Rockliffe Airport</a> (CYRO), and visited the very impressive <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/north-to-ottawa-part-2-aviation-in.html" target="_blank">Canada Aviation and Space Museum</a>.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Numbers for 2023</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEjg0fZMijJwlXEa0Q9G29ACOXeIdura9CtdhSscwmRFvSBVNGJ8m3FoTzGD_l86ab93n8dFZjwfkPXmdH2WNtm2WZFmmWRI-y_P_44-m4UGrb1juHokwfbcyHr0cCjARrqn_d4gP2g6gqrIi8GDH7s2Mb1JEbD4Gj5t0sVzOaiWuJsVDeEshWjaQmeU/s1204/2023_Hours.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="1204" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEjg0fZMijJwlXEa0Q9G29ACOXeIdura9CtdhSscwmRFvSBVNGJ8m3FoTzGD_l86ab93n8dFZjwfkPXmdH2WNtm2WZFmmWRI-y_P_44-m4UGrb1juHokwfbcyHr0cCjARrqn_d4gP2g6gqrIi8GDH7s2Mb1JEbD4Gj5t0sVzOaiWuJsVDeEshWjaQmeU/w640-h366/2023_Hours.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">192.7 / 2768.4:</span></b> The number of hours accumulated in 2023 for a lifetime total of 2768.4.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">39.9:</span></b> A record number of hours flown in a single month (May 2023). This was largely due to my week in Michigan for seaplane training in which I logged 31.4 hours in a single week combined across time in my Warrior and Tom's Super Cruiser.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">8.8 / 79.1:</span></b> Number of hours flown in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) in 2023 for a lifetime total of 79.1.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">12.7 / 135.6:</span></b> Hours flown at night for a lifetime total of 135.6.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WKB8D1sHp6t1xthWJQATxyfAuSvF20qv1J_QDjLt8_5MfvX4sUnUijuh8GPVt7R4DLc4MgKXiKWT9VOahO31nKkctWemYJLn0pUoC9qNUzc-X4-jwjnqgh_uIqaZizGLskxnS6yoKLTaVdMfjDPZEx7YDEb6zI4U18U58VbPE913CUqwshNp5DfBwZc/s1107/2023_Map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1107" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WKB8D1sHp6t1xthWJQATxyfAuSvF20qv1J_QDjLt8_5MfvX4sUnUijuh8GPVt7R4DLc4MgKXiKWT9VOahO31nKkctWemYJLn0pUoC9qNUzc-X4-jwjnqgh_uIqaZizGLskxnS6yoKLTaVdMfjDPZEx7YDEb6zI4U18U58VbPE913CUqwshNp5DfBwZc/w640-h494/2023_Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Straight line distances between airports rather than actual flight telemetry shown. From MyFlightBook / Google Earth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">14: </span></b>States and provinces visited including Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), Pennsylvania, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">36: </span></b>I had the pleasure of flying with several different people in 2023. Thanks to Ed C, Jeff L (first GA flight), Jamie O, Kristy, The Bear, Tom B (seaplane CFI), Kevin S (seaplane DPE), Tiffany Z (first GA flight), Luke H (first GA flight), Ryan H (first GA flight), Gilead B (safety pilot), Ziad S, Tom C (safety pilot), Terry B, Bob C, Shane H (first GA flight), Mattie H (first GA flight), Joe F, Mark G, Kim L, Scott L (safety pilot), Bill E, Sadie E, Darrell K (safety pilot), Bobbie Jean (first GA flight), and eleven others from the local community who paid for rides with me at the annual Williamson Flying Club Apple Blossom Pancake Breakfast.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">22 / 58 / 272: </span></b>I visited 22 airports that were new to me, landed at a total of 58 unique airports, and brought my airport total up to 272 in 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">See You Next Year!</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Whoever you are, wherever you are, and however you celebrate, wishing you the happiest of holidays, blue skies, tailwinds, and a successful new year in 2024!</div><p></p><br />Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-57757000616125384622023-12-16T13:42:00.572-05:002023-12-22T15:58:33.725-05:00Mind the Gap: A Visit to Slatington, PA<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Where's <strike>Waldo</strike> Slatington?</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div>"Cherokee Four Eight One, Allentown Approach, altimeter 30.48, remain at or above 3,500 feet."<div><br /></div><div>My eyes moved between the sectional chart and the living map draped across the outside world as I descended toward Slatington, PA. <i>Was the airport before or after that ridge?</i> It is a common mental exercise required when descending toward an unfamiliar airport in Pennsylvania.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leveling at 3,500, I finally spotted the airport through the Lehigh Gap, the runway tucked intimately along the west bank of the Lehigh River and behind the ridgeline. Allentown Approach thoughtfully held me high to clear the massive east-west ridge just north of my destination. I called the airport in sight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Approach signed off with, "Cherokee Four Eight One, altitude your discretion, squawk VFR, frequency change approved."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Wrong Number</span></i></b></div><div><br /><div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">16 Dec 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - 69N (Slatington, PA) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3.3</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2764.7</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzajgAZa5qVWthqzmde00vOfJhKT_3Ed0W4ouyi3y8qBzsQn2D_1A8ukgEqACTVxQkLhEkxPzGtlyG3JByn0UYv_XK0leKqzgZ-yG8wRlkOtxRSoGPzGirctvBsLQO9zDGWp1DnmM9m9MUz-m-6OP5T8go8ERFElytVtWIxWVUwTFWfPWmHQozP6sqC4/s1928/231216_CloudDisturbance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1928" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzajgAZa5qVWthqzmde00vOfJhKT_3Ed0W4ouyi3y8qBzsQn2D_1A8ukgEqACTVxQkLhEkxPzGtlyG3JByn0UYv_XK0leKqzgZ-yG8wRlkOtxRSoGPzGirctvBsLQO9zDGWp1DnmM9m9MUz-m-6OP5T8go8ERFElytVtWIxWVUwTFWfPWmHQozP6sqC4/w640-h360/231216_CloudDisturbance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A curious disturbance in an otherwise uniform cloud deck.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>"Aircraft on final at Frankfort Highland Airport, you are broadcasting on Syracuse Approach frequency 127.42. Please stop."</div><div><br /></div><div>As I cruised serenely above an overcast dominating central New York, an increasingly exasperated approach controller at Syracuse tried in vain to reach a pilot broadcasting his pattern work at Frankfort Highland Airport on her frequency. Her multiple pleas for the pilot to desist were ignored entirely and I wondered if the offending pilot had his radio volume turned down in addition to being tuned to the wrong frequency. A multilayered example of cluelessness, the episode was not a shining moment for general aviation.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was en route to Slatington Airport (69N), located 10 nautical miles northwest of Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, PA. Recommended by my friend <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/12/a-king-sized-day-trip-to-queen-city.html" target="_blank">Scott</a>, the small family-run airport promised a grass roots vibe and nearby trails for hiking. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/01/nittany-hoosiers.html" target="_blank">I aborted a previous attempt to land at Slatington</a> in January due to to a combination of high wind and terrain that would have made a landing on the 2,455 foot long runway really unpleasant.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Over the Gap</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrHbGaN2ZHCkyOBAFE9TPFS5AvagiDBNEpiYHljMpGrXcyQE94q5XZGmMMqXiJ60flO77qmyFj4NCGS0GaPtrRD2lmBYgJxP7wS2FilGVT9oMdgIhyphenhyphentbqeRm-zWBjXMLZ2YF3aRzAxQKVOAly0ABETixVo1AixBbqYqqUq8NocCSR2Xdgwud0g0Fx5eo/s4857/231216_OverLehighGap.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="4857" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrHbGaN2ZHCkyOBAFE9TPFS5AvagiDBNEpiYHljMpGrXcyQE94q5XZGmMMqXiJ60flO77qmyFj4NCGS0GaPtrRD2lmBYgJxP7wS2FilGVT9oMdgIhyphenhyphentbqeRm-zWBjXMLZ2YF3aRzAxQKVOAly0ABETixVo1AixBbqYqqUq8NocCSR2Xdgwud0g0Fx5eo/w640-h360/231216_OverLehighGap.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A high ridgeline runs north of Slatington, broken immediately north of town to pass the Lehigh River through the so-called Lehigh Gap.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLAFD4iX_GH7Z8MCYwTxLjeMVYbMWr_QfAcV29oL0XLufmrRr4SwNGKJWekvl__3uS6xLnN6_bb-Glb4jJ4-8B-jcCSXspwk5t5EhlppvLUF_1pbYVTDBA5QP03gX1EOFTadDQrdLZ40TI5T6OkMCUrhjQpX2lrx94AI1537ssG6VhawkS7QvJBNIY-A/s5184/231216_SlatingtonAirportAerial-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdLAFD4iX_GH7Z8MCYwTxLjeMVYbMWr_QfAcV29oL0XLufmrRr4SwNGKJWekvl__3uS6xLnN6_bb-Glb4jJ4-8B-jcCSXspwk5t5EhlppvLUF_1pbYVTDBA5QP03gX1EOFTadDQrdLZ40TI5T6OkMCUrhjQpX2lrx94AI1537ssG6VhawkS7QvJBNIY-A/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirportAerial-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Slatington Airport sits in a trough of low terrain along the west bank of the river. Even the adjacent town is at a higher elevation than the airport. Once I called the field in sight, Allentown cut me loose. I crossed the ridge and maneuvered west of the field to lose altitude and enter the pattern for runway 1.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv4ZZ-y0pn5Y7PnmIYbTu5BUkWugFkODA3E5vJQhe2RLKXODJU8dzZolQ9VkkLiso2W28B5R87NRjCdwZSuZ_Wbd7WOOTkICVcdC3nQOuw3vwbmKOevHcqxAb4iJuWAkMoBLcWCSI6DJRAzDDS4G1i1BuopP4pMjSeFF3w7bpie3jkXQ_lKG6ZLjjFtA/s5184/231216_LehighTunnerlSouthPortal-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiv4ZZ-y0pn5Y7PnmIYbTu5BUkWugFkODA3E5vJQhe2RLKXODJU8dzZolQ9VkkLiso2W28B5R87NRjCdwZSuZ_Wbd7WOOTkICVcdC3nQOuw3vwbmKOevHcqxAb4iJuWAkMoBLcWCSI6DJRAzDDS4G1i1BuopP4pMjSeFF3w7bpie3jkXQ_lKG6ZLjjFtA/w640-h360/231216_LehighTunnerlSouthPortal-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I lost altitude, I saw the southern portal for the Lehigh Tunnel that passes traffic on I-476 under the mountain. Having driven this highway a few times, I always find it hard not to imagine the incredible weight pressing down on the tunnel's ceiling.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtbXSWzgw-A86E0hCWj9BHIqabWlq3c7gZC7rKD8JkzkjW_6B71TFh8qIV45La-VcYO8eJrrl_cZiYFWcZZ_r3iy0Q5eDl7AWPJltww5PS4EEb3_sYCoq-mOKacakNVYSsSJp0Z_mg6A1V4aOs7xfUySlMTIgGopSqTo0I6h0toPTlJz3KJm-gdZ9bYM/s4970/231216_Slatington-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="4970" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTtbXSWzgw-A86E0hCWj9BHIqabWlq3c7gZC7rKD8JkzkjW_6B71TFh8qIV45La-VcYO8eJrrl_cZiYFWcZZ_r3iy0Q5eDl7AWPJltww5PS4EEb3_sYCoq-mOKacakNVYSsSJp0Z_mg6A1V4aOs7xfUySlMTIgGopSqTo0I6h0toPTlJz3KJm-gdZ9bYM/w640-h360/231216_Slatington-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left base, runway 1, Slatington, with the Lehigh Gap visible to the north.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>While descending to pattern altitude, the town's elevation rose to meet me partway. I double checked to ensure that I was really flying the proper traffic pattern altitude. I was, but those houses looked closer than I would have preferred.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxiOFp551251czhFuz0VciZhEQ9NtpR6kdsucUOXTv4hXcGh0DAvv2f5QzgDvVJEkd65RAMHS4vaz3ne781JPzbhpH8DBehJFoG9VykZ23j3v7PnLB4_TTVFRwWFURbWJNDGr5YJ7SXimCpi8KJ9atDXNa3qBBiaQ3HVUkH_YtKSRUvvxZ0fIp7sbYHs/s2045/231216_SlatingtonN21481-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2045" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxiOFp551251czhFuz0VciZhEQ9NtpR6kdsucUOXTv4hXcGh0DAvv2f5QzgDvVJEkd65RAMHS4vaz3ne781JPzbhpH8DBehJFoG9VykZ23j3v7PnLB4_TTVFRwWFURbWJNDGr5YJ7SXimCpi8KJ9atDXNa3qBBiaQ3HVUkH_YtKSRUvvxZ0fIp7sbYHs/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonN21481-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I smoothly rolled the wheels on to the runway in a satisfying, full-stall landing. Without a proper ramp available, I sought an appropriate place to park. The turf appeared to be flat and suitable for parking, but it was an uncharacteristically warm day for December and I worried about the grass being too soft. I parked on a small ramp near the fuel pump with the intention of rolling the Warrior back onto the grass if inspection revealed it to be firm enough.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGJd5hJAh11peHa-aLbdkVQApMlIsN9HHox2z7Wnb0FXtzPegXCCZK0uzeZ_ckjc5dFiraM8eQx1TgrkoTnrzImJNLRUe4LvTql3Z2eryXEdhH4qA7gGQRzuuXSInOjdVHYj5V4SWFxMP-P8MXpout9Lxe5YFVtSMaS8sBtxDeHHFCaFwSoux9chrjFg/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGJd5hJAh11peHa-aLbdkVQApMlIsN9HHox2z7Wnb0FXtzPegXCCZK0uzeZ_ckjc5dFiraM8eQx1TgrkoTnrzImJNLRUe4LvTql3Z2eryXEdhH4qA7gGQRzuuXSInOjdVHYj5V4SWFxMP-P8MXpout9Lxe5YFVtSMaS8sBtxDeHHFCaFwSoux9chrjFg/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Disembarking, I was met by one of the airport locals. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Hi, I'm Chris," I said and extended my hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we shook hands, he said, "I'm Roger Sell." My eyes flicked over his shoulder to the building behind him that was emblazoned with the very same name. Roger was the owner and operator of the airport. He concurred with my choice of parking spot and helped me push the Warrior back onto the grass to clear the area around the fuel pump.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roger recommended investigating the Slatington Farmers Market if I was hungry, then wished me well and departed the airport.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-odxUZ0Iw7gja0h4tnmSlEuG15ZytYHMhuNo8NnFP2O3aNhqI_BXADWq8Dk2Z2XsyY4Lf7FeQuNZCzufzxzjuam7VLYvYUY8jm8Rt2Xe_m3Sk5eXmwwJ0L-irRiW8aqr0EDUeWZCYQaroInvNk2N6SgLzB4lDA9XuNjGa2SiGUk-CXv5MuSbKHFSPAE/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-odxUZ0Iw7gja0h4tnmSlEuG15ZytYHMhuNo8NnFP2O3aNhqI_BXADWq8Dk2Z2XsyY4Lf7FeQuNZCzufzxzjuam7VLYvYUY8jm8Rt2Xe_m3Sk5eXmwwJ0L-irRiW8aqr0EDUeWZCYQaroInvNk2N6SgLzB4lDA9XuNjGa2SiGUk-CXv5MuSbKHFSPAE/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A kit plane whose pilot I met in mid-2023 at the McVille ("MacVille") Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">A Fly-In Farmers Market</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jnnPoYX2f8tSgAbdUF07_fSLCccSOcBapWphEuZLWPnuglFCf5hKsUO8014m7nO8Yuqew9Jwu12aXjw7OXQqn6q1GJ5s5TlTNMVAFQok7o6R7gHEVs6mXpEMiuUUVrRi57JKc4aMSb9evAeR19iQ-wavExSuIxsn9mKrTKPYltt6QFl2tTJDEtYa22I/s2045/231216_D&LTrail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2045" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-jnnPoYX2f8tSgAbdUF07_fSLCccSOcBapWphEuZLWPnuglFCf5hKsUO8014m7nO8Yuqew9Jwu12aXjw7OXQqn6q1GJ5s5TlTNMVAFQok7o6R7gHEVs6mXpEMiuUUVrRi57JKc4aMSb9evAeR19iQ-wavExSuIxsn9mKrTKPYltt6QFl2tTJDEtYa22I/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D&L Trail with Slatington Airport hangars to the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The D&L Trail, a rails-to-trails conversion that Scott is fond of riding runs along the western border of the airport. The Slatington Farmers Market is a short walk north along the trail from the airport entrance.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzMddG798glx2JWm_OyNy9bMtdPwGSsmSiZKkZh3zLFXf9zCDW9Hq3kz4DhLFb2TDcmzafDjh7ON0Spc3qkQ1rcr1w-krrhpwMldPgRCp_t3N1NQgiHgb4CDWQedIw4bI72Ov0MRoi0oCpWf88SeTD71igbC5hyphenhyphenwwB6bu0Vvb5ioVNkgzUSI4irjzkp4/s1714/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1714" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzMddG798glx2JWm_OyNy9bMtdPwGSsmSiZKkZh3zLFXf9zCDW9Hq3kz4DhLFb2TDcmzafDjh7ON0Spc3qkQ1rcr1w-krrhpwMldPgRCp_t3N1NQgiHgb4CDWQedIw4bI72Ov0MRoi0oCpWf88SeTD71igbC5hyphenhyphenwwB6bu0Vvb5ioVNkgzUSI4irjzkp4/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This former manufacturing facility for Keystone Lamp was repurposed as a farmers market in June of 2022. As I approached, I scented the smoky aromas of various foods being prepared and my stomach audibly rumbled. Based on the savory fragrance, I knew that I was in the right place.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhSp3i1lSCiLPUNh1memiJL4fzbqwxLgYfo3xg4G48wsHDuqHrlJpevN2Jio0OE3R3h6xX-QUPKLiCuX63E6aFKQFz0a7s3OgvW8zQF5re0Dh1p0y4t7Iyw-ibQTS8PIx2AFPtgnqWNG0vX4CtWRKnQgA-FdI1P4UJlRsyVc9ItxQcMhRm4W9BRnwgo/s2048/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBhSp3i1lSCiLPUNh1memiJL4fzbqwxLgYfo3xg4G48wsHDuqHrlJpevN2Jio0OE3R3h6xX-QUPKLiCuX63E6aFKQFz0a7s3OgvW8zQF5re0Dh1p0y4t7Iyw-ibQTS8PIx2AFPtgnqWNG0vX4CtWRKnQgA-FdI1P4UJlRsyVc9ItxQcMhRm4W9BRnwgo/w640-h306/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqvssIOCX3N3xqyUx-QhZCgMWYVHIpw_298OXlDs19hiMwy57PJaIVFFqXTW4n3BhQHJOZ0r1tPI6I1Pz5i9uLTEQoU-A5n1UimT7ZeCJ_Qu5um7eKMQqm8p5l23d8i4BDT2MyKb7XIOb1oyYkXFUZbidXUy_0dNmX_PQbhjBlpNSOx7o2Gyb3-6HFzE/s2048/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqvssIOCX3N3xqyUx-QhZCgMWYVHIpw_298OXlDs19hiMwy57PJaIVFFqXTW4n3BhQHJOZ0r1tPI6I1Pz5i9uLTEQoU-A5n1UimT7ZeCJ_Qu5um7eKMQqm8p5l23d8i4BDT2MyKb7XIOb1oyYkXFUZbidXUy_0dNmX_PQbhjBlpNSOx7o2Gyb3-6HFzE/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Within Slatington's Farmers Market, stalls were available for people to sell various wares in addition to several quick casual eateries established in more permanent facilities. Options included True Blue Mediterranean Express, Takkii Ramen, the Pizza and Burger Hub, Uncle Jay's BBQ, and more. I enjoyed a tasty lamb gyro from True Blue. Although I somehow managed to avoid capturing people in the above photo, the Farmers Market appeared to be thriving.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYx9oqTpx2xha9-Z4aduEsBEu8ZuTrPu-XQYx6QNitOLkz6yF-8LREFSg9lePUlx3TrKQYIqVlbIVXD2ruT27n0DS7mi7mPG7Ge7yk78x2xEvYw_3I9QL9vtqEqpqgWKONcRsNbaDF4GtZ3oMmzVbkFrAWAx6PdMPuM88HZO7QEFtO73LPYMuzA_t3EE/s1745/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1745" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYx9oqTpx2xha9-Z4aduEsBEu8ZuTrPu-XQYx6QNitOLkz6yF-8LREFSg9lePUlx3TrKQYIqVlbIVXD2ruT27n0DS7mi7mPG7Ge7yk78x2xEvYw_3I9QL9vtqEqpqgWKONcRsNbaDF4GtZ3oMmzVbkFrAWAx6PdMPuM88HZO7QEFtO73LPYMuzA_t3EE/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonFarmersMarket-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The D&L Trail</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MFjWKoFR64qHqKaLVIyOEV53_oc4fc6Nl0ZjBIUWyunzPgxdN_TD6tSGmi5_nyiAjIXbfInZ2wifDt_43d9titVJXbO46xSyeMhduqkbfqzI5X5RIqm0S-exMdEnZrDMYw_9O1GJOHJab1xNELghdgkej0fBGJwx169-gHanX-c8QXg6_FyQ-1YifmA/s2048/231216_D&LTrail-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6MFjWKoFR64qHqKaLVIyOEV53_oc4fc6Nl0ZjBIUWyunzPgxdN_TD6tSGmi5_nyiAjIXbfInZ2wifDt_43d9titVJXbO46xSyeMhduqkbfqzI5X5RIqm0S-exMdEnZrDMYw_9O1GJOHJab1xNELghdgkej0fBGJwx169-gHanX-c8QXg6_FyQ-1YifmA/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Created from a former railbed of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the D&L Trail runs from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, PA with the Slatington portion set adjacent to the Lehigh River.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pJ2rMCKUmMIONROygMRJMpSAKy3030X-8tHf05XqaUPbg6M_BcdrLcjdjK6hgKquEXTXhNUhIFa91gld7rWLAyrYnQLzsGtxGHAxIg9UYIT-MlHn6lotknS12tP0Gf2okwU3I_uecozPOP_-9kY5UxoJg6IsbTIkk3yjU5FepbTzX5KIfaKxCiG65fg/s2048/231216_D&LTrail-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pJ2rMCKUmMIONROygMRJMpSAKy3030X-8tHf05XqaUPbg6M_BcdrLcjdjK6hgKquEXTXhNUhIFa91gld7rWLAyrYnQLzsGtxGHAxIg9UYIT-MlHn6lotknS12tP0Gf2okwU3I_uecozPOP_-9kY5UxoJg6IsbTIkk3yjU5FepbTzX5KIfaKxCiG65fg/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHbaejwC1c6fr6iraHiF3CCmjDSBq69YZ_IuEyeVjoam7N04zLgdnamEOZgLSWyGhoal4tE_VyAOol9EC_FM5gwFbxECGuCl7019A392XQASccXBKJblZUgZB2s4eyH3gfcvwgzmrB6IRghFsFt4ER6EpChWpEVC0YUAh6kxXvH9DLs0E-iBLoPgOr2M/s2048/231216_D&LTrail-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHbaejwC1c6fr6iraHiF3CCmjDSBq69YZ_IuEyeVjoam7N04zLgdnamEOZgLSWyGhoal4tE_VyAOol9EC_FM5gwFbxECGuCl7019A392XQASccXBKJblZUgZB2s4eyH3gfcvwgzmrB6IRghFsFt4ER6EpChWpEVC0YUAh6kxXvH9DLs0E-iBLoPgOr2M/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I followed the tail northbound toward the Lehigh Gap.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkBlVB6aFLFN-RtEeT8JRhblKkDJk3GldRPWSzsaohEt0iS4EzvXo8nQxnlUip4nwvkjtRQsFKK7NMdX_u49sQ_xOKxxShFRA7SZa9kccHMNP3ler3FdJ3M4nT15QtxVVpC3Wb0yxLEXuKLfMD1dh0T2GUO8ewthvt02An1__fnx-dbMGL3IHn9wI1G8/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkBlVB6aFLFN-RtEeT8JRhblKkDJk3GldRPWSzsaohEt0iS4EzvXo8nQxnlUip4nwvkjtRQsFKK7NMdX_u49sQ_xOKxxShFRA7SZa9kccHMNP3ler3FdJ3M4nT15QtxVVpC3Wb0yxLEXuKLfMD1dh0T2GUO8ewthvt02An1__fnx-dbMGL3IHn9wI1G8/w640-h360/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBrYOZs8n21mCHy-ODwu1sAbI6zEAkGINr7Z_TiGul5l0XOLsBPW6TW76WwAaxTCG91319aR44dcZzGCN8MhGy7pRQhSJD1DgYJSRxaZdZvuXraSYJOeblWGPk8ToHGfQsTRSHn8Ms1dOk9M8e6UBO_7R_m6zgs7fWbwoGCmWGkI7gjRfopNlvkP1ftk/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBrYOZs8n21mCHy-ODwu1sAbI6zEAkGINr7Z_TiGul5l0XOLsBPW6TW76WwAaxTCG91319aR44dcZzGCN8MhGy7pRQhSJD1DgYJSRxaZdZvuXraSYJOeblWGPk8ToHGfQsTRSHn8Ms1dOk9M8e6UBO_7R_m6zgs7fWbwoGCmWGkI7gjRfopNlvkP1ftk/w640-h360/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I spent some time on the Woodpecker Trail that ascends from the river valley up the high terrain defining the Gap. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dchsLpHLvSkczsf5ua_okDEWRlKgUoqDC1frQKKoOjcxFfC4KMzx_RGvKZHTaJJ0pnOx9Ygsz0coCAXlJC0SWgitzRob34g09gBnOXQNYdFmcM1hb3otw6poaZiT-xZeL5b1xcXxXgG-MHi87rWuC_8Y0WUJL_yFrBZoD86lXI3-vAPp1TV2AyJ9awc/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dchsLpHLvSkczsf5ua_okDEWRlKgUoqDC1frQKKoOjcxFfC4KMzx_RGvKZHTaJJ0pnOx9Ygsz0coCAXlJC0SWgitzRob34g09gBnOXQNYdFmcM1hb3otw6poaZiT-xZeL5b1xcXxXgG-MHi87rWuC_8Y0WUJL_yFrBZoD86lXI3-vAPp1TV2AyJ9awc/w640-h480/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJNrpbC_MhW7yFAWqYa4CigFEEyCRIiae3yivy8JwIMbuRHB8iObAX8JymsBHj38v2cjuGv0_BIcu4XvRS7J8m9KsBW7LUaRbYcchhKVneuvY1SvKUQbd-Z0-qLUsv6l_CDViRsYqJOUEsPC9Ydhrg_yn7xma9xLs4k_7k3ebpxBWU0ni2itbbV40YRs/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJNrpbC_MhW7yFAWqYa4CigFEEyCRIiae3yivy8JwIMbuRHB8iObAX8JymsBHj38v2cjuGv0_BIcu4XvRS7J8m9KsBW7LUaRbYcchhKVneuvY1SvKUQbd-Z0-qLUsv6l_CDViRsYqJOUEsPC9Ydhrg_yn7xma9xLs4k_7k3ebpxBWU0ni2itbbV40YRs/w640-h480/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In some places, the terrain is so littered with debris that the rocks themselves are blazed so that hikers can follow the course of the trail. (Note the rust-colored blaze on one of the stones.) I was grateful that I wore the right shoes for this kind of rugged terrain.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPOBlYLm5c9a46wTGTSYtA6Kg9BiV9frMX0ztntsGRcU5qfYpDZXuOSZLvK3nBiSv1krNYfq7j7QQR3lah8BIj2L0l_lgTdqeJKrbePNIQigQmYPrQC-IXtAmCj5yLB1wZd_MJRmQhH-tTGc4DZBU1Ag_3EfD_XNzc7G94GhlMhZNA2PkksfVXA8gLiE/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPOBlYLm5c9a46wTGTSYtA6Kg9BiV9frMX0ztntsGRcU5qfYpDZXuOSZLvK3nBiSv1krNYfq7j7QQR3lah8BIj2L0l_lgTdqeJKrbePNIQigQmYPrQC-IXtAmCj5yLB1wZd_MJRmQhH-tTGc4DZBU1Ag_3EfD_XNzc7G94GhlMhZNA2PkksfVXA8gLiE/w640-h480/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I reached a sign warning of high bear activity in the woods, I decided that it was time to turn around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge19gj-iT4Jrv0irrErwgZS06D5B_XK5HbhMMuyAkjmwAVyYTER61n2-nSIgYXuTYRhJKbq8FLwnCQvHyWXIyIo6vKev-8XZ7M9AYIRvNW0iIgzHUmSnVd4hqIe7yQpIp0GDYC1YOqVtk6nFo3QKD0ltpC7vCArbrDUxEuDzpO0o7G1S6wVGm-ZEYGmZU/s2048/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge19gj-iT4Jrv0irrErwgZS06D5B_XK5HbhMMuyAkjmwAVyYTER61n2-nSIgYXuTYRhJKbq8FLwnCQvHyWXIyIo6vKev-8XZ7M9AYIRvNW0iIgzHUmSnVd4hqIe7yQpIp0GDYC1YOqVtk6nFo3QKD0ltpC7vCArbrDUxEuDzpO0o7G1S6wVGm-ZEYGmZU/w640-h360/231216_WoodpeckerTrail-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfILgHPkhZwXUeZ9sEgk-_6HN_uwubpi90tmy0Ez4zw0SNLvyBlLCR0lRFHfwnUbU-bb1uo8BlxB52tA1jSeV9lI5ZvieBqyEmqm80dTXd7r_16UIxZz5zShoEuGDa_C2C_P6hYTvbhfXspmGIizjYZYkLH5e9iarPzvmLi0EKhI1ICHKAiDEy8hTNj0/s1956/231216_D&LTrail-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1956" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfILgHPkhZwXUeZ9sEgk-_6HN_uwubpi90tmy0Ez4zw0SNLvyBlLCR0lRFHfwnUbU-bb1uo8BlxB52tA1jSeV9lI5ZvieBqyEmqm80dTXd7r_16UIxZz5zShoEuGDa_C2C_P6hYTvbhfXspmGIizjYZYkLH5e9iarPzvmLi0EKhI1ICHKAiDEy8hTNj0/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpvftFvXYO05TBmHftwlAqYZAOBHgyv6gn9DOWnx_8uLxsGSqpr2fzJ7nK3TzIqcvye8Km0iqIVmyrAB6dLHoUgWBzCvYKqFN0fjAQ81W-nOKqziKVzybIADf5FyiaW3N-0PtSBB3DS5_vlsT_P68epvdmklU6dbgKw_ehabX8m-KFb5pE43Q7v8rUy0/s2048/231216_D&LTrail-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpvftFvXYO05TBmHftwlAqYZAOBHgyv6gn9DOWnx_8uLxsGSqpr2fzJ7nK3TzIqcvye8Km0iqIVmyrAB6dLHoUgWBzCvYKqFN0fjAQ81W-nOKqziKVzybIADf5FyiaW3N-0PtSBB3DS5_vlsT_P68epvdmklU6dbgKw_ehabX8m-KFb5pE43Q7v8rUy0/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite an undulating terrain, the D&L Trail betrays its railbed roots by remaining artificially flat. As if that were not enough indication, former vestiges of railroad infrastructure appear periodically along the trail's edge.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDbbdlpWvsXRFMsqWvZi4e_k5JCqxZ6-lKJvmbJwfAOb-o9VGyEQArVt4T66ljMDNkdcT-8sZ7vnPN_mskrSXRYkxjxPvvWCdYKB11MUUE419EGBQwiOTM7EhEub9MyGBtzZNC4eQQtrmd8ywRPzQBHHlPHKuFGVj6Ue-pllE7VtmGOCfdNE7S88ckBk/s2045/231216_D&LTrail-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2045" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDbbdlpWvsXRFMsqWvZi4e_k5JCqxZ6-lKJvmbJwfAOb-o9VGyEQArVt4T66ljMDNkdcT-8sZ7vnPN_mskrSXRYkxjxPvvWCdYKB11MUUE419EGBQwiOTM7EhEub9MyGBtzZNC4eQQtrmd8ywRPzQBHHlPHKuFGVj6Ue-pllE7VtmGOCfdNE7S88ckBk/w640-h360/231216_D&LTrail-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a one hour walk of a few miles, I returned to the Slatington Airport.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ1mBvjpKcldDYlcOkWlPkPJ8L5bJ6g47OHsjJ9agaWpnE5iCGmGummt28B8gAsXPaifXkEwT9dQfrUiDP2vUSnqZzMY0QRZPYhzfM4-7Eaf0YMeOffvOno4jFvi2hb6qkYtQhyphenhyphenOpUeefaZJV2Qn8fS7nD_mEfGskGvgH5gDwnXATeIZU0efr0xlDhRU/s1989/231216_SlatingtonN21481-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1989" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZ1mBvjpKcldDYlcOkWlPkPJ8L5bJ6g47OHsjJ9agaWpnE5iCGmGummt28B8gAsXPaifXkEwT9dQfrUiDP2vUSnqZzMY0QRZPYhzfM4-7Eaf0YMeOffvOno4jFvi2hb6qkYtQhyphenhyphenOpUeefaZJV2Qn8fS7nD_mEfGskGvgH5gDwnXATeIZU0efr0xlDhRU/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonN21481-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 at Slatington.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Testament</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KoRhB63qokqUgqXTQ5G0HYSR0rpWWmXhZjDc0HnNVhoTR2d3Os8mA9dNbBp40OTLulCYQzdbC2wsd5xmCOhQy7P6E9KVOszaKkInt0oQWyg0_lxkVAS2jSZGUKxF6dkHUTuqAwJQpIr0vGnqu58GP49bkZBoaFpOiZQR5OrRORkveSkbyo2tNEYcFZc/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4KoRhB63qokqUgqXTQ5G0HYSR0rpWWmXhZjDc0HnNVhoTR2d3Os8mA9dNbBp40OTLulCYQzdbC2wsd5xmCOhQy7P6E9KVOszaKkInt0oQWyg0_lxkVAS2jSZGUKxF6dkHUTuqAwJQpIr0vGnqu58GP49bkZBoaFpOiZQR5OrRORkveSkbyo2tNEYcFZc/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Scott once mentioned that the western edge of the airport property was lined by wrecked aircraft. I spotted them while landing that morning. Few pilots can resist this kind of sight and I went to investigate.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKsy3VunURvUj98YqyJctdnVnJfqB4Uo4RBA-FwWE8Ym4xid3JjeWimivf3pFbD6WbheD0lQmIqmthLwzo2oYQ5mY1MazH92TqHf9yCRdfOOF_C-Dml7sN0QeEToQygOBDfoWK1Q4Ag8RpvPEZ5pExNxVEtnPtJmOnwnx0AxnRrN8QFJ-6LQ6-rymZo/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKsy3VunURvUj98YqyJctdnVnJfqB4Uo4RBA-FwWE8Ym4xid3JjeWimivf3pFbD6WbheD0lQmIqmthLwzo2oYQ5mY1MazH92TqHf9yCRdfOOF_C-Dml7sN0QeEToQygOBDfoWK1Q4Ag8RpvPEZ5pExNxVEtnPtJmOnwnx0AxnRrN8QFJ-6LQ6-rymZo/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Partially hidden by a tree line, the corpses dozens of aircraft are slowly being reclaimed by nature.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwADByP-lbyludhJ1YBQAIRBOT3mYoq3yM9dNQpjP0KK-BPIbemoqKSB_tLqq6BFXjm_7R5otLD1R0qNH0B0M944orwtP3KDDRq8TY9jOMf2-vpsGQSN-6ZocR7nnBvafnFmdGxQUnqY6UH7nvkXxrF3IIFJgPcJOjPGye51u90Z3r2LGW8bv_FL-fLw/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwADByP-lbyludhJ1YBQAIRBOT3mYoq3yM9dNQpjP0KK-BPIbemoqKSB_tLqq6BFXjm_7R5otLD1R0qNH0B0M944orwtP3KDDRq8TY9jOMf2-vpsGQSN-6ZocR7nnBvafnFmdGxQUnqY6UH7nvkXxrF3IIFJgPcJOjPGye51u90Z3r2LGW8bv_FL-fLw/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I walked the tree line perplexed. <i>Why are all these wrecks here?</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kTY9SKcCY79iGXcDIAmo7e9tAN_bAGRpLH1Vqy_oSFQu3io6VYMHKpQzP3cazR-2DE_aaTZyjJLLIdlvOyMM819xLMIMmCO5S9J9CwOC5EW2XnpwHA6wazAdehdC3xsybutchOtqCfQt0w8IaIDAfDmVH0J4v_k6yL6mjo-XzLXWWcuJT6C75TwcXrg/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kTY9SKcCY79iGXcDIAmo7e9tAN_bAGRpLH1Vqy_oSFQu3io6VYMHKpQzP3cazR-2DE_aaTZyjJLLIdlvOyMM819xLMIMmCO5S9J9CwOC5EW2XnpwHA6wazAdehdC3xsybutchOtqCfQt0w8IaIDAfDmVH0J4v_k6yL6mjo-XzLXWWcuJT6C75TwcXrg/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-xDak8LLbVjO0Q1_BTYkQcE19JknHSnmfY-oqYi9HXD5T1ENcZfVG5x6Qx5yq2S4bvCYLXGbJo2Bs7KpZMOckrbA_bOuypc4aD_ao24mD6szu5EADtalmr8PpD2maL6SNGAthnRvVdRORgFs7CPpXB7c4GFkxEe9mASeAsXv2wiJBnUinGslHHYR26s/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-xDak8LLbVjO0Q1_BTYkQcE19JknHSnmfY-oqYi9HXD5T1ENcZfVG5x6Qx5yq2S4bvCYLXGbJo2Bs7KpZMOckrbA_bOuypc4aD_ao24mD6szu5EADtalmr8PpD2maL6SNGAthnRvVdRORgFs7CPpXB7c4GFkxEe9mASeAsXv2wiJBnUinGslHHYR26s/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Peeking into the cabin of this decaying V-tail Bonanza, I could not help but contemplate what these dead airplanes represented. At one time, each and every one of these rotting hulks was a gleaming physical manifestation of someone's dream. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzCHmV3TwTU2b1OWQStDHr1uPILKlTsMkp5caASMXM89HPrtjqiNPwZEGVp2ucYciLmRaDEd_c_CyMz7wQFxUfKpdVkDIyfyi5VnTLNw7TrDb9BXqsCFHZm2q7gjhUnRsIMOwWTU27Gfn5CxYaYo3_P4HMGHBEWPRNE-3VRdQNghyphenhyphenVbUMcN2_CtDWL2g/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzCHmV3TwTU2b1OWQStDHr1uPILKlTsMkp5caASMXM89HPrtjqiNPwZEGVp2ucYciLmRaDEd_c_CyMz7wQFxUfKpdVkDIyfyi5VnTLNw7TrDb9BXqsCFHZm2q7gjhUnRsIMOwWTU27Gfn5CxYaYo3_P4HMGHBEWPRNE-3VRdQNghyphenhyphenVbUMcN2_CtDWL2g/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Each mute wreck undoubtedly had many stories to tell. Stories of adventure and wonder, but ultimately, of an end.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH3TD-SFT1zvjdR5tersdXTjXMBYf2SwTVhC0ThlLtUhuwcEK7Yo6pf8vAfCReLgWJrw3waxQAjd-p28DKx8PDuPPmgOPEhmPkA8uHNPtGmM9YBORvRzstNNfB-ZeApdl-soAU2VIjgTI9kozmiN2kdy9_BTb2QZNHYgMOeHz7omuXbSuB0-VX-JxefM/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFH3TD-SFT1zvjdR5tersdXTjXMBYf2SwTVhC0ThlLtUhuwcEK7Yo6pf8vAfCReLgWJrw3waxQAjd-p28DKx8PDuPPmgOPEhmPkA8uHNPtGmM9YBORvRzstNNfB-ZeApdl-soAU2VIjgTI9kozmiN2kdy9_BTb2QZNHYgMOeHz7omuXbSuB0-VX-JxefM/w640-h480/231216_SlatingtonAirport-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I found myself contemplating the outcomes of each final flight and what ultimately happened to those who flew these airplanes. Some of the fuselages were remarkably intact and merely showed the ravages of nature. Others were horribly twisted and this lead to more sobering thoughts. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise as I encountered some of the worst examples.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJz1xrXgPpTTmGeBZRu5hruGeIKoCyiy5sw2KauF7EbA8WdWMqkJVxVitBE3kejZrKNFmlrbp2oA4rleqRVeTcCg6qzZyCn7tCM4ugKRMT3jm_qF_JEtfucufkJOvL4VuhwAlCy8vU1JIrSAmt3BG9zU-8yX00yS0_m07xxEXH81-mztHr_TvgZZjQpU/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJz1xrXgPpTTmGeBZRu5hruGeIKoCyiy5sw2KauF7EbA8WdWMqkJVxVitBE3kejZrKNFmlrbp2oA4rleqRVeTcCg6qzZyCn7tCM4ugKRMT3jm_qF_JEtfucufkJOvL4VuhwAlCy8vU1JIrSAmt3BG9zU-8yX00yS0_m07xxEXH81-mztHr_TvgZZjQpU/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qikFPVwr-XJZkMJme8Y8RpXKKkIbfsdddSjReSO6fxTXzc5Leh35Hta8Y6RTrLTdzkTuszamnNGul-_jSN2qBXY6CMEtxmYZ19JWJKsFRiRknSr5mDYwNrBOCFxki2RjNgZMwG5kMTrfaPpiT2QvDRumFLpank5wfWRZTtI6LPJ14dlva2idgE5LOPU/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qikFPVwr-XJZkMJme8Y8RpXKKkIbfsdddSjReSO6fxTXzc5Leh35Hta8Y6RTrLTdzkTuszamnNGul-_jSN2qBXY6CMEtxmYZ19JWJKsFRiRknSr5mDYwNrBOCFxki2RjNgZMwG5kMTrfaPpiT2QvDRumFLpank5wfWRZTtI6LPJ14dlva2idgE5LOPU/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of their purpose there, these dead airplanes had obviously been interred at Slatington Airport for many years.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8lCnpQEk3S8zXy6A3q-s-Qdpgd3UblyTYiHBIrWZRRJGZm-RrqyUSY5sa8taF9-NOK29LrLYFc4o2UmOwqtAMZBXcSlMjQjGEaTePuBPfI6swyzOE_bihzSCbaP-BZMO0jWVg4hTEbuGKh4lhMFLO4V1ARmu8DtdPgH0BR9OuSsq0f7-1fD1xSVUXEs/s2048/231216_SlatingtonAirport-17.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8lCnpQEk3S8zXy6A3q-s-Qdpgd3UblyTYiHBIrWZRRJGZm-RrqyUSY5sa8taF9-NOK29LrLYFc4o2UmOwqtAMZBXcSlMjQjGEaTePuBPfI6swyzOE_bihzSCbaP-BZMO0jWVg4hTEbuGKh4lhMFLO4V1ARmu8DtdPgH0BR9OuSsq0f7-1fD1xSVUXEs/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirport-17.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Seven Uniform?</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxCpfldDgZgfYdFHeyK8ZfJ-p5GBxddXls1hUr5bBiJL8Enwm4necIDB3nDJnGz-KrGZjEt4z69sN0jyH3YTEd2sTwo2d288m2Kjja-m1saE32RobofTxI9gZ0Lr7Tg7iDClREqq7RP8T4H4DowQSTTcUYwT3gh0DvJDKM3F55GEwtNq0cFNo2nozL2M/s4128/231216_Slatington1947Champ.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxCpfldDgZgfYdFHeyK8ZfJ-p5GBxddXls1hUr5bBiJL8Enwm4necIDB3nDJnGz-KrGZjEt4z69sN0jyH3YTEd2sTwo2d288m2Kjja-m1saE32RobofTxI9gZ0Lr7Tg7iDClREqq7RP8T4H4DowQSTTcUYwT3gh0DvJDKM3F55GEwtNq0cFNo2nozL2M/w640-h360/231216_Slatington1947Champ.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I returned to my plane, pensive after walking the line of ruined airplanes while contemplating their stories. A local pilot landed and taxied in at the controls of a 1947 Champ. As he climbed out, I offered to help push it back into the hangar. The older pilot smiled broadly in thanks, but indicated that there was a winch to pull the plane back into the hangar and that he needed practice with it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I asked him about the wrecked airplanes, which drew another big smile. "Those have been here a long time." He explained that Roger Sell's father once operated an aircraft parts business on the airport. He reflected on his days as an instructor when first time students would see the hulks along the tree line. They would often grapple silently with whether to comment on them aloud. Those who worked up the courage to do so would invariably ask, "Did all of those airplanes crash...<i>here</i>?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Not a one," he would tell them truthfully.</div><div><br /></div><div>He also shared with me that the local EAA chapter had bicycles on site that could be borrowed by visiting pilots for rides on the D&L Trail. Stored in the brown shed pictured above, bicycles can be obtained by pilots cognizant of the CTAF.</div><div><br /></div><div>We talked for a while and I absorbed some new stories before we shook hands and parted.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Serious Terrain</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltXm_8bK4cCZDz1v63RuLsibqmXB5KEpX8EM2ChJddu9JH9E9BYqPUjPdSl0WSURLzqpQVCw9TlwTnkvwqTnkGbrvZLb8EKtz6oR5puE5JvcNWlRIVRbxerdDtB1USCgEMDSxYopY9I_S6IURj6WrgUxVcxktUK9GWb69lHsuTLL3cadb0mmt70VYLlA/s5184/231216_SlatingtonTaxiForDeparture.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltXm_8bK4cCZDz1v63RuLsibqmXB5KEpX8EM2ChJddu9JH9E9BYqPUjPdSl0WSURLzqpQVCw9TlwTnkvwqTnkGbrvZLb8EKtz6oR5puE5JvcNWlRIVRbxerdDtB1USCgEMDSxYopY9I_S6IURj6WrgUxVcxktUK9GWb69lHsuTLL3cadb0mmt70VYLlA/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonTaxiForDeparture.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxiing past the the parted-out airplanes at Slatington.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I lined up on runway 1 with the Lehigh Gap directly ahead and accelerated down the runway. The ridgeline begins about 1 mile beyond the departure end of the runway, a distance that is closed quickly. As I climbed, I was surprised by the high elevation of the terrain along each side of my departure path. The Slatington Airport is truly in a deep trough. With the Garmin GNS-430W flashing "Terrain Advisory" at me, I continued to climb straight ahead toward the ridgeline to gain sufficient altitude for a turn. Fortunately, the wind was calm; a strong northerly wind flowing over the ridge could conceivably create a dangerous downdraft for departing aircraft. This observation reinforced the wisdom of avoiding Slatington on that previous windy day in early 2023.<div><br /></div><div>Although I planned a left turn-out, a right turn put me over lower terrain sooner and I chose to fly in that direction. Eventually, I put more air between myself and the terrain, but it did not happen as rapidly as I would have preferred. I should have flown a higher performance take-off than I did and will be primed to do so next time.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX33qy2QU4jvy5lS02Q9ueFU1B-ntLD4r5YL3dAwTBtYqOynHPtWX4pEGzOtnqcF-TYGdKJaLv4IwBjgqGaFxVXqUMHkwv79XKhD6lu2tzq8Z0SXbVlZunOmdXG7Z4p4SyevoAywyACYb2EOlaR6A1ySdAjfPwL4XKZu4KuC1AVa9E19Jl1KlE5wnp_Q/s4873/231216_LehighGap-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2741" data-original-width="4873" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX33qy2QU4jvy5lS02Q9ueFU1B-ntLD4r5YL3dAwTBtYqOynHPtWX4pEGzOtnqcF-TYGdKJaLv4IwBjgqGaFxVXqUMHkwv79XKhD6lu2tzq8Z0SXbVlZunOmdXG7Z4p4SyevoAywyACYb2EOlaR6A1ySdAjfPwL4XKZu4KuC1AVa9E19Jl1KlE5wnp_Q/w640-h360/231216_LehighGap-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lehigh Gap.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I circled east of the field and beneath the outer shelf of Allentown's Class Charlie airspace to gain sufficient altitude to cross the ridgeline.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNIspi0T6YQ8RUVElWDb4sxlxKyjuYpUIBHrSUfazF-M42NBPcIrB1Em8Yfx_gfrQ64PxpkTmKz00U9ISI3CKIRrSaZ6bmuP5lz10yb3gj8W1OGKmG0kQEkO5D94Ro7vsPJxi5-S3-q4Ntj-hvSdUeDX-fFpW_KHRFGV0U8pRHneoOzN6AR7XQVJeRlA/s3375/231216_SlatingtonAirportAerial-4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1899" data-original-width="3375" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNIspi0T6YQ8RUVElWDb4sxlxKyjuYpUIBHrSUfazF-M42NBPcIrB1Em8Yfx_gfrQ64PxpkTmKz00U9ISI3CKIRrSaZ6bmuP5lz10yb3gj8W1OGKmG0kQEkO5D94Ro7vsPJxi5-S3-q4Ntj-hvSdUeDX-fFpW_KHRFGV0U8pRHneoOzN6AR7XQVJeRlA/w640-h360/231216_SlatingtonAirportAerial-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An aerial view of Slatington Airport showing the terrain rise to the west of the airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I absolutely love airports like Slatington; unique, family-owned, a little tricky to manage, and filled with friendly grass-roots pilots. I will definitely be back.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGf3wORI0nnPTPTpG4Q4tGSWQL0dlOgYCezHeYDbOhTR0ksjWWlCGqoQRWLSLOMmT-vaNDE1y040eyb7dnaVPDmMjY2DUE5o03yUW851cayLTMoNyqv5XMa7j_r-X43Uy5DQrqK53XmjlymQOhMSVNrz-koG9E5d321j-izXa2FGvJ816HXt9bgTBS2A/s4767/231216_LehighGap-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2682" data-original-width="4767" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGf3wORI0nnPTPTpG4Q4tGSWQL0dlOgYCezHeYDbOhTR0ksjWWlCGqoQRWLSLOMmT-vaNDE1y040eyb7dnaVPDmMjY2DUE5o03yUW851cayLTMoNyqv5XMa7j_r-X43Uy5DQrqK53XmjlymQOhMSVNrz-koG9E5d321j-izXa2FGvJ816HXt9bgTBS2A/w640-h360/231216_LehighGap-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying over the Lehigh Gap.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUIuKAkLUqQvjuXhdQb-AjCF6niWUKfgi31TkmUI-8EDeoj385MByigKS8IwiGYNl19O6Mv5KDls5PDb2d2ewJtcbljTqbdTKyO5Cz-lTiPEWQ9bF-BBs-FgCGW9Z_vgFDALhBaoPntUQboSnqubAPuSEJSHpMTvkh9LDBDOi4Tj2e495hvGJH6L58Gk/s1957/231216_SenecaLakeReturn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1957" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUIuKAkLUqQvjuXhdQb-AjCF6niWUKfgi31TkmUI-8EDeoj385MByigKS8IwiGYNl19O6Mv5KDls5PDb2d2ewJtcbljTqbdTKyO5Cz-lTiPEWQ9bF-BBs-FgCGW9Z_vgFDALhBaoPntUQboSnqubAPuSEJSHpMTvkh9LDBDOi4Tj2e495hvGJH6L58Gk/w640-h360/231216_SenecaLakeReturn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northbound along Seneca Lake en route to the Williamson Sodus Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-64674668225175807362023-11-25T20:50:00.190-05:002023-12-02T11:11:37.607-05:00Sundog's Fire<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">25 Nov 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - AQW (North Adams, MA) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3.8</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2760.3</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In a year of "big missions", ad hoc flights for food have been relatively rare, so I was excited to participate in a quickly planned flight to the Harriman and West Airport in North Adams, MA for lunch at the always-excellent Trail House Kitchen. I was joined by Scott, birthday girl Kim, and George in Eight Five X-Ray.</div><div><br /></div><div>For both Scott and I, it was an opportunity to get back into the cockpit and fly for the simple sake of flying. Neither of us expected anything particularly grand or memorable. There are days when I am awestruck by the incredible scenes I can traverse with my airplane. Though it was unanticipated and though conditions did not start off that way, this was one of those days.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-0FP0-VfQlckSlaEPmgWV9VFANDaLyDLczQDL3x9bturDrQVPqVXbiM2-sBDwkTKMIIalO40Rnr7DxLVKnuL5GaRD_oVE-L6y1HusOJ206TaxBYSmBfsH-41Hzk5lxFLWXyl6W3qEJT7bMgJtlP2RvzDT9co4gjQbpl-hx8a8wqb-pICQN_ZgRtxWYY/s1984/IMG_6053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1984" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-0FP0-VfQlckSlaEPmgWV9VFANDaLyDLczQDL3x9bturDrQVPqVXbiM2-sBDwkTKMIIalO40Rnr7DxLVKnuL5GaRD_oVE-L6y1HusOJ206TaxBYSmBfsH-41Hzk5lxFLWXyl6W3qEJT7bMgJtlP2RvzDT9co4gjQbpl-hx8a8wqb-pICQN_ZgRtxWYY/w640-h360/IMG_6053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sodus Bay observed while climbing to altitude off of the Williamson Sodus Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NmueEhPNLMXoWwswcRRHH-tNUpPrWj4Bc8UIFu0SEEOYlcCeIaJkDud2vj_knOnn-zWFVhkk_8b1KMJt7VEK7xHdYgBlI715wGRncCRUQsQrxqUjIZiW3-LrtJNb0jmSA41mZxMoQcqrBTORbw3s8iYfiS4cxnYx0M4-64uevR72qLpP5X9duLmHh1g/s1965/IMG_6054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1965" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NmueEhPNLMXoWwswcRRHH-tNUpPrWj4Bc8UIFu0SEEOYlcCeIaJkDud2vj_knOnn-zWFVhkk_8b1KMJt7VEK7xHdYgBlI715wGRncCRUQsQrxqUjIZiW3-LrtJNb0jmSA41mZxMoQcqrBTORbw3s8iYfiS4cxnYx0M4-64uevR72qLpP5X9duLmHh1g/w640-h360/IMG_6054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There was a low overcast covering New York state from Syracuse to Albany. We climbed to 7,500 feet and proceeded over the layer VFR secure in the knowledge that current conditions at our destination consistently showed clear skies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from a groundspeed boost from a tailwind, the outbound flight was nondescript. For once, I was more amused than annoyed by an exchange on Guard, the emergency frequency.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Does anyone know the score of the Michigan / Ohio State game?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Knock it off, this freq is reserved for meowing," came a snarky reply. Well played, Guard Troll. Well played.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IKgdl8AnkOCvV1St7y91i2Jv4NM1mXzDum8ayBdX0-Az2yM13Vbd0obnSs2bwnKDVPf5VFAnqkdNnXuDpuPdel39dZBqtyWZTqr2pj6mUBNthxRt80Dq3g2eNEA6VuhF-lrPwDT9AndWaukGuQTqtiHWgrNb9pLnxkxMO4Bfx3WaKBVseMJgSkTsivs/s1954/IMG_6058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1099" data-original-width="1954" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IKgdl8AnkOCvV1St7y91i2Jv4NM1mXzDum8ayBdX0-Az2yM13Vbd0obnSs2bwnKDVPf5VFAnqkdNnXuDpuPdel39dZBqtyWZTqr2pj6mUBNthxRt80Dq3g2eNEA6VuhF-lrPwDT9AndWaukGuQTqtiHWgrNb9pLnxkxMO4Bfx3WaKBVseMJgSkTsivs/w640-h360/IMG_6058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although the undercast extended to the horizon for much of the flight, we eventually reached the edge west of Albany just in time to descend toward the Berkshire Mountains. Harriman and West sits in a picturesque valley among the Berkshire Mountains in northwest Massachusetts.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wb3355b8qoYk1GuAUryBgVbv44ZLiHTxidzSOIgNGRt9K0_l4Xej9IrJYsYV5nMwhV54kilLSU5qVTIQL9JhgrfvFv2WU38QtkgR9jzXt6AofL0oZj0iOZUO2OBE6eFlPy6XAETKoAl6K_Z5FYtz1DEZwrh3g0-OAMdSfaX_5vQUvLafGPwg-sTlTlE/s2048/IMG_6059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wb3355b8qoYk1GuAUryBgVbv44ZLiHTxidzSOIgNGRt9K0_l4Xej9IrJYsYV5nMwhV54kilLSU5qVTIQL9JhgrfvFv2WU38QtkgR9jzXt6AofL0oZj0iOZUO2OBE6eFlPy6XAETKoAl6K_Z5FYtz1DEZwrh3g0-OAMdSfaX_5vQUvLafGPwg-sTlTlE/w640-h360/IMG_6059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 parked outside the new terminal building at Harriman and West.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since my last visit to Harriman and West, the new terminal building was opened and made available for use, if not quite finished. We had excellent actual $100 hamburgers for a late lunch at Trail House Kitchen, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/05/barely-massachusetts.html" target="_blank">which I have described before</a>. Thanks to George for buying!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSH8tn5XW6GQo3F-v5QJhuHbi1pEUVH9wBOCm0xUoTYmcoP8ngKMuQLN0GqNL1gws4rJjI5G17vBIDRGdKSpsJsaurBDy59Cvq7XuheWXROLqeIiL2usMSL-6rn5x4nLOL1FC3OMQPo666HnKtrPjFLpGvF7mNBQ_vHzFMT2VMGgskW3KvsICnRZxH1U/s2027/IMG_6061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2027" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSH8tn5XW6GQo3F-v5QJhuHbi1pEUVH9wBOCm0xUoTYmcoP8ngKMuQLN0GqNL1gws4rJjI5G17vBIDRGdKSpsJsaurBDy59Cvq7XuheWXROLqeIiL2usMSL-6rn5x4nLOL1FC3OMQPo666HnKtrPjFLpGvF7mNBQ_vHzFMT2VMGgskW3KvsICnRZxH1U/w640-h360/IMG_6061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eight Five X-Ray.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Back at the airport, Scott and I waited for departure while another Cherokee flew a left traffic pattern for runway 29 that requires a right pattern. Doesn't anyone read their charts anymore? I was reminded of all the college students driving the wrong way down one way streets during my time in Bloomington, IN.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmXccB8Uh99A6XNgFs_4on4cbOIaLDEMr-K6qd1X7_JkO-PJQNgQRbNXoMEJhDycsKhT29b89sntMS_mpzpa_EDVwIVJ-RPeg-Lj4lMg0ZgEkIQBMLI5mbK6hrUAvVXT-5_xVCdXM2HbhZKBsiFbv-xpyH7AQewOPQjWNFEAx7GXioT35hBdPJproWrY/s1939/IMG_6066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1091" data-original-width="1939" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmXccB8Uh99A6XNgFs_4on4cbOIaLDEMr-K6qd1X7_JkO-PJQNgQRbNXoMEJhDycsKhT29b89sntMS_mpzpa_EDVwIVJ-RPeg-Lj4lMg0ZgEkIQBMLI5mbK6hrUAvVXT-5_xVCdXM2HbhZKBsiFbv-xpyH7AQewOPQjWNFEAx7GXioT35hBdPJproWrY/w640-h360/IMG_6066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We flew home at 6,500 feet with a headwind. The cloud layer was still present, though it had contracted around the edges. Though I was well above the layer, I nonetheless cast a well-defined glory on the mist below.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4bWQMDrjp9c6qoi0ga0yHWNkXsF0_jGkbnSRJoHB8mZoUnJMoByNJhaNDjrPThI95QGaDcNqO0jtuNfr51FoQSpTjXjekUHzr6VOpOjZ9oap1PRtOO1uERQ-SaU6K7Bd0OYNgZCRFqidvgXzIjNb2NvuRoLSVkVek7Zl9whcX2k9bwGpV83DbXRdNUA/s2040/IMG_6068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2040" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4bWQMDrjp9c6qoi0ga0yHWNkXsF0_jGkbnSRJoHB8mZoUnJMoByNJhaNDjrPThI95QGaDcNqO0jtuNfr51FoQSpTjXjekUHzr6VOpOjZ9oap1PRtOO1uERQ-SaU6K7Bd0OYNgZCRFqidvgXzIjNb2NvuRoLSVkVek7Zl9whcX2k9bwGpV83DbXRdNUA/w640-h360/IMG_6068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To my left, the late afternoon sun was flanked by sundogs produced by ice crystals suspended in the air. The apparition was shot through by a contrail that, rather than spoiling the vista, energized it. This might be one of my favorite photos ever.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOGR8WGIdE98hQzYsYdQQQEmvSk1GPJ9o7Exvx-sXOyqTUPnXKpxEH2-fZIzwJEXUQYUVEDUw-DNqxeNYKdZTPHOFHziFNpya0OzfPoOQM369fXqu3ZeCuIWJeXb-DvvhVBYFkmet072UvtWin2dOkf7-yBjzzqhZkXNm0ms3U_SRT_-eiWON55Q6ThY/s2000/IMG_6070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOGR8WGIdE98hQzYsYdQQQEmvSk1GPJ9o7Exvx-sXOyqTUPnXKpxEH2-fZIzwJEXUQYUVEDUw-DNqxeNYKdZTPHOFHziFNpya0OzfPoOQM369fXqu3ZeCuIWJeXb-DvvhVBYFkmet072UvtWin2dOkf7-yBjzzqhZkXNm0ms3U_SRT_-eiWON55Q6ThY/w640-h360/IMG_6070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWJuDMYfBA7O1a4rJl0sDvxiPps0i1pvr7yVamUCTIqh8_2eIZHZr70OXkxjlrFeKPOlP-jqjczNPhTqCNEnzgC_-mmBlGejqsXtkeH-OtS_vpjfxgm4O0rdaCdx6rZlW15noZxRWhyIPW96x3He1GbiGSkpe6Zqwt69olW2c-Ma2Nv_TATDo5UfrJCI/s1910/IMG_6071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1910" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWJuDMYfBA7O1a4rJl0sDvxiPps0i1pvr7yVamUCTIqh8_2eIZHZr70OXkxjlrFeKPOlP-jqjczNPhTqCNEnzgC_-mmBlGejqsXtkeH-OtS_vpjfxgm4O0rdaCdx6rZlW15noZxRWhyIPW96x3He1GbiGSkpe6Zqwt69olW2c-Ma2Nv_TATDo5UfrJCI/w640-h360/IMG_6071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is where I discovered that the wide-angle lens on my iPhone can do weird things with fuel tank rivets.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Xdol0PhbiFVEYqTNzSS1mopS3XKdsHsVj8Ke-QCk7i35HMFHXwpajxY1tYhPatgJ1O3oU-hs0kDOToS6SWkTpNI7S_uPpg95qRiUDotD5vp1f0Rwlk_TwMwaiMiWj9S6-vGHodAcMBQxezVWen55QDQ2nes-XUEA5EqL-nim4PSXM3kEmBaJN6hRfA/s2008/IMG_6115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="2008" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5Xdol0PhbiFVEYqTNzSS1mopS3XKdsHsVj8Ke-QCk7i35HMFHXwpajxY1tYhPatgJ1O3oU-hs0kDOToS6SWkTpNI7S_uPpg95qRiUDotD5vp1f0Rwlk_TwMwaiMiWj9S6-vGHodAcMBQxezVWen55QDQ2nes-XUEA5EqL-nim4PSXM3kEmBaJN6hRfA/w640-h360/IMG_6115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Seeming to extend to the end of the world, the vast cloud layer drank in the golden warmth of the late afternoon sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72av35EDhaD1mYv8kqXBRoHJ9_Nsoj3VuLqlxkDK3wCucmZgzzrHx3lHD7pV-07_60P08YIi-M2oQdcRIuDnAV3zQ9_pC6jN9GYZZZJqO8jJXssgclbkR9E6ISMD7-vdQH8h7106JT-IkUBicTuc8qnbHsgOrx27205Nb7_8il1kPSRTmcO5_baXxdYI/s1989/IMG_6138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1989" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72av35EDhaD1mYv8kqXBRoHJ9_Nsoj3VuLqlxkDK3wCucmZgzzrHx3lHD7pV-07_60P08YIi-M2oQdcRIuDnAV3zQ9_pC6jN9GYZZZJqO8jJXssgclbkR9E6ISMD7-vdQH8h7106JT-IkUBicTuc8qnbHsgOrx27205Nb7_8il1kPSRTmcO5_baXxdYI/w640-h360/IMG_6138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDCpZ-MF1i2Yt7blKj4rJykh1_kO2kafwFQijfVCv3AX-t1Ilfeu3L1dsnNOAn39CDKEHGOszqtrw1yvslsiyxgsM0bW-6aYWhbTJ2ZjY84pU9-A7QOYCjhBIoXt0u_X6CyCcIYbBUo1oq2wZNpSJS0e2ho_UMymKTmYvYhYRitz71_0AoRHSXLJco0/s1965/IMG_6139.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1965" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEDCpZ-MF1i2Yt7blKj4rJykh1_kO2kafwFQijfVCv3AX-t1Ilfeu3L1dsnNOAn39CDKEHGOszqtrw1yvslsiyxgsM0bW-6aYWhbTJ2ZjY84pU9-A7QOYCjhBIoXt0u_X6CyCcIYbBUo1oq2wZNpSJS0e2ho_UMymKTmYvYhYRitz71_0AoRHSXLJco0/w640-h480/IMG_6139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Syracuse, NY at sunset.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9Kp_7zV_LIwY-pTG0iT6zCFAu051cxnorQc-tbxfirhHogbCSFf0W5ByOWsbUFZtfncAFImqWLiQH5mMtQJgdKbGI8pUHMaD8qQwHZuxnw0TId_wmbv-CLSbYi4FJPkX6awoQyjOTmbc5rCdYU_6tZ2gEHmaup3SjqKHrcmYCJFPrplalFZ_qv2uhdk/s1997/IMG_6147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1997" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9Kp_7zV_LIwY-pTG0iT6zCFAu051cxnorQc-tbxfirhHogbCSFf0W5ByOWsbUFZtfncAFImqWLiQH5mMtQJgdKbGI8pUHMaD8qQwHZuxnw0TId_wmbv-CLSbYi4FJPkX6awoQyjOTmbc5rCdYU_6tZ2gEHmaup3SjqKHrcmYCJFPrplalFZ_qv2uhdk/w640-h360/IMG_6147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was our goal to reach Sodus before dark and we succeeded, but not before finding ourselves aloft in a striking sunset tableau.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMAySoz46aJ2ES2nAHWbrYsoXuOL5ifs6g8ysCG8P0byycSPy6-K61TY91juU-p5kNyQAC-r-RxkIO_wjbZIQn9RCFbbCior1ma3miIELFgbmc_okdk2tNx8RIJyJzc6C3f6eFU193kIaE_4JmuDGDQpAgeAfwz3RaDGDAJvZEVFPjne2d246b2oUoe4/s1848/IMG_6150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1848" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMAySoz46aJ2ES2nAHWbrYsoXuOL5ifs6g8ysCG8P0byycSPy6-K61TY91juU-p5kNyQAC-r-RxkIO_wjbZIQn9RCFbbCior1ma3miIELFgbmc_okdk2tNx8RIJyJzc6C3f6eFU193kIaE_4JmuDGDQpAgeAfwz3RaDGDAJvZEVFPjne2d246b2oUoe4/w640-h360/IMG_6150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoQoT9Mi14bmzIE38MIIWAf8tbN90oAEwtIHphKdDGZUfGH5jrpV-SxsEfkG335_TUaQxaiNCASj5RlWzkAO9CuTNE9xZ4NZZyywdJXrqwHTVsxvaZlojKxHx3CM1NxDmCE2JHKdpg86MHzN00_65ALbaEYpZRerMu-dm8nrYBNJZQ7St92iyzM1Im90/s1989/IMG_6151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1119" data-original-width="1989" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoQoT9Mi14bmzIE38MIIWAf8tbN90oAEwtIHphKdDGZUfGH5jrpV-SxsEfkG335_TUaQxaiNCASj5RlWzkAO9CuTNE9xZ4NZZyywdJXrqwHTVsxvaZlojKxHx3CM1NxDmCE2JHKdpg86MHzN00_65ALbaEYpZRerMu-dm8nrYBNJZQ7St92iyzM1Im90/w640-h360/IMG_6151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>It was a simple, last-minute flight planned around an excuse of lunch, but the day resolved into one of those perfect, memorable combinations of great weather, great flying, great food, great company, and absolutely amazing vistas.</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-35626707537371604122023-11-01T19:57:00.362-04:002023-11-29T17:42:28.745-05:00Desert Belle: Palm Springs Air Museum<div align="center">
</div>
<i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Indio and Other Desert Cities"</span></b></i></div></i><div><br /></div><div>Eastbound on I-10, I passed a sign that I had not seen since 1997. It read, “Indio and other desert cities.” Back in 1997, I was crammed into a rental car with three other graduate students and our <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/08/driftless-part-4-breaking-away.html" target="_blank">advisor</a> driving from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, CA to present at the 45th American Society for Mass Spectrometry Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics. It was my first presentation at a scientific conference, my first trip to California, and my first time in the desert. Everything seemed entirely foreign and, for me, that novelty was epitomized by the offhandedness of the "and other desert cities" sign.</div><div><br /></div><div>An evening event for the '97 conference was hosted at the newly opened <a href="https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Palm Springs Air Museum</a>. At the time, I did not know a Skyhawk from a Blackbird. I was still about three years away from becoming immersed in aviation and developing a fascination with aviation history. Nonetheless, I remember being shown (what I now know to be) a Grumman Avenger with the explanation that it was the type of airplane flown by former president George Bush in World War II. <i>Bush flew airplanes in the war?</i> I just had no idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>Twenty six years later, I was in California to give an invited talk at a scientific conference and decided that it was time to see what became of the small museum I first visited in 1997. Inbound, the same highway sign was there but the landscape had visibly changed. What was once barren desert had become barren desert populated with rows and rows of wind turbines. Entering Palm Springs, drifted sand occupied the shoulders of the highway and signs cautioned travelers about reduced visibility in blowing sand. Though it was November, the outside air temperature was 90°F. It was a place obviously wrested from the desert and made habitable through sheer force of will. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2023, the Palm Springs Air Museum is substantially larger than what it was during that first visit in 1997. This is what I saw:</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL546XUw8tstdAUGIHWFcJVB3Lf0_YUNQLLrPETsfywhUmUOiDfcfXcCGQCCPgbSW1qK0l0nZB986lNwz797q_UEkzkyo7XrIlwPaptF0KqavV3hNphqmXnmEj0Wm8x9E2pwguRjmdQp2XyKWOtIJCJ9mL5yK9wUZNqflOMIy7qh5ZvZNtFyIxgh8EZZ8/s2048/231101_PSAM_P47-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL546XUw8tstdAUGIHWFcJVB3Lf0_YUNQLLrPETsfywhUmUOiDfcfXcCGQCCPgbSW1qK0l0nZB986lNwz797q_UEkzkyo7XrIlwPaptF0KqavV3hNphqmXnmEj0Wm8x9E2pwguRjmdQp2XyKWOtIJCJ9mL5yK9wUZNqflOMIy7qh5ZvZNtFyIxgh8EZZ8/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_P47-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGAetA7lRkVxzcp65ir3lATRk3YqpfmjH5UBeQtG6eFwXV9BUs6fSnSL3nfCbKmfJ5bbsj9Wfkkr6rj5N2fFyXXQNxjfKuc64-MAUAOx33WqoJUoZsate28JDgHs3RAMCsIF-Qv3RG08BZN-2akp73BFiimL_mo-S1t6C25dpbuulNKo85krTtHjQjU/s1846/231101_PSAM_P47-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1846" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsGAetA7lRkVxzcp65ir3lATRk3YqpfmjH5UBeQtG6eFwXV9BUs6fSnSL3nfCbKmfJ5bbsj9Wfkkr6rj5N2fFyXXQNxjfKuc64-MAUAOx33WqoJUoZsate28JDgHs3RAMCsIF-Qv3RG08BZN-2akp73BFiimL_mo-S1t6C25dpbuulNKo85krTtHjQjU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P47-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Republic P-47 Thunderbolt.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HShquXNBkkj_XdWoT6zcMTikXoKe9vEWp-ImtXpge0PeB22874i7_do5lFbUN1oZo-hpRnQry2z1bQ8w44cCnUTH3j4qr9jBH1N9PLE6Whsp9-qMj0aU35kL-mpnobBLmhagNlr_9cHEHwAfoO50zgSi-6V_BJNvIrol1PWi3HH2iUPrJDnjfGFSajY/s2027/231101_PSAM_P51-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2027" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HShquXNBkkj_XdWoT6zcMTikXoKe9vEWp-ImtXpge0PeB22874i7_do5lFbUN1oZo-hpRnQry2z1bQ8w44cCnUTH3j4qr9jBH1N9PLE6Whsp9-qMj0aU35kL-mpnobBLmhagNlr_9cHEHwAfoO50zgSi-6V_BJNvIrol1PWi3HH2iUPrJDnjfGFSajY/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American P-51D Mustang.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutJcjHpZAhCoZ5y5n7vgnOvlxVn3BPTzQDN7BoB3bLExVYrjhqB7nGwBzf5ECZNvj8zMh-dXiihpSBi8LgahPY2slB9-BaMOwPk-Ru0nkAYhCWzI5p0X2-I5RhMuU8xrYQXnCJupXJ3PPmnYqmmu6hpiaxvJ8SWYh2ykmUHGHNR8Fr_H4pS42OOG5-fA/s2048/231101_PSAM_P51-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutJcjHpZAhCoZ5y5n7vgnOvlxVn3BPTzQDN7BoB3bLExVYrjhqB7nGwBzf5ECZNvj8zMh-dXiihpSBi8LgahPY2slB9-BaMOwPk-Ru0nkAYhCWzI5p0X2-I5RhMuU8xrYQXnCJupXJ3PPmnYqmmu6hpiaxvJ8SWYh2ykmUHGHNR8Fr_H4pS42OOG5-fA/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American P-51D Mustang.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M-lpaiNI9Qn1OnqO2s38Xt19AfHU64x_E45njHiI0AnREkLUb_3so3SXftKnAJYJkcn3mz3msj3IliUDyAmJLSNnesh0oSo1wtWgeR76JDeOgyBvmoB4erY6DwQHTDHo501Ucoeznju1dc9Ya6tw-Vcbo-rSAlAfdyi10DCVoRWu2Eckc2uR3036rLU/s1770/231101_PSAM_P51-9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="1770" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4M-lpaiNI9Qn1OnqO2s38Xt19AfHU64x_E45njHiI0AnREkLUb_3so3SXftKnAJYJkcn3mz3msj3IliUDyAmJLSNnesh0oSo1wtWgeR76JDeOgyBvmoB4erY6DwQHTDHo501Ucoeznju1dc9Ya6tw-Vcbo-rSAlAfdyi10DCVoRWu2Eckc2uR3036rLU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American P-51D Mustang.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqm3bDLtme-mZ3SnqDQYN-dIXV5qPpe6MoV1MAUxohf02Jx52XulhKjoCFQqsdRU5Mqs6AoWb2d6jvoRrXvdggamCAt5A9zfZiIvWeF4rzzgt9Mmq3NL2gruZAdYi0c2G3qJz1ho-FhyJtYGbdNML9NFQGKSCyorr7zadYL6nRBELovYlPGy2_1wVVkE/s1795/231101_PSAM_P51-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1795" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqm3bDLtme-mZ3SnqDQYN-dIXV5qPpe6MoV1MAUxohf02Jx52XulhKjoCFQqsdRU5Mqs6AoWb2d6jvoRrXvdggamCAt5A9zfZiIvWeF4rzzgt9Mmq3NL2gruZAdYi0c2G3qJz1ho-FhyJtYGbdNML9NFQGKSCyorr7zadYL6nRBELovYlPGy2_1wVVkE/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American P-51D Mustang.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBIDf8qUHaQcNiP7b388AzZTOgw6s4kmI0CNky_dVfXw2DIgH2F7H_0_RM0_92ESDOR8kTGylKlD2o_w0YqMcVAEBnAZ_Tc-qgqhqu2dkshb30lOVBatstb10HQMv56WgGF2MdrtjLNhaucMk6IWSSuv65NJ298cYQtiCm0acH87wFkY8rnzi8FrRzog/s2048/231101_PSAM_P51-B17-1.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBIDf8qUHaQcNiP7b388AzZTOgw6s4kmI0CNky_dVfXw2DIgH2F7H_0_RM0_92ESDOR8kTGylKlD2o_w0YqMcVAEBnAZ_Tc-qgqhqu2dkshb30lOVBatstb10HQMv56WgGF2MdrtjLNhaucMk6IWSSuv65NJ298cYQtiCm0acH87wFkY8rnzi8FrRzog/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-B17-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was quite taken with the Mustang (obviously), but absolutely stunned by what was behind it: the Boeing B-17 bomber that portrayed the <i>Memphis Belle</i> in the 1990 film.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OMdNiWzTIEgfaF-sHoNizfcGh6pRxW6nZNSn5mukIXxAfzkk_aMGZU2yjOg7tWsc7npKyaMdPLcT1c2fc-k6b2RqHpeZikDWeX0V9pWY5IB-gOGK-M84VgveU7plwbRhI4tvgUF9DvtkixJoR-aUgBapVP67oil5a_JyUOeOp14n75H5VAejnAFQF2Y/s2048/231101_PSAM_P51-B17-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OMdNiWzTIEgfaF-sHoNizfcGh6pRxW6nZNSn5mukIXxAfzkk_aMGZU2yjOg7tWsc7npKyaMdPLcT1c2fc-k6b2RqHpeZikDWeX0V9pWY5IB-gOGK-M84VgveU7plwbRhI4tvgUF9DvtkixJoR-aUgBapVP67oil5a_JyUOeOp14n75H5VAejnAFQF2Y/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_P51-B17-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boeing B-17, <i>"The Movie" Memphis Belle</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>While it was not surprising to encounter a movie star in California, I was surprised to encounter this particular airplane that once lived south of Rochester under the care of the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, NY. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2020/11/whiskey-seven-and-belle-of-ball.html" target="_blank">I was well acquainted with the "Hollywood Belle" after I spent a morning crawling through the entire aircraft in 2020</a> and welcomed the surprise reunion.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9O5-JmRl-FhR8kzO60j3a7wwlug90Ss_6ugnjOOTLCBWQhFCEn1-ZrOR5rIa4tNhAf120rWJUJOn6RvyIHcsBfc0OFmcQ2IQJA4Lr-7zaalHGDelNBpI1klWfVTy342Uq6np5a1J8GNaVQqLCAMFNpVbZ7K_7GwN-J6UcrOK1ckDkR9aUyvY52n3ffU/s2048/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9O5-JmRl-FhR8kzO60j3a7wwlug90Ss_6ugnjOOTLCBWQhFCEn1-ZrOR5rIa4tNhAf120rWJUJOn6RvyIHcsBfc0OFmcQ2IQJA4Lr-7zaalHGDelNBpI1klWfVTy342Uq6np5a1J8GNaVQqLCAMFNpVbZ7K_7GwN-J6UcrOK1ckDkR9aUyvY52n3ffU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boeing B-17, <i>"The Movie" Memphis Belle</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Dents beneath the cockpit window suggest that the airplane had been flown in icing conditions at some point in its lifetime.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8zAWftTCZeQzST7LkrXn4cusXJ1aMshQPZu-ZIxwknCopBMS7xQ98ditn6k07o0ADG7BXPfqaM-SL2TmreKdRoe9uRatD8k7G7aCKxox28EJ1e3YAgtR5B9Toa8AKBvj7ugBlyww01-WQlBFS-Js60UFm5cRfJcWIoS-2TJJE487vPgPBeSJRXjgdIU/s2048/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8zAWftTCZeQzST7LkrXn4cusXJ1aMshQPZu-ZIxwknCopBMS7xQ98ditn6k07o0ADG7BXPfqaM-SL2TmreKdRoe9uRatD8k7G7aCKxox28EJ1e3YAgtR5B9Toa8AKBvj7ugBlyww01-WQlBFS-Js60UFm5cRfJcWIoS-2TJJE487vPgPBeSJRXjgdIU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boeing B-17, <i>"The Movie" Memphis Belle</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnAr_pZYlYVnr38fHBlhg1Oap_F507psiElmPkRW_f8CobPyeOAyfC3Bl11cD07oTOQbdl8IuTAKK9Qz5ck4bRM-fSjPO_QeGS0uGZsYXl7nrUt4xVbElB2P1J6DP2vxE5VuiTPasihNEL4JuygXXItPAHhLdmbHYr0IhgNYfUEKVei9vUI73-qxl7nE/s2048/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnAr_pZYlYVnr38fHBlhg1Oap_F507psiElmPkRW_f8CobPyeOAyfC3Bl11cD07oTOQbdl8IuTAKK9Qz5ck4bRM-fSjPO_QeGS0uGZsYXl7nrUt4xVbElB2P1J6DP2vxE5VuiTPasihNEL4JuygXXItPAHhLdmbHYr0IhgNYfUEKVei9vUI73-qxl7nE/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_B17MovieMemphis-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boeing B-17, <i>"The Movie" Memphis Belle</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqHNHgCOeOO_m9jgRTAZGi6jyv6EVDQQ4329VdwHPwDWOlAMYW-l1APUCWtNpm3F-Pqi3a6_a_DuVCBWwAeMM0h8me_uYyuhuavMNaNfGCZgkCHmv8gnnXfI_jU1d6KItccaevCh3k-KMfB556PicytFE7RC6Cw9K0k4SMjDu4p_KeBxDuXjAglZY6Hs/s2048/231101_PSAM_Spitfire-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqHNHgCOeOO_m9jgRTAZGi6jyv6EVDQQ4329VdwHPwDWOlAMYW-l1APUCWtNpm3F-Pqi3a6_a_DuVCBWwAeMM0h8me_uYyuhuavMNaNfGCZgkCHmv8gnnXfI_jU1d6KItccaevCh3k-KMfB556PicytFE7RC6Cw9K0k4SMjDu4p_KeBxDuXjAglZY6Hs/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_Spitfire-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supermarine Spitfire Mark XIV.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLddIfwQjWUK2RzKOVk0LcX6p8mnk4yQ93Y5bQEESYpnmXO-_F-BdyLRtTsBmuJKfU99biEKixShu2ZcCP5R7XU_T29HJUh5HggH-UQ_Gz6rSOBB-2Lby35OsVJlxQ1Gjuh-Tt3eqh1F8tXd1wxe-6EeElFEz5Jk7o3jeKnojyRqx1nlya_vw_GuyOi8E/s1536/231101_PSAM_Spitfire-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLddIfwQjWUK2RzKOVk0LcX6p8mnk4yQ93Y5bQEESYpnmXO-_F-BdyLRtTsBmuJKfU99biEKixShu2ZcCP5R7XU_T29HJUh5HggH-UQ_Gz6rSOBB-2Lby35OsVJlxQ1Gjuh-Tt3eqh1F8tXd1wxe-6EeElFEz5Jk7o3jeKnojyRqx1nlya_vw_GuyOi8E/w480-h640/231101_PSAM_Spitfire-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supermarine Spitfire Mark XIV.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I was puzzled by the five bladed prop on this Spitfire and wondered if it was a post-war modification perhaps added for air racing purposes. Additional research revealed that the Mark XIV Spitfires came from the factory with 2050 horsepower Griffon engines that drove five-blade Rotol propellers. What a beast!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs6y8-czyfJO3A3FDB2QierfnB3dKM48kyhZeO9EwxbairDNsPSieBaAYCGt4oQ3Xmm_4qtpd-rz-VSx0w1jFG4z9xbt9OeV8mZxHroCTBfBYihOMVz9hiIR5XccT6JHmX5OhxmtXuG77aCGaxp25ogGGDkEr_oeINwR-oqFlV9IDgV1OZIC8y5qBkUY/s2048/231101_PSAM_WACO-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs6y8-czyfJO3A3FDB2QierfnB3dKM48kyhZeO9EwxbairDNsPSieBaAYCGt4oQ3Xmm_4qtpd-rz-VSx0w1jFG4z9xbt9OeV8mZxHroCTBfBYihOMVz9hiIR5XccT6JHmX5OhxmtXuG77aCGaxp25ogGGDkEr_oeINwR-oqFlV9IDgV1OZIC8y5qBkUY/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_WACO-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WACO YPT-14</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhPHSJjzOj106sYewAsnBeHHvIfkdGPkVnzNI232BG_EStmcdaJuDZeOqskyYygJWUdkDQLoOiQvgMzBAHzyDMxoezckItNv7bv6EG5tD76cjY8rIH49YCmZXXNU9DnRWpag8526jiHRrjtq9xxl276jvoRnAAjB3Ye3vNnqAgsnmh1hWiK_fLdZpZV0/s1273/231101_PSAM_Stearman-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1273" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhPHSJjzOj106sYewAsnBeHHvIfkdGPkVnzNI232BG_EStmcdaJuDZeOqskyYygJWUdkDQLoOiQvgMzBAHzyDMxoezckItNv7bv6EG5tD76cjY8rIH49YCmZXXNU9DnRWpag8526jiHRrjtq9xxl276jvoRnAAjB3Ye3vNnqAgsnmh1hWiK_fLdZpZV0/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_Stearman-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Boeing Model 75 Stearman that belonged to Baron Hilton, the "Flying Innkeeper".</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNX9BpkOy4h6m50D72ez6V4kgz8QMHkcoIhZT6NjUXOD9lZ-IQzTc7OHBiwJHdCZRyTm6VdXx9UiryB_rrXewL3paL7ziA45U-y5kg0VLtoXIvqBsrvlyYjsrZlSGtVGKArlTrj7jDZd3pEIp2zPNW28SqU3spfQfsfnIibFM72kZcB_F5uGS7cvAqlFY/s2048/231101_PSAM_C47-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNX9BpkOy4h6m50D72ez6V4kgz8QMHkcoIhZT6NjUXOD9lZ-IQzTc7OHBiwJHdCZRyTm6VdXx9UiryB_rrXewL3paL7ziA45U-y5kg0VLtoXIvqBsrvlyYjsrZlSGtVGKArlTrj7jDZd3pEIp2zPNW28SqU3spfQfsfnIibFM72kZcB_F5uGS7cvAqlFY/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_C47-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas C-47 Skytrain.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsNjv7GXpebrbo9cqRqbbS940LDqEJOHVxMH-Z6YC4NsXQrjIK5lKi_894XC5iNGuDwEDwD-WuJh3yBwgApBRmHgekInQ8ygg4eXnMXV7bNjhL2BPSKbKZKORVNThQH_iurrvVRH4FMrqlllhNGqiB4-PfX8ZonMv9LrWU2qL7hdP-KRqNJGDWV0ql-M/s2048/231101_PSAM_C47-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsNjv7GXpebrbo9cqRqbbS940LDqEJOHVxMH-Z6YC4NsXQrjIK5lKi_894XC5iNGuDwEDwD-WuJh3yBwgApBRmHgekInQ8ygg4eXnMXV7bNjhL2BPSKbKZKORVNThQH_iurrvVRH4FMrqlllhNGqiB4-PfX8ZonMv9LrWU2qL7hdP-KRqNJGDWV0ql-M/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_C47-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas C-47 Skytrain.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-x8BaBr9_4ZPUysD8KZ6j2aXf5GIFKyYxfU4uvFRNHka9b1I10S-Fe0FkaMwZEzJe6HhlQhxlti-uheeDhucgK7csUZf3zeuhxuEVFzVz0E3Me9NHVpKs6OAooAt41Ihrvbmir4y93fCuGujduyUsEB6DK7UZ6UkE-gZ_xOF3TdD9Hh9vfYzMXkUCV8/s2048/231101_PSAM_F4-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-x8BaBr9_4ZPUysD8KZ6j2aXf5GIFKyYxfU4uvFRNHka9b1I10S-Fe0FkaMwZEzJe6HhlQhxlti-uheeDhucgK7csUZf3zeuhxuEVFzVz0E3Me9NHVpKs6OAooAt41Ihrvbmir4y93fCuGujduyUsEB6DK7UZ6UkE-gZ_xOF3TdD9Hh9vfYzMXkUCV8/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F4-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_l3bxMOt4xBrg4jd2-3xnjDxRg77GvmVcmdmDOE1u5MFjZMgQNILStStSTajvEfFyHmpXtVMwA7WwwDpdewJADEm5MSDzUumvEfQuat4fN_7NbzUwQqBzKyNE1m02R8XzduBP9cX2pMHxnybUoRPm1p1ET9s0u2KzqAuNWx8g4ShewC7IUwQHuTKwCo/s2026/231101_PSAM_F7F-8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="2026" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_l3bxMOt4xBrg4jd2-3xnjDxRg77GvmVcmdmDOE1u5MFjZMgQNILStStSTajvEfFyHmpXtVMwA7WwwDpdewJADEm5MSDzUumvEfQuat4fN_7NbzUwQqBzKyNE1m02R8XzduBP9cX2pMHxnybUoRPm1p1ET9s0u2KzqAuNWx8g4ShewC7IUwQHuTKwCo/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F7F-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F7F Tigercat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lW9_K-UwKMrywq00O5GFeqQd6Xkk56I5hAhlF82uiMTizk0P1QTJ0iP8kdCmaCq7PMzyOnDKWbvRY6Asw19c3lqwR4vgBeVSNcRLsZI-2wT10jZhwD36NBUZlmpFwHWAVsqfgBTEEhhqrGgq363J1pleahiF3vH1QxBc_CJIq6I_rcVQ4-kntD9dD34/s2048/231101_PSAM_F7F-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lW9_K-UwKMrywq00O5GFeqQd6Xkk56I5hAhlF82uiMTizk0P1QTJ0iP8kdCmaCq7PMzyOnDKWbvRY6Asw19c3lqwR4vgBeVSNcRLsZI-2wT10jZhwD36NBUZlmpFwHWAVsqfgBTEEhhqrGgq363J1pleahiF3vH1QxBc_CJIq6I_rcVQ4-kntD9dD34/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F7F-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F7F Tigercat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This former<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2006/01/goodbye-air-zoo.html" target="_blank"> Air Zoo</a> docent was overcome by the sight of a Tigercat. While it is not the same aircraft that was once part of the Air Zoo collection, these airplanes are incredibly rare.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGu50Sr3Dex_SHBcSjgi8E7QzhJrOUVSLtRBfozGXEJuOc1voBXgSOpN8G2ZC1AKocB9imMZE-_jHlMKSl3VCcLAl5CvfEffnHRiqkzRKh-Tewuf8vAPJZfSzOgxeUMJLkBAoqUkaHMsVN_LULbCwZIS_GBmHkNVW8x9cwikbUgoRWqbShuRGv-2InsM/s1708/231101_PalmSpringsTower-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1708" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGu50Sr3Dex_SHBcSjgi8E7QzhJrOUVSLtRBfozGXEJuOc1voBXgSOpN8G2ZC1AKocB9imMZE-_jHlMKSl3VCcLAl5CvfEffnHRiqkzRKh-Tewuf8vAPJZfSzOgxeUMJLkBAoqUkaHMsVN_LULbCwZIS_GBmHkNVW8x9cwikbUgoRWqbShuRGv-2InsM/w640-h360/231101_PalmSpringsTower-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Springs Airport control tower.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKFQkWKpa_uY3UnsJFiPAPibKkcFYFUUhdSzDZjxIEiEjZzmx5iMNPpJ_9CA-jITTmeaCjtE792RhO9B_f1FtV2vZKw_fm5rDzPWE6K6dh2JBaLCIVSUSFdERadVnfMGy3tj48x5vPoKfkc9KbcXnRhAO6XbHrBwYosGAjNPDs65iRCiDWZcmYnZKorU/s2048/231101_PSAM_F14-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKFQkWKpa_uY3UnsJFiPAPibKkcFYFUUhdSzDZjxIEiEjZzmx5iMNPpJ_9CA-jITTmeaCjtE792RhO9B_f1FtV2vZKw_fm5rDzPWE6K6dh2JBaLCIVSUSFdERadVnfMGy3tj48x5vPoKfkc9KbcXnRhAO6XbHrBwYosGAjNPDs65iRCiDWZcmYnZKorU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F14-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F-14 Tomcat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7by9v9dKQ_3wdtk3vppFJqZSCntN1tiPqkDpUiHWlAgZP4_tOuvEIGBrCFUCuoCWR8-f8xHYisC7s5Wu2qDuCMN6dtNt-0gApvVvpTPPFjKKo2AotSg5hldD_p_WNFpVF9J44yOE5Eoogkxl0-RMoAVyKBLavyZcfz1UeF0F-yBvowBdRuw6IbTXX10/s2048/231101_PSAM_F14-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7by9v9dKQ_3wdtk3vppFJqZSCntN1tiPqkDpUiHWlAgZP4_tOuvEIGBrCFUCuoCWR8-f8xHYisC7s5Wu2qDuCMN6dtNt-0gApvVvpTPPFjKKo2AotSg5hldD_p_WNFpVF9J44yOE5Eoogkxl0-RMoAVyKBLavyZcfz1UeF0F-yBvowBdRuw6IbTXX10/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F14-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F-14 Tomcat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU5-s9jAdA18HBPZfuUnJG66vunZ1JxB6z9rn3BbygrkP1OmWPSpQopEzckBdj_Eb7-7F6sxuUvPiRR05wlHMQ8gZjTTKuK6Vm7WZlLabnvE0XkCXTvs3MQ0fmPqrTIC-vLv8tmSWoDyM0QinsCCChUY8PbF7n6i8iXKHkfV_woWakbInsFXZp58O3G4/s2048/231101_PSAM_F104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU5-s9jAdA18HBPZfuUnJG66vunZ1JxB6z9rn3BbygrkP1OmWPSpQopEzckBdj_Eb7-7F6sxuUvPiRR05wlHMQ8gZjTTKuK6Vm7WZlLabnvE0XkCXTvs3MQ0fmPqrTIC-vLv8tmSWoDyM0QinsCCChUY8PbF7n6i8iXKHkfV_woWakbInsFXZp58O3G4/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQSL1JVQS-HeiW7hLOECid5Kiu1w7rHyRbm_7wew7yg2nySONvUhHBejwx_Gdox_6dOWLepFTtAS0xKaqNcDlH_xWIQQrvO_DYdio3Q-dikggpIkBholsj5IDh1YWJktIuZzVnXdsRFcHkV32A7JPBZWBfUZ1kIEyvETns81sPzLqhyTqwsYXu-zEhPU/s1877/231101_PSAM_B17-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1877" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQSL1JVQS-HeiW7hLOECid5Kiu1w7rHyRbm_7wew7yg2nySONvUhHBejwx_Gdox_6dOWLepFTtAS0xKaqNcDlH_xWIQQrvO_DYdio3Q-dikggpIkBholsj5IDh1YWJktIuZzVnXdsRFcHkV32A7JPBZWBfUZ1kIEyvETns81sPzLqhyTqwsYXu-zEhPU/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_B17-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress <i>Miss Angela</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRBodnREe5dCuUVSzYfa-ytPIYi1wvesTiqpog8v7Cdstkaf9LQpQKuiFsoIBc06-k5l35clQBvaAOFhn08JglXjKVl-vqFkDf8GRQjQTKpqSGPNDwvN_SRkJZcWF0JxYfnjJnmnFaV1qh8_09PiKDEs0N5qf2lyHqsLLsaIyKTwP3lYPtqNJdX2XTwE/s1758/231101_PSAM_MustangMaintenance-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1758" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRBodnREe5dCuUVSzYfa-ytPIYi1wvesTiqpog8v7Cdstkaf9LQpQKuiFsoIBc06-k5l35clQBvaAOFhn08JglXjKVl-vqFkDf8GRQjQTKpqSGPNDwvN_SRkJZcWF0JxYfnjJnmnFaV1qh8_09PiKDEs0N5qf2lyHqsLLsaIyKTwP3lYPtqNJdX2XTwE/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_MustangMaintenance-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American P-51D <i>Bunny</i> undergoing maintenance.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-dHeJc6UyGcdBapkdUjvZ74t_c-NmjH5JwkwiVJumQHc5ajfO5tGUDC8buULbtMIDZpLmOzPnivWzPrAg7maYP6xUrvA6mNAOhtcdevTUElyzYtnPKqESrKuZVKoXO8r8ZIA6leBDlt1UJuYCRJzA9sypWXFEhfrXzuGpNERO_JehfKGSjFevpXoc0o/s2037/231101_PSAM_F117-14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2037" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-dHeJc6UyGcdBapkdUjvZ74t_c-NmjH5JwkwiVJumQHc5ajfO5tGUDC8buULbtMIDZpLmOzPnivWzPrAg7maYP6xUrvA6mNAOhtcdevTUElyzYtnPKqESrKuZVKoXO8r8ZIA6leBDlt1UJuYCRJzA9sypWXFEhfrXzuGpNERO_JehfKGSjFevpXoc0o/w640-h362/231101_PSAM_F117-14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin F-117A Nighthawk.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN88OZ4DskFuAhmCi6P2a9rcGuEennd3XMTFsPyI_zC-OMtuIO7OrR0b33hSdPNYq3n4QVyBX1NTDEl8wkaio6cXrKTShq0PW3622ks2flNh6sATlCkqf9FL3eV7p7-DMaMRk4m5hDQ4PpCnvg9_HNh-15fuihi7T_0I0Vnr8BSdIu0M9zSeKSmntAZo/s2037/231101_PSAM_F117-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2037" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN88OZ4DskFuAhmCi6P2a9rcGuEennd3XMTFsPyI_zC-OMtuIO7OrR0b33hSdPNYq3n4QVyBX1NTDEl8wkaio6cXrKTShq0PW3622ks2flNh6sATlCkqf9FL3eV7p7-DMaMRk4m5hDQ4PpCnvg9_HNh-15fuihi7T_0I0Vnr8BSdIu0M9zSeKSmntAZo/w640-h362/231101_PSAM_F117-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin F-117A Nighthawk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gt0THmzMWJfX9CtaZm1js6Xe35kBoAjs3ro5Mvt0LuX0lL0_7J5Y2DOUXsqv6IajoVy1doFi3ZGJKDocNQM1MVn4miYHBIWHb1Y0Fr7Sjn8pckhCRTiLuNdgBqQaIilPoYoqNg_tlwwRwP8h8ofrRv-2K-Pg5uCCN6BJ5EZYmQjFYSWgKaFpTQBIdhU/s2008/231101_PSAM_F117-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2008" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gt0THmzMWJfX9CtaZm1js6Xe35kBoAjs3ro5Mvt0LuX0lL0_7J5Y2DOUXsqv6IajoVy1doFi3ZGJKDocNQM1MVn4miYHBIWHb1Y0Fr7Sjn8pckhCRTiLuNdgBqQaIilPoYoqNg_tlwwRwP8h8ofrRv-2K-Pg5uCCN6BJ5EZYmQjFYSWgKaFpTQBIdhU/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_F117-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin F-117A Nighthawk.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXODL0cNYQSFV6_3tPkGNOubm2uvZ84neGDRbPqG_eZMHX5FvPg8nZ9AoFXnsGFVnjCmByNupJX_d2qczh3WXZnCU_Vow6TR5dLZYx4D4cEaFyYpwvUmLKbjt9LCALPKlAU49EppvtCiu0TwhL_8PPj-fKtJy4UORl-3_81Y_LL2ivjXJraqCi2uxcqC0/s2037/231101_PSAM_F117-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2037" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXODL0cNYQSFV6_3tPkGNOubm2uvZ84neGDRbPqG_eZMHX5FvPg8nZ9AoFXnsGFVnjCmByNupJX_d2qczh3WXZnCU_Vow6TR5dLZYx4D4cEaFyYpwvUmLKbjt9LCALPKlAU49EppvtCiu0TwhL_8PPj-fKtJy4UORl-3_81Y_LL2ivjXJraqCi2uxcqC0/w640-h362/231101_PSAM_F117-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lockheed Martin F-117A Nighthawk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8haDc0zxyGD0hDOLev8W4lF6kZFEAKVjceuVGlaEE-iaAB7d7A2rwnr2I3Okigtpq8_u76kNA976um8WlhipNpjZxz1KEDms3nEtx4URFtfPyJ3Dt-aT1j6ZIwwmT0uDSt_NOeAFkyRzREAbE9HEIzJxE4_3Vy7_G-SL-cs-CroBr-6j9dAq1sDp-Syk/s2048/231101_PSAM_T28.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8haDc0zxyGD0hDOLev8W4lF6kZFEAKVjceuVGlaEE-iaAB7d7A2rwnr2I3Okigtpq8_u76kNA976um8WlhipNpjZxz1KEDms3nEtx4URFtfPyJ3Dt-aT1j6ZIwwmT0uDSt_NOeAFkyRzREAbE9HEIzJxE4_3Vy7_G-SL-cs-CroBr-6j9dAq1sDp-Syk/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_T28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American T-28 Trojan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ckOD9Glt7PzKbUuQkmNTQJVBf3S9aPB82-nZhPawkNvMyXpHs86h9OtmoO0xxQ4za4uUbcQTUKNyels5jQ_yx2L_4ZefdrZ7VEA_MWO4jjkAl1GIqevwQqskCVgd1W6ih-yUJxBSDeTjN_AWJmpQQADbWKK5XO3vA8NNHc1vGn62KVz9ItdyUUFgMtU/s2048/231101_PSAM_F8F-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ckOD9Glt7PzKbUuQkmNTQJVBf3S9aPB82-nZhPawkNvMyXpHs86h9OtmoO0xxQ4za4uUbcQTUKNyels5jQ_yx2L_4ZefdrZ7VEA_MWO4jjkAl1GIqevwQqskCVgd1W6ih-yUJxBSDeTjN_AWJmpQQADbWKK5XO3vA8NNHc1vGn62KVz9ItdyUUFgMtU/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_F8F-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F8F Bearcat, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2013/05/origin-story.html" target="_blank">the first type of WWII airplane that I ever sat in</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLEqawZhxqbNOqOUTQZqNaLD8Z3Zdni0zYtKjv6MTobGiZmrFZa09di9HbJSTsAGpuQuBMTdPOh_AXFfo3Y8kyYHDEYRIKPbxCQAW9UwlUuE4QBAhsVKTPMTAHjKwN9GECFHYY4Pq6nv3TrgDiafSK1xYEbkbCF-6XD-GoKNgMjLMDMG11UV_4TYbFS0/s2048/231101_PSAM_F8F-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLEqawZhxqbNOqOUTQZqNaLD8Z3Zdni0zYtKjv6MTobGiZmrFZa09di9HbJSTsAGpuQuBMTdPOh_AXFfo3Y8kyYHDEYRIKPbxCQAW9UwlUuE4QBAhsVKTPMTAHjKwN9GECFHYY4Pq6nv3TrgDiafSK1xYEbkbCF-6XD-GoKNgMjLMDMG11UV_4TYbFS0/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F8F-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grumman F8F Bearcat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqyJ6FDoHbdrzMvIrHoyzk0-8giwBKGPIcRr6P20kW5HN8ECJooBwkL4jIJEuc8ImHjvc8gJwT_R3hxcdekbTWNQPvlp8zG_MELu6RpjTCjbqFFRoYogQvPATskOnAUeGeEqc4HR_NG61CNyNXFPtAdON4QLO7OG_d9qgu4Vt4l854FCK5lTApZAL9TE/s2048/231101_PSAM_F4U.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqyJ6FDoHbdrzMvIrHoyzk0-8giwBKGPIcRr6P20kW5HN8ECJooBwkL4jIJEuc8ImHjvc8gJwT_R3hxcdekbTWNQPvlp8zG_MELu6RpjTCjbqFFRoYogQvPATskOnAUeGeEqc4HR_NG61CNyNXFPtAdON4QLO7OG_d9qgu4Vt4l854FCK5lTApZAL9TE/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_F4U.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chance Vought F-4U Corsair.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXCQX5XUGthc8SRZ_Yipz0iaBl-Vguf6XqBBbiVRc1U92N4Kzszq2om_MDStSeILrSgWKyJ46w4ZfId-dGXcr1utHZ4-WlzVcnj0nxGB5HJyLjLopxYkObgqvz6zFBvlp7HLqWyy_LP4dy2c6suj_0coAQ8yoyljq6pL2YC5dzgr4nGe0YUULRAXZrpU/s2048/231101_PSAM_P40-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXCQX5XUGthc8SRZ_Yipz0iaBl-Vguf6XqBBbiVRc1U92N4Kzszq2om_MDStSeILrSgWKyJ46w4ZfId-dGXcr1utHZ4-WlzVcnj0nxGB5HJyLjLopxYkObgqvz6zFBvlp7HLqWyy_LP4dy2c6suj_0coAQ8yoyljq6pL2YC5dzgr4nGe0YUULRAXZrpU/w640-h480/231101_PSAM_P40-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdgYHZZ_PHrhqmfxyZ7N703dthJfcWm0tjZTrj2eKYokeOw6apHF9c8lb0LCLzt8m-X1mdkjXGfTsLM5ax7Fb9eldfNEgwX6HqZEzvkXElp-cKZl4oIvt2LsLkRetFPMqwhKWq2nq-IHxjuEoJMJ8r3f7boenYY67wNyaKq9JSEKiw5zEtWQliA6EbsQ/s2048/231101_PSAM_A26-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdgYHZZ_PHrhqmfxyZ7N703dthJfcWm0tjZTrj2eKYokeOw6apHF9c8lb0LCLzt8m-X1mdkjXGfTsLM5ax7Fb9eldfNEgwX6HqZEzvkXElp-cKZl4oIvt2LsLkRetFPMqwhKWq2nq-IHxjuEoJMJ8r3f7boenYY67wNyaKq9JSEKiw5zEtWQliA6EbsQ/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_A26-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas A-26 Invader.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEa6pJAC9o0NX5JWtXsZrt3Va0FsDaImE1JzkFyYXe5JXEgXH5sfRw80Qm-748E1ZefhHLoBNjQAdGtHy2EZVSbso8oPfO9JIRn8fyW_vv38cQ_ONu1mzR-_RpTeq4qhKdHFXJZocAg3eLCf3ljIoucJEep5koXUgfb-ZEz16gIrW8R7Z86klJy9R1dI/s2048/231101_PSAM_A26-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEa6pJAC9o0NX5JWtXsZrt3Va0FsDaImE1JzkFyYXe5JXEgXH5sfRw80Qm-748E1ZefhHLoBNjQAdGtHy2EZVSbso8oPfO9JIRn8fyW_vv38cQ_ONu1mzR-_RpTeq4qhKdHFXJZocAg3eLCf3ljIoucJEep5koXUgfb-ZEz16gIrW8R7Z86klJy9R1dI/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_A26-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas A-26 Invader.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-MaYTxVmma16aBpl5n3VIBzxlrKrGWGHTlyo6jbz8kqP4gnGM3LAra3otonWk8nimF6V6JQGB2y1nBOfjvhQF3Pg78Kzw-jxtND9jnV7GhDjgP_gaZMsoE1qYGD-dNHtUkLcuLy_qEthGOjBHcnWn4UaNFWd24FbBIH8nZmET2Nb51srfQTfu5BJwL4/s2048/231101_PSAM_T6-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-MaYTxVmma16aBpl5n3VIBzxlrKrGWGHTlyo6jbz8kqP4gnGM3LAra3otonWk8nimF6V6JQGB2y1nBOfjvhQF3Pg78Kzw-jxtND9jnV7GhDjgP_gaZMsoE1qYGD-dNHtUkLcuLy_qEthGOjBHcnWn4UaNFWd24FbBIH8nZmET2Nb51srfQTfu5BJwL4/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_T6-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North American T-6 Texan.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjVUMPg-p-GNS9vuYoBwKWya8VcevC_D-eyHpQoBVT7d33JHt5k_mi3CUveGYkTsBjXQ3rl_0eu-zJ-ua-yo5prdt_azcWhEF-x1yRUr07S8JQEYP7PkOJxkGcsTue_0aqeunyRbXixzfgFD99IrAALeDo57YFFGzX4XYYGhaNQWFT0yN07iTMk7j6q8/s2037/231101_PSAM_LacyLear-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="2037" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjVUMPg-p-GNS9vuYoBwKWya8VcevC_D-eyHpQoBVT7d33JHt5k_mi3CUveGYkTsBjXQ3rl_0eu-zJ-ua-yo5prdt_azcWhEF-x1yRUr07S8JQEYP7PkOJxkGcsTue_0aqeunyRbXixzfgFD99IrAALeDo57YFFGzX4XYYGhaNQWFT0yN07iTMk7j6q8/w640-h362/231101_PSAM_LacyLear-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also on display was Clay Lacy's Learjet (the "LacyLear"). In addition to belonging to a famous aviator, the airplane made many appearances in movies and television shows like <i>Any Which Way You Can, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Airwolf, Airport 75, The Bionic Woman, Dragnet. Capricorn One, Mission Impossible, the Partridge Family, The A-Team, Miami Vice, and Magnum PI.</i></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBekhxOvZCPqM-Uq2FqoaGgBRQQAxupbhJ4dE8tEH9x-mPTwggYsh91rZHLNv-TOzlJ-xYeqhJaz5p8e7JzawH-eUqcCycTswkyG8hC0ymoCCVQb7tWf2WShzZVzlaLIzAnUP94bS90kJIeOETUhhf90BQiCQGO2jLspUsQEIdbiTsN8GpJhzks1Q1CG0/s2048/231101_PSAM_Entrance-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBekhxOvZCPqM-Uq2FqoaGgBRQQAxupbhJ4dE8tEH9x-mPTwggYsh91rZHLNv-TOzlJ-xYeqhJaz5p8e7JzawH-eUqcCycTswkyG8hC0ymoCCVQb7tWf2WShzZVzlaLIzAnUP94bS90kJIeOETUhhf90BQiCQGO2jLspUsQEIdbiTsN8GpJhzks1Q1CG0/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_Entrance-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance, Palm Springs Air Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Due to a delayed flight (thanks, United!), I had less than two hours to spend at the museum before they began closing the place up around me. My impressions were positive. All of the aircraft on display were in excellent condition and many of them airworthy. There were some rare airplanes in the collection (oh, that beautiful Tigercat!), though it seemed a little unfair that they had two Mustangs and two B-17s! My time in Palm Springs was brief, but entirely worthwhile.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE2aLqyqUKFK0bx2pr_rkVsQ8X5FpqeVjj6Wdtib5j9QiFqrBnyzj2jJA5EKNZPbCxo01kaS8KsjQxw8UbQRjlbWHA2KukG6jhusraxi4OryhiAbS9g5A2fGreW-jM8g7fSLLweXGFdBnT8-B9hy8dzVVeA1qIqnEC_uIxirqVzEz5tp3RHl0HG60gEg/s2048/231101_PSAM_ExteriorF18.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWE2aLqyqUKFK0bx2pr_rkVsQ8X5FpqeVjj6Wdtib5j9QiFqrBnyzj2jJA5EKNZPbCxo01kaS8KsjQxw8UbQRjlbWHA2KukG6jhusraxi4OryhiAbS9g5A2fGreW-jM8g7fSLLweXGFdBnT8-B9hy8dzVVeA1qIqnEC_uIxirqVzEz5tp3RHl0HG60gEg/w640-h360/231101_PSAM_ExteriorF18.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and, fittingly, palm trees.</td></tr></tbody></table>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-51750705079238697522023-10-28T08:05:00.623-04:002024-01-18T16:25:57.532-05:00In Search of the Headless Horseman<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Where Ichabod Crane Fears to Venture</span></i></b></div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div><i>1790: A lone gaunt figure journeys home after nightfall as embrittled autumn leaves swirl and skitter across the country road. He is startled by the sudden appearance of a terrifying cloaked figure astride a demonic horse, a jack-o'-lantern perched on the rider's shoulders in place of a head. Inspired by local legend, he believes the horseman to be the ghost of a Hessian mercenary decapitated by canon fire during the Revolutionary War, a restless spirit that rides forth from the Old Dutch Church cemetery each night in search of his lost head. Urging his cantankerous plough horse to flight, the terrified schoolmaster flees as the apparition gives chase. He makes for a nearby bridge that legend holds cannot be crossed by the specter. Unthwarted, the Headless Horseman hurls his jack-o'-lantern head at his quarry, knocking the terrified didact from his horse. Ichabod Crane was never to be seen in Sleepy Hollow again.</i><div><br /></div><div>When I was in elementary school, Disney's 1949 animated rendition of Washington Irving's 1820 masterpiece <i>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow </i>was a favorite seasonal staple. I was not alone; the story is loved by many. Growing up, I never gave any thought to where the story took place and was surprised to learn that Sleepy Hollow is a real place. Washington Irving based the setting of his tale on landmarks in the village of North Tarry Town in Westchester County, NY and titled his story with the place's nickname: Sleepy Hollow. In 1996, the village formally adopted this famous moniker as its official name. Located directly on the Hudson River roughly thirty miles north of New York City, Sleepy Hollow is easily accessed by General Aviation and seven Williamson Flying Club members planned a Halloween pilgrimage there to follow the trail of the Headless Horseman.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fittingly Gloomy</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">28 Oct 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - HPN (White Plains, NY) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">5.0</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2751.7</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>As our trip to Sleepy Hollow neared, forecasts for IFR weather inspired a shuffling of airplanes and pilots so that our seven adventurers were distributed among three IFR-capable airplanes with current IFR pilots. Scott and Kim flew with me, Mike and Gilead flew together in Warrior Eight One Six, and Tom and Alicia made the journey in Two Six Romeo.</div><div><br /></div><div>That morning, we waited in the Williamson Flying Club clubhouse for a rain squall to pass. Finding us there, Chief Instructor Mike B commented that we were an "optimistic group" owing to an approaching cold front. Once the rain relented, we staggered our departures and called for our IFR clearances on the ground. Despite those ground clearances, we found that the ceiling above our home airport was high enough to accommodate VFR departures with airborne clearances. Better safe than sorry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Putting the front to our tails, we flew in IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) for 30 minutes before emerging under a clear blue sky. During this time, Gilead and Mike discovered that the windscreen in Eight One Six leaks. It was Scott and Kim's first extended time in IMC and Scott captured some photos of us "in the ping pong ball" (credit: <a href="https://flyingsummers.com/" target="_blank">Colin</a>). We flew at 7,000 feet with as much as a 30 knot tailwind.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeXd51gy6U9gF5c3H00hz8dYMlu2XUFPX5lXaAfIkWy-hBhAUAe-P6Z8MBZAaVPAsnW5NJUYxw4jnRdBFayDVvMug5MCIDqC6vVtitlBgGoIUx1goE2rg_AN0qPy5MDMMupaG2gUwxCLD2_b1EtlymGUpifKkpWZwNp4GY7WvMmZGQjd855uOc6Dlnb0/s2028/IMG_5805.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeXd51gy6U9gF5c3H00hz8dYMlu2XUFPX5lXaAfIkWy-hBhAUAe-P6Z8MBZAaVPAsnW5NJUYxw4jnRdBFayDVvMug5MCIDqC6vVtitlBgGoIUx1goE2rg_AN0qPy5MDMMupaG2gUwxCLD2_b1EtlymGUpifKkpWZwNp4GY7WvMmZGQjd855uOc6Dlnb0/w640-h360/IMG_5805.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the clouds broke up, we could see the Catskills lurking beneath.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Our destination was the Westchester County Airport (KHPN) in White Plains, NY. Tom and I filed via the Rockdale VOR, which was a starting point on the Nobbi Five arrival procedure used in the greater New York area. That was a good plan.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One, on reaching Rockdale, fly the Nobbi Five procedure." It was the first time that I ever flew most of an arrival procedure. (I was assigned an arrival procedure into Oakland County International once, but was almost immediately vectored off of it because the route passed too close to an active parachute drop zone.) I flew most of the Nobbi Five before being vectored directly to the airport.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmhLhAjFK3GcDi6bzYZ4o1tfvuGcvl_H1-YW43yRku0FkXfO8-se6usQfkJGKC9cdU5DcwF3MH_GBihcwDbKWlJg1b3Q2DccRkS4C34dPoma90yLTDdY0AWltLJN_biC4S338r0FnVI1ctSl3yUVq6i3QHevYVy8rESR7q1D2EaLwPMc1CkyHl1UPpXA/s2003/396490754_10231682352904920_3732872540345124520_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="2003" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmhLhAjFK3GcDi6bzYZ4o1tfvuGcvl_H1-YW43yRku0FkXfO8-se6usQfkJGKC9cdU5DcwF3MH_GBihcwDbKWlJg1b3Q2DccRkS4C34dPoma90yLTDdY0AWltLJN_biC4S338r0FnVI1ctSl3yUVq6i3QHevYVy8rESR7q1D2EaLwPMc1CkyHl1UPpXA/w640-h360/396490754_10231682352904920_3732872540345124520_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final, runway 34, photographed from Two Six Romeo. Photo shamelessly stolen from Alicia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Westchester County airport was busy. We were cleared to land number four on runway 34 and asked to keep our speed up to accommodate a Pilatus behind us. Two jets and one piston aircraft were queued up to depart from the same runway when we arrived. After landing (airport #271), we made the first turnoff and taxied to the Million Air ramp.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihYOOvYSH4ek3_5UlKjR5lKOdOJewio0dqhxs4FDTfBpCz1kZfHe8KoWtufJup99JkmQMv7VQFgZyPIxEp9p2dXMujCSb2srnQCYYBmtamzRfhPOsjee45cv6TPmUJvre1LYIhM6-WemUC-O8u8dThMnWgmJMa-qqhuVZIV47sEVrPtQSQGliallG4XM/s2028/IMG_5806.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihYOOvYSH4ek3_5UlKjR5lKOdOJewio0dqhxs4FDTfBpCz1kZfHe8KoWtufJup99JkmQMv7VQFgZyPIxEp9p2dXMujCSb2srnQCYYBmtamzRfhPOsjee45cv6TPmUJvre1LYIhM6-WemUC-O8u8dThMnWgmJMa-qqhuVZIV47sEVrPtQSQGliallG4XM/w640-h360/IMG_5806.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line crew at Million Air chocks Warrior 481 next to a Cirrus Vision Jet.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Prior research suggested that Million Air was the most General Aviation-friendly FBO on the field, especially with notorious price gougers Atlantic and Signature present as competitors. Even so, combined parking and landing fees totaled $50. Some of the fees could be waived with a fuel purchase, but buying $8+/gal avgas was not very appealing to me.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYutIAILINd2NuXBx-p6lLnkqPImYR72XDZZPRyKiaf_SERk3G8KbwXdBgCG5D8q_uD_Xw5up_nV48ir6pnYTbxRlDPo2rCkWpa0qqHVBGM4OoEz0-iSoQcLH8BRMKmW3Y8IS5RDdgcXU9bY_CNV2-2wYeIDZaanrMxjrY2aXGRDqz-BtRu5mJ5TiWPLQ/s2028/IMG_5807.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="2028" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYutIAILINd2NuXBx-p6lLnkqPImYR72XDZZPRyKiaf_SERk3G8KbwXdBgCG5D8q_uD_Xw5up_nV48ir6pnYTbxRlDPo2rCkWpa0qqHVBGM4OoEz0-iSoQcLH8BRMKmW3Y8IS5RDdgcXU9bY_CNV2-2wYeIDZaanrMxjrY2aXGRDqz-BtRu5mJ5TiWPLQ/w640-h360/IMG_5807.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and Kim head across the ramp to the FBO.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Million Air ramp was occupied by a disproportionately large number of Cirrus aircraft (Cirri?) and kerosene burners that provided insight into the local economy. The airport as a whole most certainly did not cater to our pilot demographic.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD30cSRNkpcY1nUZh7zFJyzRevZ6Mql0ZdlTqkVwD2m4JiTjL1-509VN1ZF9THzPTqPbXa3yT2zc_wFDCO_D47uM1UFyUOSwipKWDZgXgd_qkVsVxC8IWYy2Ibq9iR-G7e2MIj9ObbxPUHILWxBSq1vnmRR90pBIlUEd48-KcafqUUoFv04RBQYOAxbn0/s2048/IMG_5809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD30cSRNkpcY1nUZh7zFJyzRevZ6Mql0ZdlTqkVwD2m4JiTjL1-509VN1ZF9THzPTqPbXa3yT2zc_wFDCO_D47uM1UFyUOSwipKWDZgXgd_qkVsVxC8IWYy2Ibq9iR-G7e2MIj9ObbxPUHILWxBSq1vnmRR90pBIlUEd48-KcafqUUoFv04RBQYOAxbn0/w640-h360/IMG_5809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I waited for Tom and Alicia to land before heading inside.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLShk-E2JAZ8G60y6kEFbl_vfFosSUzu2jS3uvL7eaxTTtweMcHRPtbJj9T5-0z8h9SfxN_7AYiiQ8Bq18TViBAtt0JXBaLBENc_qylKVsvX7xjbIK9qoo7ex2RM53DRypubv4i1jqm__aq_-IuINTYKsjGANbQBbzDIbKaX-JE26rlCm0paKMhW4420k/s2048/IMG_5811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLShk-E2JAZ8G60y6kEFbl_vfFosSUzu2jS3uvL7eaxTTtweMcHRPtbJj9T5-0z8h9SfxN_7AYiiQ8Bq18TViBAtt0JXBaLBENc_qylKVsvX7xjbIK9qoo7ex2RM53DRypubv4i1jqm__aq_-IuINTYKsjGANbQBbzDIbKaX-JE26rlCm0paKMhW4420k/w640-h360/IMG_5811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Gilead and Mike were waiting for us at Warrior Eight One Six when we arrived.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">High Rent District</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzU_esC1OLbhHjvdAhE_QP5l3n-IDIW7c0V36ht9E2372N8kj0rVetBnsseEJaSwZm_2wwRrS5h1TGWuuKMS_aSnfuNNIGRYR4YQ3PeAcZw2EhWOjqMSiKDcc5xirGNWPPJ7MvlevjyYbtPxlaaWADMUwWpx1GmMfxW0-RflbPu698BxRUVhyphenhyphenM5nFs9A/s2048/IMG_5812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzU_esC1OLbhHjvdAhE_QP5l3n-IDIW7c0V36ht9E2372N8kj0rVetBnsseEJaSwZm_2wwRrS5h1TGWuuKMS_aSnfuNNIGRYR4YQ3PeAcZw2EhWOjqMSiKDcc5xirGNWPPJ7MvlevjyYbtPxlaaWADMUwWpx1GmMfxW0-RflbPu698BxRUVhyphenhyphenM5nFs9A/w640-h480/IMG_5812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One look at the FBO building put the high ramp fees into immediate context. Considering that Westchester County Airport serves the flying elite in metropolitan New York City, I should not have been surprised.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMXy-n9L1PUw6KcWSQyQ9cNTBodWhi1ieuWDtgh_TRQ2VLGpqEaU5NnqcXD2qLdu1Z3aEfoXKdxPIIBYOlhVQ64J9U4RUTlYtaPOMpV-l9HRVHGUsMrqd7ff7KzTWlcWr62mjCSP4eGpUXi-xwfuWN1kVrxISi7RzNGzfIjjBo88_7w1OWbH1Gs8OXFg/s2003/IMG_5813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="2003" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMXy-n9L1PUw6KcWSQyQ9cNTBodWhi1ieuWDtgh_TRQ2VLGpqEaU5NnqcXD2qLdu1Z3aEfoXKdxPIIBYOlhVQ64J9U4RUTlYtaPOMpV-l9HRVHGUsMrqd7ff7KzTWlcWr62mjCSP4eGpUXi-xwfuWN1kVrxISi7RzNGzfIjjBo88_7w1OWbH1Gs8OXFg/w640-h360/IMG_5813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When I walked inside, I immediately felt underdressed and wondered if Million Air offered loaner suit coats to help casually dressed patrons fit in the way fancy restaurants do.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqSWSBDamDN3Hvm-yKrmFoXUGuYjMdSEPA3q2kMt1CFdnzx_SQlEnBh5v-g4htAH-48BD-ri7fM1t5unsObmIZVltVOOMu1P9fcwGvrOLvWM5l5EcYjO85RisjMbfjCkSCrhjtAPaOdWkBy7fO8F30-kzbPMsXdf4IaT5aqyXZ3-6A8CYur8eU29RuKM/s2048/IMG_5847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqSWSBDamDN3Hvm-yKrmFoXUGuYjMdSEPA3q2kMt1CFdnzx_SQlEnBh5v-g4htAH-48BD-ri7fM1t5unsObmIZVltVOOMu1P9fcwGvrOLvWM5l5EcYjO85RisjMbfjCkSCrhjtAPaOdWkBy7fO8F30-kzbPMsXdf4IaT5aqyXZ3-6A8CYur8eU29RuKM/w640-h480/IMG_5847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The facility was a long way from the ramshackle pilot shack in Three Rivers, MI where I learned to fly. I was reminded of an alpine lodge combined with a high-end department store. The latter observation was inspired by glass cases scattered throughout containing overpriced goods meant to inspire impulse buys from well-heeled clientele. Some of the watches were nice, but also cost as much as my entire airplane.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbOyFsngaQq-QuIKroztgQaTRRwV3hBYMly1oygacYb_MOtdxtSyfHG9M6b_HEP8UU9SA0kDAkxdjStprovfivnsm78hyr6sxY3rTb3U_r0a6KBNBBdhPAz9-hU6QuWw-y2Mqib_h28gHXT9Oifg3E1_dGAZjjmW4ZGpqo6vlRZTWigQe88hAC0TBBsU/s1536/IMG_5846.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbOyFsngaQq-QuIKroztgQaTRRwV3hBYMly1oygacYb_MOtdxtSyfHG9M6b_HEP8UU9SA0kDAkxdjStprovfivnsm78hyr6sxY3rTb3U_r0a6KBNBBdhPAz9-hU6QuWw-y2Mqib_h28gHXT9Oifg3E1_dGAZjjmW4ZGpqo6vlRZTWigQe88hAC0TBBsU/w480-h640/IMG_5846.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4rxC8HBFYwWaJmdBV06BnB_JM7NJ8m7roYKQKqgsaIlY9o1GoFR4_JTqIu23ZKpvzqM-TQDWfnz9mXpixvGJGT3CyyL5fy2R0JZxxGXJXFou76p76z0WMoXolv7FMfnzjx-QoxizuAY7GrioVUIMZ5nt9PIEUZ9GX4T7qkhdBB_MLB_vPOiouKsfO-o/s1904/IMG_5845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="1904" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4rxC8HBFYwWaJmdBV06BnB_JM7NJ8m7roYKQKqgsaIlY9o1GoFR4_JTqIu23ZKpvzqM-TQDWfnz9mXpixvGJGT3CyyL5fy2R0JZxxGXJXFou76p76z0WMoXolv7FMfnzjx-QoxizuAY7GrioVUIMZ5nt9PIEUZ9GX4T7qkhdBB_MLB_vPOiouKsfO-o/w640-h480/IMG_5845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNSOL0fJQpbzovLs80DMtpAITqiP2BZ9CaD_5lSSMqO1CVXq5V-NUXdz5WS8JNHVFwv6LtZS5_k3shg9TxQa9g99xD_-ACxOo1w9WUV75nBqzufo3A8m06j4XCrYFZsv_MPQBgFnJ5JTw246YlZVB5BIbvlLhre-2A5DqXBMmdqnoQoX9m-nizLOH7nM/s2043/IMG_5843.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2043" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNSOL0fJQpbzovLs80DMtpAITqiP2BZ9CaD_5lSSMqO1CVXq5V-NUXdz5WS8JNHVFwv6LtZS5_k3shg9TxQa9g99xD_-ACxOo1w9WUV75nBqzufo3A8m06j4XCrYFZsv_MPQBgFnJ5JTw246YlZVB5BIbvlLhre-2A5DqXBMmdqnoQoX9m-nizLOH7nM/w640-h360/IMG_5843.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Million Air's courtesy car garage.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One thing that took the sting out of the landing fee was the fleet of Mercedes courtesy cars. Mike, Scott, Kim and I piled into one while Tom, Alicia, and Gilead joined Gilead's local friend Harris in his personal SUV. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sleepy Hollow, NY</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Sleepy Hollow is a quaint village set on the eastern bank of the Hudson River. In the runup to Halloween, however, it was completely overrun by tourists. Fortunately, we managed to find parking among the glut of pedestrians and vehicles.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4hRKdUr85f8DeQnLLG3JwEGYbc1zWYvPxcp-fcp_g2K9r3bs56R1P1O1J2vfvu7yChvr6Yo0Gn4QGLCyguMMEzR0F5o-mjo6_sylg3So-wZZFGK2L4SiYLFF9G5_RAPvptgPKZrYKZoPHP4sKj7bab7Kvennt6yVf-5h60TgPM9ijvH9ZXbXapFREZ8/s1969/IMG_5814.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1969" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4hRKdUr85f8DeQnLLG3JwEGYbc1zWYvPxcp-fcp_g2K9r3bs56R1P1O1J2vfvu7yChvr6Yo0Gn4QGLCyguMMEzR0F5o-mjo6_sylg3So-wZZFGK2L4SiYLFF9G5_RAPvptgPKZrYKZoPHP4sKj7bab7Kvennt6yVf-5h60TgPM9ijvH9ZXbXapFREZ8/w640-h360/IMG_5814.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of J.P. Doyle's.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi231jKcokSTOO_B7vbrqBxu86wyz9xDUkiir6L6SuAz7d-Zpvx6AT03YP5LCGrASQ9xh82NFKVYl5EglThZVd9Uz2LBTkmyim2MrZI7WXkOk8-btPzUuaYOzqHtvzKCzPhTXC4BJo9-vvsz4ZBGR6taY_3NRM7CQnojdXWkT3Yaawy17vWY2Arpgv6lYg/s1969/IMG_5815.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1969" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi231jKcokSTOO_B7vbrqBxu86wyz9xDUkiir6L6SuAz7d-Zpvx6AT03YP5LCGrASQ9xh82NFKVYl5EglThZVd9Uz2LBTkmyim2MrZI7WXkOk8-btPzUuaYOzqHtvzKCzPhTXC4BJo9-vvsz4ZBGR6taY_3NRM7CQnojdXWkT3Yaawy17vWY2Arpgv6lYg/w640-h360/IMG_5815.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display in the alley alongside J.P. Doyle's.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had lunch at J.P. Doyle's, Irish pub and self-declared Halloween headquarters. There is even a "Horseman burger" on the menu. Oddly, it was not topped by a flaming jack-o'-lantern. Opportunity missed, J.P. Doyle's!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuguNClIbRqWbnOCkn1cl3WXcwqGTb0DT1cYD5rBeue0Z6pOzM10jmFQEOvjfMKVYbOLdnzD2YDfxZeMdofwH-oJN96pgK81PpyDPcNHlvFn-x3BmLGYmMzOcl25dd-rrevogtP3uzUMa-ZkYPXwyPclZjRpUW0XwXMuxjXAMi1KulDwbeTSHQVKYJ5EU/s3088/IMG_3262-altered.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3088" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuguNClIbRqWbnOCkn1cl3WXcwqGTb0DT1cYD5rBeue0Z6pOzM10jmFQEOvjfMKVYbOLdnzD2YDfxZeMdofwH-oJN96pgK81PpyDPcNHlvFn-x3BmLGYmMzOcl25dd-rrevogtP3uzUMa-ZkYPXwyPclZjRpUW0XwXMuxjXAMi1KulDwbeTSHQVKYJ5EU/w640-h480/IMG_3262-altered.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our intrepid group of flying ghost hunters. Photo by Mike A.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We took our obligatory group photo in J.P. Doyle's. From left to right: Scott, Kim, Tom, Alicia, Harris, Gilead, me, and Mike.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Trail of the Headless Horseman</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As the organizer, Mike A had procured a Legend of Sleepy Hollow driving tour for us to explore. Unfortunately, the crowds in Sleepy Hollow made it virtually impossible to reach or loiter at particular sites while the flamboyant storyteller spun his yarn. We quickly abandoned the official driving tour and instead pursued a self-directed tour.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePmGfO4qPzXGrJOEaw4WBCVN_o978su5ndXAXWQNLu0txqFul4stbmwy2GNxE-nXnCyqISSs7MGvPXoNeItq5QBzYMXusP1QVZpklYzvjf_8UuvNafYNsu_Pmo_-FpLCaZ3QLVuOdeskOcxzpY53IQNip7oW0RcbjXEWY9GkQ34350WHjeSQJ0JX1Z6I/s2048/IMG_5831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePmGfO4qPzXGrJOEaw4WBCVN_o978su5ndXAXWQNLu0txqFul4stbmwy2GNxE-nXnCyqISSs7MGvPXoNeItq5QBzYMXusP1QVZpklYzvjf_8UuvNafYNsu_Pmo_-FpLCaZ3QLVuOdeskOcxzpY53IQNip7oW0RcbjXEWY9GkQ34350WHjeSQJ0JX1Z6I/w640-h360/IMG_5831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the first landmarks we came across was a bridge over the Pocantico River. In the legend, the Headless Horseman could not cross this river lest he become separated from the graveyard where his body was interred. Crossing this bridge, Ichabod Crane thought he had reached safety until the horseman wrathfully hurled his jack-o'-lantern substitute head at him. Although the original bridge from the story has since been replaced, it crossed the river at this spot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uYq2UqKaq6Frz6HILpWSIJN4xLdfp6ysGfOM9VIRE403k_ZX_A-ivR6nVjRCY1ZHkqcIHfqS8dgadR0i5exw6ArW8KG_-i4axsPBwAZydMfLiCnPSQXiJo8iYMIygDdcl-70me2R_WW9ITRu0BtGQ-2rHX7P10R1V7StGRkqNpWqBSod9WnFCStpGs/s1800/IMG_5830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1800" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uYq2UqKaq6Frz6HILpWSIJN4xLdfp6ysGfOM9VIRE403k_ZX_A-ivR6nVjRCY1ZHkqcIHfqS8dgadR0i5exw6ArW8KG_-i4axsPBwAZydMfLiCnPSQXiJo8iYMIygDdcl-70me2R_WW9ITRu0BtGQ-2rHX7P10R1V7StGRkqNpWqBSod9WnFCStpGs/w640-h360/IMG_5830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sleepy Hollow's Old Dutch Church was built in 1697 and presides over a three acre burial ground. It was here that the decapitated corpse of the Hessian soldier was buried during the Revolutionary War. The site is also the final resting place of Catriena Ecker Van Tessell (1760-1793), namesake of <i>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow's</i> Katrina Van Tassel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDXYE47Wc_kd7_tRywHkorgZdojAd9kHjcZVXrqNg8orAbjB0jSIp6pSer5tI6vZrQVz58d6j1PoH7qbpUtFVufh9sfc5t66_b2cpsgaRsGRJMpnQU7xjkUfmQ_ktYWkQ9sI9pt9DjnkSyxZqNrydmgzmJbbOLc8ZxhiV4ygZLf6CGdlVK6Thm82m_w4/s2048/IMG_5829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDXYE47Wc_kd7_tRywHkorgZdojAd9kHjcZVXrqNg8orAbjB0jSIp6pSer5tI6vZrQVz58d6j1PoH7qbpUtFVufh9sfc5t66_b2cpsgaRsGRJMpnQU7xjkUfmQ_ktYWkQ9sI9pt9DjnkSyxZqNrydmgzmJbbOLc8ZxhiV4ygZLf6CGdlVK6Thm82m_w4/w640-h480/IMG_5829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This church is considered the second oldest church in the state of New York and the 15th oldest building.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAcTzH7gB4_z3a-r88rwmspt3OaxoP2EHaCno4RniR0AlE_sMrUanc0B18A_uIV0n6WE5TJ_wlyymc5XfJ5bBqeZZjbsyayW-js2ixUWKRtt6-Ul1kORQNfQWqLW2yMQGQrOUOaty4mDDpKEbumt-qjSzg5TMXzkTyRU54HMgWmwkRN3FuMLzVX9CU38/s1845/IMG_5828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1845" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAcTzH7gB4_z3a-r88rwmspt3OaxoP2EHaCno4RniR0AlE_sMrUanc0B18A_uIV0n6WE5TJ_wlyymc5XfJ5bBqeZZjbsyayW-js2ixUWKRtt6-Ul1kORQNfQWqLW2yMQGQrOUOaty4mDDpKEbumt-qjSzg5TMXzkTyRU54HMgWmwkRN3FuMLzVX9CU38/w640-h360/IMG_5828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQZvH17y2qGeUx4-wO4sPGT-_qIOfp61K3i8fBgBVe94jAp_9_scDm_jnt3MF-BNtTpp1bpqcK1HIg1tIo8PSiqNQm8Gw7e7talZLMW2tlBvkQFjT7JOH34o6pI5smcO3o29Se0DlA9E342TnsKf_bGSxU1iWx7X-EyR-dDs-rrRPc6Q_vRlZFNRdy9o/s1792/IMG_5827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1792" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQZvH17y2qGeUx4-wO4sPGT-_qIOfp61K3i8fBgBVe94jAp_9_scDm_jnt3MF-BNtTpp1bpqcK1HIg1tIo8PSiqNQm8Gw7e7talZLMW2tlBvkQFjT7JOH34o6pI5smcO3o29Se0DlA9E342TnsKf_bGSxU1iWx7X-EyR-dDs-rrRPc6Q_vRlZFNRdy9o/w640-h480/IMG_5827.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sleepy Hollow Cemetery</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ7oGyG8eExhrlhHyEbz9zItoFV9cE9-ETvgGuA-rfnofb4P5tvdkg7GQf2UZHzR57X27_eBqonShsjLboEH2ZC4BGF6P_SrVxsgY9YjlehtRkOT1c-aV3wZSOTZjI6fExtNLN3CsBptLE1doGtH6T-kSUXOGspDEYywBQbsQPnuLWrA7Od2L_uPaPtY/s1969/IMG_5818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1969" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQ7oGyG8eExhrlhHyEbz9zItoFV9cE9-ETvgGuA-rfnofb4P5tvdkg7GQf2UZHzR57X27_eBqonShsjLboEH2ZC4BGF6P_SrVxsgY9YjlehtRkOT1c-aV3wZSOTZjI6fExtNLN3CsBptLE1doGtH6T-kSUXOGspDEYywBQbsQPnuLWrA7Od2L_uPaPtY/w640-h360/IMG_5818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>From there, we explored the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery directly adjacent to the Old Dutch Church property. <i>The Legend of Sleepy Hollow </i>author Washington Irving (1783–1859) was laid to rest here. We parked the car and hiked through the remarkably atmospheric cemetery in search of the Irving family plot.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1YeM1Lz6VOPNmUT4KJ1emnZpBRIqL-_jEQ5liiT0R_rKtx7qYr2B-BCJ2XdoyWhwIKHX8ZYcwB14XcVb9co4WmeMmSk_K78VZVWCHsSOw5O-TtCoVKizYoJvV5QmWIkvLKUe4TFkSDiM5YdqS_PR4bIduwJrTz_-4yTlf62EWD28ynjyF9J0e9ldDzo/s2048/IMG_5819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1YeM1Lz6VOPNmUT4KJ1emnZpBRIqL-_jEQ5liiT0R_rKtx7qYr2B-BCJ2XdoyWhwIKHX8ZYcwB14XcVb9co4WmeMmSk_K78VZVWCHsSOw5O-TtCoVKizYoJvV5QmWIkvLKUe4TFkSDiM5YdqS_PR4bIduwJrTz_-4yTlf62EWD28ynjyF9J0e9ldDzo/w640-h480/IMG_5819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynzq8GpR__hLrks5lqqCUVybqM9NNMHmmcIrDC6GDCEWvvw2vRJFuSDz_wS70ztaU6Mw4YmbKschNk-7ekSgOfVP-MTV2CBGgxR2cNhL33nhtZluD8mHNVL60T8bvgLWU_D-kojbXTxPVcu4RRraohLr59R6sSNYe8fiiLDv1Uuq0tUfKmkyx1iF_Z4Q/s1809/IMG_5820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1809" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynzq8GpR__hLrks5lqqCUVybqM9NNMHmmcIrDC6GDCEWvvw2vRJFuSDz_wS70ztaU6Mw4YmbKschNk-7ekSgOfVP-MTV2CBGgxR2cNhL33nhtZluD8mHNVL60T8bvgLWU_D-kojbXTxPVcu4RRraohLr59R6sSNYe8fiiLDv1Uuq0tUfKmkyx1iF_Z4Q/w640-h360/IMG_5820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XfGxnGBj_ZYqODWHnznI0IBzfbDQ3FcqakNgmSPyraVX4tHHiThvnS_rhrjQc7E5oIDuH7TD6zZsrgwhX0t6-cFlQwnJSrFdfORir389UwsdwQSW1YUDNY-eCcSrueViyEyLO6YUozDRIDWa5_wwrTRjpv3qI-5fVokMieO-mWlUp3mHNhVeoDhR_vU/s2048/IMG_5821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XfGxnGBj_ZYqODWHnznI0IBzfbDQ3FcqakNgmSPyraVX4tHHiThvnS_rhrjQc7E5oIDuH7TD6zZsrgwhX0t6-cFlQwnJSrFdfORir389UwsdwQSW1YUDNY-eCcSrueViyEyLO6YUozDRIDWa5_wwrTRjpv3qI-5fVokMieO-mWlUp3mHNhVeoDhR_vU/w480-h640/IMG_5821.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQcnEpWiMUjqrWdAPGFz5QcQG0O8u9nwFMVrXVlveCKhKJPB4KVOejSqQt7c6i0QuSiwEcUqxyLd5PE2WyBD1C5bguqQ5yqlljZLdPAmVLprqSO1YkCuF5wzd0KVbu9Yh-tGfSuFd5mKqWfCjJTTVMefVueUAEErZi17GwcgQOvCF3d8b7ifIWHmrsh8/s2048/IMG_5822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQcnEpWiMUjqrWdAPGFz5QcQG0O8u9nwFMVrXVlveCKhKJPB4KVOejSqQt7c6i0QuSiwEcUqxyLd5PE2WyBD1C5bguqQ5yqlljZLdPAmVLprqSO1YkCuF5wzd0KVbu9Yh-tGfSuFd5mKqWfCjJTTVMefVueUAEErZi17GwcgQOvCF3d8b7ifIWHmrsh8/w640-h360/IMG_5822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually we found it, the Irving family plot. Believe it or not, the exact site of the plot could be found with Google maps.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzmBzfPtv3_5AJBTImMsFWfUK-TO-CxYLJfscHKJnVEVp-D4ZQ3e5xWCQpD_df76HfjbuwZHGfCzPycHgOIfsf3xk5V4inUHs7dQ6tkGkRyWDwlt_EElQqkf0v9BrTslo29trBTcUnmgpufwxRsZdQzPHhtbwrqETs6z3c2wFja6y4PL-NAMZXXVImm8/s2033/IMG_5825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="2033" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzmBzfPtv3_5AJBTImMsFWfUK-TO-CxYLJfscHKJnVEVp-D4ZQ3e5xWCQpD_df76HfjbuwZHGfCzPycHgOIfsf3xk5V4inUHs7dQ6tkGkRyWDwlt_EElQqkf0v9BrTslo29trBTcUnmgpufwxRsZdQzPHhtbwrqETs6z3c2wFja6y4PL-NAMZXXVImm8/w640-h360/IMG_5825.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Washington Irving's headstone is the one adorned by American flags.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxLAIcvnalXM4eiDyKJ3w48A2J2bk0KlQ3_XeRL62SiEWmh210_K-k-_i7iyYprKf92UcB2RVpwXmOY38STobHDethAQBq3B1UApBwlkJPEhVqfIwxZmVmrE573mj_Z_wfxbtj30kBUBB3e1l9QVT-_0JP24rTCFU0SEUZ3qZDcSZa7fkz3SH6SRg7u8/s1940/IMG_5836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1940" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxLAIcvnalXM4eiDyKJ3w48A2J2bk0KlQ3_XeRL62SiEWmh210_K-k-_i7iyYprKf92UcB2RVpwXmOY38STobHDethAQBq3B1UApBwlkJPEhVqfIwxZmVmrE573mj_Z_wfxbtj30kBUBB3e1l9QVT-_0JP24rTCFU0SEUZ3qZDcSZa7fkz3SH6SRg7u8/w640-h360/IMG_5836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY07VEo4Fv7LRvfETDKSxfxB60XldwQgzCc8jVS95AoNJu04g5mDxjB1F28gR7jqiypByfHyEuo76hWQJqT5VogxARpoOOoBx2Hhy_hz2mwPwvWLtS3Ylh0mGVp4a2gsZurfMqZILg8YMjuAivz199BfPBMuqKNbdsRjyGhvSmGeut1_nd1Ps_7mXs6U/s2048/IMG_5839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY07VEo4Fv7LRvfETDKSxfxB60XldwQgzCc8jVS95AoNJu04g5mDxjB1F28gR7jqiypByfHyEuo76hWQJqT5VogxARpoOOoBx2Hhy_hz2mwPwvWLtS3Ylh0mGVp4a2gsZurfMqZILg8YMjuAivz199BfPBMuqKNbdsRjyGhvSmGeut1_nd1Ps_7mXs6U/w640-h480/IMG_5839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTusmbJXBhwVcuAmY_rYs3eYV1y4LRQT6rPhcE0odhOQ7Maqs2xk1_-D5R5iuRUuQqztkKIwRNPnXdwOfJoHG8fos9RJ1sYIO3XrM47Y8a0szCHph7Fp74PehF6WEGJpUjQ7vT16H1eHMMEzr2o2CY4VxqVJDTe9mbQAIVvZzA1yTr0JEbsChtDAf7XiU/s2048/IMG_5841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTusmbJXBhwVcuAmY_rYs3eYV1y4LRQT6rPhcE0odhOQ7Maqs2xk1_-D5R5iuRUuQqztkKIwRNPnXdwOfJoHG8fos9RJ1sYIO3XrM47Y8a0szCHph7Fp74PehF6WEGJpUjQ7vT16H1eHMMEzr2o2CY4VxqVJDTe9mbQAIVvZzA1yTr0JEbsChtDAf7XiU/w480-h640/IMG_5841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKgJY_hTTHBxfe2p9JW28QiIzYhTsOPJ8ATfaxoEiPxfB_zQZOEmXH3ucALl2-8DsEgfUEZzMVV1FbSQNyG313dt9GJENQvcj4935g-oBfTGROtRen_JTmTZGXoQ16ImyVSaMgc9b_oGpOtzwqIjcDYXmeDrU-JQl9HKMHRKCEaNUHQtDIgDfHXyZ-5I/s1847/IMG_5842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1847" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKgJY_hTTHBxfe2p9JW28QiIzYhTsOPJ8ATfaxoEiPxfB_zQZOEmXH3ucALl2-8DsEgfUEZzMVV1FbSQNyG313dt9GJENQvcj4935g-oBfTGROtRen_JTmTZGXoQ16ImyVSaMgc9b_oGpOtzwqIjcDYXmeDrU-JQl9HKMHRKCEaNUHQtDIgDfHXyZ-5I/w640-h360/IMG_5842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">A Realm of Shadow and Mist</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Our pilgrimage completed, we returned to Westchester County Airport. At Million Air, I helped myself to a Coke while I filed an IFR flight plan home. (In an avocation that speaks of $100 hamburgers, a $50 Coke fits right in.) I very optimistically filed direct at 6,000 feet to get home, but Westchester Clearance Delivery had different ideas and I was assigned the Westchester Seven departure procedure with a top altitude of 9,000 feet.</div><div><br /></div><div>While receiving our instrument clearance over the radio, I was entertained by two guys <b>struggling</b> to park a Cessna 172 on the tiedown space next to us. The modern day Laurel and Hardy pushed and pulled on the poor Skyhawk in an effort to align the airplane properly over the tiedown rings in the asphalt, but each adjustment only succeeded in returning the airplane to the same poorly aligned position. It was the aeronautical equivalent to watching a novice attempting to parallel park while simply sawing back and forth along the same arc too far displaced from the curb. Sadly, one of the guys appeared to be the flight instructor and the whole scene spoke very poorly of his spatial reasoning skills.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cleared to depart behind a commercial airliner, we were inscrutably vectored back and forth across the course to HAAYS, the first waypoint on the procedure. Perhaps ATC was trying to keep us from catching Tom who was ahead of us in Two Six Romeo, but our airplanes are well matched in speed and that should not have been an issue. At 9,000 feet, we faced a stiff headwind of 45+ knots that caused me to monitor fuel burn carefully, but we still landed with over an hour of gas on board.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNQtuF9u5suHuftXKQDVaO8XkUSV_45ZT9zQne3jczhle9Un8X1xub6hLq8o605PCtr_EYHJCP4ne6wlsiya1tGiIoUlU6GbO6IyJbVusOkeKauqpsGG-DrIYgNki86m2KRLhOhJbOkWYd3jmP_-EI-iBg0CzdpJ5J716J4twXg0f0JuIZKzUn3wS88Q/s2030/IMG_5850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2030" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNQtuF9u5suHuftXKQDVaO8XkUSV_45ZT9zQne3jczhle9Un8X1xub6hLq8o605PCtr_EYHJCP4ne6wlsiya1tGiIoUlU6GbO6IyJbVusOkeKauqpsGG-DrIYgNki86m2KRLhOhJbOkWYd3jmP_-EI-iBg0CzdpJ5J716J4twXg0f0JuIZKzUn3wS88Q/w640-h360/IMG_5850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While it was not a rapid flight home, the views were spectacular. I was left alone with my thoughts for a time once Scott and Kim fell asleep.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87awdJ6NL5wzmgU82YqUpoZCoWOLcapW7FGaZnIdxMmdmAAVrLg67z4kvVwxpnNQtXfuREsvA3X8IklL7av_A260ntCo-CE6tEUp6MmmXnT43QkDHdZvg4-nCdPSGbvkJzAQRiwdtxdLNSZldiDrNQ8sJgSW6ZVHZD8r8AnZSbAwUBRKOtv2EuAyymO0/s1973/IMG_5851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1478" data-original-width="1973" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87awdJ6NL5wzmgU82YqUpoZCoWOLcapW7FGaZnIdxMmdmAAVrLg67z4kvVwxpnNQtXfuREsvA3X8IklL7av_A260ntCo-CE6tEUp6MmmXnT43QkDHdZvg4-nCdPSGbvkJzAQRiwdtxdLNSZldiDrNQ8sJgSW6ZVHZD8r8AnZSbAwUBRKOtv2EuAyymO0/w640-h480/IMG_5851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually, we passed through the cold front that had pushed the dismal weather into Sodus that morning. In some ways, it was our own version of the Headless Horseman, a specter that pursued us across New York state that day. Now, we faced it head on. We experienced a sudden, severe downdraft. HAL was flying Warrior 481 at the time and automatically pitched up to maintain altitude, causing the airspeed to bleed off precipitously.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Airspeed! Airspeed!" cried HAL as I intervened to prevent the airplane from stalling. It was over in a moment and I restored normal cruise. Behind the front, the headwind relented somewhat and our ground speed rose from the upper 70 knot range to just over 100 knots.<br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCIJ-ur4JTJvrBgwJgLXGbos-QM026tIJY2B4QDcr7yJx1l2xNDH5sYO3_3vWz2RtGsZoOhuy_a6ND_s9P0a-KHJyt3b8TE15mYP-LTzrACecfirrXSNI60ZL2EQyB7yk_3llUEUT3DBdVV570axLufyVWS_xaEp2NSpL_GdYtZoF9Ea7Jz1LKH_K5oc/s1874/IMG_5852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1874" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCIJ-ur4JTJvrBgwJgLXGbos-QM026tIJY2B4QDcr7yJx1l2xNDH5sYO3_3vWz2RtGsZoOhuy_a6ND_s9P0a-KHJyt3b8TE15mYP-LTzrACecfirrXSNI60ZL2EQyB7yk_3llUEUT3DBdVV570axLufyVWS_xaEp2NSpL_GdYtZoF9Ea7Jz1LKH_K5oc/w640-h480/IMG_5852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFjXsYmPSGabjmrNMGF_ztITzfKXAwm17sltt0a0XzvLoRu_BbW-Qldiao0UW-3XonebT_MgwQ9cGod7DT9wHGKiPcvNQbvnURa9UBSWsUNli-ed8hNtGlINoVRIEKv0IhtCj_CXIzS8DeOxCifc7FAIyeBHMYAfiIM3WFZ72_my4lT-3UqmIlEvUyTA/s1983/IMG_5854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1983" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFjXsYmPSGabjmrNMGF_ztITzfKXAwm17sltt0a0XzvLoRu_BbW-Qldiao0UW-3XonebT_MgwQ9cGod7DT9wHGKiPcvNQbvnURa9UBSWsUNli-ed8hNtGlINoVRIEKv0IhtCj_CXIzS8DeOxCifc7FAIyeBHMYAfiIM3WFZ72_my4lT-3UqmIlEvUyTA/w640-h360/IMG_5854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We returned to the Finger Lakes as the sun completed its arc across the daytime sky. Surface temperatures had plunged in the wake of the cold front, but the low clouds and rain from that morning had cleared out. Even the gusty wind forecast for our return had already dissipated, so I was able to give Scott and Kim a good enough landing that they will be willing to fly with me again someday.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Although the driving tour did not work out, we had a great run to a new (to me) airport. Despite it being in the high rent district, we enjoyed our pilgrimage to the Hudson River Valley to explore the interface between myth and fact.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-59792844790344600782023-10-19T22:00:00.660-04:002023-11-21T19:54:31.533-05:00North to Ottawa | Part 3, Caution: Wet Paint<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Departure from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum</span></i></b></div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div><div>At 2:30 pm, I notified museum staff that I needed to return to my airplane. I was escorted outside by a docent who was supposed to have led the 2:30 pm Reserve Hangar tour, but was available because no one signed up for it. Yes, I missed an opportunity for a one on one tour! But I also needed to be airborne at 3:00 pm or else amend my flight plan and arrival time with US Customs in Ogdensville, NY.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we walked outside, she spotted the Warrior. "Is that a Piper?" She disclosed that she took flight lessons when she was younger, but only had experience with Cessnas.</div><div><br /></div><div>I pre-flighted the Warrior, mentally refreshed on my plan for getting home, and cranked the engine. In a prior telephone conversation with the Rockliffe Flying Club, I was assured that I could pick up my IFR clearance in the air from Ottawa Terminal and planned to do exactly that.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Cleared as Filed"</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">19 Oct 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">YRO (Ottawa, ON) - OGS (Ogdensburg, NY) - SDC (Sodus, NY)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.5</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2746.7</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I taxied to the departure end of runway 27, ran-up the airplane, and broke ground exactly at 3:00 pm as planned. Clearing the departure end of the runway, I turned 20° right to avoid restricted areas CYR-537 and CYR-538 around the Canadian government buildings and leveled at 1400 feet to avoid entering controlled airspace before establishing communications with Ottawa Terminal.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjguCyBDPc5llh1Ag6-swDfr73_l_tmr2vZuUrdBY2_BTZNeVsGoSyE1AofzjD7bzbGW2uZZH62ioffpZRZc-brlHX8wMBMe3Agp3GabvLFQOtwo-JjmdKeeQF3xOtXDWd43aA8jOabEGDkfVj0b43coKWCvnMSgHVcRjvCd8HlJn_k9of0IS0m5utNM/s4793/231019_OffRockliffe.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2696" data-original-width="4793" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjguCyBDPc5llh1Ag6-swDfr73_l_tmr2vZuUrdBY2_BTZNeVsGoSyE1AofzjD7bzbGW2uZZH62ioffpZRZc-brlHX8wMBMe3Agp3GabvLFQOtwo-JjmdKeeQF3xOtXDWd43aA8jOabEGDkfVj0b43coKWCvnMSgHVcRjvCd8HlJn_k9of0IS0m5utNM/w640-h360/231019_OffRockliffe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ottawa skyline immediately after take-off from Rockliffe.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was so focused on post launch navigation tasks that I only caught a couple of pictures of the Ottawa skyline as I zoomed past.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt7Yf0yQ0Nvor9Zbrfv3WkO4DY_5kd8y62luJx951tqY6Rr04Zq275RKQs-u5Ua8pPadhLnZj-626eLEfd_M6QAY95nts55Lt7bZtM6DCk-jUHflfIX8Lz_mcUn_6TshXM8rtL8a8e5fAzHPGzIZDKg6uw9Tu0JsoDWcX12Oyhu6V3f6muEBrq_GjtRc/s1920/231019_ArtsySkylineOttawa.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt7Yf0yQ0Nvor9Zbrfv3WkO4DY_5kd8y62luJx951tqY6Rr04Zq275RKQs-u5Ua8pPadhLnZj-626eLEfd_M6QAY95nts55Lt7bZtM6DCk-jUHflfIX8Lz_mcUn_6TshXM8rtL8a8e5fAzHPGzIZDKg6uw9Tu0JsoDWcX12Oyhu6V3f6muEBrq_GjtRc/w640-h360/231019_ArtsySkylineOttawa.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In one case, I inadvertently put my camera into a filter mode that captured the above image. Though completely unintentional, I liked the effect and kept it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZogwOpkXZ__jdnpvVzVjGif2TeRVCDJWGIo2_7B9sjqNZjZ-ONobU7q2wH39Fh6ENe0hV1xwSLEMLfLKilEra9xHYWtrir6cA_d7cCxIEMnrUC1mf0beozx08JQ9-dnAuuJ7Nqii-X624UCqIbyjapOmXe7qT7pwd7pefsrFEOGEoXTFmToHSvUahAXU/s1636/IMG_0585.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1636" data-original-width="1532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZogwOpkXZ__jdnpvVzVjGif2TeRVCDJWGIo2_7B9sjqNZjZ-ONobU7q2wH39Fh6ENe0hV1xwSLEMLfLKilEra9xHYWtrir6cA_d7cCxIEMnrUC1mf0beozx08JQ9-dnAuuJ7Nqii-X624UCqIbyjapOmXe7qT7pwd7pefsrFEOGEoXTFmToHSvUahAXU/w600-h640/IMG_0585.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VNC depicting filed route from Rockliffe to Ogdensburg via YOW, IKLAX.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>My filed route to Ogdensburg was via YOW (the Ottawa VOR) and IKLAX. Per ForeFlight, it was a previously cleared route that carried an impossible to quantify improved probability of being granted. Though it took a few moments to contact Ottawa Terminal because of frequency congestion, I was immediately cleared onto my filed route and given a climb to 6,000 feet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-cyEymVsQNBiUDwbZ_g1zF3GhZcDGtWF81chyFX27WXqW4YrV_XO3uywa_jZ0z47STLRFCP2ID8vQlEyT8OcWz3AIqg_chw5beirwQKrBY2m8JsIHx8qHsuIaDDrzq-4kEiKq4iUMByVgMO_l6plRFIHBsIrFQVRqFojAuxyWWOK7INiuoDaetE0178/s4989/231019_Ottawa-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2807" data-original-width="4989" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-cyEymVsQNBiUDwbZ_g1zF3GhZcDGtWF81chyFX27WXqW4YrV_XO3uywa_jZ0z47STLRFCP2ID8vQlEyT8OcWz3AIqg_chw5beirwQKrBY2m8JsIHx8qHsuIaDDrzq-4kEiKq4iUMByVgMO_l6plRFIHBsIrFQVRqFojAuxyWWOK7INiuoDaetE0178/w640-h360/231019_Ottawa-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ottawa photographed from north of the Ottawa River and over Quebec.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZgB4vQ4Aee2YM2BnjsC1KkV_I7-v8VnfPcGx4PyCK23QpLzxXU9Gjhxke2JM3zxMvORPe_0pcE5vxvmar-kSNqDa3ho9Dry-8aLHH06Gmb4vO223m9c5zYXCBf4crLoX_IHZpq-f9UoEpAunMzZ3NuK5Ay9b0_H8wAMi5tAr_rvQyApCZo0Y69GFBQ/s5184/231019_Ottawa-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZgB4vQ4Aee2YM2BnjsC1KkV_I7-v8VnfPcGx4PyCK23QpLzxXU9Gjhxke2JM3zxMvORPe_0pcE5vxvmar-kSNqDa3ho9Dry-8aLHH06Gmb4vO223m9c5zYXCBf4crLoX_IHZpq-f9UoEpAunMzZ3NuK5Ay9b0_H8wAMi5tAr_rvQyApCZo0Y69GFBQ/w640-h360/231019_Ottawa-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ottawa, Ontario from 6,000 feet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />My exit from Ottawa Terminal's airspace was perfunctory. I spotted a few traffic targets as they were called out to me, which was easy because they were airliners and quite a bit larger than the average General Aviation aircraft.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXtUsdNCKqiaNCkrV-1jILX6PPRsxWUqiXNVEKv01Ogm1NcCKLoo0vsqj0ln2ww90W7iWuzqgKdLB06rW0M2M5YSVTbOM1Usw120aI9HGoFcqOhuGGYTjDChbDsOTCjM77OHUVqFIBoakY7NW1kOlrROtTS688vRrUk9agiHJ4_7w9LI_NeO8AVz6Vxw/s5059/231019_YRO-OGS-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="5059" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXtUsdNCKqiaNCkrV-1jILX6PPRsxWUqiXNVEKv01Ogm1NcCKLoo0vsqj0ln2ww90W7iWuzqgKdLB06rW0M2M5YSVTbOM1Usw120aI9HGoFcqOhuGGYTjDChbDsOTCjM77OHUVqFIBoakY7NW1kOlrROtTS688vRrUk9agiHJ4_7w9LI_NeO8AVz6Vxw/w640-h360/231019_YRO-OGS-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking southwest toward Kingston, the heavens acquired a dense, gloomy aspect. Below the moody atmosphere, lakes shone with reflected brilliance as though lit from within.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFISQudmET1aW_NPPqnXpgMI1ST8yXIZnwDfv3fAmkbem5Cmv4yZIaI6Dr8AusNXSeIXTZrtdm46Lmn_1VrPekFcCBMf5Nxo-ifzUfXFMpXQbpuDsHEBe-kejKgf9t7qo6mnUVPGJG-JErfW2iiUkYRBIdxn1kTKX_WoAGAMM1pMUYHr2BmPJjoHdUwXE/s2388/231019_ForeflightGroundTrack-BorderCrossOGS.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFISQudmET1aW_NPPqnXpgMI1ST8yXIZnwDfv3fAmkbem5Cmv4yZIaI6Dr8AusNXSeIXTZrtdm46Lmn_1VrPekFcCBMf5Nxo-ifzUfXFMpXQbpuDsHEBe-kejKgf9t7qo6mnUVPGJG-JErfW2iiUkYRBIdxn1kTKX_WoAGAMM1pMUYHr2BmPJjoHdUwXE/w448-h640/231019_ForeflightGroundTrack-BorderCrossOGS.PNG" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight screen capture turning direct Ogdensburg at IKLAX.</td></tr></tbody></table><div></div><div><br /></div><div>At IKLAX, I turned direct to Ogdensburg. ForeFlight predicted an arrival time of 3:38 pm. Customs expected me at 3:41 pm. All went according to plan. Passing IKLAX, Ottawa Terminal handed me off to Boston Center.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XMmP2fA-QK6RhLGvKgL87Jl2Ixw7nVCfwnpKRMxiFUwDwyxyIg2kIwiMii9MQVPQY42JcZy_egSpxfzMnlFQgtPXie8Jd-TDV0ocRQc-S-jv4vLcUUJSbwEr15TJ_rG4QxAUPpVAlonoKbswmucrBTLLPrL9PaSYI2K6avpZV428Zt2MM5nuKyKu6qQ/s4935/231019_YRO-OGS-4-StLawrence.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="4935" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XMmP2fA-QK6RhLGvKgL87Jl2Ixw7nVCfwnpKRMxiFUwDwyxyIg2kIwiMii9MQVPQY42JcZy_egSpxfzMnlFQgtPXie8Jd-TDV0ocRQc-S-jv4vLcUUJSbwEr15TJ_rG4QxAUPpVAlonoKbswmucrBTLLPrL9PaSYI2K6avpZV428Zt2MM5nuKyKu6qQ/w640-h360/231019_YRO-OGS-4-StLawrence.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Lawrence River from over Ontario, Canada.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As I approached the St Lawrence River, I had the distinct impression of being on the wrong side of it. There is always a certain amount of relief that comes when crossing back into United States airspace.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Wet Paint</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wMX81yB3CAQmyrpPu3H_UJ027-6hjn7tktAa9vhPmDtelE5ZFUqAI_Y_BehCofxlXRGEPamCX_OrTpacUT6YvxOWIcsuSPhpUvnUKWixymKihuE-GS8caQAsZw9QV4uhLRXH9xTCb3UYgGmKEvpBJXwr1j1IDodqdDHyppK1dIz_3KZzBmgBx-CMfxw/s5048/231019_YRO-OGS-6-StLawrence.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2840" data-original-width="5048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wMX81yB3CAQmyrpPu3H_UJ027-6hjn7tktAa9vhPmDtelE5ZFUqAI_Y_BehCofxlXRGEPamCX_OrTpacUT6YvxOWIcsuSPhpUvnUKWixymKihuE-GS8caQAsZw9QV4uhLRXH9xTCb3UYgGmKEvpBJXwr1j1IDodqdDHyppK1dIz_3KZzBmgBx-CMfxw/w640-h360/231019_YRO-OGS-6-StLawrence.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the St Lawrence River.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As I crossed the St Lawrence River, Boston Center switched me to advisory. When I announced my pending arrival at Ogdensburg, I received an answering call from the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Uh, Cherokee, Ogdensburg Operations."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Go ahead, Cherokee Four Eight One."</div><div><br /></div><div>"We have painters working near taxiways Bravo 1 and Bravo 2."</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Near </b>them or <b>on </b>them? What do I do with that information? </i>"Do I just need to be careful near those taxiways or avoid them entirely?" I asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Definitely avoid them," came the response.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Will do, Cherokee Four Eight One." I realized that I should have consulted the taxiway diagram to see where those taxiways were before agreeing so readily. When I did, I saw that they were not needed for me to make my appointment with customs.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, I was two minutes late in meeting customs. The ramp was empty except for a single Dodge Charger emblazoned with "Customs and Border Protection" along the side. I parked at what I deemed a polite distance and shut down. Two officers emerged from the car and approached. One examined my paperwork and asked questions about the purpose of my trip while the other scanned Warrior 481 for radiation.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Good trip?" Officer #1 finally asked as we were wrapping up.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yes! But I'm just glad that I did not keep you waiting." Late arrivals to customs appointments are rarely met by happy officers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Officer #1 laughed and pointed at Officer #2. "Actually, when it hit 3:41 pm and you were still in the air, she gave me a look and tapped her watch," she confided good naturedly. The two officers formally cleared me back into the United States, wished me well, and walked back to their car.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Being "Handled"</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>At that moment, a lineman who had been loitering a few feet away during my interactions with Customs officers approached and sheepishly informed me that I needed to pay a $26.50 "handling fee".</div><div><br /></div><div>"You didn't actually handle anything," I remarked without ire. </div><div><br /></div><div>He held his hands up defensively. "I know. We have a new manager and he's implemented an entirely new fee system in the last month. We now charge $26.50 to any single engine piston aircraft that lands here to clear customs." I was instantly annoyed. This trip was not inexpensive. I paid for Canadian charts to facilitate planning and navigation and I will pay a quarterly service fee to Nav Canada for air traffic control services. However, those examples differed from Ogdensburg's handling fee in that I received something of value in return for my money.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inside the operations building, he presented me with an invoice with the $26.50 line item described as "New Handling Fee". As he ran my credit card, the lineman showed me the full fee schedule. Not surprisingly, the fees only went up from what I was paying for my modest single engine aircraft. "Thanks for not yelling about it," he added. "Some pilots do."</div><div><br /></div><div>I shrugged. I was annoyed, but not at him. "I'm just less likely to come back," I answered honestly.</div><div><br /></div><div>He nodded. "Yeah. I get that."</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe the new fees are intended to finance all of that fresh paint being applied to airport surfaces.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Idyll</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs8UsBImRf-_x0Uuqyh48tA9SwBjg3SxW0ZMyw4Uxt5O2jwr-lSbHDwmGXkOHjwAQ4ohHBMM0srIXGi5t3AaMa10fBpCiIpv0fvOP2V1mrwfJSSK0tFGKpa4xFwyhc0n_k1KpPvWl7297JZRq7t2JzJ3EoN8ysp0QYpaQvWXxvGHQAgXdZaK0ywx_73I/s4644/231019_DepartOGS-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2612" data-original-width="4644" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs8UsBImRf-_x0Uuqyh48tA9SwBjg3SxW0ZMyw4Uxt5O2jwr-lSbHDwmGXkOHjwAQ4ohHBMM0srIXGi5t3AaMa10fBpCiIpv0fvOP2V1mrwfJSSK0tFGKpa4xFwyhc0n_k1KpPvWl7297JZRq7t2JzJ3EoN8ysp0QYpaQvWXxvGHQAgXdZaK0ywx_73I/w640-h360/231019_DepartOGS-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ogdensburg, NY with the St Lawrence River in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With connector taxiways Bravo 1 and Bravo 2 obstructed, I back taxied down the 6,400 foot long runway and past the painting crew. They waved cheerfully, which was really the least they could do since I went out of my way not to run them over with my airplane.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6z52IKmKq9CtHToQRGFOUohfcZ1x7d5ttaK_L3doYwFC4HS664IsKuJJ7AmyYOJxT9VwF59RIktRAwc1EzQxx3r2FKcbCrMhWsxYilIAAueMjL7kkxo1IRuL7KM_9yFzKoOc-obLJj7kMr82ovbQiHn0fhNI3BHdEhnX6ekkisT08_ulwZZzS-QZ7y0/s5184/231019_Dam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6z52IKmKq9CtHToQRGFOUohfcZ1x7d5ttaK_L3doYwFC4HS664IsKuJJ7AmyYOJxT9VwF59RIktRAwc1EzQxx3r2FKcbCrMhWsxYilIAAueMjL7kkxo1IRuL7KM_9yFzKoOc-obLJj7kMr82ovbQiHn0fhNI3BHdEhnX6ekkisT08_ulwZZzS-QZ7y0/w640-h360/231019_Dam.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After the combined pressures of timelines, customs clearances, and somewhat unfamiliar Canadian radio procedures, I chose a relaxing mode of flight home. Hand flying, 3,000 feet, and radio silent except for monitoring Guard (just in case); I ventured through no controlled airspace nor invited any engagement from ATC. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Watch Out! Don't Hit Canada!</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div>The latter was probably for the best. When I last traversed the region in late September on VFR flight following, the Wheeler Sack Approach controller seemed aghast that I was navigating by visual ground references instead of flying GPS-direct to a specific airport, navaid, or waypoint.<br /><br />"Canada is very close," cautioned the military controller, his tone steeped in worry. The border was 15 miles off my right wingtip and made explicitly obvious by its coincidence with the St Lawrence River.<br /><br />"Yep. I'm just following the St Lawrence back toward home," I responded in the most soothingly reassuring "I got this" tone of voice that I could muster. As long as I stayed south of the river, I would not blunder across the border. Navigation does not get much easier than that.<br /><br />Moments later, when he couldn't take it anymore, the controller issued a directive to assuage his own anxiety. "Cherokee Four Eight One, fly heading 240, <b>vector to avoid Canada</b>."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Seriously?! Of all the preposterous... </i>My days as a student pilot flying without GPS and navigating with a paper chart open on my lap suddenly seemed like ancient history.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have received vectors around other aircraft, airspace, and weather. I have also received vectors onto instrument approaches. This was the first time I ever received a vector around an entire nation. Tom and Alicia, who overheard everything from their airplane as we flew home from Vermont together, mocked me about the whole exchange later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so, after a day of talking to an aeronautical grab-bag of Traffic, Approach, Center, Radio, Unicom, and Terminal, I was content to cruise home from Ogdensburg without talking to anyone. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully, I would be able to find my way home without accidently straying back into Canada...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL96X0XwToHYD-8HDs7QzBU0dFtpi_0gXo8vFVx8qtK88WjzFDGR2E3xXhbxKJQM4m8e3IZ3U1m3rNAc-2QzlYxmQvisJGZ7Lw_zVhyMo5GwXyKQjzTtbnhyphenhyphenOs65vC3cTzHcMJxzj5PHmq0SGqmd3Ryl23Fi1r2t3MkSKeRwGD4FV0Dn6KmKxrftqyzOo/s5184/231019_LakeOntario-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL96X0XwToHYD-8HDs7QzBU0dFtpi_0gXo8vFVx8qtK88WjzFDGR2E3xXhbxKJQM4m8e3IZ3U1m3rNAc-2QzlYxmQvisJGZ7Lw_zVhyMo5GwXyKQjzTtbnhyphenhyphenOs65vC3cTzHcMJxzj5PHmq0SGqmd3Ryl23Fi1r2t3MkSKeRwGD4FV0Dn6KmKxrftqyzOo/w640-h360/231019_LakeOntario-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East end of Lake Ontario.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">All in the Timing</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In retrospect, the key element to such a successful day trip to Ottawa was timing. I carefully timed-out each leg while allowing myself adequate time to explore the museum, crossed each border as scheduled (as reported to the US CBP via eAPIS), and arrived on time (+/- 15 minutes) for customs appointments in Kingston and Ogdensburg. In recent years, I have become reasonably adept at sticking to a schedule and the flight to Rockliffe was a great example. </div><div><br /></div><div>For a day trip, I find that I prefer to file everything for the round trip in advance so that I am not scrambling at a remote location to file return flight plans, complete an eAPIS manifest, and schedule an arrival with customs. It means that I need to stick to my plan, but this approach has worked well for me and means less work on the day of the actual flight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I made an arithmetic error in converting to Zulu time when I filed IFR from CYGK to CYRO by phone with Canadian Flight Service. Fortunately, nothing came of it. A similar error made in scheduling with customs would have been significantly more unpleasant for me. Despite that error, my overall planning was spot-on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Most importantly, there was much more to this flight than international logistics. I added two airports to my map, visited a city that once vied to become Canada's capital (Kingston) as well as the actual capital city of Canada (Ottawa), explored a previously unfamiliar part of North America, and learned much at an incredible aviation history museum filled with rare or unique aircraft, many of which were unfamiliar to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a fantastic day!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-53194508177928333552023-10-19T19:22:01.296-04:002023-12-08T13:12:41.031-05:00North to Ottawa | Part 2, Aviation in Canada and the Specter of Cecil Lewis<div style="text-align: left;"><span><i>"The air was our element, the sky our battlefield. The majesty of the heavens, while it dwarfed us, gave us, I think, a spirit unknown to studier men who fought on earth. Nobility surrounded us. We moved like spirits in an airy loom, where wind and cloud and light wove day and night long the endless fabric of the changing sky...From this exalted eminence we surveyed the earth--an earth grown suddenly remote and insignificant, so vast and overpowering was the dominion of the sky."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span>-- Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Canada's National Aviation Museum</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsLoips9kX_f_2IwlG5UOjvxx6J2jtcZ_f5TBDWFQtQ1l4zPf5NZ5husL9lzlGmNNn4AyOnRHjCTLDqUW8iFWdMGxNXEXNTol_BuJ1oyvm3Uqq1Y6821EAgOfLxV7Q8gZiVe5B_l8fsA6Ryl91RofCASNStnpWw5Mfzc1avzLyT1uKZCXWrKyM_i5TLE/s5091/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2864" data-original-width="5091" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsLoips9kX_f_2IwlG5UOjvxx6J2jtcZ_f5TBDWFQtQ1l4zPf5NZ5husL9lzlGmNNn4AyOnRHjCTLDqUW8iFWdMGxNXEXNTol_BuJ1oyvm3Uqq1Y6821EAgOfLxV7Q8gZiVe5B_l8fsA6Ryl91RofCASNStnpWw5Mfzc1avzLyT1uKZCXWrKyM_i5TLE/w640-h360/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main entrance, Canada Aviation and Space MuseumOntario. Ever see a building framed by itself before?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Rockliffe Airport is home to an incredible treasure trove of rare and unusual aircraft under roof at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. From sole surviving artifacts of World War I to designs from Avro, Bristol, and De Havilland rarely seen in the United States, I encountered many aircraft that I did not previously know existed or had only read about.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My flight to the Canadian capital in Ottawa coincided with reading <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, the 1936 memoir of WWI RAF ace Cecil Lewis who lied about his age to fly British scouts throughout the "war to end all wars". Lewis' poetically-inclined prose captures his thoughts on the development of sprightlier, sturdier aircraft throughout the conflict, describing "machines" that I had not heard of previously. These included the BE 2c, the Shorthorn, and the Sopwith Triplane (which Lewis amusingly refers to as the "Tripe"). On my visit to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, I beheld all three for the first time and they imbued my reading with a tangible and visual connection to Lewis' harrowing tale of early airborne warfare. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To say that the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is a good museum is a gross understatement. It is one of the best I have ever visited and captures aviation history through a Canadian lens.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Reserve Hangar</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhw-t6A53CArBRrb7gZ2CU7ZGJ4Pm7E0J_Rk80hrasFoU0ETF2zAe8yTaeuwOYkalPqMwgTtSYQidq4m7JB2GnKN3uh4ZQa8yHuKbgC9_72qrSL7XHiF70ZnEms2Z-KQszxdObrRVUuFvSj4hr-PRljE9-Ha8rU0cij7sTorC2UWcoNszlTiX2rRDvOM/s5000/231019_CASM_Reserve_CanadairC54NorthStar.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2812" data-original-width="5000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhw-t6A53CArBRrb7gZ2CU7ZGJ4Pm7E0J_Rk80hrasFoU0ETF2zAe8yTaeuwOYkalPqMwgTtSYQidq4m7JB2GnKN3uh4ZQa8yHuKbgC9_72qrSL7XHiF70ZnEms2Z-KQszxdObrRVUuFvSj4hr-PRljE9-Ha8rU0cij7sTorC2UWcoNszlTiX2rRDvOM/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_CanadairC54NorthStar.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1948 Canadair C-54GM North Star 1 ST, a derivative of the DC-4 and the sole surviving example of its type.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Before exploring the main museum, I joined the 11:30 tour of the Reserve Hangar. This is where the museum stores aircraft in various states of restoration that are not displayed in the main building. Because it is effectively an overflow facility, aircraft are packed tightly together and sight lines are not ideal for photography. That did not stop many of us on the tour from capturing pictures anyway.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs7llHFmFJD5s9GPVHrYXiYxQeMLlIeiQI-2P_UmQpN4U7CkgWwzpNQ2Y1RUfDvgTvOlLCtEsPsLqUenPmzl0Q2GXAbF73aznRcjXQvtrrFMG3KM3HSQBz1CBPLASICucQywkeMoRNwc9HUci0FfihdNSErNy83PqDOQh9HED13zvCvBn8tjhvDpsUTU/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_DC9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs7llHFmFJD5s9GPVHrYXiYxQeMLlIeiQI-2P_UmQpN4U7CkgWwzpNQ2Y1RUfDvgTvOlLCtEsPsLqUenPmzl0Q2GXAbF73aznRcjXQvtrrFMG3KM3HSQBz1CBPLASICucQywkeMoRNwc9HUci0FfihdNSErNy83PqDOQh9HED13zvCvBn8tjhvDpsUTU/w480-h640/231019_CASM_Reserve_DC9.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Reserve Hangar is so large that it easily swallowed this DC-9 airliner in Air Canada livery. When the DC-9 landed on Rockliffe's 3,319 foot long runway, it was lightly loaded with minimum fuel to manage its momentum. The pilots successfully stopped it in an incredible 1,900 feet (per the docent), but destroyed the tires and burned the brakes in the process.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY5ISCJinl5_AJ2wJDQLvPQEpCo_rlsk0QAm2WZfd5pyA-M7mC5Thc9-2fAQSdABbztSge1hI2nWeTce37MHa3WdzP1vr_dj2-1QSWv9FuCw5Mv0XUfBwt1Ha5cf9LnmQJNn9_chj-uOsKGwxgB19tgJmVxel6vAFAEtS-Mj5rpulH_p098xDnfR-Tiw/s5184/231019_CASM_Reserve_deHavillandMosquito-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVY5ISCJinl5_AJ2wJDQLvPQEpCo_rlsk0QAm2WZfd5pyA-M7mC5Thc9-2fAQSdABbztSge1hI2nWeTce37MHa3WdzP1vr_dj2-1QSWv9FuCw5Mv0XUfBwt1Ha5cf9LnmQJNn9_chj-uOsKGwxgB19tgJmVxel6vAFAEtS-Mj5rpulH_p098xDnfR-Tiw/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_deHavillandMosquito-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1944 De Havilland Mosquito.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_3fXAEgB58_-D2yU75Yt17WZk4f3xM_BAbtCzDZO68e-PgF9qdQeOIbTzLpjxydYKbZ5gA2mOqasMXd2xnZaXwkjBDWD5XXCkXKDf7ud5ZZqGYFBuFID_4aLyCwNdvZdFXBvw__OgZsnp-fte65-HZw_m9bqrDLMwwGwETGW-dnxSOSYUXPDiujW00/s5184/231019_CASM_Reserve_deHavillandMosquito-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_3fXAEgB58_-D2yU75Yt17WZk4f3xM_BAbtCzDZO68e-PgF9qdQeOIbTzLpjxydYKbZ5gA2mOqasMXd2xnZaXwkjBDWD5XXCkXKDf7ud5ZZqGYFBuFID_4aLyCwNdvZdFXBvw__OgZsnp-fte65-HZw_m9bqrDLMwwGwETGW-dnxSOSYUXPDiujW00/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_deHavillandMosquito-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1944 De Havilland Mosquito.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A rare treasure on display is this 1944 vintage De Havilland Mosquito, the all-wood, dual Rolls-Royce Merlyn powered fighter-bomber of World War II. This particular example was manufactured in Canada.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fU-xn09qUJAZIdwoBxVvszawmz-Z8xDhaUsizaozL_Okdn3yQrDCVI-sdJUqZaXaNLVQTxWRUYyY4by2Jjw-xt9I_wJ2tpYtHN2bxqBgOD037sSI5_FoeQ7aF9WTyqkZV8hngfesYpWt525tNLc2zEDDEv2urZJOpb6IfFUu2Hf8jMZEsx4InOQkJ5k/s5184/231019_CASM_Reserve_BristolBolingbrokeIVT.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fU-xn09qUJAZIdwoBxVvszawmz-Z8xDhaUsizaozL_Okdn3yQrDCVI-sdJUqZaXaNLVQTxWRUYyY4by2Jjw-xt9I_wJ2tpYtHN2bxqBgOD037sSI5_FoeQ7aF9WTyqkZV8hngfesYpWt525tNLc2zEDDEv2urZJOpb6IfFUu2Hf8jMZEsx4InOQkJ5k/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_BristolBolingbrokeIVT.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1942 Bristol Bolingbroke.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This Bristol Bolingbroke was built under license by Fairchild in Canada and used as a coastal patrol ship as well as a bombing and gunnery trainer by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). It was the first of many examples of aircraft that I did not previously know existed.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUgDOyyO1ANFgXtqlRID5GCY8DW7jEPQLQzjhT46gLNtinQPBv5RoAfKaPefZVnfw6O-Ztc2b6i9rDt_EEMLb7UedDu6XanrE0JnzpWC4diz57Kh4pVN9fks6S4T9o6DoMUZo26oktuJYyImpL0tdvfEEocrxJrx_l43QASxX38HNvjAglYeQhSt-Ys4/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_SopwithTriplane-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUgDOyyO1ANFgXtqlRID5GCY8DW7jEPQLQzjhT46gLNtinQPBv5RoAfKaPefZVnfw6O-Ztc2b6i9rDt_EEMLb7UedDu6XanrE0JnzpWC4diz57Kh4pVN9fks6S4T9o6DoMUZo26oktuJYyImpL0tdvfEEocrxJrx_l43QASxX38HNvjAglYeQhSt-Ys4/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_SopwithTriplane-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sopwith Triplane, homebuilt reproduction (Carl Swanson, USA).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfgQgy3NZ3vL-AoTADZ1ytlImE9OZVS1nREcwPDdI_jguvY3yxwJ5dBEUcNBV7YpLTpe0LhUsIGWdPJZvK5Fl7OdlHbPaipawcC_J96-qGIHu_dyWlo855Du2EoxOpz7lNQzEyYM9O-1hxAlItZBcoNDOmP4NXM3RlTXcE6aoMEDZTES848VW8SIGjJE/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_SopwithTriplane-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVfgQgy3NZ3vL-AoTADZ1ytlImE9OZVS1nREcwPDdI_jguvY3yxwJ5dBEUcNBV7YpLTpe0LhUsIGWdPJZvK5Fl7OdlHbPaipawcC_J96-qGIHu_dyWlo855Du2EoxOpz7lNQzEyYM9O-1hxAlItZBcoNDOmP4NXM3RlTXcE6aoMEDZTES848VW8SIGjJE/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_SopwithTriplane-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sopwith Triplane, homebuilt reproduction (Carl Swanson, USA).<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Until reading <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, I was completely unaware that Sopwith ever produced a triplane. This version is an authentic reproduction built in the United States. Its short wings gave it a favorable roll rate and its introduction inspired Fokker to mimic the design with the Dr.I to notoriously devastating effect. Only 147 Sopwith Triplanes were manufactured starting in 1916. By mid 1917, the Triplane was displaced by the famous Sopwith Camel. Cecil Lewis was very enamored with the "Tripe". </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Of all machines, the Triplane remains in my memory as the best -- for the actual pleasure of flying -- that I ever took up. It was so beautifully balanced, so well-mannered, so feather-light on the stick, and so comfortable and warm. It had what was then a novel feature, an adjustable tail plane to trim the machine fore and aft. Set correctly, with the throttle about three-quarters open, the Tripe would loop, hands off, indefinitely. Not for this, but for its docility, the lack of all effort needed to fly it, and yet its instantaneous response to the lightest touch, it remains my favourite. Other machines were faster, stronger, had better climb or vision; but none was so friendly as the Tripe." (Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936.)</div></blockquote><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBQFz0Z16dl_qYPozlCf8h77j6RBMd7XxQrG1-4qJ301GF9MAoG9kn1qQPcMWxFASoZsOXCw7jCAZ2dr5ZQeb-ELI4Gq_ua_vw-Xk_IskJf7W1VEBAe2e0MkxarMGJ1GU-uSAS3w6j-jP8MlN93hrRIUM8xh_pvdRAMYkr0MgLfwC2ulSUz96blyeIBI/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactoryBE2c-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBQFz0Z16dl_qYPozlCf8h77j6RBMd7XxQrG1-4qJ301GF9MAoG9kn1qQPcMWxFASoZsOXCw7jCAZ2dr5ZQeb-ELI4Gq_ua_vw-Xk_IskJf7W1VEBAe2e0MkxarMGJ1GU-uSAS3w6j-jP8MlN93hrRIUM8xh_pvdRAMYkr0MgLfwC2ulSUz96blyeIBI/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactoryBE2c-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1915 Royal Aircraft Factory BE 2c.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Next, I came across a truly ungainly looking biplane. The spacing between wings seemed cartoonishly large versus the size of the fuselage. If our docent identified it for the group, I was out of earshot. I was moved to photograph it only because I was struck by how gangly it was.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtRyoA-GPLvmO4oGOgsC-3JMUuGsTck3hlphyphenhyphenI0FZBU7Su1iAijQECnhbQ_rxx0wVshcwp7OadvdgOSvIxf10qvDPyAhtpLZWUcNTLzKaYJlko_KY1Urb48RPMx4NsxJCuxRBg3XS-3pnzsqMbgcBMxGc6m47KLKruit6bYTy-axSfeK3qr3RnaEUQLs/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactoryBE2c-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtRyoA-GPLvmO4oGOgsC-3JMUuGsTck3hlphyphenhyphenI0FZBU7Su1iAijQECnhbQ_rxx0wVshcwp7OadvdgOSvIxf10qvDPyAhtpLZWUcNTLzKaYJlko_KY1Urb48RPMx4NsxJCuxRBg3XS-3pnzsqMbgcBMxGc6m47KLKruit6bYTy-axSfeK3qr3RnaEUQLs/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactoryBE2c-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1915 Royal Aircraft Factory BE 2c.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A careful review of the museum's website after the fact revealed the mystery aircraft's identity. It is a 1915 Royal Aircraft Factory BE 2c. It was designed by Geoffrey De Havilland before he went on to design much better aircraft for his own company. I already had a strong opinion of this biplane based on Cecil Lewis' writing.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"If there was ever an aeroplane unsuited for active service, it was the BE 2c." (Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936.)</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Though a successful WWI era trainer, the BE 2c biplanes used for battlefield observation were no match for newer German aircraft, thus earning them the nickname "Fokker Fodder".</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaSz2_FZExdcojYOXFUZ6FsV9H3mhxGrT4cbzpXUM0JMRQIEPhI_HiWw7kr8fmPdrFQOw2Sb0uM_2fPZgp98l2oGenlL0xrMo644jqeWpbxkLckEkIzWBSDIxMjM8zzu3vgXNI1AxdzBaEjKTzh5a8AIxXjAAlv8Na0NI6VppXm7mUx7fL6VGIr7y7eo/s4619/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactorySE5-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4619" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaSz2_FZExdcojYOXFUZ6FsV9H3mhxGrT4cbzpXUM0JMRQIEPhI_HiWw7kr8fmPdrFQOw2Sb0uM_2fPZgp98l2oGenlL0xrMo644jqeWpbxkLckEkIzWBSDIxMjM8zzu3vgXNI1AxdzBaEjKTzh5a8AIxXjAAlv8Na0NI6VppXm7mUx7fL6VGIr7y7eo/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactorySE5-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I recognized the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a immediately because a former member of the Williamson Flying Club once built and flew a scaled down <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2016/03/legacy-of-worlds-fastest-man.html" target="_blank">reproduction of the S.E.5 that is now on display at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum</a>. Introduced in 1916, the S.E.5 was generally regarded as a sturdy and successful WWI era fighter...provided that wings were actually attached, unlike this example.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYOgfDO82WeUN2mlKjKdRwDl_Av-DIlYSFRCNojro1vc98MdGP-ESxazqeIj1EzbSH3iX2v7vo9-uQw-uyshaxJ70zAkb1QbJKpokrk_P17dQjHQcYkvqygtYuGix5jf2TQh2-XaV_PBR9ECU2Vop6_RlrH5nTJzNxcBlAl0n7Wnhgy-O8-VNIulQSdY/s4619/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactorySE5-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="4619" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYOgfDO82WeUN2mlKjKdRwDl_Av-DIlYSFRCNojro1vc98MdGP-ESxazqeIj1EzbSH3iX2v7vo9-uQw-uyshaxJ70zAkb1QbJKpokrk_P17dQjHQcYkvqygtYuGix5jf2TQh2-XaV_PBR9ECU2Vop6_RlrH5nTJzNxcBlAl0n7Wnhgy-O8-VNIulQSdY/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_RoyalAircraftFactorySE5-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;">"Just before my nineteenth birthday I was posted to London Colney to join No. 56 Squadron, which was then forming to go overseas. The squadron was to be equipped with the SE 5, the last word in fighting-scouts, turned out by the Royal Aircraft Factory. It was fitted with a 140-h.p. Hispano Suiza engine and two guns: one Vickers, synchronized, and firing through the propeller by means of the new Constantinesco gear; and one Lewis gun, clamped on to the top plane and firing over the propeller... The machine (for 1917) was quite fast. It would do about a hundred and twenty on the level and climb ten thousand feet in twelve minutes. It could be looped and rolled and dived vertically without breaking up. Altogether it was a first-class fighting-scout (probably the most successful designed during the war), and was relied upon to re-establish the Allied air supremacy lost during the winter." (Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936.)</div></blockquote><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsU5WXeDExTINXeIvsXkdRUGx1aURg8WHIBY2UsZPBw-B4kT5ehs8rvkObDXugYspEfP4UeDIzMU7Ve769GKhjstcGiMTtcSjTMwl28P76XcaSajAVvcuyjMEuQuXknntnmZJV8MM92qSDGrChGJqi9wPozME_T64QHh5VKVshdiS7U_LmUlETrS3lDA/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_UofTorontoGreatFlapper.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsU5WXeDExTINXeIvsXkdRUGx1aURg8WHIBY2UsZPBw-B4kT5ehs8rvkObDXugYspEfP4UeDIzMU7Ve769GKhjstcGiMTtcSjTMwl28P76XcaSajAVvcuyjMEuQuXknntnmZJV8MM92qSDGrChGJqi9wPozME_T64QHh5VKVshdiS7U_LmUlETrS3lDA/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_UofTorontoGreatFlapper.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">University of Toronto "Great Flapper" Ornithopter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This curious bird represents the world's only "successful" piloted, powered (by an engine) ornithopter. In other words, it flew by flapping its wings like a bird. Fittingly, it is known as the <i>Great Flapper</i>. I was the only one in the tour group who knew what an ornithorpter was, but that was only because I read <i>Dune</i> as an eighth grader.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD4sCXyit01v19_-OQbGc_nWZW0aPvXIAOWh29_MN3KlwLkVPMh-zx7tQILXitf2UWd1Ifc37E38bVfb-VNctNG57comy_dR4lweAVQbqGmXwi6yup6s87D2rcXHhcIWoY1vvA9s-UOYqE9VSpWmeET-dh7FlqYIHO153JVmFdvt35rmkpEoqbdIWVww/s2272/Flapper_Testing_Large.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2272" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJD4sCXyit01v19_-OQbGc_nWZW0aPvXIAOWh29_MN3KlwLkVPMh-zx7tQILXitf2UWd1Ifc37E38bVfb-VNctNG57comy_dR4lweAVQbqGmXwi6yup6s87D2rcXHhcIWoY1vvA9s-UOYqE9VSpWmeET-dh7FlqYIHO153JVmFdvt35rmkpEoqbdIWVww/w640-h426/Flapper_Testing_Large.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Great Flapper ornithopter during trials, Malton, Ontario, 2005. http://www/ornithopter.net</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The project was led by Michigan-born James Duncan DeLaurier while he was at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies. After many years of effort, the <i>Great Flapper</i> flew a distance of 1,000 feet at an altitude of 3 feet on 08 July 2006. The flight, lasting 17 seconds, is considered the longest achieved by a piloted, powered, ornithopter. Video of the flight is available <a href="http://ornithopter.net/MediaGallery/Videos/index_e.html" target="_blank">here</a> and it looks every bit as ungainly as might be expected.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9srkquG1233qLQy3PAD9NDeyrHoNwHlVh4u_sxPZsql2BURNMPwrrbDlxmKP-PSbejQJCmwaWRhvR-U3vE_54ApDf7jR8DlUNoa90yNMFxV_kBkSjNi-W33g7PchycbbAraYtVj_Qr_hmSmnRSFY_lYD4frrk4HORRaysB0Nf1-YnGU6wZP-F5dtuIM/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_Avro504K-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi9srkquG1233qLQy3PAD9NDeyrHoNwHlVh4u_sxPZsql2BURNMPwrrbDlxmKP-PSbejQJCmwaWRhvR-U3vE_54ApDf7jR8DlUNoa90yNMFxV_kBkSjNi-W33g7PchycbbAraYtVj_Qr_hmSmnRSFY_lYD4frrk4HORRaysB0Nf1-YnGU6wZP-F5dtuIM/w480-h640/231019_CASM_Reserve_Avro504K-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Avro 504K.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>From 1920 to 1928, the Avro 504K was the standard trainer for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This specific 1918 Avro 504K biplane was obtained from <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2019/08/jurassic-airpark.html" target="_blank">Cole Palen at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome</a>. It was part of the original collection of WWI era aircraft that Palen acquired on Long Island, NY to seed the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome fleet.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08dggwfQjCDGjKP3YO7bTBRQ440WHOSx0Fd8iAq3Rniy-cZvLCa2XZBZ_1do-yO13Hcs9VC87a3v2a8Utjq172hlJwuuKt2ixAJfspS1PNtSSbqrLI6ypgUBddNKEEn6-PMcjqW8iHiuVHWCm3r-B2cO2gUrxS7E3JrD9cS-57po2ufm5T4raGaSB-Ow/s4752/231019_CASM_Reserve_Avro504K-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2674" data-original-width="4752" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08dggwfQjCDGjKP3YO7bTBRQ440WHOSx0Fd8iAq3Rniy-cZvLCa2XZBZ_1do-yO13Hcs9VC87a3v2a8Utjq172hlJwuuKt2ixAJfspS1PNtSSbqrLI6ypgUBddNKEEn6-PMcjqW8iHiuVHWCm3r-B2cO2gUrxS7E3JrD9cS-57po2ufm5T4raGaSB-Ow/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_Avro504K-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Avro 504K fitted with the Turnbull variable pitch propeller.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>What makes this particular Avro 504K special is that it was the first aircraft ever equipped with a variable pitch propeller. Patented in 1922, this installation of Wallace Rupert Turnbull's electric variable pitch propeller was first successfully demonstrated at Camp Borden in Ontario, Canada during June of 1927. In 1929, Turnbull sold the patent to the newly formed Curtiss-Wright aeronautical conglomerate. During World War II, Curtiss-Wright produced nearly 150,000 variable pitch propellers</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM7NgF8nwV4Lsi5dL9iKWfAn80mZdS5GZt6tma1ny5QHylvzkZ1MR59wqrSf2pA9hEfUytgqp6-SnpwyIvZAnByj4DezRrvAn0sQH5NNYKjP2eOlYDIe4hyVuJVZaL3m-Tz6RqEeVdN9iEEblt3cU1cy7Wx_xJ3Bhn0ZvwR9xAF2XevcCETO-Vm4JtPA/s4880/231019_CASM_Reserve_SupermarineSpitfire-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="4880" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM7NgF8nwV4Lsi5dL9iKWfAn80mZdS5GZt6tma1ny5QHylvzkZ1MR59wqrSf2pA9hEfUytgqp6-SnpwyIvZAnByj4DezRrvAn0sQH5NNYKjP2eOlYDIe4hyVuJVZaL3m-Tz6RqEeVdN9iEEblt3cU1cy7Wx_xJ3Bhn0ZvwR9xAF2XevcCETO-Vm4JtPA/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_SupermarineSpitfire-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1942 Curtiss Kittyhawk originally issued to the 132 Squadron based in Rockliffe. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyl951p6fBlUQI-4ylaYTgmfhbHoh_GL3DCUoEqt2P6Hk_CgRua4XRyYSdRe5cA5wQIJEraTSYIBFOmKlrIssoPUccZGtwzzVNNlQ2Guf5GzWEu3TvXVnDZIMF-ZL_bthLtZzjvCqsmQsBhbSdV6dDW0_N_u2_VHktZoUuMxUiPmCznRdefGYYdh2qPc/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_NorthAmericanMustang-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyl951p6fBlUQI-4ylaYTgmfhbHoh_GL3DCUoEqt2P6Hk_CgRua4XRyYSdRe5cA5wQIJEraTSYIBFOmKlrIssoPUccZGtwzzVNNlQ2Guf5GzWEu3TvXVnDZIMF-ZL_bthLtZzjvCqsmQsBhbSdV6dDW0_N_u2_VHktZoUuMxUiPmCznRdefGYYdh2qPc/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_NorthAmericanMustang-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 1945 North American P-51D acquired by the RCAF and stationed near Vancouver, British Columbia.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBegl9mGfS5jU736hevfsmYf-ai_Mg-vFIoD_j7aZj6VlxWAMfbRiNGPQ_5qNtghMB3bJGHtxWm-U6Kxy2qs-r-V8PkI31J4OVHIXWKEntMHHRH1x3j4e3nwUy9O2U4SzEr3gAPUchhwK0kcBOEpSh63AINh-DLv3Eo05C8T4X0farHypRoB7SYcMlu8/s5184/231019_CASM_Reserve_NorthAmericanHarvard.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBegl9mGfS5jU736hevfsmYf-ai_Mg-vFIoD_j7aZj6VlxWAMfbRiNGPQ_5qNtghMB3bJGHtxWm-U6Kxy2qs-r-V8PkI31J4OVHIXWKEntMHHRH1x3j4e3nwUy9O2U4SzEr3gAPUchhwK0kcBOEpSh63AINh-DLv3Eo05C8T4X0farHypRoB7SYcMlu8/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_NorthAmericanHarvard.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1952 North American Harvard.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Canadian variants of the highly successful T-6 Texan advanced trainer of WWII were known as Harvards. Harvards can be distinguished from their American counterparts by the shroud surrounding an elongated exhaust pipe. This heat shroud was used for cabin heating, a feature absent from the original T-6, but quite necessary in Canada.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOaWn7cqL-T_6_ArMsvChs8b4uIRfKb1e56xRLx0pTQxZj7UWWiTFLm1mlcxoBWM79EHRNG1W6vdWzuX-ncULcpK8vXVKsGv1jUczVAqBy7DpAsasMDMSL-nEDhAMsmD3RtGypH_DNQC79cerKFX8WukUR_Z-3goixN0OKvlRoXHIDWF5AK0u_Gzrga0/s4274/231019_CASM_Reserve_Radiation.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3206" data-original-width="4274" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOaWn7cqL-T_6_ArMsvChs8b4uIRfKb1e56xRLx0pTQxZj7UWWiTFLm1mlcxoBWM79EHRNG1W6vdWzuX-ncULcpK8vXVKsGv1jUczVAqBy7DpAsasMDMSL-nEDhAMsmD3RtGypH_DNQC79cerKFX8WukUR_Z-3goixN0OKvlRoXHIDWF5AK0u_Gzrga0/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_Radiation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Umm... </i></div><div><br /></div><div>(Pulls out tape measure. Slowly backs away.)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAsAX4PooZawwld4WyQmJgH8GuwIVPnqov8053164WM5SV8upHeQ3zwF7POt1wn5XrAYfEsam9GuW_BY3EvFxQ96joN-ZeSeZxllrcshf_a7rsj3kRufH5UjBmnRNOGwuqyolD5v8RjBxAt-KXW8mdh4e-1xP_eyVQVP-4EfZ_sPX2QaGRGOJhDRRU74/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_Funny.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAsAX4PooZawwld4WyQmJgH8GuwIVPnqov8053164WM5SV8upHeQ3zwF7POt1wn5XrAYfEsam9GuW_BY3EvFxQ96joN-ZeSeZxllrcshf_a7rsj3kRufH5UjBmnRNOGwuqyolD5v8RjBxAt-KXW8mdh4e-1xP_eyVQVP-4EfZ_sPX2QaGRGOJhDRRU74/w480-h640/231019_CASM_Reserve_Funny.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is always good to see a sense of humor in play.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdo4WhFi-akkGgawGqCaiDC5DmlHXXK495TFM1szRCsohBZRzseXIz5YQjsXmVun2vvGkJIyurFsfX0bAR2CRLEOIac1gmVtxx9r3qF4OqtHs6MRPkUnhYz4_tJrU8SVhDozUy5xRTm0W7DjTrIw3X8ThNzuH1ADkQcLKsvGDaG7Pb423SFkeP4BMB5M/s5184/231019_CASM_Reserve_BristolBeaufighter.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdo4WhFi-akkGgawGqCaiDC5DmlHXXK495TFM1szRCsohBZRzseXIz5YQjsXmVun2vvGkJIyurFsfX0bAR2CRLEOIac1gmVtxx9r3qF4OqtHs6MRPkUnhYz4_tJrU8SVhDozUy5xRTm0W7DjTrIw3X8ThNzuH1ADkQcLKsvGDaG7Pb423SFkeP4BMB5M/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_BristolBeaufighter.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Bristol Beaufighter T.F.X.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This collection of parts will someday result in fully restored Bristol Beaufighter, considered the first effective radar-equipped night fighter. The Beaufighter was flown by the US Army Air Corps during WWII prior to the introduction of American designs like the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/10/lair-of-black-widow.html" target="_blank">P-61 Black Widow</a>. This is one of only eight known surviving Beaufighters worldwide. The example at the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-wright-stuff-part-2-from-fabric.html" target="_blank">National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, OH </a>is the only one of its kind in the United States.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrkZd4PAdJaArd7CebmxaE_DuyCtuTJUIgNWG-77DzXVqhZRyb_ZPhHy90ue_Mude7dBzkosYCcxC47CUUqW31tzmOR5_DurdZA6mfle6NP_tZ7XIB2wbT-ltl8gtszCGXUae8ytE93tqX51xy0LrVAlsDxr6O0zxE_xqX-ir_fggcSt7jTHXR1VrTys/s4618/231019_CASM_Reserve_MDBanshee-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrkZd4PAdJaArd7CebmxaE_DuyCtuTJUIgNWG-77DzXVqhZRyb_ZPhHy90ue_Mude7dBzkosYCcxC47CUUqW31tzmOR5_DurdZA6mfle6NP_tZ7XIB2wbT-ltl8gtszCGXUae8ytE93tqX51xy0LrVAlsDxr6O0zxE_xqX-ir_fggcSt7jTHXR1VrTys/w640-h480/231019_CASM_Reserve_MDBanshee-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1953 McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSVqvX2Z07p-exfDDnGmlfbz9Rdnpt2vHWpDHriAsNQTEySEpttPiCbsowH506xpUn7MR1Is5xT0xkBCofHtbW1LBsWVsbE9r23BWpAjHUw6GFgZcGnAxi5a8DMhxuQBA3v59tRPz0uvDP5EK5lYuD3kOxohoyzoV1nSsOXAyrJ5KSZhR0BydU2P-XWA/s5175/231019_CASM_Reserve_HawkerSeaFury-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2912" data-original-width="5175" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZSVqvX2Z07p-exfDDnGmlfbz9Rdnpt2vHWpDHriAsNQTEySEpttPiCbsowH506xpUn7MR1Is5xT0xkBCofHtbW1LBsWVsbE9r23BWpAjHUw6GFgZcGnAxi5a8DMhxuQBA3v59tRPz0uvDP5EK5lYuD3kOxohoyzoV1nSsOXAyrJ5KSZhR0BydU2P-XWA/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_HawkerSeaFury-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1948 Hawker Sea Fury FB.11.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Considered one of the fastest piston-driven fighters ever built, the Hawker Sea Fury was the last fighter with a reciprocating engine used by the Royal Navy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznypBl7IfZJ16STmrZ2hxDloLIt8iDb-ZprdHegI4VdNCfuXjygvn0fPfGPJ8X1Cb-EUrOwL9uqe3IiP3LFx7OfoZOqOfroR7O2IOQAmwTMKoEgfrzuz6DcdZH4z0mJ-7wE9W0UKgR1sZLDjd_cepuAsScvOOu-Zjv5rXt12w_McdSen6GbtEmC0tqbM/s4084/231019_CASM_Reserve_Rockliffe.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2298" data-original-width="4084" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznypBl7IfZJ16STmrZ2hxDloLIt8iDb-ZprdHegI4VdNCfuXjygvn0fPfGPJ8X1Cb-EUrOwL9uqe3IiP3LFx7OfoZOqOfroR7O2IOQAmwTMKoEgfrzuz6DcdZH4z0mJ-7wE9W0UKgR1sZLDjd_cepuAsScvOOu-Zjv5rXt12w_McdSen6GbtEmC0tqbM/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Reserve_Rockliffe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg4CNL-NBevggtBQd29Q-xwBSicnxBSm-shfdehN53vhDrldghM9a81Lk8tsB3oZwtdc0r0UZ3xsasiTY7IUiH1uryP4q96bztqe9fwh5SZBifcy_VCcXOUvo6WNQG2q0hldPKUFFy3VxCfMNf6NrGCmUme3N1T73w79jIZwY-m5XdPjnJejWQBaXasc/s6183/231019_CASM_Reserve_Panoramic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2587" data-original-width="6183" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg4CNL-NBevggtBQd29Q-xwBSicnxBSm-shfdehN53vhDrldghM9a81Lk8tsB3oZwtdc0r0UZ3xsasiTY7IUiH1uryP4q96bztqe9fwh5SZBifcy_VCcXOUvo6WNQG2q0hldPKUFFy3VxCfMNf6NrGCmUme3N1T73w79jIZwY-m5XdPjnJejWQBaXasc/w640-h268/231019_CASM_Reserve_Panoramic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic of the massive Reserve Hangar at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Concluding the one hour Reserve Hangar tour, our docent invited "the photographers" (she looked specifically at me and two others) to take in the view from the mezzanine. Between multiple airliners, a C-130 Hercules, a B-25 Michell, a Consolidated PBY Catalina, a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, and many other aircraft, I was astounded by how much history was crammed within the walls of the Reserve Hangar.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Main Building</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyssrxJH6_CgcS0BESJW5qzNcSZMgExprbEAbJBXC0NRNlVPVPmR2UmZ9tEghLHimucl_pWq6WsW6E6Wy9QC-6W-o30E9uiKR5FKyUQlPRIq7PIFU5L9sM5vnw5s72cG_ygdFTFtU1SXw5JEw-jUIgpsvMULBBBTmH2gb2w8xJ7MOUQeYwiVy4r3sXLt8/s2048/231019_CASM_CanadairCT114Tutor-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyssrxJH6_CgcS0BESJW5qzNcSZMgExprbEAbJBXC0NRNlVPVPmR2UmZ9tEghLHimucl_pWq6WsW6E6Wy9QC-6W-o30E9uiKR5FKyUQlPRIq7PIFU5L9sM5vnw5s72cG_ygdFTFtU1SXw5JEw-jUIgpsvMULBBBTmH2gb2w8xJ7MOUQeYwiVy4r3sXLt8/w480-h640/231019_CASM_CanadairCT114Tutor-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Canada Aviation and Space Museum main lobby barely accommodates a Canadair CT-114 Tutor frozen in time mid-roll. A side-by-side military trainer in use from 1963 to 2000, the Tutor is best recognized outside of Canada as the platform of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, a jet aerobatic demonstration team.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHPwSfP2Rmw7Rk1IOAgBUoGyopvZipTOd-yxEXfQym691JZCZnPvva34isYnSmH0O18qKgDQGzmhOXd2xFisXWtPvzysAjhcpoMssrlFHcYjj9MSVVXIy9ibuMYwoARWLxIOVuiirVuz4jpkvjvnvQKK9IFIp3-IXcS05lcmaTDmYhpgnfcd5bGh9DQk/s5091/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-5-RCAF.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2864" data-original-width="5091" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHPwSfP2Rmw7Rk1IOAgBUoGyopvZipTOd-yxEXfQym691JZCZnPvva34isYnSmH0O18qKgDQGzmhOXd2xFisXWtPvzysAjhcpoMssrlFHcYjj9MSVVXIy9ibuMYwoARWLxIOVuiirVuz4jpkvjvnvQKK9IFIp3-IXcS05lcmaTDmYhpgnfcd5bGh9DQk/w640-h360/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-5-RCAF.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9csKQ6cYEYDDOQBgbm8zangUEY9IWvgKKKoBBV7HhsMaQcawJGqo7ndj5QSWlMafO-whzyy1OOkqWbJxym9V-FbZFHtdyOvZMjCzaAKVXnhoo9wHHXv51-XjNQ6qTUAB45gE4NQoSrc9Pu1fjAVvTqKzZKGDa5jWZkgb7lrW4PnylaiNA9tvWpFsXhI/s5333/231019_CASM_Panoramic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9csKQ6cYEYDDOQBgbm8zangUEY9IWvgKKKoBBV7HhsMaQcawJGqo7ndj5QSWlMafO-whzyy1OOkqWbJxym9V-FbZFHtdyOvZMjCzaAKVXnhoo9wHHXv51-XjNQ6qTUAB45gE4NQoSrc9Pu1fjAVvTqKzZKGDa5jWZkgb7lrW4PnylaiNA9tvWpFsXhI/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Panoramic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum from the front.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvYMdCRhGpVOaD8BcfHmXYqEmonP7YXe3Zhdm_U6o4D_tOsicm5tcvQYJbZAcdEscrDp344ISL2OV6gX5RXYEG0xOA_wSndFHc1maBZZYt-XB_Kr2il3tGpTE1SF17TEECNKhy2KkN9HAbpBylRuXpuFn7T9Z9d85JpvJqKhAV1si53z6WQrbZ7PENZw/s5160/231019_CASM_SilverDart.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="5160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvYMdCRhGpVOaD8BcfHmXYqEmonP7YXe3Zhdm_U6o4D_tOsicm5tcvQYJbZAcdEscrDp344ISL2OV6gX5RXYEG0xOA_wSndFHc1maBZZYt-XB_Kr2il3tGpTE1SF17TEECNKhy2KkN9HAbpBylRuXpuFn7T9Z9d85JpvJqKhAV1si53z6WQrbZ7PENZw/w640-h360/231019_CASM_SilverDart.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reproduction of the A.E.A. <i>Silver Dart</i>, the first powered, controllable aircraft to fly in Canada in 1909.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Prominently displayed at the entrance to the main gallery, this 1959 reproduction of the A.E.A. <i>Silver Dart </i>represents the first powered, controllable flight in Canada accomplished by Canadian J.A.D. McCurdy over Baddeck Bay, Nova Scotia on February 23, 1909. McCurdy was a member of Alexander Graham Bell's Aerial Experiment Association (A.E.A.) that included Glenn Curtiss among its ranks. The lines of the <i>Silver Dart</i> are very reminiscent of the <i>June Bug</i> flown by Curtiss on 04 July 1908 during the first pre-announced heavier than air flight in the United States. (The "pre-announced" distinction was a not-so-subtle dig at the secretive Wright Brothers.) Though designed by McCurdy, the <i>Silver Dart</i> is obviously derived from Curtiss' <i>June Bug </i>and was manufactured in Curtiss' hometown of Hammondsport, NY. This replica was constructed by RCAF members and successfully flown on the 50th anniversary of the original Baddeck Bay flight. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBp_OQ1YW6TBG2CvSUM3eE__amMq09ybqVYP3zS6OvsNDx9A_N9ITTmB2b_DaiJX-gghNZYe642dyqVvGPGM0CY2nMBg69QDSLBZK9HwOZuMUwEpp_U6J02EIg9tIYfuKhPzyfVTaAJY1dGXDfZMYgElN5NhYXxbT5hVRwJ0aPN2TJFtbtHvQtNmPLs8/s4618/231019_CASM_BorelMoraine-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBp_OQ1YW6TBG2CvSUM3eE__amMq09ybqVYP3zS6OvsNDx9A_N9ITTmB2b_DaiJX-gghNZYe642dyqVvGPGM0CY2nMBg69QDSLBZK9HwOZuMUwEpp_U6J02EIg9tIYfuKhPzyfVTaAJY1dGXDfZMYgElN5NhYXxbT5hVRwJ0aPN2TJFtbtHvQtNmPLs8/w640-h480/231019_CASM_BorelMoraine-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sole-surviving example of a 1911 Borel-Morane.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzCOr-tPvI7oLVJrqGxB-3LoU_CgOOfpJ4crnejTp0rhGU7pyMcJCqmZR9WvRsJzifIa5G0uIZMgQA-tmsSDbByxPCDg-xn4N_pfx0IU4g3k1vFZkGdeDTSFGu2pN3pivPtyE1ZZrjIRiQCJtZ6Misubylf43TPcslvKJo6r6NeJ-y6ehgPmY9m8DOI0/s5184/231019_CASM_McDowallMonoplane-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzCOr-tPvI7oLVJrqGxB-3LoU_CgOOfpJ4crnejTp0rhGU7pyMcJCqmZR9WvRsJzifIa5G0uIZMgQA-tmsSDbByxPCDg-xn4N_pfx0IU4g3k1vFZkGdeDTSFGu2pN3pivPtyE1ZZrjIRiQCJtZ6Misubylf43TPcslvKJo6r6NeJ-y6ehgPmY9m8DOI0/w640-h360/231019_CASM_McDowallMonoplane-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sole-surviving example of a 1911 Borel-Morane.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This is the sole-surviving example of a 1911 Borel-Morane. Built as a joint venture between Gabriel and Albert Borel, Leon Morane, and Raymond Saulnier, this single seat monoplane resembled the famous Bleriot XI, but represented an advancement of the design that was lighter and faster. (Saulnier actually worked with Louis Bleriot to develop the XI.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Morane-Saulnier would go on to produce several World War I era aircraft, some of which can be found at <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2019/08/jurassic-airpark.html" target="_blank">Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome</a> (an "N" and an "AI"). The Morane-Saulnier L, colloquially known as the "Parasol" was featured prominently in <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>.</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;">"I had a look over her, and the more I saw of her the less I liked her. It was certainly not love at first sight...the elevator was as sensitive as a gold balance; the least movement stood you on your head or on your tail. You couldn't leave the machine to its own devices for a moment...the Morane really was a death trap...Subsequently I flew every machine used by the Air Force during the war. They were all child's play after the Morane...but I did come to love the Morane as I loved no other aeroplane." (Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936.)</div></div></blockquote><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFXT_m7SO3-KdmtLNyptTgzv40l-ep4FhRfvqitYxLZXC8HKlFnlbkre0udsGzXTZeqFXLxGh5hgVRsVdh5hgL2YLQtoVQX1xDzQfsnjvzpzjX9OF1DFVGhqanCh5nPUpAXFMOKU1yANjxOlLjq-Ir3AGUctbL-t4lI_Ck8Q1sr6LC3-63Dk6bkQu4aU/s5160/231019_CASM_FarmanShorthorn-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="5160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFXT_m7SO3-KdmtLNyptTgzv40l-ep4FhRfvqitYxLZXC8HKlFnlbkre0udsGzXTZeqFXLxGh5hgVRsVdh5hgL2YLQtoVQX1xDzQfsnjvzpzjX9OF1DFVGhqanCh5nPUpAXFMOKU1yANjxOlLjq-Ir3AGUctbL-t4lI_Ck8Q1sr6LC3-63Dk6bkQu4aU/w640-h360/231019_CASM_FarmanShorthorn-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1916 Maurice Farman S.11 "Shorthorn".</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QIHZLgCREtKfC8OWQ7XPKGgwp9ah6iVh4LJ6jDsHeG2LC1A6zxgYh2PfhHH9mPt2IDLdPI4L7-F8j0uOlqaotDR3gIoZvBVTQFByqbJbRiITj7bgSs-dMgF04N-3gTI1_OEN8L7l56wY_fXV_LcciF-_Q8CqvMeH7nV8lKrrNO1UzH-krNU0VayI8UU/s4618/231019_CASM_FarmanShorthorn-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QIHZLgCREtKfC8OWQ7XPKGgwp9ah6iVh4LJ6jDsHeG2LC1A6zxgYh2PfhHH9mPt2IDLdPI4L7-F8j0uOlqaotDR3gIoZvBVTQFByqbJbRiITj7bgSs-dMgF04N-3gTI1_OEN8L7l56wY_fXV_LcciF-_Q8CqvMeH7nV8lKrrNO1UzH-krNU0VayI8UU/w640-h480/231019_CASM_FarmanShorthorn-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1916 Maurice Farman S.11 "Shorhorn".</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This cumbersome looking aircraft is a 1916 Maurice Farman S.11 that was nicknamed the "Shorthorn". Outmatched militarily early in the war, it was frequently relegated to a trainer role. This one is the only example of its type in North America and appears to be one of only three survivors worldwide.</div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;">"I took my ticket (i.e. learned to fly and obtained my pilot's certificate) on a Maurice Farman 'Longhorn'...If you crashed it, there was such a lot between you and the ground that you were unlikely to get seriously hurt. Also it had no vices. It was docile and well-behaved...The Longhorn (of beloved memory) had a sister, the 'Shorthorn'. This had dispensed with the skids and elevator forward, and had a somewhat more workmanlike appearance...Pupils were only allowed to fly the Shorthorn after taking their tickets. We used to 'put in time' on them." (Cecil Lewis, <i>Sagittarius Rising</i>, 1936.)</div></div></blockquote><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zAWKH6z2ITVVnbAQMRlsiUjhyphenhyphenQLpiF_REw4nBs0VTMwv1Mxc7UNXi7qpP-ufAfOhIxVoXQ9jcaQgZkpVQXLYKJyXEnFkKGeSqop9slaPZOgjkMtCJ9BgIoM7JGbtwFAm79tz8iQla-N8-y1-Y03FVAYe7s9fvs5E4njNyeiHRuazHPHSChBAAnQM3p4/s4618/231019_CASM_CurtissCanuck-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zAWKH6z2ITVVnbAQMRlsiUjhyphenhyphenQLpiF_REw4nBs0VTMwv1Mxc7UNXi7qpP-ufAfOhIxVoXQ9jcaQgZkpVQXLYKJyXEnFkKGeSqop9slaPZOgjkMtCJ9BgIoM7JGbtwFAm79tz8iQla-N8-y1-Y03FVAYe7s9fvs5E4njNyeiHRuazHPHSChBAAnQM3p4/w640-h480/231019_CASM_CurtissCanuck-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Curtiss Canuck.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At first glance, this aircraft appears to be a Curtiss JN-4D ("Jenny"). It is, in fact, a Canadian variant known as the Canuck. The model is credited as the first aircraft to cross the Canadian Rockies, the first mass-produced aircraft in Canada (as fabricated by Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd in Toronto), and first to deliver air mail in Canada (Montreal to Toronto, 24 June 1918).</div><div><br /></div><div>This particular example was manufactured in Toronto. It spent over thirty years hanging in a barn in Honeoye Falls, NY (just south of my home in Rochester) before it was acquired by the museum.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhKxn7sFBCAm26ZGz6Deix1yrnynwP4SrAVOLRfQDQgtkFhh32_KjLQtDpiJVS7DUz30tmbz_ukxB97QxyWlEWf1AX5lYI6NectS0r51ebrApXQJxCb9DEaKyuJOU9OuFeN1LcDXO9WZUH8yC9hMwaHFQgWg7xlgnaWpuAweuNizgaIa0ETNsKa3BogY/s5184/231019_CASM_SopwithShipCamel-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhKxn7sFBCAm26ZGz6Deix1yrnynwP4SrAVOLRfQDQgtkFhh32_KjLQtDpiJVS7DUz30tmbz_ukxB97QxyWlEWf1AX5lYI6NectS0r51ebrApXQJxCb9DEaKyuJOU9OuFeN1LcDXO9WZUH8yC9hMwaHFQgWg7xlgnaWpuAweuNizgaIa0ETNsKa3BogY/w640-h360/231019_CASM_SopwithShipCamel-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Sopwith 2F.1 Ship Camel.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmm3Umg1ADBVfYIW_G7jD159NUBS3fdg5QEPtIu3AQ-rlFAVvs8_7CxSrGWKarxXZh-_kFKoQeCQMnF37kRQA6CXPEFGhRoijDihrpfkBhKUCNlfW83ny2xeJz6HNWqputweh5UnXGezG0MEHs7InnUDCgEbHMboZPGlQDQvNjb__KIrpTSl521B5hsM/s3862/231019_CASM_SopwithShipCamel-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3862" data-original-width="2895" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmm3Umg1ADBVfYIW_G7jD159NUBS3fdg5QEPtIu3AQ-rlFAVvs8_7CxSrGWKarxXZh-_kFKoQeCQMnF37kRQA6CXPEFGhRoijDihrpfkBhKUCNlfW83ny2xeJz6HNWqputweh5UnXGezG0MEHs7InnUDCgEbHMboZPGlQDQvNjb__KIrpTSl521B5hsM/w480-h640/231019_CASM_SopwithShipCamel-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Sopwith 2F.1 Ship Camel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This rotary-engine biplane is a naval derivative of the famous Sopwith Camel, one of the most successful British fighters of World War I. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBWX8VLwL4sg90aOm-PGjiR9cL3gCSYpLHikgqqh_Qf6_2BMsdBVntPY-6AOcyufx-FGuhx4-JqkAr8uvWOYCyAFS2LckAZtpDxIzj2F7E2F3mo6vsLKHItEg6GoRee403cuKUc5NR87MUYy6jKsowi94n1SEMxr2FWNPEm4FHrIi7Bry1eAraPxpAzQ/s4618/231019_CASM_SopwithSnipe-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBWX8VLwL4sg90aOm-PGjiR9cL3gCSYpLHikgqqh_Qf6_2BMsdBVntPY-6AOcyufx-FGuhx4-JqkAr8uvWOYCyAFS2LckAZtpDxIzj2F7E2F3mo6vsLKHItEg6GoRee403cuKUc5NR87MUYy6jKsowi94n1SEMxr2FWNPEm4FHrIi7Bry1eAraPxpAzQ/w640-h480/231019_CASM_SopwithSnipe-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe, the successor to the Sopwith Camel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Sopwith Snipe was considered the most advanced rotary-engine British fighter. It was only slightly faster and nearly as maneuverable as the Camel, but less of a handful to fly. Only two original Sopwith Snipes exist in the world today, this one in Ottawa and another on display at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (that previously came from Cole Palen's collection at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vj96gtCwmxr_QQaAFd0GPg3Y1uW0_xOOW6MtBelmVb6yH9jSrRwZScjX1q_qUwW-EjRFoPrG04K0oQ-uSMz5g9ykMTfAiaOg1naNpJT5VlfFV7qvrydTiOeOItQwr6mnWUaJcQKMkdC4kIKroMefbgs1H2sjcmemNMBgDAZ12wn_Q_vGsxv0LF4Snzs/s5184/231019_CASM_FokkerDVII-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vj96gtCwmxr_QQaAFd0GPg3Y1uW0_xOOW6MtBelmVb6yH9jSrRwZScjX1q_qUwW-EjRFoPrG04K0oQ-uSMz5g9ykMTfAiaOg1naNpJT5VlfFV7qvrydTiOeOItQwr6mnWUaJcQKMkdC4kIKroMefbgs1H2sjcmemNMBgDAZ12wn_Q_vGsxv0LF4Snzs/w640-h360/231019_CASM_FokkerDVII-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Fokker D.VII.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When it was introduced in 1917, the Fokker D.VII became the most feared aircraft in the skies over worn-town Europe. It so distressed Allied pilots that the 1918 Armistice specifically required Germany to surrender all examples of the D.VII. This is one of only two that exist in Canada.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YXGKqDPOVHjtddIWTZl1t6OwCRWv0gCghm8sNkq32gUHiTe3KMbFhp4NdewpGUk3C0jJDX2MQAw2Bfy63MToFG6VPIcd0VQiSgZt19CHHzoHuwCRysWz7QyDwIHlrnzKke9MlMS9x9oj4HxE5K7wyKCNi_rqIwFOYrCttky7nLGEVBWqXVWX32lhJks/s5184/231019_CASM_AEG-GIV-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YXGKqDPOVHjtddIWTZl1t6OwCRWv0gCghm8sNkq32gUHiTe3KMbFhp4NdewpGUk3C0jJDX2MQAw2Bfy63MToFG6VPIcd0VQiSgZt19CHHzoHuwCRysWz7QyDwIHlrnzKke9MlMS9x9oj4HxE5K7wyKCNi_rqIwFOYrCttky7nLGEVBWqXVWX32lhJks/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AEG-GIV-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 A.E.G. G.IV.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN00ezYlOH_Gmk0q4YnCIYNIOsuzTS1l2S7vDilHESoeRbthMHc_g3kgMgCpuBp9zNszZgnIKt8-BUOtipafm-B2yRX42Sp_kGi-jkb-YAvl8cLv3gsYnIT69IsKQZxTUizqw4VnPtdaafXmn0z96hnvmxgmnRTvekOfv8jwfcIrEMGEHdO6A9go1wRaM/s5184/231019_CASM_AEG-GIV-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN00ezYlOH_Gmk0q4YnCIYNIOsuzTS1l2S7vDilHESoeRbthMHc_g3kgMgCpuBp9zNszZgnIKt8-BUOtipafm-B2yRX42Sp_kGi-jkb-YAvl8cLv3gsYnIT69IsKQZxTUizqw4VnPtdaafXmn0z96hnvmxgmnRTvekOfv8jwfcIrEMGEHdO6A9go1wRaM/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AEG-GIV-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 A.E.G. G.IV.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />A.E.G. was a German company that built aircraft between 1912 and 1919. The G.IV (where "G" stands for Grossflugzeug or "large airplane") was introduced in 1917. Often painted in dark colors, it was used as a night bomber during WWI. This is not only the sole surviving example of a G.IV, it is the only surviving multiengine German aircraft from WWI. It was taken by the Allies as a war trophy. Though currently displayed without engines, pictures of this airplane exist to demonstrate that the museum is in possession of them.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmiwYwGU5ls4dKHTE8-m7Lv-o-_Nq4trnddpur0oM3RkhM5SGUBb_l2J9G_UIrqqp3wSt17D6-jdrEz2gsnpZBK2vM_jGBVXc97Is07iWnSz2zO2DSWJceqjRQHSESE9u8laTwjxXCSf7SzfwXYIofqBp-cEyQfn2UsxOJR7jyveejAz9IymNbg6sWk4/s5184/231019_CASM_JunkersJI-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmiwYwGU5ls4dKHTE8-m7Lv-o-_Nq4trnddpur0oM3RkhM5SGUBb_l2J9G_UIrqqp3wSt17D6-jdrEz2gsnpZBK2vM_jGBVXc97Is07iWnSz2zO2DSWJceqjRQHSESE9u8laTwjxXCSf7SzfwXYIofqBp-cEyQfn2UsxOJR7jyveejAz9IymNbg6sWk4/w640-h360/231019_CASM_JunkersJI-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Junkers J.I.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />In an era where most aircraft had wood-frames and fabric skins, the Junkers J.I had a metal structure with the forward portions of the airframe skinned in steel plate. The aircraft was incredibly strong and excelled at low altitude observation because of it was armored to resist ground fire.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fgFfxZYHWfHszTNWXLCH28-XRCpjYxAH6NtBsjMPdymYKIU0XfrF8XRnG7IQIcKYcPNSj8jXW08IpM5u71R2ufm2_eleU6pMlriq4J04pPFEyREtJVe3igoWh0th_HqAM7iV4pyIUl-HiRvliZSy3HJjuharWqsTD6Sk7L1garxZzOrxNzHhlhLoqLY/s5184/231019_CASM_JunkersJI-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fgFfxZYHWfHszTNWXLCH28-XRCpjYxAH6NtBsjMPdymYKIU0XfrF8XRnG7IQIcKYcPNSj8jXW08IpM5u71R2ufm2_eleU6pMlriq4J04pPFEyREtJVe3igoWh0th_HqAM7iV4pyIUl-HiRvliZSy3HJjuharWqsTD6Sk7L1garxZzOrxNzHhlhLoqLY/w640-h360/231019_CASM_JunkersJI-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Junkers J.I.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Canada Aviation and Space Museum's Junkers J.I is the sole surviving example of its kind. It was sent to Canada from France as a war trophy in 1919 and remains on display in an unrestored state.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEdEOwsWK1vBkNdlI4iOSbHFN7p5sTDPM61mA3J2jFjHh5TEePUflYcy5RKoEeQQsVE3Fb0eY8qhRSCIR69MrVkCb9YtKXau4xLdKMvbxy9ralOvB3LRa8NxR8M18WbwA15TyNCGiCbJ8ZLJM1tp7aat2wO_t2geXwu-6pV27SxxtAQylbVuNG8GxavI/s4618/231019_CASM_FaireySwordfish-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEdEOwsWK1vBkNdlI4iOSbHFN7p5sTDPM61mA3J2jFjHh5TEePUflYcy5RKoEeQQsVE3Fb0eY8qhRSCIR69MrVkCb9YtKXau4xLdKMvbxy9ralOvB3LRa8NxR8M18WbwA15TyNCGiCbJ8ZLJM1tp7aat2wO_t2geXwu-6pV27SxxtAQylbVuNG8GxavI/w640-h480/231019_CASM_FaireySwordfish-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairey Swordfish (year of manufacture unknown).</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Despite an antiquated design for the era, carrier-based Fairey Swordfish biplanes were in service between 1936 and 1944 as torpedo bombers. In 1941, the type participated in the famous sinking of the German battleship Bismarck. Note the folding wings for easier storage on aircraft carriers.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYIc7w_43tUkf-AkGZOT0cama-hW0I3LqWdrC1E5Hz8zGRwRDyskOOJlP2seWuSC0Xs4OFtFRfzLa-Viw2933I2CP1YCjgWNFTR1NFMVvsPVJqNmjkZCTfQthTXckRIBuHzXe9K823K1AEqrcgUOgRzxB6Z2SaNvhcRVyEweZFDOVKxuY1YCG4Xj5Sjw/s5184/231019_CASM_WestlandLysander-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYIc7w_43tUkf-AkGZOT0cama-hW0I3LqWdrC1E5Hz8zGRwRDyskOOJlP2seWuSC0Xs4OFtFRfzLa-Viw2933I2CP1YCjgWNFTR1NFMVvsPVJqNmjkZCTfQthTXckRIBuHzXe9K823K1AEqrcgUOgRzxB6Z2SaNvhcRVyEweZFDOVKxuY1YCG4Xj5Sjw/w640-h360/231019_CASM_WestlandLysander-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1967 Westland Lysander.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Lysanders were used for observation and coastal patrol during WWII. This particular example was built by the RCAF in 1967 from components of three other Lysanders to celebrate Canada's centennial.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDpzNSjUDMzScCFFcMAiIWLus8eci8NRI8sNpBkqW5_Py9jDFLk0zcfLc4QSMIzyl2nQra-QguDjNH5MKX1BD7o8CWF1i71aDfenZ0KJDVYXP0WuTFOc4sqdrHI7ZblhNi8c1E_3IKYPHYV07E-CHVtRBWlhNPyiCRLJ3ayY80W4sRHRanCfzMv7Z7DE/s4618/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXDpzNSjUDMzScCFFcMAiIWLus8eci8NRI8sNpBkqW5_Py9jDFLk0zcfLc4QSMIzyl2nQra-QguDjNH5MKX1BD7o8CWF1i71aDfenZ0KJDVYXP0WuTFOc4sqdrHI7ZblhNi8c1E_3IKYPHYV07E-CHVtRBWlhNPyiCRLJ3ayY80W4sRHRanCfzMv7Z7DE/w480-h640/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Avro Lancaster Mk.X.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A massive Avro Lancaster heavy bomber dominates the World War II section of the museum. The British answer to the American B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers, it was considered one of the most successful night bombers of WWII due to its massive weapons bay. The bomber was equipped with four Rolls-Royce V-12 Merlyn engines that also powered American Mustangs and British Spitfires. Thus, I like to think of the Lancaster as representing four Spitfires flying in very close formation.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm2MHrb8ncGwRtC5SOK0xakQIfiFdj2N5WqEJbPJF1_JIW0mxsOyPnwCGz1yX0RuESuLj3pWo3a31eksQtQS2P6eI79NebNUBx7GQIG8U3CHvcl9IayijY9zYylUJ2wxkcOgQjBGAI-8TucOqF3gys1fqXkR2_hj1Gd9MjuZfP5maxM_9daJ-6hyphenhyphenZm1s/s5184/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-8.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPm2MHrb8ncGwRtC5SOK0xakQIfiFdj2N5WqEJbPJF1_JIW0mxsOyPnwCGz1yX0RuESuLj3pWo3a31eksQtQS2P6eI79NebNUBx7GQIG8U3CHvcl9IayijY9zYylUJ2wxkcOgQjBGAI-8TucOqF3gys1fqXkR2_hj1Gd9MjuZfP5maxM_9daJ-6hyphenhyphenZm1s/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Avro Lancaster Mk.X.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Post war, "Lancs" were used for maritime patrol, photo survey, and search and rescue.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rk601mEBkJmg32IctZ5O2ylSb9qsaLFc4I7MBqCCOZMgWp4XV-mRvDOFO4RZstzeYMHSyfvbL-NKNEiXMw4v7hKpSsnhkZ9AnSUV-sE1dS_lkx2tKwsP_Qbr2fc4fBGBwX6XMu0Qwr8k77zFD9HNi7DDGYB7ibE5A0TCS7eBI8OINNynv6NJAm1qvsQ/s5184/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-9.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rk601mEBkJmg32IctZ5O2ylSb9qsaLFc4I7MBqCCOZMgWp4XV-mRvDOFO4RZstzeYMHSyfvbL-NKNEiXMw4v7hKpSsnhkZ9AnSUV-sE1dS_lkx2tKwsP_Qbr2fc4fBGBwX6XMu0Qwr8k77zFD9HNi7DDGYB7ibE5A0TCS7eBI8OINNynv6NJAm1qvsQ/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AvroLancaster-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Avro Lancaster Mk.X.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today, there are 17 surviving Lancasters. The Canada Aviation and Space Museum's Lanc is considered the most complete example of a Mk.X model.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kEI2hC5rTmjAmG62VI2JsEYr_MA5JkaA8lk1jUS5Ri3Ek9NemisDjwte7SxixNlYCZVJKZ7VRZLMew9zBMXkv43dsHSaiKYSw_TrrEVwkvTLVjzAN4jY6v_PVTVWUwUm1ywuSlcsB1MeUW2126FbAuFyO-rnyAbGtcDGOqun-UQt7_vBjoeMMKJCC18/s5184/231019_CASM_CurtissHS2L-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kEI2hC5rTmjAmG62VI2JsEYr_MA5JkaA8lk1jUS5Ri3Ek9NemisDjwte7SxixNlYCZVJKZ7VRZLMew9zBMXkv43dsHSaiKYSw_TrrEVwkvTLVjzAN4jY6v_PVTVWUwUm1ywuSlcsB1MeUW2126FbAuFyO-rnyAbGtcDGOqun-UQt7_vBjoeMMKJCC18/w640-h360/231019_CASM_CurtissHS2L-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Curtiss Curtiss HS-2L.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div>A flying boat design is a natural from the man considered the father of Naval aviation in the United States, Glenn Curtiss. Curtiss designed these flying boats for coastal patrol during WWI. Post-war, the HS-2Ls became Canada's first bush planes and dominated this mode of flying until circa 1927. This is the only complete HS-2L remaining in the world.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWRFCq4lwXCf9EWg-KrxxQHrs9lgby60wju81bdYyLd5oImF1VTIkCwr5Jt9ZRA2hVhRbgK-SlMv99yvTA_foa9CuZKpgUo_ZQZDyTeJ-fU4u8_eVSvcRk6byxNQSA924-QmlxjLNUphG61qwKQKYda4nT-ggaagOXABDCcWH9itz-_JT6Czi5Xmoe_o/s5184/231019_CASM_CurtissHS2L-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWRFCq4lwXCf9EWg-KrxxQHrs9lgby60wju81bdYyLd5oImF1VTIkCwr5Jt9ZRA2hVhRbgK-SlMv99yvTA_foa9CuZKpgUo_ZQZDyTeJ-fU4u8_eVSvcRk6byxNQSA924-QmlxjLNUphG61qwKQKYda4nT-ggaagOXABDCcWH9itz-_JT6Czi5Xmoe_o/w640-h360/231019_CASM_CurtissHS2L-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1918 Curtiss Curtiss HS-2L.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This HS-2L is the product of a sixteen year restoration effort. Its markings are in tribute to <i>La Vigilance</i>, a Curtiss ship of the same design that was the first purchased by Laurentide Air Service Limited, the world’s first bush flying company. The original <i>La Vigilance</i> crashed on 02 September 1922 into Foss Lake, Ontario. The original hull was salvaged around 1969 and is now displayed alongside the museum's HS-2L.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxSTitkQKWbuCWa8KZiye1IjDcjtkZfWJb-PFAT5-7zNr_IDgG0ZrBPlXt_EkYD-f6HurC6baU7WU4xsGLtOLZzIl-Iefzhw-jVpIDOAEhuCbTki-KPJcwx28S85Lflgct8revpfj7EnegzHPubKeP_dqNl1B0YeArjqMqrpCCMcroKiz-w3uXj3bCRE/s4618/231019_CASM_NoordynNorseman.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFxSTitkQKWbuCWa8KZiye1IjDcjtkZfWJb-PFAT5-7zNr_IDgG0ZrBPlXt_EkYD-f6HurC6baU7WU4xsGLtOLZzIl-Iefzhw-jVpIDOAEhuCbTki-KPJcwx28S85Lflgct8revpfj7EnegzHPubKeP_dqNl1B0YeArjqMqrpCCMcroKiz-w3uXj3bCRE/w640-h480/231019_CASM_NoordynNorseman.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1943 Noorduyn Norseman VI.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Designed in 1935 by Canadian Robert Noorduyn, the Norseman was the first purpose-built bush airplane in Canada. Nicknamed the "one-ton flying truck", it was the first Canadian aircraft to be adopted for use by the US military during WWII. As suggested by the beefy landing gear, the airplane excelled at operating from rough terrain.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WLTuMz0V5C3cp5wvkJeeXoOo5y-3SAsWF4AbqUg0Q7ZXVpbFfHD-GSGslLrKKRf0zXQ7BzIfxBRvj_wWT0J-PSjOYN3NSJ9Axku9qyJy7SCc0Fblt2j-Wj7oiHI314YVJjiYjCURurscGjyAU-Gux8sNi3eTvr9-Y9F45ycjCc6K1UczQfaoR-fbF2Q/s4618/231019_CASM_deHavillandBeaver-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WLTuMz0V5C3cp5wvkJeeXoOo5y-3SAsWF4AbqUg0Q7ZXVpbFfHD-GSGslLrKKRf0zXQ7BzIfxBRvj_wWT0J-PSjOYN3NSJ9Axku9qyJy7SCc0Fblt2j-Wj7oiHI314YVJjiYjCURurscGjyAU-Gux8sNi3eTvr9-Y9F45ycjCc6K1UczQfaoR-fbF2Q/w640-h480/231019_CASM_deHavillandBeaver-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1947 prototype De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />1940s vintage De Havilland Beavers were the first all-metal bush planes designed and built in Canada. The most prolifically-manufactured aircraft in Canada, these aircraft were so rugged and reliable that they remain workhorses today. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/07/gratuitous-beaver-shots.html" target="_blank">On our last trip to Alaska, we saw Beavers everywhere</a>. The displayed Beaver is not just representative of the model, it was the first ever produced.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQU-H9hM9K5QP1_M6GIN4TZD3xi8eXO80D5u5vh4esf4xHZi_ugduXOq3klPufrZp8ejqqbylliCJuH2gbOAkO6PtyjDqAzbXnwygTxQQwSlO3pzBRZjKvTME9Icb8pfTUYdQDKQ6Q_ip3y2QbU4CMT7CNsMqogwuFZSpJ9R2-9OzUtl8Z6SBiZhSsTg/s5184/231019_CASM_deHavillandFoxMoth-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQU-H9hM9K5QP1_M6GIN4TZD3xi8eXO80D5u5vh4esf4xHZi_ugduXOq3klPufrZp8ejqqbylliCJuH2gbOAkO6PtyjDqAzbXnwygTxQQwSlO3pzBRZjKvTME9Icb8pfTUYdQDKQ6Q_ip3y2QbU4CMT7CNsMqogwuFZSpJ9R2-9OzUtl8Z6SBiZhSsTg/w640-h360/231019_CASM_deHavillandFoxMoth-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1947 De Havilland Fox Moth.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The De Havilland Fox Moth was a 1931 design developed for use as a civil air taxi. It used the engine and wings of the classic De Havilland Tiger Moth military trainer. With military contracts cancelled at the end of World War II, Fox Moth manufacture kept De Havilland's Canadian factory running while consuming surplus Tiger Moth components and supplying Canada's burgeoning need for bush planes.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHYLak2kxklNKLqpGbIXeDJ86sTzOcSi5ZUDyVDDRY2_Tmw5WTppdoozcCLGtT77_T2urBothFhODpoa6ZVI_zMao0TgcGHTS5z9wEqzBP6jgmBq6mtW1cGLr4v65NEjMSV-JfGcbXs6MNymr6f3wQujmh2SOdsqHxRRrFTl3OjItMF46iVY0B5EsqUA/s4618/231019_CASM_JunkersW34-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHYLak2kxklNKLqpGbIXeDJ86sTzOcSi5ZUDyVDDRY2_Tmw5WTppdoozcCLGtT77_T2urBothFhODpoa6ZVI_zMao0TgcGHTS5z9wEqzBP6jgmBq6mtW1cGLr4v65NEjMSV-JfGcbXs6MNymr6f3wQujmh2SOdsqHxRRrFTl3OjItMF46iVY0B5EsqUA/w640-h480/231019_CASM_JunkersW34-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1931 Junkers W 34.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiywlCFEDmkiqtBm24Z02-37_10d5FSY2PyenZ0IvJaoFXt9LvJ7KUMHV9W-7f2lj2cmgUbKZDXvEhV_doJD2eVc9b9gnl0rswPPK3SyigjeS6KegL0BqXz5EdpC2vKLWpZ-d4YLlwUGyKdRnJxnBPQA6WaO2kS5qr3_QhDsE0NHIL9ptenx45WeLeww/s4618/231019_CASM_JunkersW34-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiywlCFEDmkiqtBm24Z02-37_10d5FSY2PyenZ0IvJaoFXt9LvJ7KUMHV9W-7f2lj2cmgUbKZDXvEhV_doJD2eVc9b9gnl0rswPPK3SyigjeS6KegL0BqXz5EdpC2vKLWpZ-d4YLlwUGyKdRnJxnBPQA6WaO2kS5qr3_QhDsE0NHIL9ptenx45WeLeww/w640-h480/231019_CASM_JunkersW34-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1931 Junkers W 34.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>If it has a corrugated skin and it's not a Ford Trimotor, it must be a Junkers design! This 1931 Junkers W 34 was flown by Canadian Airways, Canada's largest bush plane operator of the era. Originally providing a lifeline to mining facilities in northern Quebec, it also flew in western Canada. In 1962, the airplane was purchased by Muriel Richardson and donated to the museum in honor of James Richardson, her late husband and founder of Canadian Airways.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJH3jHJTAAoVIxgDzkWdfpmEJDerffWqSSO_TZy3XEihZsGQsz2mb7sgOMQTjqDTqOzD4SKpQalnenW-NmGwevVVEwYeZeeWv-P7VyJkN1s-ZKdQ3vypQmCfyO2TGYW6yS2klw_K9L7nmubbeQ7NdIMbeizlHgYVClnMMllBBS8KwQpNfciBJbkAHzlA/s4618/231019_CASM_StearmanSpeedmail-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJH3jHJTAAoVIxgDzkWdfpmEJDerffWqSSO_TZy3XEihZsGQsz2mb7sgOMQTjqDTqOzD4SKpQalnenW-NmGwevVVEwYeZeeWv-P7VyJkN1s-ZKdQ3vypQmCfyO2TGYW6yS2klw_K9L7nmubbeQ7NdIMbeizlHgYVClnMMllBBS8KwQpNfciBJbkAHzlA/w640-h480/231019_CASM_StearmanSpeedmail-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1930 Stearman Speedmail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I first laid eyes on a Stearman Speedmail in 2003 at the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2003/09/2003-national-air-tour-comes-to.html" target="_blank">National Air Tour stop in Kalamazoo, MI</a>. Painted in a striking yellow and black color scheme, I thought it was the coolest looking biplane I had ever laid eyes on. Apparently, its creator, Lloyd Stearman and I are in violent agreement; he considered it his best design. Four Speedmails carried mail for Canadian Airways until the mid 1930s when airlines began using aircraft capable of carrying both mail and passengers at the same time.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2xGF33NBJpN47wPf2ToQ2lZWEGqF6G-xW3VyhBl3ky6tS-JkI5hFX9qrvWn0-qAfqmVNTKlFOxxLAcKeYvW7XucRQ9k317-72EEAU1AI-7VmvBIlQfELDZ10k8i0X9nVet86nyBVRhfGb7mMrFaYxw-AtSTITBIQ_vBxVTgjXjPS2HuTvmnv8wE3JcA/s5184/231019_CASM_CurtissConqueror-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2xGF33NBJpN47wPf2ToQ2lZWEGqF6G-xW3VyhBl3ky6tS-JkI5hFX9qrvWn0-qAfqmVNTKlFOxxLAcKeYvW7XucRQ9k317-72EEAU1AI-7VmvBIlQfELDZ10k8i0X9nVet86nyBVRhfGb7mMrFaYxw-AtSTITBIQ_vBxVTgjXjPS2HuTvmnv8wE3JcA/w640-h360/231019_CASM_CurtissConqueror-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Name plate from a Curtiss Conqueror V-1570 liquid cooled aircraft engine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnvDN7A1qFreKF1Dtu7qmCyoDPcSoTVJzPQUw7l0XAW0D7wqyzf0oalX87ZVfa9jIr0unubMrl3Xu2WUWWeREj2KzIxJbqRxK7mENdNcMQiZYc4RPf-QKQJvxV8IjK9L7LZnNHwsxIPufKk1PPfrmQFaghmE-CR_v04qekCzgtakyJ0rgJ0CIQvEsO2k/s5184/231019_CASM_LockheedElectra-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnvDN7A1qFreKF1Dtu7qmCyoDPcSoTVJzPQUw7l0XAW0D7wqyzf0oalX87ZVfa9jIr0unubMrl3Xu2WUWWeREj2KzIxJbqRxK7mENdNcMQiZYc4RPf-QKQJvxV8IjK9L7LZnNHwsxIPufKk1PPfrmQFaghmE-CR_v04qekCzgtakyJ0rgJ0CIQvEsO2k/w640-h360/231019_CASM_LockheedElectra-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1937 Lockheed L-10A Electra.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Perhaps best known as the aircraft in which Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan disappeared during an attempt to circumnavigate the globe, the Electra was popular with small airlines. This specific aircraft was the first new airplane ever purchased by Trans-Canada Air Lines (the predecessor to Air Canada) and bears their livery. It also served the RCAF as a transport during WWII and was flown by American Ann Pellegreno on a 1967 earthrounding flight recreating the route planned by Amelia Earhart.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJGWOBOND8jKY1t6PCTSSF81RvYGMX2LfDz-pcTjgjOWwEv2KNNJS3n0x_ezSQa8XRbpj1Ufi62Wq_JBf-lBNN2WV4v6MOfHQXSuZUyyoC9cy_dcDAdUjSGZFm22zQvTLrML1iFIAHpQKNQB_-eWfRFbNXLVegBAmD7iDN0Ye2l61L9sKgcWk_VOAgzQ/s4618/231019_CASM_SupermarineSpitfire-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJGWOBOND8jKY1t6PCTSSF81RvYGMX2LfDz-pcTjgjOWwEv2KNNJS3n0x_ezSQa8XRbpj1Ufi62Wq_JBf-lBNN2WV4v6MOfHQXSuZUyyoC9cy_dcDAdUjSGZFm22zQvTLrML1iFIAHpQKNQB_-eWfRFbNXLVegBAmD7iDN0Ye2l61L9sKgcWk_VOAgzQ/w640-h480/231019_CASM_SupermarineSpitfire-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1944 Supermarine Spitfire, one of the most successful fighter aircraft of WWII.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKZuRPTJKT6cXwKR1TFfNDIwl-Xn88FMpXHTSY3K5AuMbotRlYmBM3JZjOvaKEbjRTBAmCnKQiPzuotbQNeOLJ1Nk5nWb_3S7EZW2USq7s1QSSjyJNJmvqspu_h0XhsmUgdI7do93KqoI1hKKoZvdoBTR34IE6WvmoZoocF3aNtBUHFO8jHiX7bvlCiM/s4618/231019_CASM_HawkerHurricane-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKZuRPTJKT6cXwKR1TFfNDIwl-Xn88FMpXHTSY3K5AuMbotRlYmBM3JZjOvaKEbjRTBAmCnKQiPzuotbQNeOLJ1Nk5nWb_3S7EZW2USq7s1QSSjyJNJmvqspu_h0XhsmUgdI7do93KqoI1hKKoZvdoBTR34IE6WvmoZoocF3aNtBUHFO8jHiX7bvlCiM/w640-h480/231019_CASM_HawkerHurricane-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1942 Hawker Hurricane produced by Canadian Car and Foundry, Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lg4b-iaev_UnhOL2eEWCY6qlfdxAtJrzLRSNWaGPM4Vil-POibRHkdWXb0u0IzLyBkeGirLS6m19d6AMqRGCbHiYG7FrlqLZfxQ48RsM3iUENiH09KBy9KWihiY4KK3QX5GZXROEZqFZf-d0rRU22wX8BopbloZK5llGsyMzQgfCpzRm_QO0gsvlKwI/s5184/231019_CASM_MesserschmittBf109-4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Lg4b-iaev_UnhOL2eEWCY6qlfdxAtJrzLRSNWaGPM4Vil-POibRHkdWXb0u0IzLyBkeGirLS6m19d6AMqRGCbHiYG7FrlqLZfxQ48RsM3iUENiH09KBy9KWihiY4KK3QX5GZXROEZqFZf-d0rRU22wX8BopbloZK5llGsyMzQgfCpzRm_QO0gsvlKwI/w640-h360/231019_CASM_MesserschmittBf109-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1942 Messerschmitt Bf-109.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Considered one of the best fighter aircraft of WWII, the Messerschmitt Bf-109 was produced in numbers exceeding 33,000 between 1935 and 1956, making it one of the most numerous fighter types ever built.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7gvCPJhsE5MI6uFhEs4MwMKq1n4MyyD0wJPoxJ5RhMXrfIEj-89zPAECrKRb4gtYVpDYBTJVZCCpnLfZGsRE-AQPhTeMJtKHBzD9wwKw2QkJEiTfGMCempYPrRMkMcUT1Anq2FyhhMa968HMr20IPels4yjCcfhiI6GHzCry6YS3m02sNXfik-8JsAA/s5184/231019_CASM_HeinkelVolksjager-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7gvCPJhsE5MI6uFhEs4MwMKq1n4MyyD0wJPoxJ5RhMXrfIEj-89zPAECrKRb4gtYVpDYBTJVZCCpnLfZGsRE-AQPhTeMJtKHBzD9wwKw2QkJEiTfGMCempYPrRMkMcUT1Anq2FyhhMa968HMr20IPels4yjCcfhiI6GHzCry6YS3m02sNXfik-8JsAA/w640-h360/231019_CASM_HeinkelVolksjager-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Heinkel He 162 Volksjager.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Designed in only 90 days in the final, desperate days of World War II, Heinkel's jet propelled Volksjager ("People's Fighter") was intended to be inexpensive and simple to build (particularly by unskilled, mostly forced, laborers). To avoid unpleasant ingestion of the pilot by the engine during bailout, the Volksjager was the first single engine aircraft to incorporate an ejection seat. This example was captured in Leck, Germany and exhibited in London as a war trophy before being sent to Canada in 1946.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgyz3yCsHG8qNkz8bs9ypSjOkbQdSbEydoyJPVmTnU8ensKGOEKx1VbJdXYGDnfnIkp4K-3DI7vlO3Q-6KeVAiJy05I4jAv-XWjv10aE2ugExFaPJ0en7D_72nNX4QV_wCBKeWJ8hGwnulA2f93ecXHhU7U1XhJXQQH11jaTdToHjHcg53OZq_t-Mseg/s5184/231019_CASM_AvroCF100-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgyz3yCsHG8qNkz8bs9ypSjOkbQdSbEydoyJPVmTnU8ensKGOEKx1VbJdXYGDnfnIkp4K-3DI7vlO3Q-6KeVAiJy05I4jAv-XWjv10aE2ugExFaPJ0en7D_72nNX4QV_wCBKeWJ8hGwnulA2f93ecXHhU7U1XhJXQQH11jaTdToHjHcg53OZq_t-Mseg/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AvroCF100-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1958 Avro Canada CF-100.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Particularly in the jet age, the Canadian military has flown a large number of other nation's aircraft including designs from England and the United States. The CF-100 is one of the few examples of a purely Canadian design that went into service in 1952. Radar equipped, the CF-100 was considered one of the best all-weather fighters of its day.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OAV1jg5GBlQO7K6YTewET3lJVjA-SfeYGBfl9GNwZEstupS7iVC_mqY68wxAM8XlfsZufuMFfS5fj4X7UhK27rqFxe9rWsQk_qtcq-VF8MFXd00Ejs0YWNdvii219ovF9Zvh4CWDzMFmM1tc0BRF-nqK3XNJqqsQ-nNlfYI6EvthqBRHfv5wsxkosZg/s5184/231019_CASM_LockheedStarfighter-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OAV1jg5GBlQO7K6YTewET3lJVjA-SfeYGBfl9GNwZEstupS7iVC_mqY68wxAM8XlfsZufuMFfS5fj4X7UhK27rqFxe9rWsQk_qtcq-VF8MFXd00Ejs0YWNdvii219ovF9Zvh4CWDzMFmM1tc0BRF-nqK3XNJqqsQ-nNlfYI6EvthqBRHfv5wsxkosZg/w640-h360/231019_CASM_LockheedStarfighter-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1957 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYXA_dW4QUIdZF2v5HuiU2RWznnq2AkV4rvwq18mRDhX1-ttNqTbv0EUxbYyHz4_lIhXVbbVtfSBfskhcMGfZpfWJsSEQdvV0a_eq0v0BevOFlcv8AhUum3e6ggqdQ9cNJEkkajjYJOgWMwH0e3EizOtgOoU1iuaIpfHSulSM954huKW4tSgbMa9M8F8/s5184/231019_CASM_LockheedStarfighter-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYXA_dW4QUIdZF2v5HuiU2RWznnq2AkV4rvwq18mRDhX1-ttNqTbv0EUxbYyHz4_lIhXVbbVtfSBfskhcMGfZpfWJsSEQdvV0a_eq0v0BevOFlcv8AhUum3e6ggqdQ9cNJEkkajjYJOgWMwH0e3EizOtgOoU1iuaIpfHSulSM954huKW4tSgbMa9M8F8/w640-h360/231019_CASM_LockheedStarfighter-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1957 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Lockheed's famous Mach 2 interceptor, "the missile with a man in it", served the RCAF in addition to the United States Air Force. Wing Commander Robert A. White set Canada's current altitude record of 100,110 feet in this very aircraft on 14 December 1967.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstqOjdtTdOa9i3oSHt0fdzndfM6Ceulj1NOrKgSUnJywoJvXlXM9Vzxnp3AgRCtL5rXPDZ0yOh9CBf0oeQ92zeOUNE38rxsN9dxuFKMVfffK70638GT58PKFDs8I3s48x-4tL2nFcmG2RakwL3eWzoW8ChcrcB7-71h_tlNxTbUsaBbKNjg9VnzLAAAs/s5184/231019_CASM_Trainers.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstqOjdtTdOa9i3oSHt0fdzndfM6Ceulj1NOrKgSUnJywoJvXlXM9Vzxnp3AgRCtL5rXPDZ0yOh9CBf0oeQ92zeOUNE38rxsN9dxuFKMVfffK70638GT58PKFDs8I3s48x-4tL2nFcmG2RakwL3eWzoW8ChcrcB7-71h_tlNxTbUsaBbKNjg9VnzLAAAs/w640-h360/231019_CASM_Trainers.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As in the United States, Canadian WWII military trainer aircraft were painted yellow for high visibility. Front and center in frame is another example of the Harvard advanced trainer.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-uTkmP6Wgea-pWxrHSnXd7kJxR4byVF_vxUEIVHTrW4Fi43dPY-NkrFnUR7aIVwpSOJmsAz7MzwbC3yEIg9W60J78rEk7YbiBRWXBnrjnsc4gZ6c0mIgxFnkVIJVNIyoR6RV6S0KmeB5Mk1YlI47uGL7CjFzInc-zFd2uAAJYpBmjcCGExUgbGuV_w/s5184/231019_CASM_AvroAnson-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm-uTkmP6Wgea-pWxrHSnXd7kJxR4byVF_vxUEIVHTrW4Fi43dPY-NkrFnUR7aIVwpSOJmsAz7MzwbC3yEIg9W60J78rEk7YbiBRWXBnrjnsc4gZ6c0mIgxFnkVIJVNIyoR6RV6S0KmeB5Mk1YlI47uGL7CjFzInc-zFd2uAAJYpBmjcCGExUgbGuV_w/w640-h360/231019_CASM_AvroAnson-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1945 Avro Anson V.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Originally designed as a small passenger aircraft, the all-wood Avro Anson was used for coastal patrol and as a multi-engine and bomber trainer. So reliable, it was nicknamed "Faithful Annie".<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1hmoEmKCvPdedia-RF-wf8zZ-s3x-wzhP8PJOy07f0GtcEkVqzrLnCIaVzeDHc2kgfMaBiPN5OqPMlGle4EoEvda8iB6enaJvPg5SMVYg2lHJ8haO-aE5BppjtJJ-R0C5i7KSui4ixFrAo9sjjl7FtHQFZQcwaW9IxoG1TrbH-VA7Rf5LemhfTmk6KQ/s4618/231019_CASM_DeHavillandMenscoMoth-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1hmoEmKCvPdedia-RF-wf8zZ-s3x-wzhP8PJOy07f0GtcEkVqzrLnCIaVzeDHc2kgfMaBiPN5OqPMlGle4EoEvda8iB6enaJvPg5SMVYg2lHJ8haO-aE5BppjtJJ-R0C5i7KSui4ixFrAo9sjjl7FtHQFZQcwaW9IxoG1TrbH-VA7Rf5LemhfTmk6KQ/w640-h480/231019_CASM_DeHavillandMenscoMoth-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1941 De Havilland Menasco Moth</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Much as the Stearman taught many American airmen to fly during WWII, the Tiger Moth served that function for British and Canadian military pilots. Fears that German blockades would limit availability of British powerplants for these aircraft, De Havilland Canada re-engineered the Tiger Moth to accommodate an American Menasco engine. In contrast to the 1,425 Tiger Moths built in Canada during WWII, only 125 Menasco Moths were constructed. This example is believed to be the only surviving example of an original Menasco Moth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQr_DYuB_niF71-JNX60MZ7_lHa1aCw54LQcbN8CnTHpu8jYnpwch08w8zlWJp0-1jPkekUkiltkRUoC5CsYHp2R9GAFEbi61_sYK8P-DnBrGjgD4ItTlaH1ID1IzNib9mKJDUxQQ5fvwTM_tCOvGwzAJodNm-maiOtBhhu6wgWWGiqqz10rGamHFaKI/s5184/231019_CASM_TrainingFleet.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQr_DYuB_niF71-JNX60MZ7_lHa1aCw54LQcbN8CnTHpu8jYnpwch08w8zlWJp0-1jPkekUkiltkRUoC5CsYHp2R9GAFEbi61_sYK8P-DnBrGjgD4ItTlaH1ID1IzNib9mKJDUxQQ5fvwTM_tCOvGwzAJodNm-maiOtBhhu6wgWWGiqqz10rGamHFaKI/w640-h360/231019_CASM_TrainingFleet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is important to note that the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is not merely backward looking. As an institution, the museum stands ready to accommodate the aviators of the future as well. An impressive kid-friendly training fleet stands ready in the middle of the museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The preceding is just a sampling of the impressive collection housed by the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. There is much to see here. I spent three hours at the museum learning about new (to me) aircraft and making physical contact with artifacts that put Cecil Lewis' WWI memoir into greater visual context. A small onsite cafe satisfactorily accommodated my lunchtime needs. For the extent of the collection and the rare artifacts on display, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum is undeniably world class and well worth the visit.</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-17597160321630609942023-10-19T09:27:00.173-04:002023-11-27T20:54:31.213-05:00North to Ottawa | Part 1, With a Little Help from Kingston Radio<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Just A Stone's Throw Away</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbiHP8SR8pxEWc5fF8TF0Xd94O2AUwvrCTQ1XBNEl5iDPNLK7qMQc-dtaSqYAODNfg4VWcC3XHnW761qAF7L9Yv56A-awoUn6s276TPtKl6z03cz0iH6U2KjjI50KSY28wMZ5_E42aI8g5qy5HDhDlovrCl_t7HvjKeB4kPWyOr_tQ-dgnIrxADVpzHs/s1280/RockliffeSatelliteImage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1280" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbiHP8SR8pxEWc5fF8TF0Xd94O2AUwvrCTQ1XBNEl5iDPNLK7qMQc-dtaSqYAODNfg4VWcC3XHnW761qAF7L9Yv56A-awoUn6s276TPtKl6z03cz0iH6U2KjjI50KSY28wMZ5_E42aI8g5qy5HDhDlovrCl_t7HvjKeB4kPWyOr_tQ-dgnIrxADVpzHs/w640-h330/RockliffeSatelliteImage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Satellite photo of the Rockliffe Airport (CYRO). Image from Google.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In 1920, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) established Ottawa Air Station directly on the Ottawa River at the outskirts of the Canadian capital. Military flight activity ceased in 1964 and the field eventually transitioned to civil use as the Rockliffe Airport. Since then, the former airbase has seen its runways either truncated (9-27), deleted (15-33), or transformed into taxiways (4-22). Today, it is home to the <a href="https://ingeniumcanada.org/aviation" target="_blank">Canada Aviation and Space Museum</a> (CASM, part of the broader Ingenium collection of museums in Ottawa) housed within a 1988 facility built along former runway 22 (taxiway D). The museum is consolidated from three separate aircraft collections: the National Aviation Museum that was focused on bush flying and early Canadian aircraft manufacturers, the Canadian War Museum's collection of World War I to Cold War military aircraft that included a number of rare war trophies from European conflicts, and the RCAF collection from Rockliffe focused on aircraft that flew in defense of Canada. Because it is located directly on a public use airport, CASM welcomes fly-in visitors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drawn by an impressive collection of rare and unusual aircraft, I planned a flight to Ottawa/Rockliffe in 2023. This was not a simple jaunt in the Warrior. Additional challenges to making this trip included operating across the international border, managing Canadian aeronautical procedures that differ slightly from those of the United States, smoke from Canadian wildfires during the summer, and long stretches of rain in the fall. I ultimately settled on October 19 to make the flight. By choosing this date, it meant that I flew to the capitals of two nations to visit their respective national air museums within two weeks of each other. It was an interesting, if not entirely premeditated, accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Planning</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Advance tickets are recommended for the CASM, so I purchased an 11:00 am ticket. My entire itinerary for the day was built around this ticket time:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Depart Sodus at 8:45 am and fly IFR to Canada around the east end of Lake Ontario. </li><li>Clear Canadian customs in Kingston, Ontario (CYGK) at 9:40 am. Kingston is just across the border on the northeast corner of Lake Ontario and west of the mouth of the St Lawrence River. </li><li>Depart Kingston IFR by 10:15 am for an 11:00 am arrival at Rockliffe (CYRO).</li><li>Depart Rockliffe IFR by 3:00 pm for home.</li><li>Clear customs in Ogdensburg, NY (KOGS) around 3:41 pm.</li><li>Proceed home to Sodus VFR.</li></ul></div><div>Preparations for this trip the night before included:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Flight planning to time-out each of the four legs of the planned round trip as well as verification of customs hours (Kingston, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm M-F, Ogdensburg, 8:00 am to midnight every day).</li><li>Filing three IFR flight plans (KSDC to CYGK, CYGK to CYRO, and CYRO to KOGS). I planned to fly home VFR to Sodus at the end of the day and did not file anything for the KOGS to KSDC leg. </li><li>Completing and submitting the necessary outgoing and incoming eAPIS (Electronic Advance Passenger Information System) manifests required by US Customs and Border Protection.</li><li>Calling customs authorities for both nations to advise on planned arrival times. </li></ul></div><div>ForeFlight glitched while filing the CYGK to CYRO flight plan and sent me an email suggesting that I contact Montreal Center to correct it. When I called Montreal Center and explained my issue, the answering controller simply hung up on me. I called Canadian Flight Service instead and a very friendly briefer helped me refile that plan by phone. Unfortunately, in the scramble to fix the Canadian IFR flight plan by phone, I introduced an error that only made itself apparent en route to Rockliffe the next morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>I learned during the process that all Canadian IFR flight plans require an alternate airport regardless of weather conditions. In the US, the requirement to file an alternate is contingent on weather forecast within an hour of arrival at the destination as described by the “1-2-3 rule”. Filing an IFR flight plan for Canada by ForeFlight without an alternate will result in a rejection of that plan by Canadian Flight Service without a specific error message citing the cause.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Chimera</span></i></b></div><div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">19 Oct 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - YGK (Kingston, ON) - YRO (Ottawa, ON)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.4</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2744.3</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>Thursday, October 19 dawned as a perfect fall morning in Upstate New York with the sun shining down through clear, crisp air that carried a hint of invigorating chill.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnyTatfc3YwDnJevtHAk4XwVK52CD1aVPv6Zh6M7PtjJjR5fSgvUOXqQR0orl8kS5dvLMcJnh8DmLVw0Ia4DHUYr6nI46_SaM7G3ooSFtVRIjdShb_pIs3tL28DBGSu_xkNklNrlc7iBxGuyWQ0IRbne5rmtyX_wP6lw9suifCbqjbWi-t8SLzmsFLFI/s1554/IMG_0574.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1554" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnyTatfc3YwDnJevtHAk4XwVK52CD1aVPv6Zh6M7PtjJjR5fSgvUOXqQR0orl8kS5dvLMcJnh8DmLVw0Ia4DHUYr6nI46_SaM7G3ooSFtVRIjdShb_pIs3tL28DBGSu_xkNklNrlc7iBxGuyWQ0IRbne5rmtyX_wP6lw9suifCbqjbWi-t8SLzmsFLFI/w640-h544/IMG_0574.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US Sectional chart with the route from KSDC to CYGK around the east end of Lake Ontario.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I filed a route of BRUIN to ART (Watertown VOR) to Kingston to avoid overflying significant portions of Lake Ontario. Because Restricted Area R-5203 over Lake Ontario was hot that morning, Syracuse Approach vectored me closer to the shoreline and, once past the restricted area, offered direct to Watertown. But I had an arrival time that I needed to hit within +/- 15 minutes, was already running a few minutes early, and declined the shortcut. Syracuse cleared me direct to BRUIN sounding mildly puzzled by a pilot turning down an expedited route.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxkpuvK9ZJDQ9F0cPdDSeV6GXo0t1Mi5HO1RFJJB_qFqzdiHZUDxwZA1J2M_11MOMyh8cCIWLnSWh4QbHUeOSgt5bvL08khkFHfZIdlkTYEqfi_Nkqnl3IO9Hctq5VTMrI5k3KspsA4tc_sK9HqAUhZbYohPao4WPF58LIXb6mV4xozMgI8TgtOvKtEs/s4619/231019_SDC-YGK-1-EastEndLkOntario.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4619" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxkpuvK9ZJDQ9F0cPdDSeV6GXo0t1Mi5HO1RFJJB_qFqzdiHZUDxwZA1J2M_11MOMyh8cCIWLnSWh4QbHUeOSgt5bvL08khkFHfZIdlkTYEqfi_Nkqnl3IO9Hctq5VTMrI5k3KspsA4tc_sK9HqAUhZbYohPao4WPF58LIXb6mV4xozMgI8TgtOvKtEs/w640-h480/231019_SDC-YGK-1-EastEndLkOntario.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking northbound along the east end of Lake Ontario.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As I flew along the autumnal shore of Lake Ontario, I realized that I was anxious. Part of it was a general anxiety about clearing customs, but I was also concerned about radio work at Kingston. Although Kingston is an uncontrolled airport (like Sodus), it is also home to a Flight Service Station (FSS, "Kingston Radio"). While the FSS does not carry the authority of a tower, it still gives advisories and helps with traffic flow. Most on-field FSSs vanished in the US before I started flying, though I did experience one in Altoona, PA years ago that functioned similarly. Regardless, I would be subject to procedures that were new to me.<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnecIHF3y72mnzUwjxYsMp-yGmcP8isLdW7BSllFp70VmoKORdQkQF7xtkP4Ckk5hhIZUrcwC739rNxcvrgPJaWCIyBLdE7WzUdVE6wLDZI3ch3xleG80PQbvNZZORWrtBTYCaronYxS3UkTA68xuleHkk7vK2T1FeTUi67sRjwlXFjIB_Obtyutvv14/s5153/231019_SDC-YGK-4-WolfeIsland.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2899" data-original-width="5153" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnecIHF3y72mnzUwjxYsMp-yGmcP8isLdW7BSllFp70VmoKORdQkQF7xtkP4Ckk5hhIZUrcwC739rNxcvrgPJaWCIyBLdE7WzUdVE6wLDZI3ch3xleG80PQbvNZZORWrtBTYCaronYxS3UkTA68xuleHkk7vK2T1FeTUi67sRjwlXFjIB_Obtyutvv14/w640-h360/231019_SDC-YGK-4-WolfeIsland.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolfe Island in Ontario, Canada.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As I worked my way around the lake, Syracuse passed me to Wheeler-Sack Air Force Base. Wheeler-Sack passed me to Montreal Center. Montreal Center advised me to contact Kingston Radio a few miles before I crossed the border over Wolfe Island. Kingston has an ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) frequency from which I gleaned the current weather. Uncontrolled airports in the US may have automated weather reporting systems (AWOS, ASOS), but are rarely staffed by a human being that records hourly ATIS broadcasts. Delta was current at Kingston.</div><div><br /></div><div>A throbbing at my wrist caught my attention. To paraphrase the alert displayed on my watch: "You don't appear to be exercising in any way, yet your heart rate is really high." Evidently, I was more anxious than I realized!</div><div><br /></div><div>I switched frequencies for Kingston Radio while still mentally composing the slightly verbose, Canadian-style initial call I needed to make. Initial call-ups are expected to include aircraft position and altitude, planned arrival procedure and runway, and estimated time to landing. During this time, a barely readable transmission came across the frequency.</div><div><br /></div><div>"This is Kingston Radio, was that November Two One Four Eight One checking in?" I waited a moment for the other aircraft to chime in and, when no one spoke up, I announced myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It wasn't, but November Two One Four Eight One is fifteen southeast with Delta, descending out of five thousand, planning a left downwind entry runway 19, arrival in seven minutes." The 45° pattern entry to the downwind that is preferred in the US is not used in Canada. This was a shame, because I was perfectly positioned for one. Instead, I planned an allowed -- if less preferred -- pattern entry onto an extended downwind.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJfQe1aRIB_O7diMJi9XOKjS-M8tCBXyf6zaBEFkACfULfsPjzuFYJPKRnpvIuhTTIZPV_yJMM6GFi6S50bpn2wTTUzlgd_caoga2v1z9Li9ddEm2R15rlTDfQsvouO4NXUv1fNhsfU_Z7TgQ9wn8gpy5kpFF1aHwuQNnQw04vG3V3w-GZOOLZk3Ufb8/s4865/231019_SDC-YGK-6-KingstonAirport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="4865" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJfQe1aRIB_O7diMJi9XOKjS-M8tCBXyf6zaBEFkACfULfsPjzuFYJPKRnpvIuhTTIZPV_yJMM6GFi6S50bpn2wTTUzlgd_caoga2v1z9Li9ddEm2R15rlTDfQsvouO4NXUv1fNhsfU_Z7TgQ9wn8gpy5kpFF1aHwuQNnQw04vG3V3w-GZOOLZk3Ufb8/w640-h360/231019_SDC-YGK-6-KingstonAirport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joining the downwind for runway 19 at Kingston.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The airport's layout betrays its military roots. During World War II, Kingston was one of several British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) airports constructed in a distinctive triangular configuration where pilots trained to feed the voracious war effort. I routinely fly over others in Ontario between Buffalo and Detroit (examples include St Thomas, CYQS and Brantford, CYFD). </div><div><br /></div><div>Kingston Radio provided updated weather conditions while sequencing traffic like a tower with the exception that no landing clearances were given. I started thinking of Kingston Radio as the "not tower", operating with an oddly functional hybrid of towered and uncontrolled airport procedures. A Cessna 150 inbound from the north was planning a straight-in landing to the same runway. As I reached the base leg in the pattern, Kingston Radio prompted the Cessna for a position report. It was still miles out and I lined up with runway 19 to land.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Q-zg4XZeA66tmg3m9V1UKjQESY53ADanaCA_8CHRTZwoXmRbj3Ot9x-XMATUrIMqMXxoz9He7SYrZT7VFGwIWnTiwEpNRBy0qqNnB6H03Q_eBfGnEXZHzf580tJRxnlh82pDTyo-4fcxFEIM5eyOyEp3dqCu5rDs-UU0EKO4sFx2_VCa7_ts8hmPwE/s4972/231019_SDC-YGK-7-Base19Kingston.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2797" data-original-width="4972" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9Q-zg4XZeA66tmg3m9V1UKjQESY53ADanaCA_8CHRTZwoXmRbj3Ot9x-XMATUrIMqMXxoz9He7SYrZT7VFGwIWnTiwEpNRBy0qqNnB6H03Q_eBfGnEXZHzf580tJRxnlh82pDTyo-4fcxFEIM5eyOyEp3dqCu5rDs-UU0EKO4sFx2_VCa7_ts8hmPwE/w640-h360/231019_SDC-YGK-7-Base19Kingston.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning left base, runway 19, Kingston.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I landed lightly on runway 19 (airport #269) in the face of a stiff southerly wind off Lake Ontario. I taxied to the FBO ramp of what was only my fourth airport outside the US, shut down, and called Canadian customs to report my arrival. As usual, I was immediately cleared into Canada and provided with a confirmation number. No officers met me at the airplane. </div><div><br /></div><div>When landing IFR at an uncontrolled US airport, a phone call to Flight Service is necessary to cancel IFR. Towered airports, on the other hand, will automatically cancel the IFR as soon as the aircraft lands. I wondered if Kingston Radio cancelled IFR for me the way a tower would have and called Canadian Flight Service to be certain. The briefer confirmed that Kingston Radio closed out my IFR. Honestly, I felt a little spoiled by Kingston Radio!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7O4kBKKCq7DQUN57gGxa5y6z8LHR66m2EHhcPYICAVvgXCoM6lCpQA8kX77K3j3oGVVcL6Z2RqpBK1cCaZ5_d-yprhR5BvfjdtFkh0vMx0d3HFZ3vhUaXMSetntZkNLAxW_DLYbhOjYiyvB6amKmx74xiV-1E6mWby3mVgaYuolFLWHGylAw52QEvn4/s5172/231019_KingstonAirportGround.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="5172" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7O4kBKKCq7DQUN57gGxa5y6z8LHR66m2EHhcPYICAVvgXCoM6lCpQA8kX77K3j3oGVVcL6Z2RqpBK1cCaZ5_d-yprhR5BvfjdtFkh0vMx0d3HFZ3vhUaXMSetntZkNLAxW_DLYbhOjYiyvB6amKmx74xiV-1E6mWby3mVgaYuolFLWHGylAw52QEvn4/w640-h360/231019_KingstonAirportGround.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the ramp at Kingston with the former airline terminal and control tower.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What the Heck is a LANRK?</span></i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>After a brief pitstop at Central Airways, I cranked the Warrior's engine and contacted Kingston Radio to request IFR clearance to Rockcliffe. I had a schedule to keep.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaLsIOKWTIJUO_tVycIcxcumWUPAIyPaz4V2i7TSXkwuJKAFDlZFcp6DGO8bMxNz4NkpAZGLwXO_mS6zp9ia593D-9RN7MxI3I8_PHNxrS23-6koyZ0sxVO4x36yeN07vNinfCh6jx6vHk1Ow0rYcksXdyXi3J2E3WujNvMG2QLsjZ2FnF21Zqu5BC8/s1518/231019_OttawaVTA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1518" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfaLsIOKWTIJUO_tVycIcxcumWUPAIyPaz4V2i7TSXkwuJKAFDlZFcp6DGO8bMxNz4NkpAZGLwXO_mS6zp9ia593D-9RN7MxI3I8_PHNxrS23-6koyZ0sxVO4x36yeN07vNinfCh6jx6vHk1Ow0rYcksXdyXi3J2E3WujNvMG2QLsjZ2FnF21Zqu5BC8/w640-h360/231019_OttawaVTA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ottawa VTA (VFR Terminal Area chart).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Rockliffe (CYRO) is northeast and just outside the inner core of airspace surrounding the capital city's MacDonald-Cartier International Airport. West of Rockliffe along the Ottawa River are two restricted areas, CYR-537 and CYR-538. Though of limited diameter, the restricted areas reach up to 3,000 feet to protect Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall from overflights. While <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-1-of.html" target="_blank">nowhere near as onerous as the airspace protecting the US capital</a>, they are problematic for aircraft descending to or climbing away from Rockliffe and departures from either runway there are advised to turn 20° north from runway heading to avoid conflicts. I filed a route from Kingston via the Ottawa VOR (far left of the chart above) then direct to Rockliffe to avoid the restricted areas entirely.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk42dTEWGmU1232x_4Xexr4rJHO2mRwaLIdXFPKGzjS88N9VgpY0Wy1tXsf6JFFmvYKszeLqmwVxSMTc-F7as3dDkWwCtqUj46Dn-aY9vkaDgEzPmmec3kXKEoNfOU4l2dfXOtF3n1LzDQcOjCXcedrcxZWX0zLRzPbA6oJDPhElJtEvC5cOuAWRuEqC8/s1547/IMG_0575.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1541" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk42dTEWGmU1232x_4Xexr4rJHO2mRwaLIdXFPKGzjS88N9VgpY0Wy1tXsf6JFFmvYKszeLqmwVxSMTc-F7as3dDkWwCtqUj46Dn-aY9vkaDgEzPmmec3kXKEoNfOU4l2dfXOtF3n1LzDQcOjCXcedrcxZWX0zLRzPbA6oJDPhElJtEvC5cOuAWRuEqC8/w638-h640/IMG_0575.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian VNC (VFR Navigational Chart) showing the route I filed to avoid restricted Ottawa airspace.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>However, Kingston Radio read off a full route clearance for me with a very different routing. "November Two One Four Eight One is cleared to Rockliffe via PERTH, LANRK, direct..."</div><div><br /></div><div><i>How do you spell LANRK?</i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYoXZm1yFvFLlNt7SLiyMIxCe3RfFfDhupI4jxYw83YwHvATO7Rfj8VB8lp-ZZhTF4QMDifqIsxn9_Wa21SLWKrC_tVv3caofWJvS2l6_21iVlYCLBNkezUwtQkMsKAX-nRt_ummv0xgzWdEXF8mHGbaKHm0DLErJVumztYmwjLyaTa3sS_7gyZuwgKk/s1567/IMG_0576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYoXZm1yFvFLlNt7SLiyMIxCe3RfFfDhupI4jxYw83YwHvATO7Rfj8VB8lp-ZZhTF4QMDifqIsxn9_Wa21SLWKrC_tVv3caofWJvS2l6_21iVlYCLBNkezUwtQkMsKAX-nRt_ummv0xgzWdEXF8mHGbaKHm0DLErJVumztYmwjLyaTa3sS_7gyZuwgKk/w626-h640/IMG_0576.jpg" width="626" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian VNC showing the route I was cleared for by Kingston Radio.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>By this new route, I would approach Rockcliffe from the southwest rather than the west-northwest. I would spend time en route pondering the implications of that change relative to the restricted airspaces. I genuinely did not want to bust any airspace in the Canadian capital.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz4Kw9HVrQkaWd_4MlvJBfbJi_YK5jLuSbFcvpx7ueVbOotMnLSf2mTNCEgTrdBS20Qcw7SHPRwmRqsqvoGOIjExTfI9XAedkCt46Ahe9sGQYpWu7OkhKzCnV_JwMPQLKsYV9yaPrr1JqfJH0noaY4OPdTyPUPS8tUsLX3yN1ZWHl5P6TjwbrOTKPfYg/s4725/231019_YGK-YRO-1-KingstonAirport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2658" data-original-width="4725" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz4Kw9HVrQkaWd_4MlvJBfbJi_YK5jLuSbFcvpx7ueVbOotMnLSf2mTNCEgTrdBS20Qcw7SHPRwmRqsqvoGOIjExTfI9XAedkCt46Ahe9sGQYpWu7OkhKzCnV_JwMPQLKsYV9yaPrr1JqfJH0noaY4OPdTyPUPS8tUsLX3yN1ZWHl5P6TjwbrOTKPfYg/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-1-KingstonAirport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off runway 19 at Kingston and turning en route to Rockliffe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Kingston Radio helpfully coordinated my departure from runway 19 with another aircraft launching from runway 25 that I could not see. I was off the ground at 10:15 am exactly to plan. Before I departed the control zone to the north, Kingston Radio signed off and advised me to contact Montreal Center. Montreal Center immediately cleared me direct to LANRK, effectively providing a shortcut to Ottawa. All was going extremely well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Montreal Calling</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DIQU7x1H3V2DIKj5yMxrHdvJhfyGEtCz7Scg5iPrxjwJ_5tu8C2hU5z04kaR3DTE5g0OwJuGgz1GvVQV7YpbT4m48wRW3kaeF-CLtfEQnZYu7Wq5HXYdrl032Uyw-xxHtRAXowhYMGxpP9-a7ThVEA0BuAevI3anCIf4gktL5Sq65quFZKXX2iXLGA/s4796/231019_YGK-YRO-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="4796" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5DIQU7x1H3V2DIKj5yMxrHdvJhfyGEtCz7Scg5iPrxjwJ_5tu8C2hU5z04kaR3DTE5g0OwJuGgz1GvVQV7YpbT4m48wRW3kaeF-CLtfEQnZYu7Wq5HXYdrl032Uyw-xxHtRAXowhYMGxpP9-a7ThVEA0BuAevI3anCIf4gktL5Sq65quFZKXX2iXLGA/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In cruise flight, I was astounded by how desolate the landscape between Kingston and Ottawa was. While I saw highways and farms below, the landscape resembled none of the urban sprawl surrounding the US capital.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYSlpk2ENsKycmLFMknCvbxesbL0I4X4DrUsV_xKsEw24u3F-kSqD3vwtH9BZzL8q-VrQsN2S1Qmi-_e7bcGVtL5qvYcP1gTrEFw39gRubBHSbrXdYRARdfYyD8zR_gatBvA01hVLlSKfpSKZzQPLrYAgOwVODCwzcXsgQ27qnznJEoEpAmi4icWxTQI/s4618/231019_YGK-YRO-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYSlpk2ENsKycmLFMknCvbxesbL0I4X4DrUsV_xKsEw24u3F-kSqD3vwtH9BZzL8q-VrQsN2S1Qmi-_e7bcGVtL5qvYcP1gTrEFw39gRubBHSbrXdYRARdfYyD8zR_gatBvA01hVLlSKfpSKZzQPLrYAgOwVODCwzcXsgQ27qnznJEoEpAmi4icWxTQI/w640-h480/231019_YGK-YRO-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cruising at 5,000 feet over unfamiliar Ontario lakes and fields, my watch buzzed again. It was not my heart rate this time, it was an incoming text from my wife who was having some heart rate issues of her own.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Canada just called me about you. Gave me a heart attack. Please give me a holler that all is well?!?" (Yes, she actually texted the word "holler".)</div><div><br /></div><div>When Kristy answered a call from an unknown Montreal number that morning, a blast of frenzied French filled her ear. She was able to glean that they thought I was running late for an arrival at Rockliffe and wanted to know if I had left Kingston yet. Kristy can track my phone and verified that I was still in Kingston. The caller from Montreal advised that she would call me next, but my phone never logged a call.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Running late? I'm exactly on time!</i> <i>How can that be?</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Root Cause Investigation</span></b></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Later in the day, I pieced it all together. Canadian IFR flight plans are actually two flight plans that exist in parallel, the IFR clearance part (just like in the US) that needs to be specifically delivered to the pilot immediately prior to flying it and a search and rescue part that automatically activates <i>when the flight is scheduled to depart</i>. The latter search and rescue component is unique to Canada, but I was already very aware of its existence. Because I was right on time, I could not conceive of what had gone wrong.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, when I reviewed my notes from filing the IFR flight plan from Kingston to Rockliffe with Canadian Flight Service the night before, I realized that I made an arithmetic error in my scramble to fix the glitched Canadian flight plan. I planned to depart Kington at 10:15 am, but mistakenly converted this to 1315 Zulu, which is actually 9:15 am. As a result, my search and rescue flight plan to Rockliffe activated at 9:15 am while I was still flying in US airspace en route to Kingston. Because I planned a 41 minute flight from Kingston to Rockliffe, Canadian Flight Service started looking for me around 10:00 am when the plan was not closed on time. This was 100% my mistake.</div><div><br /></div><div>Presumably, once I received IFR clearance as relayed by Kingston Radio, my location and intentions became obvious enough that Flight Service did not need to call me. Kudos to Canadian Flight Service for their diligence and I am sorry that my inability to do simple math caused any trouble. These "self-activating" flight plans in Canada are one of the things that US pilots are repeatedly warned about because the process is so different from what happens in the US. Delays in departure time can cause exactly this outcome if the flight plan is not amended. However, even this awareness failed to save me from my own foibles. While there was no ultimate harm in this case, I strive for professionalism and am frustrated by the error.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, this was the only snag in an otherwise well-planned and well-executed cross-border flight.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Is There Anyone Else There I Can Talk To?</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxt1tZO-Z5mgydLpOnE8yACWSs9RYz1eZrlM5wvuxiHerq5w4EwKy7e1hF9RUN8CpnhxT6SPmoKfsgDeTHP-2nKtc8ns9NxVEXrii5rfcagg83nn3gUoysZno_867vuEeziC-PMvXCUYUQUyLMc9F135UklA3d9d3OKTgej2y86rx3-rG781lSS-mIfc/s4411/231019_YGK-YRO-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4411" data-original-width="3308" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxt1tZO-Z5mgydLpOnE8yACWSs9RYz1eZrlM5wvuxiHerq5w4EwKy7e1hF9RUN8CpnhxT6SPmoKfsgDeTHP-2nKtc8ns9NxVEXrii5rfcagg83nn3gUoysZno_867vuEeziC-PMvXCUYUQUyLMc9F135UklA3d9d3OKTgej2y86rx3-rG781lSS-mIfc/w480-h640/231019_YGK-YRO-4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Until now, all of my previous flights to Canada were to a single, specific destination (Toronto, Bromont, and London) with direct returns to the US. This was the first time I ever cleared customs at one airport before flying to another purely within the Canadian ATC system. Thus, this flight was different in character from previous forays into Canada.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJjn2upNrvmrtoInqfDUKku49AJxSKcsnqFLk0b0qK8T4x6ZG84JrVMugVKLfC9v1lDqvrho1CV86CjPFgkKK1554uMqjpLiWiwgjlDBT2_OsM31AcwwpqJqVU-tTCdLVPZvAnvYWZtZVF2Ytq3jGG-B4OJTJQFbhMqIwpn3r0ljAexeXBJZsvO8dOeY/s5184/231019_YGK-YRO-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJjn2upNrvmrtoInqfDUKku49AJxSKcsnqFLk0b0qK8T4x6ZG84JrVMugVKLfC9v1lDqvrho1CV86CjPFgkKK1554uMqjpLiWiwgjlDBT2_OsM31AcwwpqJqVU-tTCdLVPZvAnvYWZtZVF2Ytq3jGG-B4OJTJQFbhMqIwpn3r0ljAexeXBJZsvO8dOeY/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Montreal Center handed me off to Ottawa Terminal, where I was impressed by the fluidity with which the controllers switched between French and English on the crowded frequency. Amid that aural chaos, the controller requested my intentions for landing. Because the wind at Ottawa (Rockliffe does not have weather reporting) was out of the southwest, I planned a direct right downwind entry to runway 27 for a visual approach. Right traffic mandated for runway 27 at Rockliffe keeps aircraft mostly over the Ottawa River and eliminates overflying portions of Ottawa south of the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>"OK, if you want to cancel IFR in the air, you will need to do so before descending below 3,000 feet," the controller instructed. This is not something that one would usually hear in the US. I was vectored clockwise around the city to approach Rockcliffe from a northwesterly direction exactly as I would have done had Nav Canada granted my filed route.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiQ_xpnSQRgFXKfvQl8V9nojwQPbF9r2ji51tdJx7JbiS20LbE5Luq0ApUXiz2KxZprslnpi6a-jbh7NtT1aTRGCMJICQhfLr4uGYvCWU1mziGnUawjVqpWMTSB-09EVUafXEeyoaD92jeeZSHYQK84C7JL8jS-mGROaybq9K7j9q3TkAeVjywU2d1gI/s5184/231019_YGK-YRO-6.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiQ_xpnSQRgFXKfvQl8V9nojwQPbF9r2ji51tdJx7JbiS20LbE5Luq0ApUXiz2KxZprslnpi6a-jbh7NtT1aTRGCMJICQhfLr4uGYvCWU1mziGnUawjVqpWMTSB-09EVUafXEeyoaD92jeeZSHYQK84C7JL8jS-mGROaybq9K7j9q3TkAeVjywU2d1gI/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portions of Ottawa grayed out by morning haze.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Ottawa Terminal held me high on approach to Rockliffe due to an aircraft below doing aerial survey work. When I was finally allowed to descend, I cancelled IFR. "Cherokee One Four Eight One, do you want to also cancel the search and rescue portion?" (The Ottawa controllers liked to use the last four digits of my tail number instead of just the last three, which sounded incredibly unfamiliar and clunky to my ear.)</div><div><br /></div><div>"Affirmative, Cherokee Four Eight One." I said this without any hint of irony, not having figured out why Flight Service called my wife that morning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1zc9FaqjjQMrbx8u0VM1u9vmSmr-Yc2fdAqtCmL-ckO3pIyJVEngATsZR48D5ImQUHFAh3BhEhmDbcuCQB6Wo9tB_KduMOQKhUG4p4irvx4gnPSVYTtc4oV8xiVz9VnW_BpB57ywLguFZY0CjWoxaB-06kP3Ip1gDElw5X06K0TdElwXTYgjewXYWTM/s5053/231019_YGK-YRO-8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2842" data-original-width="5053" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1zc9FaqjjQMrbx8u0VM1u9vmSmr-Yc2fdAqtCmL-ckO3pIyJVEngATsZR48D5ImQUHFAh3BhEhmDbcuCQB6Wo9tB_KduMOQKhUG4p4irvx4gnPSVYTtc4oV8xiVz9VnW_BpB57ywLguFZY0CjWoxaB-06kP3Ip1gDElw5X06K0TdElwXTYgjewXYWTM/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I descended over the Quebec side of the Ottawa River with the airport in sight. As an uncontrolled airport without a Flight Service Station, communications at Rockliffe were more comfortable and familiar than at Kingston.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXftcDM1toWzQiJ-ZMasCrc98Y3OwBQ982QjSaXfonhr15X5_FQY7e0fIa5J1ae7WZNxulhCSGSjpyevur8EcNQDNNoNE1dKQjdm6OiZUe1KbBmP2-ksuwhvo2oEtkkx2FNK1Ozv_VTbtsXDop8yST9OCyenNW6iOqsl7ne9k4Kg88NxepRa1Hp3PUlas/s5184/231019_YGK-YRO-10-RockliffeAirport.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXftcDM1toWzQiJ-ZMasCrc98Y3OwBQ982QjSaXfonhr15X5_FQY7e0fIa5J1ae7WZNxulhCSGSjpyevur8EcNQDNNoNE1dKQjdm6OiZUe1KbBmP2-ksuwhvo2oEtkkx2FNK1Ozv_VTbtsXDop8yST9OCyenNW6iOqsl7ne9k4Kg88NxepRa1Hp3PUlas/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-10-RockliffeAirport.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>From the air, the massive Canada Aviation and Space Museum was obvious. Rockliffe Flying Club aircraft lined the northernmost taxiway.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkFcVIHzl0mvhOUPvo9RkXVGZVR8Nu5xn-WXCl9pJEN4eMOmGyGzVvEtSZCv_veBa5cVJ_gICpytvWTJpzuxx4IzsbCWLHXiSznXrCRA78iACaLC0ikQ2-CZq2G5loF7OElI5g0Rxvnccgz_LK4BelABTZUGTvhhFZ1IKvaSgBClSHjGIgDenyz46nbI/s4829/231019_YGK-YRO-11-RockliffeAirport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2716" data-original-width="4829" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkFcVIHzl0mvhOUPvo9RkXVGZVR8Nu5xn-WXCl9pJEN4eMOmGyGzVvEtSZCv_veBa5cVJ_gICpytvWTJpzuxx4IzsbCWLHXiSznXrCRA78iACaLC0ikQ2-CZq2G5loF7OElI5g0Rxvnccgz_LK4BelABTZUGTvhhFZ1IKvaSgBClSHjGIgDenyz46nbI/w640-h360/231019_YGK-YRO-11-RockliffeAirport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right base for runway 27 at Rockliffe with the skyline of Ottawa in the background.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>According to both the Canada Flight Supplement and the museum's website, fly-in visitors are to call the Rockliffe Flying Club on Unicom to advise that they are parking at the museum. In turn, the flying club will call the museum by phone to arrange entry for the pilot through a back door.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EkG8N3tpoDz97WRDnq-DI2o3ClLK5O0P4HzfTBclARTz1i5rQHlivHWmrkXkZolVPgVP6jDDBJoqtws6k_ZwQ7EcVR8xIsh63vO31ceeeO42Ro-b2cncHSBErJ0iulZoTQavP6g7lqpWuEGZ5M5bZT4xxBX66yQhdqNYHNBfWhsSzoRV4lZ6RUuGcc4/s3230/231019_WACOatRockliffe.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1817" data-original-width="3230" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EkG8N3tpoDz97WRDnq-DI2o3ClLK5O0P4HzfTBclARTz1i5rQHlivHWmrkXkZolVPgVP6jDDBJoqtws6k_ZwQ7EcVR8xIsh63vO31ceeeO42Ro-b2cncHSBErJ0iulZoTQavP6g7lqpWuEGZ5M5bZT4xxBX66yQhdqNYHNBfWhsSzoRV4lZ6RUuGcc4/w640-h360/231019_WACOatRockliffe.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage WACO on the field at Rockliffe.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>While still rolling out for landing on runway 27 (airport #270), I called the flying club.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Rockliffe Unicom, Cherokee November Two One Four Eight One."</div><div><br /></div><div>After a longer than expected pause, "Uh...Cherokee...go ahead." I wondered if US numerical tail numbers are as awkward to parse for Canadians as Canadian all-letter callsigns are for US pilots.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm here to visit the museum. It's my understanding that you will call them about letting me in. Is that correct?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Uh...stand by." When he returned to the frequency, he sounded much more confident. "Yes, Cherokee, go ahead and exit on Charlie, then taxi Alpha to Bravo, cross the runway to Delta and you can park right over there."</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Ugh. I already know where to go. </i>I decided to call the museum myself once I parked the plane.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Thanks," I said with more enthusiasm than I felt.</div><div><br /></div><div>A new voice sternly joined the frequency. "That's <b>not</b> what he asked. He needs you to call the museum so that he's not stuck outside trying to get in." My unknown benefactor clearly understood the system.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh," replied Rockliffe Unicom. "OK, we'll call them."</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2doIlu4mxpSuciK5eMH5mMru-Ddvl8U-6PknIdQuV1GjoXNbjpcQtywM0G70leHn_3-BUeND6Ef8eVYwLLQYmWWRD4z63D27ImKXxeMjUtKK7Mox9EzdsyEkurIVRxa7B1v7f87UFAuD27mzubR2LO7o-yUHymFb1WBfR9ZTazanK6CFhL_c5kYQplM/s5184/231019_N21481atRockliffe-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2doIlu4mxpSuciK5eMH5mMru-Ddvl8U-6PknIdQuV1GjoXNbjpcQtywM0G70leHn_3-BUeND6Ef8eVYwLLQYmWWRD4z63D27ImKXxeMjUtKK7Mox9EzdsyEkurIVRxa7B1v7f87UFAuD27mzubR2LO7o-yUHymFb1WBfR9ZTazanK6CFhL_c5kYQplM/w640-h360/231019_N21481atRockliffe-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 parked near the Reserve Hangar (left) and the Canada Aviation & Space Museum (right).</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Taxiways Bravo and Delta are portions of former runway 22. The Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Reserve Hangar (for aircraft either being stored or undergoing restoration) bracket the former airbase runway. In fact, the extension of the runway past the museum even defines the footprint of the museum's long, narrow parking lot. Arrivals by car pay $3.75 / hour ($9.00 daily maximum) to park on site. Arrivals by air pay nothing to park. That is a nice change.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc29h8l6Fhy6WEMd4sy8rQsmK-btxarCI2OBmaC7xT4tDZKQAIaErDRDrVHpbtCPJGwrCuDS8e-2nqbiVXEgLxQChVdPlLokPvz_P1Hnp2oJA7GBw3ljuQWTRbj9AKKIjIqT4YfLMmLv6dA8B7hNehf431lfuD4V0TX7CbTQq5NGluc8yr717shNtQUQ/s5184/231019_N21481atRockliffe-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc29h8l6Fhy6WEMd4sy8rQsmK-btxarCI2OBmaC7xT4tDZKQAIaErDRDrVHpbtCPJGwrCuDS8e-2nqbiVXEgLxQChVdPlLokPvz_P1Hnp2oJA7GBw3ljuQWTRbj9AKKIjIqT4YfLMmLv6dA8B7hNehf431lfuD4V0TX7CbTQq5NGluc8yr717shNtQUQ/w640-h360/231019_N21481atRockliffe-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backside of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Imagine being able to park outside the Smithsonian like this?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0zReb9nEZFNOyEUYmp9N4cqTr2sTFcO7p-uGyny4tZjDTCAwLuGzje7IlOzWPnJiN9aClcb7idXloSMxFARu4hwtxD2ytc91-v1vNomAi6elRauBh_mtB5_ZjRx30lUDoPW1ZaLYY6DpOuQ3F2B-0KrjtrDYVzfA8PDP2QCjdc1Ruj6taUHAn2u5-Os/s5184/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0zReb9nEZFNOyEUYmp9N4cqTr2sTFcO7p-uGyny4tZjDTCAwLuGzje7IlOzWPnJiN9aClcb7idXloSMxFARu4hwtxD2ytc91-v1vNomAi6elRauBh_mtB5_ZjRx30lUDoPW1ZaLYY6DpOuQ3F2B-0KrjtrDYVzfA8PDP2QCjdc1Ruj6taUHAn2u5-Os/w640-h360/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada Aviation and Space Museum Reserve Hangar. The picture does not do justice to the size of this hangar.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9qbhUZgryho1PSRFIolprh6pvj_1j5oh7QyheZFJLHZF0vOzZjKUjgNniobCS1YP_Jkt-jOUow7y-munpLHEbH1KCUf_utTED0UyC_jhOTva9HNTdBHX_6_i-IGdVhHUSN5ZDn1do3oACfJs_4RgETnBE084viT8z02MeYQkgzghIfmj6erRuNTsTro/s5184/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9qbhUZgryho1PSRFIolprh6pvj_1j5oh7QyheZFJLHZF0vOzZjKUjgNniobCS1YP_Jkt-jOUow7y-munpLHEbH1KCUf_utTED0UyC_jhOTva9HNTdBHX_6_i-IGdVhHUSN5ZDn1do3oACfJs_4RgETnBE084viT8z02MeYQkgzghIfmj6erRuNTsTro/w640-h360/231019_CanadaAviationSpaceMuseum-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those are some really big doors!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>I waited several minutes outside the massive hangar doors of the museum. With good access to an airport, the Canadian museum is situated far more advantageously than the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (NASM) on the National Mall in the US. Moving airplanes into and out of the NASM is <b>not</b> easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>By now, it was 11:15 am. I was not only concerned that I had missed my entry time, but that I might miss the special Reserve Hangar tour at 11:30 am. Eventually, a tiny door opened in the massive, blank fascia of the museum and a security guard waved me over while apologizing for the wait.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was in! My pre-paid ticket was accepted and I obtained the second to last open slot for the Reserve Hangar tour. I was all set to immerse myself in Canadian aviation history.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-71158583955664970042023-10-10T15:54:00.380-04:002023-11-12T21:55:26.692-05:00Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 3, Field of Firsts<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Historical Happenings</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>A historical marker standing near airplane parking at the College Park Airport extolls the historical virtues of the field. It reads:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">College Park Airport</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Oldest Continually Operated in the World"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">-- First Military Airfield in the United States --</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times;">The following notable events occurred on this airfield:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: times;">1907 - Early aeronautical experiments by Rex Smith and others</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1908 - Oct 8, Wilbur Wright instructed first flying officers of the Signal Corps, U.S. Army</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1909 - Oct 29, Mrs. Ralph H. Van Deman first woman passenger in America</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1911 - July 3, First army flying school established</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1912 - First flight surgeon, Lt. John P. Kelly</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1912 - First group cross country flight originated here, first long distance flight - 42 miles, destination, Chevy Chase, MD</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: times;">First bombs dropped from an aircraft utilizing a bombsight</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">First machine guns fired from an aircraft</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">Early experimentation with radio signals sent from an aircraft</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">Altitude record set by Lt. "Hap" Arnold, 6450 feet</span></li></ul><li><span style="font-family: times;">1918 - Aug 12, Washington terminus, first regular airmail service</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1920 - Early helicopter experiments by Emile Berliner</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1922 - First successful flight of a helicopter by Henry Berliner</span></li><li><span style="font-family: times;">1933 - First "blind flying" cross country flight by James Kinney and Harry Diamond</span></li></ul></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaJORaUIU4lH5PaXsbLJMHxpRuCKLrgmr1Mm8AHYOFaWUvWX51my3dGT_VJoojx_Sj2GQRx_H3Nd9iMploO7YVlLRlFfcrb_-caf0O1daDfspZZOVBa7_PLi3AJ39KmQJoxYauwADTy2uO1rbw4J6Xs7B5sdSCjWtV9hh2w__GXlE9LdLCi_LT4em0XE/s2048/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaJORaUIU4lH5PaXsbLJMHxpRuCKLrgmr1Mm8AHYOFaWUvWX51my3dGT_VJoojx_Sj2GQRx_H3Nd9iMploO7YVlLRlFfcrb_-caf0O1daDfspZZOVBa7_PLi3AJ39KmQJoxYauwADTy2uO1rbw4J6Xs7B5sdSCjWtV9hh2w__GXlE9LdLCi_LT4em0XE/w640-h360/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original 1909 Wright Military Flyer as displayed in the National Air & Space Museum<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div>On August 2, 1909, the US government purchased their first military airplane from the Wright Brothers and designated it Signal Corps Number One. It was a modified Wright Model A also known as the 1909 Military Flyer (pictured above as displayed at the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-2-air.html" target="_blank">NASM</a>). That first airplane cost the government $30,000, which included a bonus payment of $5,000 because the airplane was 2.5 miles per hour faster than required by contract. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lieutenants Frank Lahm and Frederick Humphries were selected for instruction conducted personally by Wilbur Wright. Their training began at College Park Airport on October 8, 1909. Humphries soloed after just over three hours of instruction, making him the first military pilot to fly a government owned aircraft. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>College Park Airport is steeped in fascinating history. That there is an onsite museum makes perfect sense. It is a small museum, but wonderfully focused on local aviation history. It is also a Smithsonian Affiliate and displays some interesting and unique artifacts of that caliber.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Scenes from the College Park Aviation Museum</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8loHqdFrEfVmMJ-ATlAOthQ6BzFpFI5EVYxdlcSpxyLGzHn8HmYlK5tpZXh9b1bDr-G2iFnl4ycu-Z20BSdT89MnbYWNm1WAqKEXlF4Kom-pUOGGZLz23jSS20xETJlab1ZRSZ2vOtZv_oEa3wEO6MZuh5JN1ujMiCazMUSMIOEL3-u-x-sPaDpBd5g/s4606/231010_CGS-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="4606" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8loHqdFrEfVmMJ-ATlAOthQ6BzFpFI5EVYxdlcSpxyLGzHn8HmYlK5tpZXh9b1bDr-G2iFnl4ycu-Z20BSdT89MnbYWNm1WAqKEXlF4Kom-pUOGGZLz23jSS20xETJlab1ZRSZ2vOtZv_oEa3wEO6MZuh5JN1ujMiCazMUSMIOEL3-u-x-sPaDpBd5g/w640-h360/231010_CGS-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">College Park Aviation Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpbrIT7PC9MESffr02IPAjyc4vz8A8Nl-N7DpebC_My-Eu_HawcozTQunMeMBrtiX-C-mGKe9TUDYR3jvyn8Bcn7sMM4u4tPE5GB_flg0FiVxwcCIxaXzjt57eFLANhQ-sAlRDip8w1DK6dilWZTOMbaLnRBn9xVbWmZ_jA6dtM1sXOWqoiEydPImkn8/s2048/231010_CPAM_WrightModelBReproduction-2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpbrIT7PC9MESffr02IPAjyc4vz8A8Nl-N7DpebC_My-Eu_HawcozTQunMeMBrtiX-C-mGKe9TUDYR3jvyn8Bcn7sMM4u4tPE5GB_flg0FiVxwcCIxaXzjt57eFLANhQ-sAlRDip8w1DK6dilWZTOMbaLnRBn9xVbWmZ_jA6dtM1sXOWqoiEydPImkn8/w640-h480/231010_CPAM_WrightModelBReproduction-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A replica 1910 Wright Model B aircraft. More refined than its 1909 Military Flyer predecessor, it was the first Wright design to feature an elevator on the tail rather than a canard, it added wheels to eliminate the need to launch from a rail, and it had a more powerful engine. The US government bought two of these aircraft and brought them to College Park where they were designated as Signal Corps #3 and #4.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqoWPARpq4zjyi4LfRkzQFobQe2hpeeVX3E74x-Uh_pOO3V5pH6jVoOZj0bl7upKUdrJDCON7I-PIfxDHE36tf494OvNOGXZjA7MnYJcBes2VUT0DigkJ1DQQWrfkSaEK5XhYrbO02VHAP4-UMQCDN5nOWxsFk1hnGhIr7Ow2rVSx26wn_cdqY3-nb34/s2048/231010_CPAM_Gallery-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilqoWPARpq4zjyi4LfRkzQFobQe2hpeeVX3E74x-Uh_pOO3V5pH6jVoOZj0bl7upKUdrJDCON7I-PIfxDHE36tf494OvNOGXZjA7MnYJcBes2VUT0DigkJ1DQQWrfkSaEK5XhYrbO02VHAP4-UMQCDN5nOWxsFk1hnGhIr7Ow2rVSx26wn_cdqY3-nb34/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_Gallery-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main display gallery at the College Park Aviation Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWyXq44s0zy4b2QbFet-a5YtEYIHdszHltvr5m5N2_VkH4ZIanpHtrivbcQ2960OmUL3MF4xzcL87jIVn-WInXRta8l-mqfC0j9p74wnRAIUVgP8jTVa2N8v4DRDu9sfslN8DNQErJttEyJUO99ceYWNf7XsbWn2RRbUK1-OK2FElyCrUvUcuc8u49L0/s2048/231010_CPAM_CurtissJenny-2.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWyXq44s0zy4b2QbFet-a5YtEYIHdszHltvr5m5N2_VkH4ZIanpHtrivbcQ2960OmUL3MF4xzcL87jIVn-WInXRta8l-mqfC0j9p74wnRAIUVgP8jTVa2N8v4DRDu9sfslN8DNQErJttEyJUO99ceYWNf7XsbWn2RRbUK1-OK2FElyCrUvUcuc8u49L0/w640-h480/231010_CPAM_CurtissJenny-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A Curtiss JN ("Jenny"), one of the most prolific trainers of American WWI pilots.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJucbxL-rFSUMxDRce1ukcslOQ1QXDtIGAWwhkBwNMGEwvbOvKu83rDrFiCNOnTHmVMXGlXWqcKl2eTlOf4Lx4gGwoDtKCKkVnQfbN2unS6uKAtuQvm-xuqo8ghF43u7MURxT2Hz15kHgLDSjiX-Biv4PFcfdrW8FqfV9xfbQ_85wOyH2Tj8hgPJeh_F0/s1983/231010_CPAM_CurtissJenny-7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1983" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJucbxL-rFSUMxDRce1ukcslOQ1QXDtIGAWwhkBwNMGEwvbOvKu83rDrFiCNOnTHmVMXGlXWqcKl2eTlOf4Lx4gGwoDtKCKkVnQfbN2unS6uKAtuQvm-xuqo8ghF43u7MURxT2Hz15kHgLDSjiX-Biv4PFcfdrW8FqfV9xfbQ_85wOyH2Tj8hgPJeh_F0/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_CurtissJenny-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top down view of the Jenny.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ANj9nYC56UASFPw-98HyyBN92XZc3yOVGAWXilCiYV8is31qIFjGV2_0fEK5YSlozRAfElvgR2q9JglANwIcsv-Yc_fZFqyMCzYrcxIOUGRLdi7AYWaejWTLkLrqXSR-4lEE9wn44qC8Ya5j4682eIYQrKM0XN4QQx3NmjWb2ehXzpLSJHpp33O620/s2048/231010_CPAM_BleriotXI-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6ANj9nYC56UASFPw-98HyyBN92XZc3yOVGAWXilCiYV8is31qIFjGV2_0fEK5YSlozRAfElvgR2q9JglANwIcsv-Yc_fZFqyMCzYrcxIOUGRLdi7AYWaejWTLkLrqXSR-4lEE9wn44qC8Ya5j4682eIYQrKM0XN4QQx3NmjWb2ehXzpLSJHpp33O620/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_BleriotXI-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a reproduction 1912 Bleriot XI, the aircraft type best known as the first to fly across the English Channel. For a time, the design was quite popular worldwide and manufactured under license by multiple companies, including two manufacturers on Long Island. Long Island's Moisant School sent Bernetta Miller, the fifth woman in the United States to earn a pilot's license, to College Park to convince the US Army of the monoplane's virtues. At the time, the government was deeply skeptical of monoplane robustness and still considered them unsafe on principle.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Of course," she said later, "I had no illusions as to why I was sent to College Park to demonstrate the monoplane to the US government officials who were exclusively devoted to the biplane... [It was] on the basis of the idea that if a mere woman could learn to fly one, so surely could a man."</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">First Helicopter</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Igor Sikorsky is often attributed as the father of early rotary wing flight and his 1939 VS-300 is heralded as the first commercially viable helicopter. However, his efforts were preceded by the work of Emile and Henry Berliner working at College Park in the early 1920s.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNva-oKQ0XTY4CuZQPIDZfgIigfdQp4peK0Bca8fm9oYgmPBUh6sk34o_N17JcNwUY8I0e5CoBdCYO2E8nsYdSkP6P6SJJYx3SXTTX4A5zyoBZQf4ecaY7u7WRQKc6a-4vUeK61Svrgbm-3HT2z2mDWtiAKggwaYxU_GK0qtvqqPNPc610Vavtmx32Sw/s2013/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="2013" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNva-oKQ0XTY4CuZQPIDZfgIigfdQp4peK0Bca8fm9oYgmPBUh6sk34o_N17JcNwUY8I0e5CoBdCYO2E8nsYdSkP6P6SJJYx3SXTTX4A5zyoBZQf4ecaY7u7WRQKc6a-4vUeK61Svrgbm-3HT2z2mDWtiAKggwaYxU_GK0qtvqqPNPc610Vavtmx32Sw/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To my mind, this 1924 Berliner Helicopter on loan from the Smithsonian was the most intriguing artifact on display in College Park. Adapted from a surplus Nieuport 23 fighter fuselage and configured as a triplane, the helicopter featured two main rotors primarily responsible for lift.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Llx92Xe6Nta6fffxTstnxw57VL42xHbToaYYQlqOcY_15Jrypjnpc34cAFDuGau0lxwrAPeydSObskIPtFio1MzkgfiZn4xwvJpF-wcmIfqk0vHyt2rYa9oWh1NfAHx1i7r_a35os5n8o0pmeHhvX_oCJcnFAoHBhV35IdDyGwHsY3LK_mTb1cUVj_0/s2048/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Llx92Xe6Nta6fffxTstnxw57VL42xHbToaYYQlqOcY_15Jrypjnpc34cAFDuGau0lxwrAPeydSObskIPtFio1MzkgfiZn4xwvJpF-wcmIfqk0vHyt2rYa9oWh1NfAHx1i7r_a35os5n8o0pmeHhvX_oCJcnFAoHBhV35IdDyGwHsY3LK_mTb1cUVj_0/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On February 24, 1924, this very Berliner helicopter flew at an altitude of 15 feet with a forward airspeed of 40 mph in front of an audience of Navy officials and the media. It is considered the first controlled helicopter flight. The museum has a video of the flight and, while deemed "successful" and "controlled", the flight is not elegant and the Berliners were never quite able to master a graceful landing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQOkg251Jb0cewMgiYTq9P0sPW6zqwPsAA5QHuvRHnE1448Mh3sA9qVilxMTSnQ4sB8QXGUsq7Dpnb4mAD8uENLUdoPCYfySMu3oAOc4WZRLFPRBZuFWp5giWbLi0OgWEuYp5WfZY-pAQ59fT8eTKlmgEjkUCV5kM22jaqZE7dDWBdjCWrwnsME9cCCM/s2026/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="2026" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQOkg251Jb0cewMgiYTq9P0sPW6zqwPsAA5QHuvRHnE1448Mh3sA9qVilxMTSnQ4sB8QXGUsq7Dpnb4mAD8uENLUdoPCYfySMu3oAOc4WZRLFPRBZuFWp5giWbLi0OgWEuYp5WfZY-pAQ59fT8eTKlmgEjkUCV5kM22jaqZE7dDWBdjCWrwnsME9cCCM/w640-h480/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A 220 horsepower radial engine provided power.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYMSlQ9_MZNBX2o0cIyal0MmGnWulqwLDG41jNaJ_SkzP9hWIzkOj81gCAqGIGL3PuAPx2SfuRjx5qRDzHshceKdTsVjhEdOjIG7ogdQRxqeqOD-4mDxyJReKtMvZzHtu4JdR4ou_stqJBT78F0pVU1xLUoePF2RVMhQNK1iuCJt-jbAEdgGSBYbWP88/s2048/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYMSlQ9_MZNBX2o0cIyal0MmGnWulqwLDG41jNaJ_SkzP9hWIzkOj81gCAqGIGL3PuAPx2SfuRjx5qRDzHshceKdTsVjhEdOjIG7ogdQRxqeqOD-4mDxyJReKtMvZzHtu4JdR4ou_stqJBT78F0pVU1xLUoePF2RVMhQNK1iuCJt-jbAEdgGSBYbWP88/w480-h640/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPe5vB90B0ExMJ1LFN3cma-FWrXSeqTDvsZuBhHKcXH3fm0alFSKkOR2RmV8VB1lWDF0KUQmgloBleZwzYKYO5f1kdu-7u3M2wLjE_dQq3thbdv8VdGqtfwQIecg8OKO5YbV3WTovR1AQD6GHDCSzmKoT1QEswepay-MoHl53zE4fcOziBhge9DM37W4/s2048/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPe5vB90B0ExMJ1LFN3cma-FWrXSeqTDvsZuBhHKcXH3fm0alFSKkOR2RmV8VB1lWDF0KUQmgloBleZwzYKYO5f1kdu-7u3M2wLjE_dQq3thbdv8VdGqtfwQIecg8OKO5YbV3WTovR1AQD6GHDCSzmKoT1QEswepay-MoHl53zE4fcOziBhge9DM37W4/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Louvers placed below the main rotors provided a means to control roll.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gBezYm6JrT6ORhpMb2TXE7kklYFsMkIdS0JaJY14VRV4z3NMipnl8Hdvel8OhFe45G2VkAMeS0l_vZ5uF1rPBPRxGYQKzocOticeIJttJHL5ao0-4FLceKFiUmpTtJSOCyWSp5lJEyW5Ec6gwMXBp6hL5t1W16krmpPO35ZL9E7xDY0x2EFrYp-joO8/s2048/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gBezYm6JrT6ORhpMb2TXE7kklYFsMkIdS0JaJY14VRV4z3NMipnl8Hdvel8OhFe45G2VkAMeS0l_vZ5uF1rPBPRxGYQKzocOticeIJttJHL5ao0-4FLceKFiUmpTtJSOCyWSp5lJEyW5Ec6gwMXBp6hL5t1W16krmpPO35ZL9E7xDY0x2EFrYp-joO8/w640-h480/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A rotor on the tail controlled pitch. Forward flight was stabilized by a conventional rudder and elevator arrangement. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7xszeNsO5h9ypOJ1Xzqtps6C7_np_7eRXBt7OaAz1R79Nvm51qN1uWpfQ5jXVloTD-vO2uVFReuH2tENRjc5PoWkO1IzAXX3IV9AAHImOpHamvVoofeDeVLEIULirmWPS-7c1LQCM-B-2HCFthGCmIEGquABjJPh8x-pFfDZ0HpB5EJJ1uKJYMrTM4k/s2030/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2030" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7xszeNsO5h9ypOJ1Xzqtps6C7_np_7eRXBt7OaAz1R79Nvm51qN1uWpfQ5jXVloTD-vO2uVFReuH2tENRjc5PoWkO1IzAXX3IV9AAHImOpHamvVoofeDeVLEIULirmWPS-7c1LQCM-B-2HCFthGCmIEGquABjJPh8x-pFfDZ0HpB5EJJ1uKJYMrTM4k/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_BerlinerNo5-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Frankly, I would have loved to see the control arrangement for this ungainly beast. It seems like it would have been a literal handful. While it was not successful in its own right, it did inspire further interest in vertical flight.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Stone Cold Stearman</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tyb1DJSFJj-Nt-Wcxp1xgVyxGh3e-_yT6VLAzbk1VIaMN95E2Tn9ZuQolhhsfUgojCzvxovKcUcJK8L8KUxqlKrLBvlVQiTIWanij4irnS2HdajALQQSaVs03dUTlx1dJmANkt5istbAlu4I1NDAL7l3G0DxygfjW_NgjjBGOsvstjc4mxyOlFjgrvs/s2048/231010_CPAM_McLeodStearman-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Tyb1DJSFJj-Nt-Wcxp1xgVyxGh3e-_yT6VLAzbk1VIaMN95E2Tn9ZuQolhhsfUgojCzvxovKcUcJK8L8KUxqlKrLBvlVQiTIWanij4irnS2HdajALQQSaVs03dUTlx1dJmANkt5istbAlu4I1NDAL7l3G0DxygfjW_NgjjBGOsvstjc4mxyOlFjgrvs/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_McLeodStearman-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwgiq-taBNMiUWeB5hqJtYMCcWQ13E8nEwBdCBjSDErZtt2McP_h4ne3kRv1pWRSF8ld9leX_4XBtNrLdxLw0o4BI2PKZM4BNlG-UuS28_wGKMcbEXPQFBlVwWP3uWNfp6Jy_RnJ9K51f49RidxdsMc70axsyPLuvb9GfCkQTsr7MVmKKJAEWB5mc840/s2030/231010_CPAM_McLeodStearman-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2030" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwgiq-taBNMiUWeB5hqJtYMCcWQ13E8nEwBdCBjSDErZtt2McP_h4ne3kRv1pWRSF8ld9leX_4XBtNrLdxLw0o4BI2PKZM4BNlG-UuS28_wGKMcbEXPQFBlVwWP3uWNfp6Jy_RnJ9K51f49RidxdsMc70axsyPLuvb9GfCkQTsr7MVmKKJAEWB5mc840/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_McLeodStearman-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>College Park's Stearman was once owned by Gustavus "Gus" McLeod, who departed Gaithersburg, MD in this aircraft on April 5, 2000 and became the first pilot to reach the North Pole in an open cockpit airplane. On the return flight, McLeod's engine failed and he made a forced landing on an ice floe. He was rescued by the National Geographic team that was following his progress. McLeod went in search of his Stearman weeks later, finding that the ice sheet had drifted 80 miles from its previous position. The Stearman's final flight was to College Park for its enshrinement in the museum.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60mY549rNyRu1Dd5y5HZ-5rR83DQPRGSWNP9QkAFNmWtVcv7PDIdv3Zqh0s5nQ4wktqj3VwGgbQOdz5u-Wb8Pz4AUFnfzvU74_5JzPRLuqyo0uKO4bKMw65X1j-FqQ1sZpK8TG6xiDxTmvy3IGYeP2-T1JC2DvMEFVrv43RFL3AfpL1SscN3F8whU-_A/s2030/231010_CPAM_TaylorJ2-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2030" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60mY549rNyRu1Dd5y5HZ-5rR83DQPRGSWNP9QkAFNmWtVcv7PDIdv3Zqh0s5nQ4wktqj3VwGgbQOdz5u-Wb8Pz4AUFnfzvU74_5JzPRLuqyo0uKO4bKMw65X1j-FqQ1sZpK8TG6xiDxTmvy3IGYeP2-T1JC2DvMEFVrv43RFL3AfpL1SscN3F8whU-_A/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_TaylorJ2-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A 1936 Taylor J-2, the immediate forerunner to the beloved Piper J-3 Cub.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflquClKdu8vJMhsc4du23TdnS3q3RSOMwlUH5xrwIDs3jMzKm5AySL_KObiVaFGqdx6OwI0HuAyYdxK9tXxMxS9J8_eJZnpDKUulsKCFZsPkDOX7p913QCgy_q3R_PLIGgAUse2x9LmL_ZBP71BNMMziqqG2qbnkCnLTO5E7fjhzbQVPnDWZ_KZQpsn8/s2030/231010_CPAM_Monocoupe-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="2030" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiflquClKdu8vJMhsc4du23TdnS3q3RSOMwlUH5xrwIDs3jMzKm5AySL_KObiVaFGqdx6OwI0HuAyYdxK9tXxMxS9J8_eJZnpDKUulsKCFZsPkDOX7p913QCgy_q3R_PLIGgAUse2x9LmL_ZBP71BNMMziqqG2qbnkCnLTO5E7fjhzbQVPnDWZ_KZQpsn8/w640-h360/231010_CPAM_Monocoupe-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Wearied of the aviator's helmet and goggles, Don Luscombe designed the Monocoupe as an antidote to flying open cockpit aircraft. This particular example is a 1932 Monocoupe 110. They were commonly found at College Park in the 1930s as evidenced by a displayed photo from 1933. Interestingly, this and several of the photos in the museum are from the collection of L. Ron Hubbard, a local aviation buff who frequented the field before creating Scientology.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hey, I Know Them!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The final thing to catch my eye in the College Park Aviation Museum was part of an exhibit about flying animals. Much to my surprise, I found myself staring at the face of a familiar pup!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_QLhxBSpMUq51yWMcn2rM8sZLG8PD9yrYcDZqHSI5FBQNhcDb8SVrHLwLHMlf9vmnmAXs_q-DxOOZ6pBSLB6L1f1kb3wnwF2nHhCziSm69eRMdJgFWYkIawXFdCVUctXAErYG8mdHLHQgDDTixLdh-5bi8nwaepNjOKjvl6GSG3GnZ4zCUjoSM32mbk/s2027/231010_CPAM_VictoriaTurbo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2027" data-original-width="982" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_QLhxBSpMUq51yWMcn2rM8sZLG8PD9yrYcDZqHSI5FBQNhcDb8SVrHLwLHMlf9vmnmAXs_q-DxOOZ6pBSLB6L1f1kb3wnwF2nHhCziSm69eRMdJgFWYkIawXFdCVUctXAErYG8mdHLHQgDDTixLdh-5bi8nwaepNjOKjvl6GSG3GnZ4zCUjoSM32mbk/w310-h640/231010_CPAM_VictoriaTurbo.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div>I met Victoria many years ago through aviation blogging. We discovered that we shared the same home town and she ultimately became my aviation insurance agent. Turbo is quite possibly the most photogenic dog I've ever had the pleasure to meet. The Bear even got control of the famous flying pooch's leash when we visited Victoria and Turbo in Frederick, MD a decade ago.</div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LCWomhqRzkWJ3ew16lz2nBEWvzGGeYhmfHnFapuheMsOTDyxTpVB8GhajVQojsQvUu0jn6-NYIOFlcszsJLfN1d20cy6EodMNilSL_64-auv5pZ_hHjCH-8fpTl4y5m4qpn33Bew09bqcZcH1Df6RuAXeOPEBKyzkM-YPM2ofkurASziSZ8W1t8EJv4/s1024/130830_TurboAndTheBear.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1LCWomhqRzkWJ3ew16lz2nBEWvzGGeYhmfHnFapuheMsOTDyxTpVB8GhajVQojsQvUu0jn6-NYIOFlcszsJLfN1d20cy6EodMNilSL_64-auv5pZ_hHjCH-8fpTl4y5m4qpn33Bew09bqcZcH1Df6RuAXeOPEBKyzkM-YPM2ofkurASziSZ8W1t8EJv4/w640-h480/130830_TurboAndTheBear.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flying Bear with Turbo the Flying Dog in Frederick, MD in 2013.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Take-Aways</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Honestly, my expectations for the College Park Aviation Museum were low. I did not expect to be impressed in comparison to the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/10/into-flight-restricted-zone-part-2-air.html" target="_blank">National Air & Space Museum in Washington DC that I toured an hour earlier</a>. But I was impressed. The museum documents the august history of the College Park Airport and displays some unique artifacts with strong local relevance, particularly the Berliner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Get your PIN, fly to College Park, check out the museum and bask in all the history, and visit Washington DC while you're at it!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-57274425148606609222023-10-10T15:52:00.599-04:002023-11-08T20:34:27.569-05:00Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 2, Air & Space<div align="center">
</div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">No More Nasty Orange Carpet!</span></i></b></div></b><div><br /></div><div>After a ten minute walk from College Park Airport, I was waiting on the Metro platform for a southbound train going toward Branch Avenue. Accelerating smoothly, the train eventually went underground where my ears experienced the familiar feeling of increased pressure as the speeding train compressed air in the tunnel ahead of it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmREhB4ArLKlYKGUzQMa91RDpice4VLwjs4xTsZ1sFabHH8dC3K0c5JjlDo3zJ_Q6SYJ1wuVNpDszL3e7xRfO6wzxZc5IwqhNEnhmjMFQljy9NYfxz4eYuSDtKOx-o4PKaEd_oTUD6AwNO_XiNBeAlk2p-7jCdMAXIcEnndVLqPe3Cb1KuoRQiS4duzIU/s2048/231010_DCMetro-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmREhB4ArLKlYKGUzQMa91RDpice4VLwjs4xTsZ1sFabHH8dC3K0c5JjlDo3zJ_Q6SYJ1wuVNpDszL3e7xRfO6wzxZc5IwqhNEnhmjMFQljy9NYfxz4eYuSDtKOx-o4PKaEd_oTUD6AwNO_XiNBeAlk2p-7jCdMAXIcEnndVLqPe3Cb1KuoRQiS4duzIU/w640-h360/231010_DCMetro-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have been riding the DC Metro somewhat regularly over the last 20 years. Though it is less true recently, my work used to take me to DC often for meetings and conferences. I have always liked the system. It is clean, efficient, and effective. One improvement in recent years is that the nasty orange carpet that I remember from 2000s era trains seems to be gone. It is not missed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Pardon Our Dust</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf_PMTHx1iqLwh-S0JCCNC0KJP6hNm1c81mdiNLI__O22NwFyIwlwFjrEjeoQ01d7pqzNRbRV1QFZ0tgKTUDExiLTRk2e6jHyNJjz7hQKLG2Xb1SFclI9PFU3MIEqXI5T-1ybb4DLUhNFSeXmYTlWxxHJon3EcX2hmmrG7K4cG4fiJOsZc_FrtNXXTgU/s5123/231010_NASM_Exterior-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="5123" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf_PMTHx1iqLwh-S0JCCNC0KJP6hNm1c81mdiNLI__O22NwFyIwlwFjrEjeoQ01d7pqzNRbRV1QFZ0tgKTUDExiLTRk2e6jHyNJjz7hQKLG2Xb1SFclI9PFU3MIEqXI5T-1ybb4DLUhNFSeXmYTlWxxHJon3EcX2hmmrG7K4cG4fiJOsZc_FrtNXXTgU/w640-h360/231010_NASM_Exterior-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main entrance off the National Mall is currently under renovation.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />The Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (NASM) on the National Mall is receiving a much needed refreshing. Currently, half of the building is closed while the facility is renovated and the exhibits modernized. Sadly, this means that some of my favorite parts of the collection are unavailable for viewing including World War II aircraft, the Spirit of St Louis, and the Hughes H-1 Racer (a gorgeously sleek work of aeronautical art). Because of reduced capacity, the museum uses a timed entry program. Tickets are still free, but must be reserved in advance. I obtained an 11:00 am entry ticket a couple of days beforehand and managed to get into line at exactly 11:00 am. My timing for the entire morning was driven by that entry time. Even when dealing with new procedures, I do better than the airlines!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTBA6RrPk7WfGHIxPQiQDLi7K9ejnvrpFyMe2pU9N8XBQrDRiuDQXqHV6IUlpwWgzmXHRQnb94YS6rBm5E-k9QqdmEGUHOlStNdTDgUfglRPimSprtxEC2bYr2-9otdxG8Uh26TL31dfcCFgpyy2w7LiRubq4oRLss6Z3BtCZ5cEFeNpIpLfRTkfvmYE/s4618/231010_NASM_Exterior-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTBA6RrPk7WfGHIxPQiQDLi7K9ejnvrpFyMe2pU9N8XBQrDRiuDQXqHV6IUlpwWgzmXHRQnb94YS6rBm5E-k9QqdmEGUHOlStNdTDgUfglRPimSprtxEC2bYr2-9otdxG8Uh26TL31dfcCFgpyy2w7LiRubq4oRLss6Z3BtCZ5cEFeNpIpLfRTkfvmYE/w640-h480/231010_NASM_Exterior-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture outside the Air & Space Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtLl8VnUWN1DFqGgWR-q2kMPclboj8n0jgQisoYmqJfuFcJWM49ghAcj7I9AtUuwsFafw8q8rRsH3c61Z7OHJ_F8eAtDnH46uAooxNecj_9RucUGvxN8JDpmKqhrAiEWW_S_sfPls23tismvnrP5x_UXBDXId-wZrzyxK4_3r_AmOrAY5YsZxY6bVxC8/s4618/231010_NASM_Exterior-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtLl8VnUWN1DFqGgWR-q2kMPclboj8n0jgQisoYmqJfuFcJWM49ghAcj7I9AtUuwsFafw8q8rRsH3c61Z7OHJ_F8eAtDnH46uAooxNecj_9RucUGvxN8JDpmKqhrAiEWW_S_sfPls23tismvnrP5x_UXBDXId-wZrzyxK4_3r_AmOrAY5YsZxY6bVxC8/w640-h480/231010_NASM_Exterior-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South side of the Air & Space Museum, Independence Ave entrance.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Within a few minutes of 11:00 am, the line began advancing quickly and I entered the museum through the south side Independence Ave entrance.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will not attempt a comprehensive survey of the NASM, but highlights are included below grouped by exhibit.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2XVc1mdnTKYxhXOAroNnBsGgDXJVZZV-UrVn57L17hEfgek-NIUcq4WPF8oE3Fu4P-DalI-5OgyxQVagqx5qimgSuC4xK1AEG0glpflzDdnIGBclIwp38wdI7NodeNh0YvDaDAtlrkYw-cfVVPueVOPJQIPJ3_Jw-YL6l9c4OcF1PNnCYYd6Qh4Wk4s/s1296/231010_NASM_WrightBros-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2XVc1mdnTKYxhXOAroNnBsGgDXJVZZV-UrVn57L17hEfgek-NIUcq4WPF8oE3Fu4P-DalI-5OgyxQVagqx5qimgSuC4xK1AEG0glpflzDdnIGBclIwp38wdI7NodeNh0YvDaDAtlrkYw-cfVVPueVOPJQIPJ3_Jw-YL6l9c4OcF1PNnCYYd6Qh4Wk4s/w480-h640/231010_NASM_WrightBros-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>One of the restructured exhibits is dedicated to the Wright Brothers. It was a perfect complement to my trip to <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/07/flying-strand-part-2-achieved-by.html" target="_blank">First Flight Airport</a> earlier this year. The exhibit does a great job of contextualizing the Wrights’ contributions to the study of aerodynamics and controllable, powered flight versus the efforts of their predecessors and contemporaries. I thoroughly enjoyed the reimagined exhibit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZPs2kURarLy9dhNyDEvekfAuQh0TDZXaEodTr9XVKqq24KGHiLpxFln-MmBHxpbGAWt1x-AjkFTv3e8poPedW652d9a3sXKpzGI1xd6CZiV4VGDlfpD2iFkBNol1qlgTGiKGSVSKmjKB83jHjgoaLv5S0VXJdbzmGNMCL-RrPjk1LcH_Fef55epSCe4/s2048/231010_NASM_WrightBros-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZPs2kURarLy9dhNyDEvekfAuQh0TDZXaEodTr9XVKqq24KGHiLpxFln-MmBHxpbGAWt1x-AjkFTv3e8poPedW652d9a3sXKpzGI1xd6CZiV4VGDlfpD2iFkBNol1qlgTGiKGSVSKmjKB83jHjgoaLv5S0VXJdbzmGNMCL-RrPjk1LcH_Fef55epSCe4/w640-h360/231010_NASM_WrightBros-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At its core stands the restored 1903 Flyer that made history on December 17, 1903. It is easy to think that the artifact on display must be a replica due to its pristine cloth skin. However, the Flyer was last restored in the 1980s with great pains taken to mimic the sort of muslin used by the Wrights as well as the manner of stitching that they would have used to attach it. But the wooden bones enclosed within those fragile cloth skins are the same that took flight on that blustery 1903 day outside of Kitty Hawk, NC. The figure of Orville Wright lying awkwardly prone at the controls of the Flyer is, however, a replica.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">We All Fly</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>A new gallery for the NASM is the Thomas W. Haas We All Fly exhibit aimed at highlighting and celebrating General Aviation. I am genuinely pleased by the idea of this exhibit because the general public seems generally oblivious to the existence and role of General Aviation. I take some issue with the choice of exhibiting a Cirrus SR-22 as a paragon of personal GA aircraft rather than the obvious and beloved Piper Warrior, but I might be biased.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVAlUgj-kJnOsscR8RUvWlSXbv8Yk06Y9TUffk2Cvp3dJoBJaK0lYhVId_dZR0BUfoiZxxvX5CBw8Dl0kkgYNvkEQo2o8HX6PtHk2NlFBzhOACt6L8FgQOsPhtPBNuRgt6t1kbq8E0bz47rSct84xqolkdw2Dqm6Tw6rTO9D7RGDHJlxL5PgEEdDwUkk/s2048/231010_NASM_AllFly-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRVAlUgj-kJnOsscR8RUvWlSXbv8Yk06Y9TUffk2Cvp3dJoBJaK0lYhVId_dZR0BUfoiZxxvX5CBw8Dl0kkgYNvkEQo2o8HX6PtHk2NlFBzhOACt6L8FgQOsPhtPBNuRgt6t1kbq8E0bz47rSct84xqolkdw2Dqm6Tw6rTO9D7RGDHJlxL5PgEEdDwUkk/w640-h360/231010_NASM_AllFly-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean D. Tucker's Challenger III aerobatic aircraft.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVwjRArsm3vm4z-wUHn0-RZDxHpQJRgv8bO-5onhlRRq8pQGcDNutDvsk_SyyGibpOIXvY3P9VkhRvq1F6Tmgmn-he36pYcPbOrUAl_LmWVtZOMb56e-rOH_AyRr3q0bqEu5GyzuL5glbpsCo-6QKkeKJbVszVds_Xxjgngk66w6C7-U_8quZndYlb_Y/s2048/231010_NASM_AllFly-3-JerriMock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVwjRArsm3vm4z-wUHn0-RZDxHpQJRgv8bO-5onhlRRq8pQGcDNutDvsk_SyyGibpOIXvY3P9VkhRvq1F6Tmgmn-he36pYcPbOrUAl_LmWVtZOMb56e-rOH_AyRr3q0bqEu5GyzuL5glbpsCo-6QKkeKJbVszVds_Xxjgngk66w6C7-U_8quZndYlb_Y/w640-h360/231010_NASM_AllFly-3-JerriMock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was exciting to see Jerrie Mock's Cessna 180 <i>Spirit of Columbus </i>featured. In 1964, Mock was the first woman to fly solo around the world in this airplane as described in her memoir, <i>Three Eight Charlie</i>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhjMAdBjPmOgxyNB_xGpmg0GFONuuBVbjzNyTSYJtdj2bWlFgTmuOeFvEhoXhrKW-OJ19kGYUcEqZFJtMA0ZU4xMeGtgka8-0NGYH_HhX3_xqRvv7vCvcnCMDfzDN5rCtoPQUvDbr38TJyYq2Q27UOvyTIlW93BJHq7FGjiWpoLVP5haku9dfb8-s2wM/s2048/231010_NASM_AllFly-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhjMAdBjPmOgxyNB_xGpmg0GFONuuBVbjzNyTSYJtdj2bWlFgTmuOeFvEhoXhrKW-OJ19kGYUcEqZFJtMA0ZU4xMeGtgka8-0NGYH_HhX3_xqRvv7vCvcnCMDfzDN5rCtoPQUvDbr38TJyYq2Q27UOvyTIlW93BJHq7FGjiWpoLVP5haku9dfb8-s2wM/w640-h360/231010_NASM_AllFly-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcbLA6KIcnCr0xrvgg1lNBh9qP-1F9GOK690M3gYq5Bw8jRuYQG7qdr6gzht1ZTfTrNNYc9dZ-d-8gbAjbxuXaDLkHElBs1rNXb6eZpXBA_Zeb_USAcr7B4C6A6BTSfdMYWDKZOBm_HmfHHbDFDGu8MNxX3vLHaMKk0y_vu5OwQieITP9VLcmd5iv6ac/s2048/231010_NASM_AllFly-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcbLA6KIcnCr0xrvgg1lNBh9qP-1F9GOK690M3gYq5Bw8jRuYQG7qdr6gzht1ZTfTrNNYc9dZ-d-8gbAjbxuXaDLkHElBs1rNXb6eZpXBA_Zeb_USAcr7B4C6A6BTSfdMYWDKZOBm_HmfHHbDFDGu8MNxX3vLHaMKk0y_vu5OwQieITP9VLcmd5iv6ac/w640-h480/231010_NASM_AllFly-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Significantly less mainstream than the Cessna 180 is this Airphibian. The first roadable airplane to be certified by the Civil Aviation Administration (forerunner to the FAA) in 1950 was invented by Robert Fulton, Jr. Featuring a detachable prop and empennage/wing assembly, the Airphibian could interconvert between car and airplane. It suffered from the same challenges as other roadable aircraft designs: it was neither a very good car nor a very good airplane. But it is an interesting curiosity.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Early Flight</span></i></b></div><div> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnKoQe7nr_I2c-M9-RVuK3_BdwrUxHyQn-Y-m7H8UbS54qdERK33fiFNDV0OjMoechWh6TpnXOPpD63hYty0kjoxd_v5jzlD9XLfB_Sf6k86jM-7oRXXe_AHrxM2XLprDWCVY3oKb1LI1ZOK23JasRZCDGK8lwzgppa4LyKfXUcIPEbVsbWjQv0NetOo/s1509/231010_NASM_Rotary.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="1509" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnKoQe7nr_I2c-M9-RVuK3_BdwrUxHyQn-Y-m7H8UbS54qdERK33fiFNDV0OjMoechWh6TpnXOPpD63hYty0kjoxd_v5jzlD9XLfB_Sf6k86jM-7oRXXe_AHrxM2XLprDWCVY3oKb1LI1ZOK23JasRZCDGK8lwzgppa4LyKfXUcIPEbVsbWjQv0NetOo/w640-h640/231010_NASM_Rotary.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rotary aviation engine on display.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The Early Flight exhibit features the wood-framed, gossamer skinned contraptions that exploded into existence after the Wright Brothers demonstrated the viability of controlled, powered flight. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2ZZlvzzfB6P7Oiou_DWHGgW2OljrQgon9ZR7W_5YgHr4dFiktvxwh1eIUwUE7EIv3WUOHyvPT9KotP0fdnVbI2Xprz6MMD_21uJp74OP5DhDG94KyHjwjCkKRfnle0NEvXSPNdLh24AoVWPfQGaC2AYfug2zJ8KOCB9DeSvOMNbaXzwzk4W2aQjwFo4/s2048/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2ZZlvzzfB6P7Oiou_DWHGgW2OljrQgon9ZR7W_5YgHr4dFiktvxwh1eIUwUE7EIv3WUOHyvPT9KotP0fdnVbI2Xprz6MMD_21uJp74OP5DhDG94KyHjwjCkKRfnle0NEvXSPNdLh24AoVWPfQGaC2AYfug2zJ8KOCB9DeSvOMNbaXzwzk4W2aQjwFo4/w640-h360/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although the usual suspects were there -- a Lilienthal glider, a Curtiss Pusher, and a Bleriot XI -- what caught my eye was this 1909 Wright Military Flyer. Undeniably descended from the 1903 Flyer, the 1909 Wright Military flyer was an evolution of the design meant to satisfy a military bid for a two seat surveillance aircraft. (Emphasis on “seats”, no more tummy time for pilots!) The Wright Brothers won the bid and sold the Military Flyer to the US government for $30,000 in 1909. This was the first military aircraft ever and was once based at the College Park Airport, a facility specifically established for training military pilots under the tutelage of Wilbur Wright.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6kILLMC5nqil_yI3IhRi33w1pTt3NJ8oqIOVvVJM2sOsJjI39J-zZSGJW0tNjwumfPZI5Zvb17m-7b4xSI6gwi5_vyFKmipmsYtYPG6mVdxUGMmk26GcfvQSN2cIpHrVwT3F1YtIGOWoJiUgyz3vXPD7tU_iqV-2-IupXf8y1jrdjBqaOmZtpZphhiU/s2048/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6kILLMC5nqil_yI3IhRi33w1pTt3NJ8oqIOVvVJM2sOsJjI39J-zZSGJW0tNjwumfPZI5Zvb17m-7b4xSI6gwi5_vyFKmipmsYtYPG6mVdxUGMmk26GcfvQSN2cIpHrVwT3F1YtIGOWoJiUgyz3vXPD7tU_iqV-2-IupXf8y1jrdjBqaOmZtpZphhiU/w480-h640/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the pristine 1903 Flyer, the skin of the 1909 Military Flyer is still stained with soot, a mark of credible authenticity.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpObmrpeMIq4FVGcb2e2KVAI0kvTaW8IsuWs9o3QWGAdBd_MhvDyiYhekT5_PVVSe2vfI72C6qA_yFWHMRH4YQXcffYMNmZRoeRiuVmqMKPN6wDuIDat17dp-Y7Ziz1KSz_BXLmCB2MVYOyK91xRhLhimGwc6Mvur3nyldO9thh6GQ1irrDKVzB5eam7I/s2048/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpObmrpeMIq4FVGcb2e2KVAI0kvTaW8IsuWs9o3QWGAdBd_MhvDyiYhekT5_PVVSe2vfI72C6qA_yFWHMRH4YQXcffYMNmZRoeRiuVmqMKPN6wDuIDat17dp-Y7Ziz1KSz_BXLmCB2MVYOyK91xRhLhimGwc6Mvur3nyldO9thh6GQ1irrDKVzB5eam7I/w640-h480/231010_NASM_1909MilitaryFlyer-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">America by Air</span></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjQn5QpNNXwokQth5yHNhVGjj1ZokLEGorqU6CVzbZZn6bnzfU3Q97Eslev3Jqt77_hj4TMnL_gpcmXCCfq-4w9qPUrc3sMH3ngcRogQwAWDwiJxrTiTGKsafIjZ46SHUxJP0QCUl9eakvY2lk3m3DSei2IB0mqHQLH98OGTFjAcQmP-YmZ5i14_8rBM/s2048/231010_NASM_DC3-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjQn5QpNNXwokQth5yHNhVGjj1ZokLEGorqU6CVzbZZn6bnzfU3Q97Eslev3Jqt77_hj4TMnL_gpcmXCCfq-4w9qPUrc3sMH3ngcRogQwAWDwiJxrTiTGKsafIjZ46SHUxJP0QCUl9eakvY2lk3m3DSei2IB0mqHQLH98OGTFjAcQmP-YmZ5i14_8rBM/w640-h360/231010_NASM_DC3-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Occupying the western atrium of the NASM, the America by Air exhibit celebrates commercial air travel and features this beautiful, gleaming Eastern Airlines DC-3.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdXJvpU4JBKXB8HX7guuuQtrXZiJBt_CTnIPZMiPKLOaVUpT4GKZhM_VfH06BFrUk5OWkku8Ovv8NY-ol8PqAlZRZw435PAL9ESdQ-4vL_tcTUc9aqMYCuFJcwH_rAL-PYDlehTWjUCJ8Id7wSF6XVUyKsOMfqyacBs4ll8OvD-IxXvIggT6aP3jPjAE/s2048/231010_NASM_AmericaByAir-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdXJvpU4JBKXB8HX7guuuQtrXZiJBt_CTnIPZMiPKLOaVUpT4GKZhM_VfH06BFrUk5OWkku8Ovv8NY-ol8PqAlZRZw435PAL9ESdQ-4vL_tcTUc9aqMYCuFJcwH_rAL-PYDlehTWjUCJ8Id7wSF6XVUyKsOMfqyacBs4ll8OvD-IxXvIggT6aP3jPjAE/w640-h360/231010_NASM_AmericaByAir-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In this frame, we see the Northrup 4A Alpha (far right), a 1930 design that took great pains to keep the passenger complement of six comfortably inside the fuselage while the pilot still sat outside in an old school open cockpit. (Brrrr!) Below and to the left is the Boeing 247, an early (circa 1933) airliner with an all-metal skin. And of course, there is the aforementioned DC-3.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N9-v84XOHShrsztn8qHxjJk31luZOssXPeB_EzbbGMHe6ydRft8R3Zjex51x1u2xwIDqKauF2GXCpYnfCUNDAHv0hCYxuRgHBR3lqKPxowIbST-tQVmjKTqwe6wbM80-4MVmoa2uCwkNpbEKopVWqoi4UkLb_W7cdLXscMrg-TEQjak3u_sDqnksWl0/s2048/231010_NASM_FordTrimotor-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5N9-v84XOHShrsztn8qHxjJk31luZOssXPeB_EzbbGMHe6ydRft8R3Zjex51x1u2xwIDqKauF2GXCpYnfCUNDAHv0hCYxuRgHBR3lqKPxowIbST-tQVmjKTqwe6wbM80-4MVmoa2uCwkNpbEKopVWqoi4UkLb_W7cdLXscMrg-TEQjak3u_sDqnksWl0/w640-h360/231010_NASM_FordTrimotor-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The exhibit also features a Ford Trimotor 5-AT that entered service in 1928. Reputedly, it made for an incredibly noisy ride, generating 120 dB of noise on take-off. For context, this amount of noise is between the 110 dB characteristic of front rows at rock concerts and 130 dB generally accepted as the threshold of pain. But at least the pilots got to sit inside with the passengers.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn5yqOOVA4OBzD3GtvLXCArFwgM50IpPPpHsdXNExP4QGj_1krlmee85c1oDzNsgLEUNm9MDDlKnqwjc4x0PD26cAxGEMS4I0wNT7zX12TdkCHNWLbmI_WzyngkF4_KWGOGL2zXdx7a2XtIB-7unfhQWi1yuqCm0xTkKkCMp283jo5BKgsZVtW__Hkk4/s1993/231010_NASM_DC7-Cockpit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1121" data-original-width="1993" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZn5yqOOVA4OBzD3GtvLXCArFwgM50IpPPpHsdXNExP4QGj_1krlmee85c1oDzNsgLEUNm9MDDlKnqwjc4x0PD26cAxGEMS4I0wNT7zX12TdkCHNWLbmI_WzyngkF4_KWGOGL2zXdx7a2XtIB-7unfhQWi1yuqCm0xTkKkCMp283jo5BKgsZVtW__Hkk4/w640-h360/231010_NASM_DC7-Cockpit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cockpit of a DC-7. Without a transponder, this aircraft would have been barred from today's Washington DC airspace.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Flights of Fantasy</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG1l6BNYO4DLcpusP4dezToloK_K6H7iBv8Qh0Cewu43PzGd4_0HXGF-Oa0fiUn0PZ4zueJ5D4hObUs8HVjOQkK_NGZihRLZmTrGkGudqqnktFqAmKUvfr0r-zbyvC5XY8UAsE-nYebiHflBnARTUlckrIBKnMrNhqf7vzkbxl1X3c2FdQTUzpp1q468/s1442/231010_NASM_XWing-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1442" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqG1l6BNYO4DLcpusP4dezToloK_K6H7iBv8Qh0Cewu43PzGd4_0HXGF-Oa0fiUn0PZ4zueJ5D4hObUs8HVjOQkK_NGZihRLZmTrGkGudqqnktFqAmKUvfr0r-zbyvC5XY8UAsE-nYebiHflBnARTUlckrIBKnMrNhqf7vzkbxl1X3c2FdQTUzpp1q468/w640-h360/231010_NASM_XWing-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>NASM has everything! Even a T-70 X-Wing fighter flown by Poe Dameron in a galaxy far, far away. (The recovery costs alone must have been astronomical!) </div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously, most of the artifacts at the museum are genuine articles rather than movie props, though the conspiracy theorists who believe the moon landing was staged might think otherwise. Speaking of the moon landing...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Destination Moon</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As a child, I would have made a beeline for the Destination Moon exhibit. Born of the <i>Star Wars</i> generation just two years after the Eagle brought Armstrong and Aldrin to the lunar surface, my whole childhood was fixated on space; space movies, space books, space toys. Even toys that weren't space toys were repurposed into space toys. Fascination with all things space was my gateway into aviation.</div><div><br /></div><div>NASM's Destination Moon is beautifully done. It features a comprehensive accounting of the road to the moon, including the challenges, setbacks, and actual artifacts that made it all possible.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO1f89SofGNZV8VbDIIGWdyNAxPeBzhkzVvGnV37sEPzSapgZ6pwYNnFkgniqechWd40GEFAv4IafbtfsAJa9UwvvioqvcyAgY-OtZgc6mlrFwz3-VIH2PGsqXPwcABFlWFNf2amnKPOmwvaBbFUEEg7Dfqh_OTaf3P8gePjcU4v1xNlSqI1FgLIp__k/s2048/231010_NASM_Freedom7-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqO1f89SofGNZV8VbDIIGWdyNAxPeBzhkzVvGnV37sEPzSapgZ6pwYNnFkgniqechWd40GEFAv4IafbtfsAJa9UwvvioqvcyAgY-OtZgc6mlrFwz3-VIH2PGsqXPwcABFlWFNf2amnKPOmwvaBbFUEEg7Dfqh_OTaf3P8gePjcU4v1xNlSqI1FgLIp__k/w480-h640/231010_NASM_Freedom7-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercury capsule, Freedom 7.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP8g6zLVZXyqaIlxmWSDNcF8wUvlc3I7THKtIlHGXxQtYIC6AzfmbKdcwAvGRNmSpqq-guaUBrvBLTpCGFqhIvVSA_vY2Jjm5BlU4mFN1yBgbt2fDacN_XPM5EgxTGezBQmdlIlTN4uWcxyFCstqftKQGeE7wIPYmSHZxbVk6ZmkU0Ebl9VbB8Cw_z9Q/s2048/231010_NASM_Freedom7-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP8g6zLVZXyqaIlxmWSDNcF8wUvlc3I7THKtIlHGXxQtYIC6AzfmbKdcwAvGRNmSpqq-guaUBrvBLTpCGFqhIvVSA_vY2Jjm5BlU4mFN1yBgbt2fDacN_XPM5EgxTGezBQmdlIlTN4uWcxyFCstqftKQGeE7wIPYmSHZxbVk6ZmkU0Ebl9VbB8Cw_z9Q/w480-h640/231010_NASM_Freedom7-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mercury capsule, Freedom 7.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Is sympathetic claustrophobia a thing? Because I think I experienced it as I peered into Alan Shepard's <i>Freedom 7</i>. Shepard was the the second human being and first American to fly into space inside this tin can, perched atop a Redstone rocket like an arrowhead. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfWssbFAIQIxYSHd_ab6H4d9kRgmoxHCjdwtPcEfOFtjijNYK8XMGI29gHij7HVITQOKYleayocWRywYc0rlV2aaU52-iLdGMREPR-9fcSSTrIspLcjUILZUUAZpHas_Uev_7YlKB4lA3K18Z1YP4UfwAOryofYonR0-E5B3HqKXRYvIATSr72Qep6cg/s2048/231010_NASM_GeminiVII-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfWssbFAIQIxYSHd_ab6H4d9kRgmoxHCjdwtPcEfOFtjijNYK8XMGI29gHij7HVITQOKYleayocWRywYc0rlV2aaU52-iLdGMREPR-9fcSSTrIspLcjUILZUUAZpHas_Uev_7YlKB4lA3K18Z1YP4UfwAOryofYonR0-E5B3HqKXRYvIATSr72Qep6cg/w480-h640/231010_NASM_GeminiVII-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gemini VII.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H_qmWsylOEwjIbl_RGaP03dOtS7ncewqICEFI0fhpioDeigvHijBY4KRxxHkgwLXgi3f1orTEuD6X4i6obJ-9xwH9YjUbRSy_iD_RZRBwzXnX2MWNmzhJvoQc3LmBwCelm49NHbDvHHfQbSlJ80rubNQvkk7O0x-RAw3-7Gdd6AJzJ7VHd-ICL9qcVI/s2048/231010_NASM_GeminiVII-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H_qmWsylOEwjIbl_RGaP03dOtS7ncewqICEFI0fhpioDeigvHijBY4KRxxHkgwLXgi3f1orTEuD6X4i6obJ-9xwH9YjUbRSy_iD_RZRBwzXnX2MWNmzhJvoQc3LmBwCelm49NHbDvHHfQbSlJ80rubNQvkk7O0x-RAw3-7Gdd6AJzJ7VHd-ICL9qcVI/w480-h640/231010_NASM_GeminiVII-3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gemini VII.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Gemini VII launched on December 4, 1965 with astronauts Frank Broman and Jim Lovell (who later commanded Apollo XIII) aboard. Their mission was to demonstrate that humans could survive 14 days in weightlessness, a feat not previously accomplished. They also executed the first docking maneuver in orbit with Gemini VI piloted by Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford, demonstrating a critical operation necessary to accomplish the moon landing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also on display were the tiny string of bells and miniature harmonica that Stafford and Schirra smuggled aboard Gemini VI to play <i>Jingle Bells</i> to Mission Control from orbit on December 16. Spaceflight is serious business, but I admire the dedication and spirit required to pull off such a gag. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhW_QzuqU0GjKT82sLZORzU82kZgDKOuTZgas10Hs0d5J58FHlnqrmi5YdrziZ4BibTNTabdE6H6U2zARPAvrL0iw_xG6uKoE__H0ygzvR_-7t6B1UQp9Fk3MFA2Xf1L8HdB3uHSCcD0j_WmDDlm4pMgB-R280sHB1DN8z-Ba3DYbOc0PsvKuFTlxz4Q/s2048/231010_NASM_Apollo11-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhW_QzuqU0GjKT82sLZORzU82kZgDKOuTZgas10Hs0d5J58FHlnqrmi5YdrziZ4BibTNTabdE6H6U2zARPAvrL0iw_xG6uKoE__H0ygzvR_-7t6B1UQp9Fk3MFA2Xf1L8HdB3uHSCcD0j_WmDDlm4pMgB-R280sHB1DN8z-Ba3DYbOc0PsvKuFTlxz4Q/w640-h480/231010_NASM_Apollo11-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apollo XI capsule.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEzG1A6eD3VXh5ZG3hDYwdueijVyNF-iAKoiGIRmZOsw484IWJlYsAYWwjJ-KGt9u_HfSlEMSPIimR1PLYTSXjEVWQmjQrkqgM95W860XvBU_d3S5v8EG2PqOWS4t6GJ26deyvMVzHV2VapU26eC93NE7c6qib2NKzkGhtXA2XqRQjDe83HG8GCBBLIA/s2048/231010_NASM_Apollo11-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEzG1A6eD3VXh5ZG3hDYwdueijVyNF-iAKoiGIRmZOsw484IWJlYsAYWwjJ-KGt9u_HfSlEMSPIimR1PLYTSXjEVWQmjQrkqgM95W860XvBU_d3S5v8EG2PqOWS4t6GJ26deyvMVzHV2VapU26eC93NE7c6qib2NKzkGhtXA2XqRQjDe83HG8GCBBLIA/w640-h480/231010_NASM_Apollo11-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apollo XI capsule.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>And finally, there was <i>Columbia</i>, the Apollo XI capsule that returned Neal Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to Earth after humanity first set foot on the moon. I cannot view these artifacts with anything but awe for the astronauts who willingly bound themselves into these nutshells to become kings of infinite space. (To paraphrase Shakespeare.)</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FvKIodj5jk50PsYum3Um5Autp3oej7NHNi_Ob7wp-_jq2bwLAjYsl-voeDVUjzVzyJkfvH2TtmqwLXN-fRN0t07NQnia_XnYeI0Yag2eoSqN2yGutlx6DFtFYpIuBaNRI_a0h4ZbjlTldw2B_dBKgyxY-0s2X4rGLQsHTaKZ-NUG4r9PnvIyqwrBGg/s1796/231010_NASM_ArmstrongSuit-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1796" data-original-width="1347" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7FvKIodj5jk50PsYum3Um5Autp3oej7NHNi_Ob7wp-_jq2bwLAjYsl-voeDVUjzVzyJkfvH2TtmqwLXN-fRN0t07NQnia_XnYeI0Yag2eoSqN2yGutlx6DFtFYpIuBaNRI_a0h4ZbjlTldw2B_dBKgyxY-0s2X4rGLQsHTaKZ-NUG4r9PnvIyqwrBGg/w480-h640/231010_NASM_ArmstrongSuit-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neal Armstrong's spacesuit from the moon. Dry clean only?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKAyCF-vlYuZSVniyEZI1I6-PmMhaQcBV9K0Mbo-EAN9dd2J5i3B2pgFQ6C9IntrWKG8hu3ghRDbfE0pBOEci0N1H0ZtShuq21Z4eVngZ0pVO4Mjd_TkSIirnrHwD2x1pDUYFXI3LKF_siEpMmf9IuOxzHbzKNKWXB1D75VG4K9BwbK4OmEwAhlPmtBc/s2048/231010_NASM_SaturnVEngine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKAyCF-vlYuZSVniyEZI1I6-PmMhaQcBV9K0Mbo-EAN9dd2J5i3B2pgFQ6C9IntrWKG8hu3ghRDbfE0pBOEci0N1H0ZtShuq21Z4eVngZ0pVO4Mjd_TkSIirnrHwD2x1pDUYFXI3LKF_siEpMmf9IuOxzHbzKNKWXB1D75VG4K9BwbK4OmEwAhlPmtBc/w480-h640/231010_NASM_SaturnVEngine.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Rocketdyne F-1 is the most powerful, single rocket engine ever flown. Five of these massive engines lifted the Saturn V rocket carrying humanity to the moon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, I was very impressed with the reimagined exhibits. They present these precious artifacts to visitors in a modern, accessible way all wrapped in a bow of dazzling multimedia. I look forward to the eventual completion of the remaining exhibits. Fortunately, with a FRZ PIN now in hand, Washington DC is a quick flight and Metro ride from home.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Return to College Park</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSIiJVXHXV9Triwe-97F6Q9g8psdi79zlq2O3M4-aqjWjBFvwGJJaH2K4MiRx5FlyrBmj8H-ADzX-P4tRZ15eN5B8AZnNVFLzur0aj04rmzlW2yADq6LX0WETc-zMZg6EsKz59TuwK0tbrFibMENVvSonMdGG853GyEutyST0GHaFSntehZoG2pgf5H0/s4566/231010_WashingtonMonument.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2568" data-original-width="4566" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSIiJVXHXV9Triwe-97F6Q9g8psdi79zlq2O3M4-aqjWjBFvwGJJaH2K4MiRx5FlyrBmj8H-ADzX-P4tRZ15eN5B8AZnNVFLzur0aj04rmzlW2yADq6LX0WETc-zMZg6EsKz59TuwK0tbrFibMENVvSonMdGG853GyEutyST0GHaFSntehZoG2pgf5H0/w640-h360/231010_WashingtonMonument.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Monument.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbP_1Ve-Qt4P6tyE5BPVFysxcvlVpq6bJBiHMBLZTqBQQP13i8QoyV5zWP6xy68SCmMMfO07JjyyJNfOItM0kZj4qEEVwSCSHQGZ_9ItR6SXM583wYNhFzkzX1TPM5o9q0Lg6y_-uO-caT0iRdNap3MTMrUt8qjGxo4HOnmHQtQu1_c1M_HJ3cHjLWxA/s4478/231010_Capital.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2519" data-original-width="4478" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbP_1Ve-Qt4P6tyE5BPVFysxcvlVpq6bJBiHMBLZTqBQQP13i8QoyV5zWP6xy68SCmMMfO07JjyyJNfOItM0kZj4qEEVwSCSHQGZ_9ItR6SXM583wYNhFzkzX1TPM5o9q0Lg6y_-uO-caT0iRdNap3MTMrUt8qjGxo4HOnmHQtQu1_c1M_HJ3cHjLWxA/w640-h360/231010_Capital.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United States Capitol.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>After three hours, I left the National Air & Space Museum and wandered northward to the National Mall where I could regard the Washington Monument that I saw earlier through the windscreen of Warrior 481 and where I could shake my head at that other structure bookending the east end of the Mall.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, I strolled to L'Enfant Plaza for a return Metro ride to College Park.</div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-35297669147819549302023-10-10T15:47:01.427-04:002023-11-16T08:51:07.732-05:00Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 1, Of PINs and Prop Locks<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Prologue: Lasting Effects</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Following the abhorrent transformation of commercial aircraft into weapons of terror on September 11, 2001, airspace over the United States was briefly devoid of nearly all civil aircraft, our clear blue skies unmarked by contrails with neither the rumble of commercial airliners nor the buzz of light piston aircraft audible overhead.</div><div><br /></div><div>Among General Aviation pilots, there was great fear that private aircraft would be permanently barred from controlled airspace, particularly around the epicenters of those attacks in New York City and Washington DC. Fortunately, this did not fully come to pass, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2019/09/these-vagabond-wings-are-longing-to.html" target="_blank">even around Manhattan</a>. But permanent changes were implemented in reaction to the events of that dark day. For the traveling public, airport security screening became slower and more invasive, passengers ultimately engaging in an absurdist ballet of shoe and belt removal while juggling computers, tablets, CPAP machines, and baggies of sub 3.4-ounce toiletries. For pilots, 9/11 ushered in the era of massive, recurring Presidential Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), the banishment of private aviation from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and the creation of an elaborate set of airspace restrictions around Washington DC. Although 9/11 marked the weaponization of <b>commercial </b>aircraft, the aftereffects are felt most keenly by General Aviation. This hardly seems equitable, but is a reality that pilots have borne for many years.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwt3j8JPsNE7US4_MAcxB8zgEKX1moyWrj_pafyn7yufYCC3tBe4g0I-Yy4hIHX20vKaRNGTUC8bMYw4h1NhMvCjQhyKUOQNCdAqO_CQnVYn6EoFpA55cKz4xqgmHpoYRwIZMTNAxmx08GI5xN40x5uN4h-LifUqiFJ1hvZ62XF_so2_GS6CCMXcwlyE/s1025/231010_SectionalSFRA.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1025" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwt3j8JPsNE7US4_MAcxB8zgEKX1moyWrj_pafyn7yufYCC3tBe4g0I-Yy4hIHX20vKaRNGTUC8bMYw4h1NhMvCjQhyKUOQNCdAqO_CQnVYn6EoFpA55cKz4xqgmHpoYRwIZMTNAxmx08GI5xN40x5uN4h-LifUqiFJ1hvZ62XF_so2_GS6CCMXcwlyE/w640-h578/231010_SectionalSFRA.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sectional chart depicting the superposition of Bravo airspaces and the SFRA (shown by the blue/white ring around DC).</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Today, Washington DC is encircled by three tiers of increasingly restrictive airspace. </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First is the pre-existing "hidden Mickey" of overlapping Bravo airspaces centered around Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), and Washington Dulles International (IAD). </li><li>Next is the Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA or "sifra"), a ring of 30-nautical mile radius around DCA requiring specialized training and adherence to specific procedures to navigate. </li><li>Finally, at the heart of the SFRA is the lopsided Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ or "freeze") that encompasses Washington DC at a 12 to 15-nautical mile radius.</li></ul></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbrhwX-Fo3vy7uuC2M2Tpjo6ubBP7pw7b2KHxQfMMgK9j4_MxgOepXH1pFeM-D_o1Bou65WSkCiXEENglhE1itx3gDPSkzSlu_w7SFxZKecbraflEIo8VmwsHsl55kCufyx_drXEc1F4GhsdfypZzEjWyLkpXja_H3y879k9IUTtiZ7N9_4UPdduluwc/s1144/231010_SectionalFRZ.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1144" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbrhwX-Fo3vy7uuC2M2Tpjo6ubBP7pw7b2KHxQfMMgK9j4_MxgOepXH1pFeM-D_o1Bou65WSkCiXEENglhE1itx3gDPSkzSlu_w7SFxZKecbraflEIo8VmwsHsl55kCufyx_drXEc1F4GhsdfypZzEjWyLkpXja_H3y879k9IUTtiZ7N9_4UPdduluwc/w640-h516/231010_SectionalFRZ.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expanded Washington DC Terminal Area Chart (TAC) depicting the FRZ with a hatched blue boundary and white background.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As implied by the name, the FRZ at the core of Washington DC’s airspace is the most restrictive. For private pilots, entering this airspace requires prior vetting and assignment of a pilot-specific security code (PIN). When the FRZ was created, three General Aviation airports were trapped inside and became difficult to access. Known as the Maryland Three (MD-3), they are College Park Airport (CGS), Potomac Airfield (VKX), and Washington Executive / Hyde Field (W32). All three airports struggled with the onerous security requirements imposed upon them, with Hyde Field eventually succumbing and closing in late 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">College Park: General Aviation Gateway to Washington DC</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Why8N-FK_1TDfVpf4mt7r7mZmOmUtkyXSTl2_C47q7nmqQzp3SZAqZdoefdkzv08OZ4mvK9EgC28cx1R3FqEzTIaJwaQxbbEX9xCeXYSKbSnESNUZ6ORb_rotLOOfJUw-j0OVmJac3yDqxqLum2gI1E0ko37_VPSPK5-1LFaPcrqPcRniJzuOIIXAaI/s1668/231010_SFRASchematic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1668" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Why8N-FK_1TDfVpf4mt7r7mZmOmUtkyXSTl2_C47q7nmqQzp3SZAqZdoefdkzv08OZ4mvK9EgC28cx1R3FqEzTIaJwaQxbbEX9xCeXYSKbSnESNUZ6ORb_rotLOOfJUw-j0OVmJac3yDqxqLum2gI1E0ko37_VPSPK5-1LFaPcrqPcRniJzuOIIXAaI/w640-h402/231010_SFRASchematic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simplified schematic of the SFRA and FRZ with the position of College Park (CGS) marked.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One of my goals for 2023 was to earn a FRZ PIN and fly into College Park Airport (CGS). This was driven in part by pressure from friends Chris K (a WFC member who bases his Bonanza there), Gilead B (who did his early training in the area), and Dan P.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why go through the hassle? For starters, College Park is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world and a worthwhile destination because of its long and fascinating history. Additionally, earning the ability to navigate the most restrictive airspace in the country is an interesting goal unto itself. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ36DYBvf9oa5IlGwOLPf_L1tVw_cc80z2go4t4rE9UxztCXA5fL1lG1gzc2t5fMM9OiXMNugdeEzOPEQUvPUt6jA4JXF_pqc3WPHklYI8l_W9n-vP3y1TCzY6rFQkaMuYgC374r1N0aSW12gE2mNl5yM1G__2f5MwkoirYaKg1rz0YR1hk7-FxshSWQE/s891/231010_MetroMap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="891" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ36DYBvf9oa5IlGwOLPf_L1tVw_cc80z2go4t4rE9UxztCXA5fL1lG1gzc2t5fMM9OiXMNugdeEzOPEQUvPUt6jA4JXF_pqc3WPHklYI8l_W9n-vP3y1TCzY6rFQkaMuYgC374r1N0aSW12gE2mNl5yM1G__2f5MwkoirYaKg1rz0YR1hk7-FxshSWQE/w640-h550/231010_MetroMap.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map of the Washington DC Metro System showing College Park, MD.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>But most practically, College Park is the <i>only General Aviation airport</i> located adjacent to a stop on the DC Metro. Convenient Metro access makes College Park a perfect General Aviation gateway to our nation's capital; once within the system, one can get just about anywhere in the greater DC metropolitan area. I want to fly to DC because The Bear has never been. Although eighth graders at The Bear's school make an annual trip to DC, that was a pandemic year for her and the trip did not happen. Thus, the end goal for all of the machination required to earn a FRZ PIN is an easy family trip to Washington DC in Warrior 481. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Getting PINned</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>College Park Airport's <a href="https://collegeparkairport.aero/?page_id=56" target="_blank">website</a> describes the process to apply for a MD-3 PIN (even though MD-2 is more appropriate now that Hyde Field is permanently closed). The steps are:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Complete the FAA's Washington DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) <a href="https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/courseLanding.aspx?cID=405" target="_blank">online course</a>. I have taken this a few times over the years, but refreshed on it anyway.</li><li>Complete the <a href="https://collegeparkairport.aero/MD-3%20PIN%20Application.pdf" target="_blank">TSA's MD-3 PIN application form</a> (form 418).</li><ul><li>The form indicates that a FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) signature is needed for aircraft owners. This was the rate limiting step in the process for me as it took a while to get an appointment with the Rochester FSDO. <b>Don't do this. </b>I later learned that this step is no longer required and that the form has simply not been updated to reflect that.</li></ul><li>Submit Form 418 to the College Park Airport and the TSA's MD-3 Program with supporting documentation: copies of the FAA SFRA course certificate, government issued photo ID, FAA pilot certificate, and FAA medical certificate.</li></ul><div>I submitted everything by email over a weekend. Monday morning before going to work, I received a call from Lee Sommer, manager of the College Park Airport.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm surprised you're calling so soon," I exclaimed.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm surprised that you're the first person to fill out that form correctly in a long time," Lee quipped. We did a quick Facetime call so that he could match me to my photo ID.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, a Tuesday, I was fingerprinted by the local NATACS (National Air Transport Association Compliance Services) affiliate. By using a NATACS collector, my fingerprints were electronically transmitted to where they needed to go without any intervention from me. Although there was concern about whether my prints were of adequate quality, Lee called again the following Monday to provide my PIN. For the most part, the process was quick and easy. It is obvious that Lee works hard to attract pilots to College Park and to facilitate their completion of the PIN process.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">New Adventures in Flight Planning and Filing</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to test-drive my PIN and the whole FRZ process for the first time as my annual fall solo flight in October of 2023. By way of full disclosure, I am distrustful of bureaucratic processes; especially those that could result in an intercept by an F-16 or an unpleasant meeting with law enforcement after landing. It is too often my experience that "standardized" processes do not work exactly as claimed. Thus, my first time trying a new process like this one is always colored by anxiety.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any flight into the FRZ requires a FRZ flight plan. These cannot be filed electronically or through other conventional means. Instead, a call to Washington Center (1-703-771-3476) is necessary. I made this call the night before my flight and filed IFR FRZ plans for both the inbound and outbound flights. The old FAA format is used for FRZ flight plans rather than the ICAO format more commonly used today. It was an odd experience because I have not filed a flight plan over the phone in a decade. At the beginning of the call, Center verified that I was authorized to file a FRZ plan by requesting my name and PIN. When both plans were filed, he asked me to stand-by while he verified that the flight plan was properly pushed to Cleveland Center where Rochester Approach would be able to retrieve it. Before he came back on the line with that confirmation, I saw both flight plans appear in FlightAware and knew that all was well.</div><div><br /></div><div>After an unusually warm September, an abrupt cool down led to a new concern during flight planning for October 10: icing. Although I normally prefer to cruise at 7,000 - 8,000 feet unless unfavorable winds dictate otherwise, those preferred altitudes were in a range predicted for moderate icing potential. I filed for 6,000 feet on the way south and 7,000 feet on the way north in an effort to fly below predicted cloud bases, if not necessarily below the expected freezing level of the atmosphere.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Sun Also Rises</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">10 Oct 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - CGS (College Park, MD)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.7</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">7239.5</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPowJO2Delc0VZnl5q22TAsrdN0yE50IW8iRQD3NpxAGSEPMBhkIZt5GcrpxYCXn-3B1jRgBWd0uK_f_3b6KWn2AMIF73Hl1eygQ-kRqYrB-Dw83R7NK3_pQssvahvgNbKLlS__-Az-NMmrgzTRnsviVBf359CO1AZKeCFYbt-h_3RMHAJ4TPL7FP8XQI/s2048/231010_SDC-CGS-22-DepartSodus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPowJO2Delc0VZnl5q22TAsrdN0yE50IW8iRQD3NpxAGSEPMBhkIZt5GcrpxYCXn-3B1jRgBWd0uK_f_3b6KWn2AMIF73Hl1eygQ-kRqYrB-Dw83R7NK3_pQssvahvgNbKLlS__-Az-NMmrgzTRnsviVBf359CO1AZKeCFYbt-h_3RMHAJ4TPL7FP8XQI/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-22-DepartSodus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southbound minutes after departure in the rain and before climbing into the clouds.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>On the morning of October 10, I arrived at the Williamson Sodus Airport before sunrise and topped off the Warrior's fuel as a cold drizzle fell from the overcast. It was not an inspiring morning to fly out of Sodus, but I knew that the poor weather was localized to the Lake Ontario shore and that Washington DC was forecast to be sunny and significantly warmer. I was aloft exactly at 7:30 am as planned and climbed through light rain with good visibility. When I contacted Rochester Approach, the controller came back with, "Are you looking for your clearance to College Park?" I answered in the affirmative, received my clearance, and was given a climb to 6,000 feet as the rain streaked over my windscreen.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1jaCvpGpHRVTFdZFm7PI0oAv1N0M7U6_OjqTfQcu4yxv0CCmKYM4ud1ilD9SEA_lnwpt5ZU2qFTRedBFbD0VUonl8u2XBCg5eh3k2ZnlEOjOV6fd6L0rgfFAIW8ZhD8rP8Fk0B2oMAmBeO5LTulkJJPWxXq4iyRh3NQKBkQbYqmfKSOicgkKH2ELo_A/s2039/231010_SDC-CGS-26-DepartSodus.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="2039" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1jaCvpGpHRVTFdZFm7PI0oAv1N0M7U6_OjqTfQcu4yxv0CCmKYM4ud1ilD9SEA_lnwpt5ZU2qFTRedBFbD0VUonl8u2XBCg5eh3k2ZnlEOjOV6fd6L0rgfFAIW8ZhD8rP8Fk0B2oMAmBeO5LTulkJJPWxXq4iyRh3NQKBkQbYqmfKSOicgkKH2ELo_A/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-26-DepartSodus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging from the clouds on reaching the Finger Lakes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy1sbTStRnTJlDRpCXq2t4FhmYP9ZF8Q4lpJHi6z0c8bVkPe7xBXm1B4Rh9_Va-_5hkbghrRdgrn_DjGH5IVzODbjkv8LTgDde79E0zdasgy1AW-ksxX5uEN_m0jLfOmzxuT0Oyq6hE-5wZY3Eu0_9B_eDPL96B6KyLl53G1j2QqQrdsXMvTxrYBKOKo/s2011/231010_SDC-CGS-30-FingerLakes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2011" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy1sbTStRnTJlDRpCXq2t4FhmYP9ZF8Q4lpJHi6z0c8bVkPe7xBXm1B4Rh9_Va-_5hkbghrRdgrn_DjGH5IVzODbjkv8LTgDde79E0zdasgy1AW-ksxX5uEN_m0jLfOmzxuT0Oyq6hE-5wZY3Eu0_9B_eDPL96B6KyLl53G1j2QqQrdsXMvTxrYBKOKo/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-30-FingerLakes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the clear and southbound parallel to Seneca Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Near 5,000 feet, I entered the cloud bases with an outside air temperature within a degree of freezing. I snapped on the pitot heat and spent the next 15 minutes in the clouds scrutinizing the leading edges of the wings and fuel caps for evidence of ice formation. I had an easy out available to me: a descent of 1000 feet would bring me out of the clouds with plenty of altitude to spare above the terrain. A good pilot always leaves himself an out. But no ice formed that morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reaching the northern ends of the Finger Lakes, I emerged from the clouds and was treated to a brilliant band of light on the eastern horizon. Somewhere beyond the overcast, the sun still existed.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Interstitial Spaces</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I crossed the remainder of New York, Pennsylvania, and a portion of Maryland by navigating between a breathtaking diversity of cloudscapes above and an uneven terrain below highlighted by ground fog and sunbeams, the latter seemingly physical manifestations of light moodily accentuated by haze.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQygnwCBcySwdPMTnfKgbW77TAxVE0dgXgA_JDJzltjViP1msUUS8Fw0tC1anSuSznLLgPHKKjEL7jsqxq3ePIyhY2kjX_sdPthm_FfU58u87-zMcqL2IZn2cnFwyOAV87f2ec8YBOaqvnQLDh5ipAeGO4rhIb3zGePowzD-kP-YmFiDmp5a8m90PlDy0/s5156/231010_SDC-CGS-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2901" data-original-width="5156" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQygnwCBcySwdPMTnfKgbW77TAxVE0dgXgA_JDJzltjViP1msUUS8Fw0tC1anSuSznLLgPHKKjEL7jsqxq3ePIyhY2kjX_sdPthm_FfU58u87-zMcqL2IZn2cnFwyOAV87f2ec8YBOaqvnQLDh5ipAeGO4rhIb3zGePowzD-kP-YmFiDmp5a8m90PlDy0/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seneca Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NOeFcZSGAE9QnswQZwlAgtuKAzTkp4BpWUHiFGkKM-J94_AgozSUVAYiXyjp43SXKBqbrDHKQqZ_kJ6l_oYXDOmoAvpWOacX-msLSZccirrUjf6Y8vgovWLAp6Ddnf1dx5YVDIJNyvqHMTVIsUynnt43GRgEQgtPYU4_tWvdj3chJR9tg_EdSxdY_5c/s4986/231010_SDC-CGS-6-Corning.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="4986" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NOeFcZSGAE9QnswQZwlAgtuKAzTkp4BpWUHiFGkKM-J94_AgozSUVAYiXyjp43SXKBqbrDHKQqZ_kJ6l_oYXDOmoAvpWOacX-msLSZccirrUjf6Y8vgovWLAp6Ddnf1dx5YVDIJNyvqHMTVIsUynnt43GRgEQgtPYU4_tWvdj3chJR9tg_EdSxdY_5c/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-6-Corning.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corning, NY.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRJLj1ZeSwaj3rJO-P4UG0pNWwnSD2r5BF1W-ks4_iJJZvrRvShwDzyXdmUgeu2CwGdrJYMDDUTbxJW857soOveGamsQQ9eWuCWIVisRvGv4mzipWra23IOpbKmFRWU82UEDKS0KDkmx5C0rbvRNxazWlMG_6d5uio3HBje7cCzgE07ziviy0WrKljXI/s4895/231010_SDC-CGS-7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2754" data-original-width="4895" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRJLj1ZeSwaj3rJO-P4UG0pNWwnSD2r5BF1W-ks4_iJJZvrRvShwDzyXdmUgeu2CwGdrJYMDDUTbxJW857soOveGamsQQ9eWuCWIVisRvGv4mzipWra23IOpbKmFRWU82UEDKS0KDkmx5C0rbvRNxazWlMG_6d5uio3HBje7cCzgE07ziviy0WrKljXI/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZ_cUwQ-lOP38mY2l0l92fAlmUQItU_JXdMasHyLx-7DtR4reqVW1UN9Y6LUR8zVcjcA62mygi5ir7kzKfphWK0u6n_AZ89n0kf3MC3_LBWegRnjsiT5F4iNOaqSK6jzUvLJZySGTUYxN0fxVZHK_L289iPpB_H8uuuaO821wXRbbNQ2FX2KjrX-dUQ/s2017/231010_SDC-CGS-33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="2017" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkZ_cUwQ-lOP38mY2l0l92fAlmUQItU_JXdMasHyLx-7DtR4reqVW1UN9Y6LUR8zVcjcA62mygi5ir7kzKfphWK0u6n_AZ89n0kf3MC3_LBWegRnjsiT5F4iNOaqSK6jzUvLJZySGTUYxN0fxVZHK_L289iPpB_H8uuuaO821wXRbbNQ2FX2KjrX-dUQ/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iBnWDRvjIjbcucmbb2WGcw-5QamDaaw9cM0SWgUIwD9-wkgfyofLSRZnfb0wYVX9rhw9EIoaAJyFfykTc7TDr4onyJm-mqFiLXoz4RHX3lTTVMJsN374HgWQ9IeL6atMfRCoChD-Z3ytAhIpCkOvD-ub9H1mV4x_4rP7dOSYF-zzzimaj1N4O1Fv7vw/s1943/231010_SDC-CGS-36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1943" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iBnWDRvjIjbcucmbb2WGcw-5QamDaaw9cM0SWgUIwD9-wkgfyofLSRZnfb0wYVX9rhw9EIoaAJyFfykTc7TDr4onyJm-mqFiLXoz4RHX3lTTVMJsN374HgWQ9IeL6atMfRCoChD-Z3ytAhIpCkOvD-ub9H1mV4x_4rP7dOSYF-zzzimaj1N4O1Fv7vw/w640-h480/231010_SDC-CGS-36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1lKH1k_y3s6pewNpHcTefCrZEzXeJALgi_I3DitJJhUI4Q3EsFWh-JG-1pgSufrkcCS5rx9hyphenhyphenh-s7HRSa4mYPdePhE8fBwTNI-xB6QMe7gMpCL0UbiQAZVek1CoEELc1R1LmKraa7-y8b8Xj2lJDw4ljj8DNM3tJOGK07aJ_S9Rr1GP5sD7900JeSgQ/s4618/231010_SDC-CGS-9-Williamsport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1lKH1k_y3s6pewNpHcTefCrZEzXeJALgi_I3DitJJhUI4Q3EsFWh-JG-1pgSufrkcCS5rx9hyphenhyphenh-s7HRSa4mYPdePhE8fBwTNI-xB6QMe7gMpCL0UbiQAZVek1CoEELc1R1LmKraa7-y8b8Xj2lJDw4ljj8DNM3tJOGK07aJ_S9Rr1GP5sD7900JeSgQ/w640-h480/231010_SDC-CGS-9-Williamsport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Williamsport, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJntuO9UVpDvg6-IfKAtjUihtbzXXEpaQACgaPnN5TmvZRPpg-PKE-3kqY5lYbFM2lhoJZawV5BYAJTIf2IwxoEw_SzzkbBMIO4_ZKjrn46mXM5KJye-kyeQfxDw2DnASxNrqklY9oaBPmQyYrE2FD8-mrArobpYpE-mucpSdViRVRlXAVPpy4RF0nfE/s5184/231010_SDC-CGS-10-Williamsport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJntuO9UVpDvg6-IfKAtjUihtbzXXEpaQACgaPnN5TmvZRPpg-PKE-3kqY5lYbFM2lhoJZawV5BYAJTIf2IwxoEw_SzzkbBMIO4_ZKjrn46mXM5KJye-kyeQfxDw2DnASxNrqklY9oaBPmQyYrE2FD8-mrArobpYpE-mucpSdViRVRlXAVPpy4RF0nfE/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-10-Williamsport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Williamsport, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJG1ifQRllp_TSRGQ7XVVtAKvBkVUEZKFlxrujc6fkFohUElNsiGBbQ8_otLapLkUSXY8B0BsaqqY52Lv4-WVM6-jJsq0o-K1O0e6DoKhVTWpkIcofHTEhAJ55hyphenhyphenkVLbZm4ReSeyMQQpd7o4edq37qETvK79PoWZ2b7LsIMhfMrTAudbrIVGFDvl0qQo/s4875/231010_SDC-CGS-11-Williamsport.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2742" data-original-width="4875" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJG1ifQRllp_TSRGQ7XVVtAKvBkVUEZKFlxrujc6fkFohUElNsiGBbQ8_otLapLkUSXY8B0BsaqqY52Lv4-WVM6-jJsq0o-K1O0e6DoKhVTWpkIcofHTEhAJ55hyphenhyphenkVLbZm4ReSeyMQQpd7o4edq37qETvK79PoWZ2b7LsIMhfMrTAudbrIVGFDvl0qQo/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-11-Williamsport.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Williamsport, PA and the Susquehanna River.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84RVvevIzuAqfPDksyOC-j7fBASbHYqqqn2adXDW5V39NAQDsdM_SZaVm8NhBxd1GuC_vUZiOYK-0TGblMl0FgqoQpBSA7rlNLihvKnInEJJVLszsDZgn6P2aUXGGXNUwNUYjW0eAC5Qbu0Hqcpx9l6644aoljePoQK0wzxqMiSaY8xlM4wjEkF6SqMo/s5018/231010_SDC-CGS-13-SusquehannaFog.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="2822" data-original-width="5018" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84RVvevIzuAqfPDksyOC-j7fBASbHYqqqn2adXDW5V39NAQDsdM_SZaVm8NhBxd1GuC_vUZiOYK-0TGblMl0FgqoQpBSA7rlNLihvKnInEJJVLszsDZgn6P2aUXGGXNUwNUYjW0eAC5Qbu0Hqcpx9l6644aoljePoQK0wzxqMiSaY8xlM4wjEkF6SqMo/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-13-SusquehannaFog.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>From Williamsport, the Susquehanna River follows a ridgeline westbound to <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/03/sentimental-journey-part-1-lock-haven.html" target="_blank">Lock Haven, former home of the Piper Aircraft Company</a>. Today, the river valley was filled with fog extending from Williamsport westward beyond Lock Haven.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just north of the Selinsgrove VOR, Harrisburg called with the first change in routing. "Cherokee Four Eight One is cleared direct Baltimore, then direct destination." This adjustment only added a couple of minutes to the overall flight time.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv_fzQFRme_KhQ9URBW6wMUyBGrUCJKhq-3xZRPDQAyXjnLKrBgFZZtJ_gMGTUbrJzlSzWrrSQw6oZtpt4UO9rrW7wcS2yZgLqP9-07bOrsJDObTKvKZWR9F4IGJV7OCtrszbovcemXX-tqX4pNgwEkzJjxxAe_IAFOFdkK_eGyII6qryEMSsDrOvVYE/s4831/231010_SDC-CGS-15.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2717" data-original-width="4831" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgv_fzQFRme_KhQ9URBW6wMUyBGrUCJKhq-3xZRPDQAyXjnLKrBgFZZtJ_gMGTUbrJzlSzWrrSQw6oZtpt4UO9rrW7wcS2yZgLqP9-07bOrsJDObTKvKZWR9F4IGJV7OCtrszbovcemXX-tqX4pNgwEkzJjxxAe_IAFOFdkK_eGyII6qryEMSsDrOvVYE/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz4Ffus94PKQOYSXeLo5AdYa6NtR0Q_WPj4GP7BHXOAfdyTZrbVbsDoTO0L1NiODlTsdr5qS21Ks8bVohkNCst43a_PnmfKSZBRqg02ttZA7dvDepMId_IJaMGB_i2dkMDmknb51XDrA91438cUo0Qy1KM6vmgqqZ7qcGyzkjZsFwprKA_bBVtu0SyW4/s5184/231010_SDC-CGS-16.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVz4Ffus94PKQOYSXeLo5AdYa6NtR0Q_WPj4GP7BHXOAfdyTZrbVbsDoTO0L1NiODlTsdr5qS21Ks8bVohkNCst43a_PnmfKSZBRqg02ttZA7dvDepMId_IJaMGB_i2dkMDmknb51XDrA91438cUo0Qy1KM6vmgqqZ7qcGyzkjZsFwprKA_bBVtu0SyW4/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-16.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Towers on a hilltop outside of Harrisburg, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV9Z8MSWkIiw0SUUqip2j3KrUXTdQ4CxH5hxDsTqmtzpxqkVuf2d5Xlu2k81CzjfCZP1kcYnSfeopr0sx56GjN9JJ3OkVwcD1RkOcP-1p89EHkWfOilKBO2cKbK_wE9fn5sBqYrJZG6ENtsFUUa1G8Wgg70xfxenIqqpvX5YpDeUUZIzi9SlMX4yVEj0/s4618/231010_SDC-CGS-17-Harrisburg.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV9Z8MSWkIiw0SUUqip2j3KrUXTdQ4CxH5hxDsTqmtzpxqkVuf2d5Xlu2k81CzjfCZP1kcYnSfeopr0sx56GjN9JJ3OkVwcD1RkOcP-1p89EHkWfOilKBO2cKbK_wE9fn5sBqYrJZG6ENtsFUUa1G8Wgg70xfxenIqqpvX5YpDeUUZIzi9SlMX4yVEj0/w640-h480/231010_SDC-CGS-17-Harrisburg.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmOfFBf7pthy2DvMLp7bSODUDWMwFNsAQ8t-q7AepSBr50t2E4q3u-X8Y6bNkTogKO-IVlPslFrlhmRE_VQ74Hu1X9pAWT49Pwk08rgSXYiZ4zI1THPq0Z0E59jqf07FYdiFrLyvfRn6DeK0MaKJZUP0lmHXX0kBRuv6rgXkCquPQ2XsHdQid33xi0oc/s4915/231010_SDC-CGS-19-Harrisburg.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2765" data-original-width="4915" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmOfFBf7pthy2DvMLp7bSODUDWMwFNsAQ8t-q7AepSBr50t2E4q3u-X8Y6bNkTogKO-IVlPslFrlhmRE_VQ74Hu1X9pAWT49Pwk08rgSXYiZ4zI1THPq0Z0E59jqf07FYdiFrLyvfRn6DeK0MaKJZUP0lmHXX0kBRuv6rgXkCquPQ2XsHdQid33xi0oc/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-19-Harrisburg.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Susquehanna River passing through Harrisburg, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_1TJKPr28izw_CeQvRE5i5jbTvg9lxn6oYbJEXN0YxeijSPXOi8KR-uSUKAwDV5DQ21QLZhDkU-brKrCuEq3rtzgsGvgYfvVGRirGGOw39kA3XWxJxHjhoqImVLsENURKDCJ0bzBbqt5hT29igSD_WXisKcNOxDhGBUOrxKYPX53RPKDX34DFdMIAw/s1985/231010_SDC-CGS-41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1985" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q_1TJKPr28izw_CeQvRE5i5jbTvg9lxn6oYbJEXN0YxeijSPXOi8KR-uSUKAwDV5DQ21QLZhDkU-brKrCuEq3rtzgsGvgYfvVGRirGGOw39kA3XWxJxHjhoqImVLsENURKDCJ0bzBbqt5hT29igSD_WXisKcNOxDhGBUOrxKYPX53RPKDX34DFdMIAw/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I passed through some additional clouds south of Harrisburg before emerging under the clear blue skies forecast for Washington DC. As I crossed the state line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, Potomac Approach assigned another reroute.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One is cleared direct to Westminster -- Echo Mike India, to intercept Victor 265 to BELTS -- Bravo Echo Lima Tango Sierra, direct. Descend and maintain 4,000." This put me close to my original course to College Park. BELTS is a waypoint located within the SFRA and just outside the FRZ.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1GXEWwznam6RnWPCrKpWvZYM6tablR15CBNFsFusmeTpSaUjX2hYEQtDWzxfl-C2qW2FUM9cFkzj8TcqlDThVNaU1rfZ8v2vZA7qSEmZnbnhlkUSK68MZREn5KSNR94yfiN9pPyU8FR367isbdV4kgS9Ns6l0xSV1MbIXbZPSsaDhj2959TD7wA2H1c/s1865/231010_SDC-CGS-40-No1200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1865" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1GXEWwznam6RnWPCrKpWvZYM6tablR15CBNFsFusmeTpSaUjX2hYEQtDWzxfl-C2qW2FUM9cFkzj8TcqlDThVNaU1rfZ8v2vZA7qSEmZnbnhlkUSK68MZREn5KSNR94yfiN9pPyU8FR367isbdV4kgS9Ns6l0xSV1MbIXbZPSsaDhj2959TD7wA2H1c/w640-h360/231010_SDC-CGS-40-No1200.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gentle reminder not to squawk VFR (1200) anywhere within the SFRA or FRZ.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Flying within the SFRA, whether it is within the FRZ or not, requires all aircraft to broadcast an assigned transponder code. When landing in the SFRA/FRZ, that code must be maintained until the airplane is on the ground. Normally, when approaching a non-towered airport like Williamson Sodus, air traffic control will instruct the inbound aircraft to "squawk VFR" (i.e., change the transponder to 1200) after terminating flight following or cancelling IFR. That cannot happen in the FRZ. Worried that old habits would lead to an unfortunate pressing of the VFR button on my transponder prior to landing, I improvised a reminder that covered over my transponder.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_q4N82CQQE20W1KI4-FJ-2yWmNoCpZH0TBRVwMqkPcfAy6rWnhYM5duTIANxB8aS1KuI3wDIMwEJ4kNMreG3njH6D6cI5aR-z9nQinzPqyuuZ7-ONXGIS3n6_1hgKqkrlG7NdWQc2rQFGgHSyWiWAlCd9GUOrakHcaNC3Mtv_zmBXSKIF3e2HIs8uhw/s2388/231010_ForeflightEnterSFRA.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_q4N82CQQE20W1KI4-FJ-2yWmNoCpZH0TBRVwMqkPcfAy6rWnhYM5duTIANxB8aS1KuI3wDIMwEJ4kNMreG3njH6D6cI5aR-z9nQinzPqyuuZ7-ONXGIS3n6_1hgKqkrlG7NdWQc2rQFGgHSyWiWAlCd9GUOrakHcaNC3Mtv_zmBXSKIF3e2HIs8uhw/w448-h640/231010_ForeflightEnterSFRA.PNG" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight ground track showing Warrior 481 on V265 and about to enter the SFRA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As has been my experience in the past, passing the invisible SFRA boundary while on an IFR flight plan was a non-issue. It was as though the restricted airspace did not actually exist. I suppose that is the goal of being well-prepared for this kind of operation.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Anticlimactic</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtMokGBj2HR12BM62bdMkIWuqSE7LDIyM7pE2Uy74ubHqPNdMJK1h0thWkc_FJl8yU206rzYI86FmE5GSv2uJC9qQYyg_dJUlHD6QWvyTO1wJUw0fqc2K26igYdvIVnIh8LmwKWisEBmwblJ4NuFwckvo9XLap3gh4PoOJEyrt5pUJGfbeaDXeHXF0dE/s2388/231010_ForeflightEnterFRZ.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtMokGBj2HR12BM62bdMkIWuqSE7LDIyM7pE2Uy74ubHqPNdMJK1h0thWkc_FJl8yU206rzYI86FmE5GSv2uJC9qQYyg_dJUlHD6QWvyTO1wJUw0fqc2K26igYdvIVnIh8LmwKWisEBmwblJ4NuFwckvo9XLap3gh4PoOJEyrt5pUJGfbeaDXeHXF0dE/w448-h640/231010_ForeflightEnterFRZ.PNG" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight ground track showing Warrior 481 at BELTS and about to cross into the FRZ.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I don't know what I was expecting. I passed the imaginary barrier into the most restricted airspace in the country (that is still navigable) and nothing really changed. The sky was the same color as before and the Potomac Approach controller's voice remained calm and helpful. No tense John Williams score underpinned the soundtrack of the scene. Were it not for the distinctive silhouette of the Washington Monument in my windscreen, I could have been flying just about anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>"Potomac Approach, Cherokee Four Eight One has College Park in sight and can cancel IFR."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One, IFR cancellation received, switch to advisory frequency approved, <i>keep the squawk</i>," she signed off with a thoughtful reminder not to change my transponder code until on the ground. No problem, I had that covered. Literally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Owing to noise sensitive areas all around College Park Airport, the fact that my approach was almost lined-up with the wind-favored runway (runway 15) and given the lack of traffic in the pattern, I chose to go straight in and flew final approach over the University of Maryland, College Park campus. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"Welcome to College Park!"</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qfl57EM7pkQUF5O1h37pBFApDrbUyn_SMZJonugl50HRpQw4vjA_-0AdBjP6kGxw4v1L85T4KwumXOQ7V5qZoPI_kV_TIQi3OhT2i-ep8waMkc3DvaSX48Fi1T7li-KBP50DkIHGVDcFMZ1an7ewTb2IascwvZxSdKZTFydmL2AUjMwSya4FgNbGuBg/s1985/231010_N21481atCGS-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1985" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qfl57EM7pkQUF5O1h37pBFApDrbUyn_SMZJonugl50HRpQw4vjA_-0AdBjP6kGxw4v1L85T4KwumXOQ7V5qZoPI_kV_TIQi3OhT2i-ep8waMkc3DvaSX48Fi1T7li-KBP50DkIHGVDcFMZ1an7ewTb2IascwvZxSdKZTFydmL2AUjMwSya4FgNbGuBg/w640-h360/231010_N21481atCGS-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Touching down at College Park (airport #268) placed me a mere seven miles from the US Capitol building. When the SFRA and FRZ were made permanent in 2008, I paid them little mind, never imagining that I would traverse those airspaces or land at one of the MD-3. It all seemed a little anticlimactic, but that means I worked the system properly.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I taxied off the runway, Moe greeted me on Unicom and directed me to a parking spot. I shut down the Warrior, tidied up the cockpit, and met him at the nose of my airplane.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbON5ZlcPgQGaDY7P1Uyqf20PVGWQfbZZtOlkKN0WZ5QvaSFaXTyUTz_Y0KBYxVEVxabXXp2z5-LjIb9SbtjxJhmgqfnO8QZW-MFIgcyD59WWK3T7-MeGC5IMw0eE46oPn2MiOTeRN86Z8XTkl1aPbhNnaMC_BJCRVWP_cvgU52KW_E-0EfMghRFOisI/s2048/231010_PropLockatCGS.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRbON5ZlcPgQGaDY7P1Uyqf20PVGWQfbZZtOlkKN0WZ5QvaSFaXTyUTz_Y0KBYxVEVxabXXp2z5-LjIb9SbtjxJhmgqfnO8QZW-MFIgcyD59WWK3T7-MeGC5IMw0eE46oPn2MiOTeRN86Z8XTkl1aPbhNnaMC_BJCRVWP_cvgU52KW_E-0EfMghRFOisI/w640-h480/231010_PropLockatCGS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Moe held out what appeared to be a bicycle lock. "Do you have a prop lock? If not, you can use this one." A prop lock is required on all aircraft parked outside of a hangar at the MD-3 airports, though throttle locks provide an alternate means of compliance. Moe carefully attached the lock while complimenting me on the Warrior's paint job. While the lock would not prevent anyone from starting the engine, it would most assuredly wreak havoc on any unauthorized airplane attempting to fly from the field.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNNERUCjbXdL_Z5CA_eSdCmeyVywcnh2dYK19znTz5-VchYc6Faos9jnfBOzpwgUscbn4v93ETwqyF5_c2qE6EDDUz_Q_ZraslYzd80zTOTmOwuCjW08D_Kb0G0YGd9pmTxbOUyag-jGVb1kQ8kL8AWp0bWhOHiTOBhdv9zmVRyBozcX1GNInpC9toGk/s5184/231010_ChrisBonanzaCGS.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNNERUCjbXdL_Z5CA_eSdCmeyVywcnh2dYK19znTz5-VchYc6Faos9jnfBOzpwgUscbn4v93ETwqyF5_c2qE6EDDUz_Q_ZraslYzd80zTOTmOwuCjW08D_Kb0G0YGd9pmTxbOUyag-jGVb1kQ8kL8AWp0bWhOHiTOBhdv9zmVRyBozcX1GNInpC9toGk/w640-h360/231010_ChrisBonanzaCGS.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I recognized Chris K's Bonanza right away and was comforted by its familiar presence on the ramp of this new place.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsJi7yjg_gEpvVPlj0hse-9sUtT0IuFKWAbCd7WcQZbUzEkBT-k8UFdJlxrF3FIhXrXQWEuNUA7uEL5QqNvr6yvdLkrEhc6bQ4XIRVjl8u3OfZr0c2pb8CjY3-7Zohgz1d0d5tZIYshzciRqPQjL_NutEguKlKMDo5NpsXyXghAt3kS7Uql1PEYk_wTY/s3940/231010_StatueCGS.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3940" data-original-width="2954" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsJi7yjg_gEpvVPlj0hse-9sUtT0IuFKWAbCd7WcQZbUzEkBT-k8UFdJlxrF3FIhXrXQWEuNUA7uEL5QqNvr6yvdLkrEhc6bQ4XIRVjl8u3OfZr0c2pb8CjY3-7Zohgz1d0d5tZIYshzciRqPQjL_NutEguKlKMDo5NpsXyXghAt3kS7Uql1PEYk_wTY/w480-h640/231010_StatueCGS.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting wood carving in the College Park Airport operations building.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhswEWckcYSKYFydm1xjtGUP13WTA2ZIb2dJKkODhL1aHh_iNmzEe7iWxbLkf9gCexotaA8x9qGEqpt_GTdm5nISB4sUJghrKadzJDD59mHz4_TCQ-L29bCEdVNo6s-auzXSok-FvY_hnX3N0jgibgZM4B8xshEYOH-a3Xv8BrWbjdu7JZkwh-2ivKMiI/s5184/231010_N21481atCGS-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhswEWckcYSKYFydm1xjtGUP13WTA2ZIb2dJKkODhL1aHh_iNmzEe7iWxbLkf9gCexotaA8x9qGEqpt_GTdm5nISB4sUJghrKadzJDD59mHz4_TCQ-L29bCEdVNo6s-auzXSok-FvY_hnX3N0jgibgZM4B8xshEYOH-a3Xv8BrWbjdu7JZkwh-2ivKMiI/w640-h360/231010_N21481atCGS-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 on the ramp at College Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUdDowYRpd8nxBxWoQGIYTRhEKa7Jg3LyWZ4QhEx2miKcHNm58OvbYjEWt3mJ8HluzQJx5BFAgpuBiCsJscxoOkunCXQ6eRzdOHIXg9Cu4gC2RoVUrzExQIhpVtvKEWu-vMZpCZU-y5JagzhcFJTalsXRbS4VhEUtD3vvwSK9K1LHHHf8d9Mm-C3XhlM/s5075/231010_CGS-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="5075" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUdDowYRpd8nxBxWoQGIYTRhEKa7Jg3LyWZ4QhEx2miKcHNm58OvbYjEWt3mJ8HluzQJx5BFAgpuBiCsJscxoOkunCXQ6eRzdOHIXg9Cu4gC2RoVUrzExQIhpVtvKEWu-vMZpCZU-y5JagzhcFJTalsXRbS4VhEUtD3vvwSK9K1LHHHf8d9Mm-C3XhlM/w640-h360/231010_CGS-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Aircraft parking at College Park is free for the first four hours. After that, there is a $10 daily charge that includes overnight parking. When I stated my intentions to head into Washington, Moe asked if I knew where the Metro stop was. I pointed over my shoulder in a direction that I hoped was due west. "Over that way, right?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yep! The parking garage next to the Metro is a great landmark." Good tip.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Do you have a Metro card?" asked the other lineman. Actually, I left a SmarTrip card at home. I've been riding the Metro for over 20 years and am quite familiar with the system. Before leaving home, I added a SmarTrip pass to the wallet app on my phone so that I did not need to carry the extra card. I indicated that I was all set.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked the couple of blocks to the Metro stop and, before long, was hurtling through the subterranean tunnels of Washington DC's underground en route to L'Enfant Plaza for a visit to the National Air & Space Museum. (I will cover the excursion into Washington DC in a separate post.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Easy peasy.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I returned to College Park, I also explored the College Park Aviation Museum. It is an excellent little museum that celebrates the tremendous history of College Park as the oldest continuously operated airport in the world. (Also a separate post.)</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Where in the World is Sierra Delta Charlie?</span></i></b></div><br /><div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 684px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">10 Oct 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">CGS (College Park, MD) - SDC (Sodus, NY)</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.3</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2741.8</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_hJ7wIoEKS1W7kGsazfYQE_kVK-_lffQLinlpsUd9s-COIjjwsPvqRXsNck3QxmJbi0W4o2MZpaGUv3TrS5JVFhTBVgp0R-0PkBCVMIBOvPPPstiq-Jbk6Q8fs2x9fkLaWblCGbubw85S7F6ryavRWli1tg8c2T0ueYq9kRPhnC9Qc-FWekeuX0G8hM/s2048/231010_CGS-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_hJ7wIoEKS1W7kGsazfYQE_kVK-_lffQLinlpsUd9s-COIjjwsPvqRXsNck3QxmJbi0W4o2MZpaGUv3TrS5JVFhTBVgp0R-0PkBCVMIBOvPPPstiq-Jbk6Q8fs2x9fkLaWblCGbubw85S7F6ryavRWli1tg8c2T0ueYq9kRPhnC9Qc-FWekeuX0G8hM/w640-h360/231010_CGS-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">College Park Airport operations building.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I spent six hours on the ground in the Washington DC area. Back at College Park in the late afternoon, I was pleased to meet Lee Sommer in person.</div><div><br /></div><div>"How was your flight in? Pretty easy, right?" When I agreed, Lee grinned. "Tell your friends!" Lee is a great ambassador for College Park and is clearly doing all he can to encourage people to get their PINs and visit his airport.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I paid my $10 parking fee to Yohannes who pointed out that, if I spent the night there, the fee would also cover overnight parking. "I know, but I have to work tomorrow," I told him glumly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because no airborne aircraft can broadcast the generic 1200 VFR transponder code within the FRZ or SFRA, departure must be proceeded by a phone call to Potomac (1-866-599-3874) for clearance and a squawk code. I made the call before engine start.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Data center," Potomac answered. I gave my tail number and destination.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh, yeah, can you call back in a couple of minutes? I have one of my data specialists working on a route for you. I can't give you direct from College Park."</div><div><br /></div><div>I waited five minutes before calling back. "Actually, we're still working on that route. What airport is SDC?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"It's the Williamson Sodus Airport," I answered.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hmmm...OK, what is it near?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"Rochester, NY."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Ah, there it is! OK, if you can hold for a couple of minutes, we'll have your route ready." When he came back on the phone, I found myself saying "ready to copy" for the third time that day.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One is cleared to Sierra Delta Charlie via radar vectors, WOOLY -- Whiskey Oscar Oscar Lima Yankee, Victor 501, Martinsburg -- Mike Romeo Bravo, Hagerstown -- Hotel Golf Romeo, Victor 501, Papa Sierra Bravo, Victor 35, Elmira -- Uniform Lima Whiskey, direct Rochester, direct. Climb and maintain 5,000 expect 7,000 10 minutes after departure, departure frequency is 125.65, squawk 0523."</div><div><br /></div><div>I dutifully scribbled it all down and, after a successful read-back, I told him that I could depart VFR, which would eliminate waiting for an IFR release or dealing with a void time.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Great!" he said. "Make sure you're squawking 0523 and we'll talk to you soon." I ended the call and went about starting the airplane and programming the cumbersome route into the navigator.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1178E30-OOJAdnN-svRjdPaSFCU8WQ5MT9obm2eM9fEsL59Prwysm7sukMXtFj1EkwoOWX02nHsB7awLk2KJk8eZTz2G0YP4328bpiVuGEU6aUkj1o1ZKzb16j94aLHUtjTDzCf3CgkaTAqePn27UpPQWg9v-CoNTPy11ZFKqnHcMfz08hhzOgLM2fw/s1894/231010_ForeflightRouteHome.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="1474" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1178E30-OOJAdnN-svRjdPaSFCU8WQ5MT9obm2eM9fEsL59Prwysm7sukMXtFj1EkwoOWX02nHsB7awLk2KJk8eZTz2G0YP4328bpiVuGEU6aUkj1o1ZKzb16j94aLHUtjTDzCf3CgkaTAqePn27UpPQWg9v-CoNTPy11ZFKqnHcMfz08hhzOgLM2fw/w498-h640/231010_ForeflightRouteHome.jpg" width="498" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight depiction of route home assigned by Potomac.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>And it <b>was</b> a cumbersome route with an odd westward excursion into West Virginia northwest of the SFRA followed by unnecessary zig-zagging over New York State. It added 40 minutes to the planned flight time. While it was not the worst routing I had ever received, I resolved to request something more direct once airborne. Flying the longer route would have eaten into part of my fuel reserve.</div><div><br /></div><div>I departed runway 33 after double checking that I was broadcasting the correct transponder code. I made immediate contact with Potomac Approach and was directed to fly heading 350.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxTGc4-nPOvkPF2W9BVZpn7C63vaXUQeMeVy4NFopadHETq5iNy5WPr4kUrtAe2Oh9YcN9uPLNLLDWfTLHBN3Ofr0zUa31uXouSstcuEbS8JI0yBCqCt00nvaa_UOx2Yunz5_pRtBRQfjh1yRyfjFTKt8L_88L-VvWrFOlJm1ZF2XSZTbgB5kJvc0THk/s2388/231010_ForeflightExitFRZ.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxTGc4-nPOvkPF2W9BVZpn7C63vaXUQeMeVy4NFopadHETq5iNy5WPr4kUrtAe2Oh9YcN9uPLNLLDWfTLHBN3Ofr0zUa31uXouSstcuEbS8JI0yBCqCt00nvaa_UOx2Yunz5_pRtBRQfjh1yRyfjFTKt8L_88L-VvWrFOlJm1ZF2XSZTbgB5kJvc0THk/w448-h640/231010_ForeflightExitFRZ.PNG" width="448" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight ground track depicting departure of the FRZ.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQArf1Hi-yGt2xSLJ2X4wyT6dOc1tYgvOS4n4CmBL_KUxFqI7AjnGjAC9aaW01liRQftG84mxSn5qbnOfmTazr4lZbwvUHRhYWybGlcq4GcfEywCJUzy7J9gMQARNj7ZyNoTAJukfH8UoZfXfQTnwSpApTvsC7R1Uqp4zwELyvJ1dSIvFIsYwNMsnCGo/s1691/231010_WOOLEY.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1691" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQArf1Hi-yGt2xSLJ2X4wyT6dOc1tYgvOS4n4CmBL_KUxFqI7AjnGjAC9aaW01liRQftG84mxSn5qbnOfmTazr4lZbwvUHRhYWybGlcq4GcfEywCJUzy7J9gMQARNj7ZyNoTAJukfH8UoZfXfQTnwSpApTvsC7R1Uqp4zwELyvJ1dSIvFIsYwNMsnCGo/w640-h360/231010_WOOLEY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I looked at the mess of airspace depicted on the GNS-430W, it occurred to me that "WOOLY" was the right word for it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I was switched to the next sector of Potomac Approach and instructed to fly direct Hagerstown and descend to 4,000 feet. <i>Descend?</i> My halting readback caught the controller's attention.</div><div><br /></div><div>"You are landing at Hagerstown, aren't you?" <i>Shouldn't he have my full clearance?</i> I clarified that I was going to Sierra Delta Charlie.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Where is that?" I gave him Rochester as a point of reference. "Oh, OK. Disregard." Moments later, he switched me to a third sector of Potomac Approach.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One, welcome, where is SDC?" I was greeted by a third Potomac controller.</div><div><br /></div><div>"East of Rochester, NY."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Ah, OK. What's the on course heading?" she asked.</div><div><br /></div><div>After asking her to stand by a moment, I recalculated the heading from my current position. "Zero one zero for Cherokee Four Eight One."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee Four Eight One, you're cleared direct destination. I have no idea why they put you on a route so far to the west."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Me neither!" I exclaimed, while I turned direct to Sodus, pleased to be going straight home. I had not even emerged from the SFRA yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Guess it's a mystery," she responded with a chuckle.</div><div><br /></div><div>With our exchange completed, another pilot called. "You sound kinda generous today, any chance I could get direct to <b>my</b> destination?" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Iceman Eventually Cometh</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2kYcuPELmnWd8xurVTMV378kzyZ3ATN98Ql20T1QzUxC1pZQDNboI7kYnBlzMCdD7jcRYSBdKWMEngo2A-2M4ekY6Bf6nfKpAObqvWhQbDsqv6YH10U6UNl_-Sp3cJtaQ54puQVdkmyScUKQz27hYY3l_7AHn04LUgpyrymGRNePoksrK7j-LlgB6Wo/s1997/231010_CGS-SDC-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1997" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2kYcuPELmnWd8xurVTMV378kzyZ3ATN98Ql20T1QzUxC1pZQDNboI7kYnBlzMCdD7jcRYSBdKWMEngo2A-2M4ekY6Bf6nfKpAObqvWhQbDsqv6YH10U6UNl_-Sp3cJtaQ54puQVdkmyScUKQz27hYY3l_7AHn04LUgpyrymGRNePoksrK7j-LlgB6Wo/w640-h360/231010_CGS-SDC-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I flew north over a world far less atmospherically moody than the one of that morning. Harrisburg Approach finally sent me to my filed cruise altitude of 7,000 feet. On achieving it, I noticed that the outside air temperature was exactly at freezing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclnbnpoPpg5E3loEUOoPR8gSEhrzwOrq9PLceqNw8xaFIyhy1QxcexZ0kaqnYCg6mewNGZyJ5TgEZqFSSd4fVp0cEKldoACPcF71n-t_0op_BlNrOHh67qO1wHseu3Kj2dzSNL4DsPFdDoVxSMMK-oY1uS5Z2EkcH9R1KnrkqdINTcU030Pg56hY7KaQ/s2048/231010_CGS-SDC-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclnbnpoPpg5E3loEUOoPR8gSEhrzwOrq9PLceqNw8xaFIyhy1QxcexZ0kaqnYCg6mewNGZyJ5TgEZqFSSd4fVp0cEKldoACPcF71n-t_0op_BlNrOHh67qO1wHseu3Kj2dzSNL4DsPFdDoVxSMMK-oY1uS5Z2EkcH9R1KnrkqdINTcU030Pg56hY7KaQ/w640-h360/231010_CGS-SDC-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a comfortable ride home and the risk of ice was minimal provided that I stayed out of the clouds. Despite punching through a few small puffs of vapor, nothing stuck to the airframe.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-dXEyBlwiYznyb0N7FOrlyK6DStpjDvd3re0jVAjMLTPt7Vt3-6YVNx9L3i85qJd76HUAXSjT5s0Akf7dZ31SGa8kvM3AtVPF_6_m-pjpd-VrWgDC-o49Y-_ObCIP4QwXTrl9oFebWHe1yOy7g2G_f_uiVozPIug1Au8Hw7kYAkYQYclWsWwHHitdGE/s4619/231010_CGS-SDC-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4619" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-dXEyBlwiYznyb0N7FOrlyK6DStpjDvd3re0jVAjMLTPt7Vt3-6YVNx9L3i85qJd76HUAXSjT5s0Akf7dZ31SGa8kvM3AtVPF_6_m-pjpd-VrWgDC-o49Y-_ObCIP4QwXTrl9oFebWHe1yOy7g2G_f_uiVozPIug1Au8Hw7kYAkYQYclWsWwHHitdGE/w480-h640/231010_CGS-SDC-1.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Williamsport, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Back over Williamsport, the stretch of Susquehanna River obscured by fog that morning was now completely clear.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqBYSdEhb4T8KGwsI8vwmF_fnZvZHYw3WQCCPp66TrFeL5lPqzyj6sCMECWbvVrFs5xKbF4zWrqhf4xi2Bz6yHmicXRfpLHbgmXNixJvdWjbjRQzbFMioT6SrJ1qy4MG-7JI79Co2qzd8zNJkn5psxqssC3zToGqk3UTz7BWQ-8qSTaNTfsWqXXlq680/s5184/231010_CGS-SDC-2-Lycoming.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqBYSdEhb4T8KGwsI8vwmF_fnZvZHYw3WQCCPp66TrFeL5lPqzyj6sCMECWbvVrFs5xKbF4zWrqhf4xi2Bz6yHmicXRfpLHbgmXNixJvdWjbjRQzbFMioT6SrJ1qy4MG-7JI79Co2qzd8zNJkn5psxqssC3zToGqk3UTz7BWQ-8qSTaNTfsWqXXlq680/w640-h360/231010_CGS-SDC-2-Lycoming.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lycoming in Williamsport, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Williamsport is home to <a href="https://www.lycoming.com/" target="_blank">Lycoming</a>, the original manufacturer of my O-320 engine. I recognized the factory as I flew overhead because <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2019/09/powered-by-lycoming.html" target="_blank">I toured it with the Williamson Flying Club back in 2019</a>.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDn_AS4eYcEO0wMEpTgbSzPvzuQHkS6BxK3KOPLXDGQH20WlIiQMTv9md3ISu058dh2Ur-ib5TX_ZMF_eAOL71Qb4suGrZtsPg41tdyZIgGXiUXyuuWHqxij9-NhrWSO7lyfWUcdrokcanPsPTk7EuT2MEhhhP9gmcgBhwwBNoLJGp2CkIH_xBr5czBs/s1922/231010_CGS-SDC-10-Icing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="1922" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDn_AS4eYcEO0wMEpTgbSzPvzuQHkS6BxK3KOPLXDGQH20WlIiQMTv9md3ISu058dh2Ur-ib5TX_ZMF_eAOL71Qb4suGrZtsPg41tdyZIgGXiUXyuuWHqxij9-NhrWSO7lyfWUcdrokcanPsPTk7EuT2MEhhhP9gmcgBhwwBNoLJGp2CkIH_xBr5czBs/w640-h360/231010_CGS-SDC-10-Icing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending from 7,000 feet as rain freezes onto the windscreen over Keuka Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Proceeding north, conditions became gloomier. Over Keuka Lake, a light rain began. Still flying through 0°C air, I monitored the situation carefully. Normally, light rain will pelt the windscreen with little starbursts that immediately evaporate. Heavier rain will streak and run back over the windscreen with the slipstream. This rain did neither. Each impact created a tiny speck on the windscreen that lingered. It was freezing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I requested a descent to warmer air at 5,000 feet from Elmira Approach. This was approved and as I descended through 6,400 feet, all the speckles simultaneously vanished as they melted. Much of my flight planning for the day was around the icing threat. With a backup plan always at the ready, the ice was easily escaped.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sodus appeared in my windscreen just as the sun set, which was all according to plan. (Night + icing risk = no go.) I cancelled IFR, surrendered the squawk that ushered me out of the FRZ and SFRA, and landed at home with another great new experience in the logbook.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">In Summary</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The SFRA and FRZ airspace and their accompanying rules intimidate a lot of pilots. However, College Park is a gem of an airport (more to come on that) and it is by far the best entry to Washington DC by General Aviation. Lee Sommer was not only very helpful during the MD-3 PIN application process, but the <a href="https://collegeparkairport.aero/" target="_blank">College Park website</a> includes a good step-by-step guide on how to fly in and out of the FRZ. Every person I dealt with, from the Washington Center controller who took my FRZ flight plans over the phone, to the Potomac Approach controllers (I talked to at least five), to the College Park Airport staff (Moe, Yohannes, and Lee), to the Potomac data center folks who provided my clearance (even if it was a crappy clearance) was extremely friendly and helpful. Getting the PIN was absolutely worth it.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-78337559505456698662023-10-01T19:48:00.187-04:002023-10-29T17:25:11.477-04:00Return to Cherry Ridge<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">End of an Era</span></i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>One of our favorite fly-in breakfast destinations has long been the Cherry Ridge Airport Restaurant on site at the Cherry Ridge Airport (N30) in Honesdale, PA. Like other airport diner owners, Marty and Vicky at Cherry Ridge were under pressure to balance hiring and financial challenges with the increased cost of food and changes in patron behavior post-pandemic. Even labors of love become untenable under demanding conditions and, in April 2023, they decided to close their restaurant. Their contributions to the aviation community are missed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since then, new owners have assumed operation of the restaurant. On the first day of October, we were faced with identifying a destination on a beautiful, calm day to fly. Tom and I decided that there was no better place than Cherry Ridge to try out the revamped restaurant.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Witch's Brew</span></i></b></div><div> <div align="center"></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 667px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">01 Oct 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - N30 (Honesdale, PA) - SDC</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.9</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2736.8</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">After I launched in Warrior 481 with Tom flying Two Six Romeo five miles in trail, it quickly became apparent that the low places along our route were entrenched in ground fog that was only grudgingly yielding before the sun. I love flying on such mornings, passing over valleys overflowing with mist like vast, natural witch's cauldrons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMVN_EVTVRhQ6LuUr0KxuD_bUHcSyvYjffa060Ou9z-M3t_PNl9lpZu1MMT3-3wF7jtF5ws7nhdVaXxKvQ1nK9tdKOWoY-9kLLo4vAttM-I_zmGCkMcPp5nhKiSIWQxZpbIPaVHn2mWf293l_xBCtnamIeVassc5yc0AAtOPnmrMphXe3RPXcMe0ZlRI/s4982/231001_SDC-N30-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="4982" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMVN_EVTVRhQ6LuUr0KxuD_bUHcSyvYjffa060Ou9z-M3t_PNl9lpZu1MMT3-3wF7jtF5ws7nhdVaXxKvQ1nK9tdKOWoY-9kLLo4vAttM-I_zmGCkMcPp5nhKiSIWQxZpbIPaVHn2mWf293l_xBCtnamIeVassc5yc0AAtOPnmrMphXe3RPXcMe0ZlRI/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayuga Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUi4SE0dwEu65M-8c_40K2ldHTDxcB10NuzfOTdv7qPYywy7fxzdD0Snh8uvnpDW7cwzEVY9V2k3pB8RcK7AFylRUOstEA_uX7hQRqZSejw0LZS1GRdnIBrAwh8m-gvpV3VyouJVc3JnPVOcNPx7vQdFp8wgkEKTWZRKPuvE2pvvpkNphTPOOtCF_N8I/s3938/231001_SDC-N30-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2216" data-original-width="3938" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUi4SE0dwEu65M-8c_40K2ldHTDxcB10NuzfOTdv7qPYywy7fxzdD0Snh8uvnpDW7cwzEVY9V2k3pB8RcK7AFylRUOstEA_uX7hQRqZSejw0LZS1GRdnIBrAwh8m-gvpV3VyouJVc3JnPVOcNPx7vQdFp8wgkEKTWZRKPuvE2pvvpkNphTPOOtCF_N8I/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cayuga Lake.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAPlzHF5mus5CJ53qgso3VsxabC9548Zl3xcOSQ9jg_03s6VzVIekKmhyphenhyphenwrWegCT1aqfSfuhUvUqvDGkAzzqEnaiaAL0jSYftcZoSL3l1QoxOSR9xNVdhTnTEwLiC-aj6l3obMcAaaSz5laI8ci70uNz-lbIXvcNNERfVfEPNnmtFa4nlzL3J7MsSTPs/s5061/231001_SDC-N30-11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="5061" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAPlzHF5mus5CJ53qgso3VsxabC9548Zl3xcOSQ9jg_03s6VzVIekKmhyphenhyphenwrWegCT1aqfSfuhUvUqvDGkAzzqEnaiaAL0jSYftcZoSL3l1QoxOSR9xNVdhTnTEwLiC-aj6l3obMcAaaSz5laI8ci70uNz-lbIXvcNNERfVfEPNnmtFa4nlzL3J7MsSTPs/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnNmfhyphenhyphen6vmZk0dyGm6gaVHPEiV0Ej70PBPjxRRLurTqM7lDmr12bW2jBzRZqm5Q2nDTICrJGYXw9_VDhPHYEA566RsknJ4jT128MrqKO30o9JipgH-uscIfNDPImr-ks18m6gN3PY0EaHFVSkxinf_C94iUTF8YIFuUD-ZIu8wEMHu_VBGXoGoyklwOk/s5061/231001_SDC-N30-12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="5061" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnNmfhyphenhyphen6vmZk0dyGm6gaVHPEiV0Ej70PBPjxRRLurTqM7lDmr12bW2jBzRZqm5Q2nDTICrJGYXw9_VDhPHYEA566RsknJ4jT128MrqKO30o9JipgH-uscIfNDPImr-ks18m6gN3PY0EaHFVSkxinf_C94iUTF8YIFuUD-ZIu8wEMHu_VBGXoGoyklwOk/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mZEa86XOX8hCfPxf-sswOLW0Fcm8jx7IGebGQfY_7MaS8k_OlHXff16QqXhwwF7eT__pyRmxEKOJOFdnOPe9M2Bl3a45XtWXXLvUoJmde1s_3Ki07dYFg9BL5CsbsML2zGdHeZqIBLd5Ps0ZuP7SMUZfHaiLWyZcnZZhbG60zKPaql3xTPvQNjGAzrg/s3935/231001_SDC-N30-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="3935" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mZEa86XOX8hCfPxf-sswOLW0Fcm8jx7IGebGQfY_7MaS8k_OlHXff16QqXhwwF7eT__pyRmxEKOJOFdnOPe9M2Bl3a45XtWXXLvUoJmde1s_3Ki07dYFg9BL5CsbsML2zGdHeZqIBLd5Ps0ZuP7SMUZfHaiLWyZcnZZhbG60zKPaql3xTPvQNjGAzrg/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiKAkVhHRaSgNK0Br5NLPSmqzWPvB-rAnQiuzljZJwRB6c4VyvniD9rr_oSPcmmGBUhSssn8OodEbVpMiEzeh0IeV2GrM7hcJc72wI0lbhDwD28bidfj-E1U5Dpec4yUJJ6WuhbTYdgtCNNl9E6RAP2hK27t75y0oX4Svu6iNutG7QhOQzjfwollJ-XQ/s4488/231001_BinghamtonAirport-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2524" data-original-width="4488" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiKAkVhHRaSgNK0Br5NLPSmqzWPvB-rAnQiuzljZJwRB6c4VyvniD9rr_oSPcmmGBUhSssn8OodEbVpMiEzeh0IeV2GrM7hcJc72wI0lbhDwD28bidfj-E1U5Dpec4yUJJ6WuhbTYdgtCNNl9E6RAP2hK27t75y0oX4Svu6iNutG7QhOQzjfwollJ-XQ/w640-h360/231001_BinghamtonAirport-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greater Binghamton / Edward A Link Field (KBGM)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2LDzQ0waILnFKBpr3GFSWZ65aByK567AWy98iQKYLSrPtYpCVDNRiQpkgUm4YhLk3ONFeirP-80wBSe5xeHWueVXPymthMXDEqyqx633HkaourGto6PWD4vTUueWA8F1OCAX6Vsh8EKPn9z4QAX1sxKPcXiH8a-_tqC1Zlot9WvF1YIYLF1sryod670/s5184/231001_SDC-N30-17.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl2LDzQ0waILnFKBpr3GFSWZ65aByK567AWy98iQKYLSrPtYpCVDNRiQpkgUm4YhLk3ONFeirP-80wBSe5xeHWueVXPymthMXDEqyqx633HkaourGto6PWD4vTUueWA8F1OCAX6Vsh8EKPn9z4QAX1sxKPcXiH8a-_tqC1Zlot9WvF1YIYLF1sryod670/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6f2V_S21RdqMhh2pplTp32VS0EDXBy4CxEGlvHRj0HWZvbFFTo-Ww1V8fIOQx4vd6Gy7TRZWoiGhDVPsAgpjPqfuCx_nQfTLHKkUKx3gmiwOiJNKNwAM8hIfooh38zZgpHp0CfR1H12v_BAi6Xn-dtyXCsf3OfYEnQRV0ajYNwajTfC9HduBPVKatG8/s5184/231001_SDC-N30-20.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6f2V_S21RdqMhh2pplTp32VS0EDXBy4CxEGlvHRj0HWZvbFFTo-Ww1V8fIOQx4vd6Gy7TRZWoiGhDVPsAgpjPqfuCx_nQfTLHKkUKx3gmiwOiJNKNwAM8hIfooh38zZgpHp0CfR1H12v_BAi6Xn-dtyXCsf3OfYEnQRV0ajYNwajTfC9HduBPVKatG8/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq7JSWpMIu1Z1MhvVUVk2h85-qV-St_k21KFwZW9LOm49vfdlCDlqGT_P7qvYaOKiT3EagSgZJPIk-dqeh1ZRl6t5EHDeRhi7H6bUXFDD4_WG6m6j05XcA2Hs56XD2ouqhohlm_aHiLa8idc4HYp5xk6AJ0tWYdObDQn2ZdwWwvSOTDgcdlqqXtXgl1c/s4618/231001_SDC-N30-26.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3463" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFq7JSWpMIu1Z1MhvVUVk2h85-qV-St_k21KFwZW9LOm49vfdlCDlqGT_P7qvYaOKiT3EagSgZJPIk-dqeh1ZRl6t5EHDeRhi7H6bUXFDD4_WG6m6j05XcA2Hs56XD2ouqhohlm_aHiLa8idc4HYp5xk6AJ0tWYdObDQn2ZdwWwvSOTDgcdlqqXtXgl1c/w480-h640/231001_SDC-N30-26.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK3MjdtCFWhGyqhYMsqu1CDVuv-2S09kSNDgsmyspS1tOH_nujSENCH64wjwU7YmPDw1V1qtAQHaw0QDfhVsmXwPOmtcXyVeMleM1qjlXqAnfHxdVETYCzL8x2xpqk8JCjcwqqWHSIfwt6Y7U0nyIS6DDz2UDCRN3aVWg_ysZD6InCKADExa_TzMAvW4/s3935/231001_SDC-N30-24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="3935" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK3MjdtCFWhGyqhYMsqu1CDVuv-2S09kSNDgsmyspS1tOH_nujSENCH64wjwU7YmPDw1V1qtAQHaw0QDfhVsmXwPOmtcXyVeMleM1qjlXqAnfHxdVETYCzL8x2xpqk8JCjcwqqWHSIfwt6Y7U0nyIS6DDz2UDCRN3aVWg_ysZD6InCKADExa_TzMAvW4/w640-h360/231001_SDC-N30-24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Start of a New Era</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Wt9v4fhob6U8TEodCI3yX6y6RgeT_XK3_uZ3bMo_IJ14nY3x3-snux_7y0LOh3iBlgD7ymmvCg1sSEjAj46A_ls_92sjFEJbtZc_mnppqd8y-1vMK3TdEsFyThIutLUTpRCDILM8leuoHWjtXUsxhGoTsTRuiEfpVQ8mwBOMWIsaDw0aQgKc1XT_IY/s3885/231001_N21481atN30.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2186" data-original-width="3885" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0Wt9v4fhob6U8TEodCI3yX6y6RgeT_XK3_uZ3bMo_IJ14nY3x3-snux_7y0LOh3iBlgD7ymmvCg1sSEjAj46A_ls_92sjFEJbtZc_mnppqd8y-1vMK3TdEsFyThIutLUTpRCDILM8leuoHWjtXUsxhGoTsTRuiEfpVQ8mwBOMWIsaDw0aQgKc1XT_IY/w640-h360/231001_N21481atN30.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 parked in front of the Cherry Ridge Airport Restaurant.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Tom and I enjoyed a good breakfast and great conversation at the Cherry Ridge Restaurant. The new owners seem to be doing well despite not significantly deviating from the style and approach used by their predecessors. As one of the closest airport diners to our home base, we will be back.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Carousel Capital of the World</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdBpiyrSsCGsAaBBYfGcR67YA_yzZq1YrWuv_q8wN6jLwDUFZEjZviPZwwz_bag7aVmLQ4Pou_AS4SvAEb6q28u3KGr-sVQODGp-ar9Pe2jITNriFtpT2fzSGz8bDf9KAGzvHGCG-qpswcam31pYTpDyK0Ja5sY8LIOCIacMQVFbrKLafLegD2HKrw1M/s5184/231001_Binghamton-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdBpiyrSsCGsAaBBYfGcR67YA_yzZq1YrWuv_q8wN6jLwDUFZEjZviPZwwz_bag7aVmLQ4Pou_AS4SvAEb6q28u3KGr-sVQODGp-ar9Pe2jITNriFtpT2fzSGz8bDf9KAGzvHGCG-qpswcam31pYTpDyK0Ja5sY8LIOCIacMQVFbrKLafLegD2HKrw1M/w640-h360/231001_Binghamton-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We faced a significant headwind home. Since our southbound flight that morning, the sun had won its battle with the ground fog and freed the low places of mist. This left less to admire from the air, but I had some crisp views of the city of Binghamton as we flew overhead.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ih81ds3_y9MOFwUJnZgp8cUAoMyXDs5hFaKrDeEGGnmQrbQ9DePjaQqaaubjSvG51Yqla2TgQ3HhLGOqe1pfqGyslrnSjdmCblr9rvJXugaS5xB21HXgxB3zej82Rti-4yciR5X6GP98h_pcRjaPGqz_RGOhNhGRyzO67tFWx5CRdZNPNDnMHTyA6Ac/s5184/231001_Binghamton-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Ih81ds3_y9MOFwUJnZgp8cUAoMyXDs5hFaKrDeEGGnmQrbQ9DePjaQqaaubjSvG51Yqla2TgQ3HhLGOqe1pfqGyslrnSjdmCblr9rvJXugaS5xB21HXgxB3zej82Rti-4yciR5X6GP98h_pcRjaPGqz_RGOhNhGRyzO67tFWx5CRdZNPNDnMHTyA6Ac/w640-h360/231001_Binghamton-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I confess that I do not know much about Binghamton beyond (1) spiedies (which are delicious) and (2) that Edwin Link developed the famous blue-box Link instrument trainers there.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx72d_cMzCAsH8_Hi_3AUoDnxY66UOpB5_9bPb6ZzxoKnbWF8WZI3R085LesPUcxkQvCT9W42pqhfeGQuG65ggXoimoOGT0Yd8VfHbtgVN2HVhCO3tgHE3Z8psIUps93Hb0bjhuJFDbDxAKO6-OJcpua48RxxqClgx80xlqqBlsyhyi8onU1ZgFwXCjg/s5184/231001_Binghamton-6.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx72d_cMzCAsH8_Hi_3AUoDnxY66UOpB5_9bPb6ZzxoKnbWF8WZI3R085LesPUcxkQvCT9W42pqhfeGQuG65ggXoimoOGT0Yd8VfHbtgVN2HVhCO3tgHE3Z8psIUps93Hb0bjhuJFDbDxAKO6-OJcpua48RxxqClgx80xlqqBlsyhyi8onU1ZgFwXCjg/w640-h360/231001_Binghamton-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interchange of I-81 and I-86 over the Chenango River east of Binghamton.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some mornings are just particularly satisfying for flight. This was one of those mornings. It does not matter that we did not visit a new airport or see, do, or learn anything particularly exciting. Sometimes it is enough for smooth air, brilliant sunlight, and a fanciful landscape below to make for a memorable day. Often, the mornings of simple pleasures are best.</div></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-42619933667229120932023-09-24T16:22:00.239-04:002023-10-25T20:50:44.252-04:00Painted Cloudscapes to Saratoga Springs<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Exploration</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Some trips are simply made for light aircraft. </div><div><br /></div><div>Take, for example, our recent foray to Saratoga Springs, NY for a college visit. (Yes, The Bear has reached that age. How is that even possible?) We had a 9:30 am appointment to tour the college's interdisciplinary sciences building on Monday, September 25. We also had tickets to the theater in downtown Rochester the afternoon before, with the show expected to end shortly before 5:00 pm. Drive time to Saratoga Springs is 3.5 hours. By car, our options included a late arrival Sunday night or a very early departure Monday morning.</div><div><br /></div><div>General Aviation to the rescue!</div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">September 24: Cloudscapes</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 684px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">24 Sep 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - 5B2 (Saratoga Springs, NY)</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.9</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2731.1</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even slowed by a 25 knot headwind, the airplane still saved time. After leaving the theater, we stopped for a quick dinner and continued on to the Williamson Sodus Airport. I had already fueled and readied the Warrior for departure, it was just a matter of pulling her out of the hangar.<div><br /></div><div>From flight planning, I knew that we would experience rain, instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and darkness. Mitigating factors included no risk of convection (thunderstorms) or icing at our cruise altitude of 5,000 feet and VFR conditions expected to prevail at Saratoga Springs for our landing. We departed Sodus VFR and contacted Rochester Approach for our instrument clearance. All went according to plan. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, I did not anticipate the radiantly fantastic environments that we would fly through en route to Saratoga Springs. Stunning views beyond our windows rendered me a speechless witness of nature's grandeur. It is one thing to view these cloudscapes from the ground, but quite another to be among them.<br /><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL_EZxJK1IyRGex3o9u2xERWsxp71L6Rb6imLaKlzgOXfRVa6k3CEn97kmOt2BdkdpeeqssapjrIq763ve9TemGM16teRtVbS4Xwj6WZQdMnYf5J5WTmYmj4HCYHRZgXZAiei1t518hZtT9MW8hFNLd9fSRLbA8cAhAvmvErC0gyl9NcdtvD7r8Pn8d0/s1951/230924_Cloudflying-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1951" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXL_EZxJK1IyRGex3o9u2xERWsxp71L6Rb6imLaKlzgOXfRVa6k3CEn97kmOt2BdkdpeeqssapjrIq763ve9TemGM16teRtVbS4Xwj6WZQdMnYf5J5WTmYmj4HCYHRZgXZAiei1t518hZtT9MW8hFNLd9fSRLbA8cAhAvmvErC0gyl9NcdtvD7r8Pn8d0/w640-h360/230924_Cloudflying-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slight obscuration between us and Sodus Bay.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRsO-zs5ovvXsiAMnuRZtYZLmgFs9d2bUrwT7VfGUglXoHJcNwASTYOFmnJMuCNCNZE4ITRfywyNXrhIxRlQ7z2u4Dz3Td4joxt5O6hRNoA9fXD5H761Uyxxv-SBQPcTof3X8B_uZXmgJtALZhLkSD5ib7E446OgkCrET8gTKGcdxBzk1lurG0-F15Kw/s1988/230924_Cloudflying-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1988" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRsO-zs5ovvXsiAMnuRZtYZLmgFs9d2bUrwT7VfGUglXoHJcNwASTYOFmnJMuCNCNZE4ITRfywyNXrhIxRlQ7z2u4Dz3Td4joxt5O6hRNoA9fXD5H761Uyxxv-SBQPcTof3X8B_uZXmgJtALZhLkSD5ib7E446OgkCrET8gTKGcdxBzk1lurG0-F15Kw/w640-h360/230924_Cloudflying-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvjASX5ds-M3xKTMnj5-xWcq5sGkFnMERzBTGIa-16YzoUCOaAc_mx10Yc5KdXTx8bFRyoXV7_nxAXMbA30mL0_Sc9N1lkSRA25dU1WvinQ0VF6HFf4P4Z9Anstn-oatxYwVzyBggcdn6PoByYqH-8CSCmU4d0dvJBQxvnq8mL8EvQ4grMHRNhlTf3P4/s2043/230924_CockpitSelfie-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2043" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvjASX5ds-M3xKTMnj5-xWcq5sGkFnMERzBTGIa-16YzoUCOaAc_mx10Yc5KdXTx8bFRyoXV7_nxAXMbA30mL0_Sc9N1lkSRA25dU1WvinQ0VF6HFf4P4Z9Anstn-oatxYwVzyBggcdn6PoByYqH-8CSCmU4d0dvJBQxvnq8mL8EvQ4grMHRNhlTf3P4/w640-h360/230924_CockpitSelfie-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? We're having fun!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9q8HGbdbi4Ez_SHyCVlFQV61hB4WKcPY_KuKrvxopirS7zGp1zsCo6adH2_BiOCdwix07JgYhvsSSD_uISCdM8uyXURihXubNDUrFC8HtgbexUo3N5wUKC8Wl2Y1J6iAIix0ccJIdIxnG2SHg-tSdgBMyeVvMArVxaxTWccHOo1DYMSzWJtpGZ59RvE/s1944/230924_Cloudflying-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1944" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9q8HGbdbi4Ez_SHyCVlFQV61hB4WKcPY_KuKrvxopirS7zGp1zsCo6adH2_BiOCdwix07JgYhvsSSD_uISCdM8uyXURihXubNDUrFC8HtgbexUo3N5wUKC8Wl2Y1J6iAIix0ccJIdIxnG2SHg-tSdgBMyeVvMArVxaxTWccHOo1DYMSzWJtpGZ59RvE/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49NXnI9_nkofOJ5g_8deiJoXCZkHEWfyFHa60U6CnljLd5p07bZY1kBmd7DKS-E9R85fOXfykV5Hn3ZhCwIYDGBBB2WYLpbJgOAYFJrrBNzETGGkYl3mqnZ12gt6LT8mfGt18tUpv3DV3-oKZHMGUs-DWVJQ7dHnHpM046KjSpBfvJBFL1xE2w17VxfQ/s2048/230924_Cloudflying-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49NXnI9_nkofOJ5g_8deiJoXCZkHEWfyFHa60U6CnljLd5p07bZY1kBmd7DKS-E9R85fOXfykV5Hn3ZhCwIYDGBBB2WYLpbJgOAYFJrrBNzETGGkYl3mqnZ12gt6LT8mfGt18tUpv3DV3-oKZHMGUs-DWVJQ7dHnHpM046KjSpBfvJBFL1xE2w17VxfQ/w640-h360/230924_Cloudflying-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8rnTaKB55Sdama_HzYwSk1ZSAcqlGFXo-JbsCjvvRT0N4k1B7tstnDsQgLODHEQeSYTGQ40I0nbWryO4VYr_-QRkAFwNqBjES5PSDs-GQqNWRTYH_1347p436EzEFwid9TmluFZkhR8gwuYMZL8q1-vr9ybXBkD9Piyt_JzwaTPipGn0gvH4_fhtP4A/s2040/230924_Cloudflying-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2040" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8rnTaKB55Sdama_HzYwSk1ZSAcqlGFXo-JbsCjvvRT0N4k1B7tstnDsQgLODHEQeSYTGQ40I0nbWryO4VYr_-QRkAFwNqBjES5PSDs-GQqNWRTYH_1347p436EzEFwid9TmluFZkhR8gwuYMZL8q1-vr9ybXBkD9Piyt_JzwaTPipGn0gvH4_fhtP4A/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8cyPpgcrFKglGtBRZwdvL_ay1wfJ29i5GTlSKUfHW6nZ9-hjh2m6nP5UrF8sKHvJlnOLrfFj6IAymQgEiE3gAMzBNwB1CCevZLDQ95uyiSp2nPfOieuVSF3wd1AQXiRf7ffHwaCZphXMlM-OawNFvU8i43cOR6ws87RjxBGkVpB19WkOnXtvv24ukB0/s1959/230924_Cloudflying-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1959" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8cyPpgcrFKglGtBRZwdvL_ay1wfJ29i5GTlSKUfHW6nZ9-hjh2m6nP5UrF8sKHvJlnOLrfFj6IAymQgEiE3gAMzBNwB1CCevZLDQ95uyiSp2nPfOieuVSF3wd1AQXiRf7ffHwaCZphXMlM-OawNFvU8i43cOR6ws87RjxBGkVpB19WkOnXtvv24ukB0/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvA8jOb1LBAHRV4j-DUY-fGuy6oiQbCAG979eCR_MNwEzcPYEKLO5r497QGjuR-7qVJPs1f_UM5BE72C2IFiQLewFZniigrA0c7sJEY1gEU4OIDpnpVbYm7hCknJR33n85posbu_n7am2frT5KrvcMKQLyZsVpcwUdfszpCyGr-F3XbnEeUY6xta8pJQ/s1974/230924_Cloudflying-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1974" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvA8jOb1LBAHRV4j-DUY-fGuy6oiQbCAG979eCR_MNwEzcPYEKLO5r497QGjuR-7qVJPs1f_UM5BE72C2IFiQLewFZniigrA0c7sJEY1gEU4OIDpnpVbYm7hCknJR33n85posbu_n7am2frT5KrvcMKQLyZsVpcwUdfszpCyGr-F3XbnEeUY6xta8pJQ/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oYVfwyhk1L01aI3QtGwZ1wQ3KpKHy_h_7REO1YFvtYKKPD-LiN6iloSR4ezo2EE2xqjelrOCePVDTAdOmOUHvmCPtm9w-z6_d8ONtpiRovx5GxVCkiCoOovXFudhLVJsso9im8k_kDF5Fpxtjxeh1Dytmw94N7jjQx90sFT89NDZ2GSaG_ZNCLwZRYU/s2007/230924_Cloudflying-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="2007" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oYVfwyhk1L01aI3QtGwZ1wQ3KpKHy_h_7REO1YFvtYKKPD-LiN6iloSR4ezo2EE2xqjelrOCePVDTAdOmOUHvmCPtm9w-z6_d8ONtpiRovx5GxVCkiCoOovXFudhLVJsso9im8k_kDF5Fpxtjxeh1Dytmw94N7jjQx90sFT89NDZ2GSaG_ZNCLwZRYU/w640-h360/230924_Cloudflying-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Farther east, we entered clouds that were generally smooth. We flew through some light rain, logging an hour of IMC time.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2slty9xgc8yPnk-bjmTCXTHXvhesir-lXw_qzc7w-g-dMvc4nqlovZ0o-kmleZIJyr__40lqG4LE3HuYBhbH_FqBRQYo2w5UQWFOkYvQ8cba_-nzYSq2yuI1o2GFGTX2SYLSqxqpIwKHju672tHRG8fHqgijvN0QF9rtB8mP0J5YO9t-qgW87WmKyJJ0/s1982/230924_Cloudflying-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1982" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2slty9xgc8yPnk-bjmTCXTHXvhesir-lXw_qzc7w-g-dMvc4nqlovZ0o-kmleZIJyr__40lqG4LE3HuYBhbH_FqBRQYo2w5UQWFOkYvQ8cba_-nzYSq2yuI1o2GFGTX2SYLSqxqpIwKHju672tHRG8fHqgijvN0QF9rtB8mP0J5YO9t-qgW87WmKyJJ0/w640-h480/230924_Cloudflying-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually the sun set and the heavy overcast enveloped us in absolute darkness for the last 40 minutes of the flight. When I tuned the AWOS (automated weather observation system) at Saratoga Springs, the transmitter broadcast a repeating statement about the AWOS being unavailable. (We learned the next day that a circuit breaker for the weather sensing instrumentation tripped, but the transmitter still worked. It just didn't have any useful information to transmit.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I requested the RNAV-5 instrument approach from Albany. As we maneuvered for the approach, we passed through an invisible rain shower in the darkness of sufficient vigor that the sound of rain ticking on the windshield penetrated our headsets. We broke out of the clouds and the rain well before the final approach fix and landed among lights lining the runway of an otherwise dark and deserted airport.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtEHsgZilI3Mq_y1If2r9Xa_Ebb11tHjmVd-C2e3fsIdpDXsicOP2awh9w-tLwd4F7yL5mlUvggeh8ums1hav8DA3Tv7owsWuPhoH9AJU7MncXSFGsdqnIaz2tn8JrK_2NUg3ypV6NKqo0ukXYNW6SM6Qn0o1Nr9_TyddGgBs22krOEZ7DINUZsb_Trw/s2048/230924_TieDownSelfie.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtEHsgZilI3Mq_y1If2r9Xa_Ebb11tHjmVd-C2e3fsIdpDXsicOP2awh9w-tLwd4F7yL5mlUvggeh8ums1hav8DA3Tv7owsWuPhoH9AJU7MncXSFGsdqnIaz2tn8JrK_2NUg3ypV6NKqo0ukXYNW6SM6Qn0o1Nr9_TyddGgBs22krOEZ7DINUZsb_Trw/w640-h480/230924_TieDownSelfie.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground team!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately -- and remarkably consistent with the forecast -- the rain stayed south of the airport. We worked together to bundle up the airplane and minutes later, we were travelling into downtown Saratoga Springs by Uber.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the day, we easily reached our destination in a timely manner by leveraging the versatility of our airplane to fly 0.6 and 1.0 hours at night and in IMC, respectively. Being instrument rated and current on instruments and night operations was obviously a factor. Better still, we had the unexpected treat of spectacular views as we flitted in and out of the clouds.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>September 25: Having Our Druthers</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, we had a wonderful tour of the well-appointed, heavily wooded campus, including the science and music buildings that were of greatest interest to The Bear. We gathered good data as The Bear tries to winnow down her college choices. Saratoga Springs itself is an odd blend of college town and resort town, but overall seemed like a nice place. We had a terrific lunch at Druthers Brewing Company and, after a brief Uber ride back to the airport, we were airborne and headed for home. A tailwind shortened the ride to 1.2 hours (versus the 3.5 hour drive) as we surfed through the tops of the clouds (0.3 hours IMC). Like our family flights of old, The Bear was sound asleep in the back seat before we ever leveled off in cruise.</div><div><br /></div><div>College. Yikes.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1eknkC6nLSyY6hWiTlij58qzu5KTNNoVOUqeQ8EnXOSPK5bz5nSwYTTr_0vkVSUzCt33AhNouc-vXgy6wHhG2-uTEh8Ck1ciSzygMtfmZMNAmgCTo911-ABc-hwPJXJPWrvPjFySA2EVjRkUyBxFX4bw0KBQ9WTOK0H3S2VAjO3zrJeKC2oHKxrh1bM/s2048/230925_Lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy1eknkC6nLSyY6hWiTlij58qzu5KTNNoVOUqeQ8EnXOSPK5bz5nSwYTTr_0vkVSUzCt33AhNouc-vXgy6wHhG2-uTEh8Ck1ciSzygMtfmZMNAmgCTo911-ABc-hwPJXJPWrvPjFySA2EVjRkUyBxFX4bw0KBQ9WTOK0H3S2VAjO3zrJeKC2oHKxrh1bM/w640-h360/230925_Lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying lunch outside at Druthers Brewing Company.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7jTlXcib6i9rUAnDLdB-wrEroJY1KFwmC4w_-wTaQw5hu_0F1U0OgX0ilDWPQJ9cugwUyyt6cMIomZePpAD3_O3tXR8Y9YHkWX9ETOD4t92VLu7OhCqtMnlPSQevxP2RV2vP_7pbCNN5fzE0-xSNeI7-tOa-aoE5bNJZXJdh5WRVG_vyC4cUsveGMf4/s2048/230925_Skidmore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7jTlXcib6i9rUAnDLdB-wrEroJY1KFwmC4w_-wTaQw5hu_0F1U0OgX0ilDWPQJ9cugwUyyt6cMIomZePpAD3_O3tXR8Y9YHkWX9ETOD4t92VLu7OhCqtMnlPSQevxP2RV2vP_7pbCNN5fzE0-xSNeI7-tOa-aoE5bNJZXJdh5WRVG_vyC4cUsveGMf4/w640-h360/230925_Skidmore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-71477702842972095352023-09-16T10:07:00.511-04:002023-10-22T12:03:06.564-04:00A Crowded House for the Widow of Reading<div>"It's not good when the mechanic says 'hmmm'," said the mechanic.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Dealing with the Unexpected</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>While trying to start Warrior Eight One Six that morning, a strange chirping sound rang out across the ramp from the engine compartment. "Boop, BOOP, <b>BOOP</b>!" Not able to see anything wrong from my vantage point outside the plane, I gestured to Scott to cut the engine and he pulled the mixture to idle.</div><div><br /></div><div>"<b>BOOP</b>, BOOP, boop," said the airplane as the propeller came to a stop. After inspecting the starter for a Bendix drive that failed to retract properly, I shrugged. I had never heard a sound like that before. Though we did not know what it was, we knew that it wasn't normal and went to find Ray.</div><div><br /></div><div>Scott started the airplane again for Ray. "Boop, BOOP, <b>BOOP</b>!" said the airplane again.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ray rubbed his jawline. "Hmmm...." Then signaled for Scott to shut the engine down while glancing over at me. "It's not good when the mechanic says 'hmmm'."</div><div><br /></div><div>Finding nothing out of place after opening the starboard side of the cowling, he opened the other side and peered within a few moments before jerking his head back in surprise. "Oh, you're not going anywhere today in this plane."</div><div><br /></div><div>When I asked what the problem was, Ray stepped aside and gestured to the exposed engine. I saw it immediately, a circular component peering out of the open cowling at me. Whatever it was, it did not belong in that spot. After a beat, I recognized it as one half of an engine mount that had fallen out of place, one of four securing the engine to the airframe. It was undamaged, it just came apart. The chirping we heard was due to excess torque-related motion of the powerplant in the engine compartment. Ray later found that the nuts securing the remaining three mounts were insufficiently torqued by whomever mounted that engine before the Williamson Flying Club bought the airplane in 2021. Mike, the club's chief instructor, also noted that Nyloc locking nuts were used on the mounts and speculated that someone had reused them. This is not recommended for critical applications. In the combined experience of the entire group, no one had ever seen or heard of such a failure before.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8n8yvgwKekNWxY1FyxYG_pAF03MrqfcvrMfCvuf8Z0zc0bk5Xczw5sLH5awHyjHF2PUFCEcZBpPaWdG5FknHrfZwluQpsJ2aBeA5oHt9g7Q06MMV07AzAKSm2assJFUnRj3lm3llm_Z60U2ajIevCfbpkGxBTqhdeZc8MHOkUHwH6ZCz6cEbDM3JXMc/s4032/220522_N32816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8n8yvgwKekNWxY1FyxYG_pAF03MrqfcvrMfCvuf8Z0zc0bk5Xczw5sLH5awHyjHF2PUFCEcZBpPaWdG5FknHrfZwluQpsJ2aBeA5oHt9g7Q06MMV07AzAKSm2assJFUnRj3lm3llm_Z60U2ajIevCfbpkGxBTqhdeZc8MHOkUHwH6ZCz6cEbDM3JXMc/w640-h360/220522_N32816.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N32816 photographed May 22, 2022. I have 4.1 oblivious hours in this airplane, completely unaware of the flaw lurking under the cowling.</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center">
</div>
<br /><div>We originally planned a flight to Vermont for lunch at the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2021/09/grass-strip-fine-dining.html" target="_blank">Red Mill Restaurant</a> located alongside the magnificent grass runway at Basin Harbor (B06). Softened by excessive rain, the runway was NOTAMed closed. I proposed a Plan B of visiting the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/10/lair-of-black-widow.html" target="_blank">Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading, PA</a> and all participants agreed.</div><div><br /></div><div>But now we were seven people down from three airplanes to two and were forced to leave someone behind. Unfortunately it was Eric, a relatively new student pilot who was looking forward to riding along on a club adventure. Scott joined Dan and his friend in Eight Five X-Ray and Kim joined me and Mark in Warrior 481 for the trip south.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">El Mariachi</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">16 Sep 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - RDG (Reading, PA) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3.9</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2725.3</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />We had an easy flight southbound to Reading. Our first goal was lunch at <i>Klinger's at the Airport</i> in the terminal building. Tower directed us to park wherever we wanted in front of the terminal. This surprised me as there is a red box painted on the ramp reserving space for commercial flights. We learned later in the day that Reading no longer hosts commercial traffic, which explained Tower's ambivalence about where we parked.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4zbt4L9wayKWImR2OrUDnb-3O4UBHomag-D4JKMVn502530Cygq9SYb8RieL7n7zrMRXSMPeycYH5BJNs3bQpktg9jZpXCGbi0l1X002gwj9ckBFmBX6eunGx_ZPXcH6oma6vo2pyX-PW59cK876CZyOGQRs8UBnJxNhYt8TGMIctdgpEPfMRL4y36Y/s2048/230916_N21481atRDGRamp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4zbt4L9wayKWImR2OrUDnb-3O4UBHomag-D4JKMVn502530Cygq9SYb8RieL7n7zrMRXSMPeycYH5BJNs3bQpktg9jZpXCGbi0l1X002gwj9ckBFmBX6eunGx_ZPXcH6oma6vo2pyX-PW59cK876CZyOGQRs8UBnJxNhYt8TGMIctdgpEPfMRL4y36Y/w640-h360/230916_N21481atRDGRamp.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 and 85X in front of the terminal building at Reading.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGTiWYaSNtxEGQPTOeZESnRLt-A1sMC5lHKu5orkKJvxwTLgti4zRq-Uax6bHSui50zeRsyY4YlrCw_MHBJqFtFIo9GHVDLMK_aHGBVYHkoL3hBfthGY8-LoMiFJE61Zk2XQGefcWggQUJsBN-1R3XszvrAokrXImg-F3S77ME4hUFZIlvBBsshJD53Y/s1594/230916_ScottElMariachi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGTiWYaSNtxEGQPTOeZESnRLt-A1sMC5lHKu5orkKJvxwTLgti4zRq-Uax6bHSui50zeRsyY4YlrCw_MHBJqFtFIo9GHVDLMK_aHGBVYHkoL3hBfthGY8-LoMiFJE61Zk2XQGefcWggQUJsBN-1R3XszvrAokrXImg-F3S77ME4hUFZIlvBBsshJD53Y/w480-h640/230916_ScottElMariachi.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott can never resist these things!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Inside the terminal, we encountered this kindly mariachi who greeted us warmly and played songs for us from his homeland. To our surprise, the musician bore a strong resemblance to an <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/07/long-islands-hempstead-plains-from.html" target="_blank">A-10 Warthog pilot we met at the Cradle of Aviation Museum</a> on Long Island and a <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/09/a-new-favorite-at-old-favorite.html" target="_blank">speed skater we once saw in Lake Placid</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TDZ22rHZHaqpv1PZDFrnvGmCR50plwBb-Zx0KSszp9rJy8-bwsRWjmETOjwTQAw7_NGeG-jcYVbVi3e-N1sSp8CuNZfB9RR3aTN6ecY6HRGgDM-YhRY3rJ_G_RNVmhqulP7Y0xYoR3h_r9M1G4gXYPUXiFMov2nrTdgpnzp-Y4bOoSKzeOt1R7MknHs/s2048/230916_KlingersEntrance.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TDZ22rHZHaqpv1PZDFrnvGmCR50plwBb-Zx0KSszp9rJy8-bwsRWjmETOjwTQAw7_NGeG-jcYVbVi3e-N1sSp8CuNZfB9RR3aTN6ecY6HRGgDM-YhRY3rJ_G_RNVmhqulP7Y0xYoR3h_r9M1G4gXYPUXiFMov2nrTdgpnzp-Y4bOoSKzeOt1R7MknHs/w640-h360/230916_KlingersEntrance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch at <i>Klinger's</i> was very satisfactory, but the main attraction was the museum across the field. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39PxiSe3f_K_V5DIeYKb7H051OiJHvkNB4JxR-rODZbMX7pLEC-8X9s9FsQ-5bgvGVcA4-4D8hU_q4r7CNpFcPolNQUt8G0TkdfeGYQ88sBR3JqeMLDkZu8pc3tbpQVp4gIbggIAb1n2nOG5WeCcy5ZVbOTpZ7ytlddPy3SglrRtG93uRAaZDgPYgaco/s956/KlingersMuralAdjusted.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="956" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39PxiSe3f_K_V5DIeYKb7H051OiJHvkNB4JxR-rODZbMX7pLEC-8X9s9FsQ-5bgvGVcA4-4D8hU_q4r7CNpFcPolNQUt8G0TkdfeGYQ88sBR3JqeMLDkZu8pc3tbpQVp4gIbggIAb1n2nOG5WeCcy5ZVbOTpZ7ytlddPy3SglrRtG93uRAaZDgPYgaco/w640-h282/KlingersMuralAdjusted.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural near the bar in <i>Klinger's at the Airport</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Outside on the ramp, Mark watched me pull the chocks from Warrior 481's nosewheel. "Do you ever forget about those and start up while they're still in place?" </div><div><br /></div><div>I laughed in spite of myself. "Only once. It was at the West Wind restaurant in St Marys, PA several years ago. I started up while still chocked in front of a full lunchtime crowd. It was super embarrassing." Fortunately, another pilot saw my predicament, ran over, avoided the spinning propeller, and pulled the chocks so that I did not have to shut down again. Mere recollection of the incident was enough to make me blush.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Beating the Odds</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I called for and received taxi clearance to the museum and started rolling. Dan received the same clearance. We had already taxied Warrior 481 off the ramp when Dan called Ground again.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Uh, Eight Five X-Ray needs to shut down for a moment. I pulled a stupid."</div><div><br /></div><div>Mark, Kim, and I exchanged glances, decided that it did not sound serious, and proceeded along our approved taxi route. Eight Five X-Ray was back on the radio a few minutes later.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dan received his taxi clearance, then offered that the whole process works better when the chocks are removed before engine start. Mark and I looked at each other in surprise. "We were just talking about that! What are the odds?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't worry, Dan. We've all done it.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, MAAM</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasuI6dv-fmJnTDSlkgeZhKi7dwjnOila_O38J8-37I76IcvDmyh2rouETEfKBPUzern8UHEpXCCiF_LPOrbIKaOeLMWn56tJxtWaEXMk1FC3ee1mEAi4EdUB5Cu3pBQ6uU8DW0NEm2UoyfmkcMnIGmptTvkORvpvHuJcQYtvcyS1qMLazCcKEJ7R5iK0/s2013/230916_MAAM_NN21481-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="2013" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasuI6dv-fmJnTDSlkgeZhKi7dwjnOila_O38J8-37I76IcvDmyh2rouETEfKBPUzern8UHEpXCCiF_LPOrbIKaOeLMWn56tJxtWaEXMk1FC3ee1mEAi4EdUB5Cu3pBQ6uU8DW0NEm2UoyfmkcMnIGmptTvkORvpvHuJcQYtvcyS1qMLazCcKEJ7R5iK0/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_NN21481-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We parked side by side on the museum ramp under the massive wing of a Flying Boxcar. Before long, we were connected with a docent who gave us a great tour.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw4fZKOvG59y_8Q2Gh-Gc_QWr5GNFfr73NvnCAwL4Np8Xzbi7J_YuVi5XgsoyuBeWftDPbmqz95LJQEo4txpUOdep8rAMkRZXVKURXNQmKimnEObbD97WXIz39DsR68qbMsSEKYSsAoCv-Zauh_EsXVDKu3qMuJb1bw_p7VBjWikdTCahNalhBpwIxN4/s2048/230916_MAAM_PiaseckiH21-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw4fZKOvG59y_8Q2Gh-Gc_QWr5GNFfr73NvnCAwL4Np8Xzbi7J_YuVi5XgsoyuBeWftDPbmqz95LJQEo4txpUOdep8rAMkRZXVKURXNQmKimnEObbD97WXIz39DsR68qbMsSEKYSsAoCv-Zauh_EsXVDKu3qMuJb1bw_p7VBjWikdTCahNalhBpwIxN4/w640-h480/230916_MAAM_PiaseckiH21-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like the <a href="https://www.maam.org/" target="_blank">Mid-Atlantic Air Museum</a>. The airworthy aircraft are in excellent condition and obviously lovingly maintained. But space in the main hangar is incredibly limited and that relegates several other aircraft to sitting out in the weather. As is the case for this glorious ruin of a Piacecki H-21 "Flying Banana" helicopter, exposure to the elements is not doing them any good. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdN6BVyjCH-Nb_kwlvKdarxCreY0K6kthF3RyCD6dZeBG6-_smc0gpWSY6KMJpm45SwhLXqEVgEz0xVSW3J7w2v3FKSxBznN7E-34ku888lxbJg-2jRy7DXN8aIoCIrksekX1zFtVAvsWM5jEXFqoN4ykiXjsPU0z2EVkAFEnVba6duvUztY3CVUTUY44/s2048/230916_MAAM_Boeing377Stratocruiser-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdN6BVyjCH-Nb_kwlvKdarxCreY0K6kthF3RyCD6dZeBG6-_smc0gpWSY6KMJpm45SwhLXqEVgEz0xVSW3J7w2v3FKSxBznN7E-34ku888lxbJg-2jRy7DXN8aIoCIrksekX1zFtVAvsWM5jEXFqoN4ykiXjsPU0z2EVkAFEnVba6duvUztY3CVUTUY44/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_Boeing377Stratocruiser-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf7IPpr26s9cCp9U_dvNIRCd-A5CxUS_Cedp8vGrziSe4FQ9am-3-t-b2zdzW-UQzstvgGCxiv8d8Anbw5dJ1PbnPgc6OC9oz_r43tahJV0ZPF6sPDBs8zHvKMvMskO-xUtGLDd3YRe4iRwJ-Or0-LIcuikiCjddKlJLEftO9UccmFvxcfsWzHcu-nL0/s2048/230916_MAAM_Boeing377Stratocruiser-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVf7IPpr26s9cCp9U_dvNIRCd-A5CxUS_Cedp8vGrziSe4FQ9am-3-t-b2zdzW-UQzstvgGCxiv8d8Anbw5dJ1PbnPgc6OC9oz_r43tahJV0ZPF6sPDBs8zHvKMvMskO-xUtGLDd3YRe4iRwJ-Or0-LIcuikiCjddKlJLEftO9UccmFvxcfsWzHcu-nL0/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_Boeing377Stratocruiser-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This Boeing C-97 Stratofreighter is derived from the infamous B-29 Superfortress of World War II. These airplanes were also the basis for the Super Guppy, the beluga whale looking freighter big enough to haul portions of the Saturn V rocket by air.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkIoh_h8NB2CXpj4s-KUwsCKLJoIVDIgi2-YRkPsq5A2twDSm3EE5ewwsWiOsrAwvAAMPt7Uw1t1sRKL49SnAVXCnbVMf3h77WZQVa7I2s30RuP6pGSQnwXJAlZC8A8G9fxAkNftlqgXwvDw2B8okZfDDIFIYf4RvzCg7OhKVQys80kn-0M2LX6m2GRM/s2048/230916_MAAM_HomebuiltMustang-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkIoh_h8NB2CXpj4s-KUwsCKLJoIVDIgi2-YRkPsq5A2twDSm3EE5ewwsWiOsrAwvAAMPt7Uw1t1sRKL49SnAVXCnbVMf3h77WZQVa7I2s30RuP6pGSQnwXJAlZC8A8G9fxAkNftlqgXwvDw2B8okZfDDIFIYf4RvzCg7OhKVQys80kn-0M2LX6m2GRM/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_HomebuiltMustang-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This 2/3 scale homebuilt Mustang featured a 600 horsepower engine. According to our docent, going full throttle packed quite a punch of torque for such a small airplane.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"An Airplane in Every Garage"</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the unique aircraft in the MAAM collection is the Zuck Plane-Mobile 1, a 1946 creation of Lockheed Skunk Works Engineer Daniel Zuck. It was one of a few mid-twentieth century attempts at a practical "roadable airplane" alongside Molt Taylor's Aerocar and Fulton's Airphibian.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL5sdO98uyJbIAsCuLnfWBJu9x0j4Ct7QslV4fkWFfpV18SOq_cPE8uDTfz1uXovtStp3rNogKiaA-xfnYhMWWCmdyQMHKLK3U46hhpaT8mD_hB0Y3BCpX1hijMlWClK2elWxw1Pbh22P6jon_B_S5uS8ObpO2X8mPfOpBh5WcjP2XF0B33by0jobWmc/s592/planemobile06b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="592" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtL5sdO98uyJbIAsCuLnfWBJu9x0j4Ct7QslV4fkWFfpV18SOq_cPE8uDTfz1uXovtStp3rNogKiaA-xfnYhMWWCmdyQMHKLK3U46hhpaT8mD_hB0Y3BCpX1hijMlWClK2elWxw1Pbh22P6jon_B_S5uS8ObpO2X8mPfOpBh5WcjP2XF0B33by0jobWmc/w640-h360/planemobile06b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for first test flight, Rosamond Dry Lake, California 1947. Photo from <a href="http://Plane-Mobile.com">Plane-Mobile.com</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe0f0twWgKhKkio9xvkj7SLNhJguOn3avd40T0v6whZvjo9TnmzXG3a2gdj6pcNFrkeGkiL7LJo6hY3fxWdXDw2N-MiYtrHusUu2ej6FYr58qoCEt0ET9hT-krLxi1D29eAwdKclVyJ3U0_C4DUUIycwqwsmP5fUD-sTQegty5haSWvHrbpSvbjnt8OY/s2048/230916_MAAM_ZuckPlane-Mobile1-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe0f0twWgKhKkio9xvkj7SLNhJguOn3avd40T0v6whZvjo9TnmzXG3a2gdj6pcNFrkeGkiL7LJo6hY3fxWdXDw2N-MiYtrHusUu2ej6FYr58qoCEt0ET9hT-krLxi1D29eAwdKclVyJ3U0_C4DUUIycwqwsmP5fUD-sTQegty5haSWvHrbpSvbjnt8OY/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_ZuckPlane-Mobile1-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In 2012, Plane-Mobile 1 was given to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum for restoration and display.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYO0mq02gPb1uP0cUS3_gj8aTcp93A_mf2Uknkgb4pAY3NuyBj9V0dhyphenhyphenOqQKSz_HcxXXpEFGfxqnwu8TS4u-hTuylAgp5yuTqELqKaX5AcVX2_b5tn7R5UCy7zarLHNdG5WjxV_caOOVvHfErWWQS8qEx7AcFbAMJ0FMwiHumqeIVle7u2DCF2FhQnu0/s2048/230916_MAAM_ZuckPlane-Mobile1-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYO0mq02gPb1uP0cUS3_gj8aTcp93A_mf2Uknkgb4pAY3NuyBj9V0dhyphenhyphenOqQKSz_HcxXXpEFGfxqnwu8TS4u-hTuylAgp5yuTqELqKaX5AcVX2_b5tn7R5UCy7zarLHNdG5WjxV_caOOVvHfErWWQS8qEx7AcFbAMJ0FMwiHumqeIVle7u2DCF2FhQnu0/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_ZuckPlane-Mobile1-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the close confines of the MAAM hangar made getting a good photo of the unique artifact quite challenging.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Famous Warbirds</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j_VhpBaPxucxKzINx-FOAetCvh1xxkv207uQD1f-j0jHNoynXirs4fdzZiVRbuPv8mAaDltPWT4YL7pG8MLmaKQot_1EzQ3xeJTATQg-Tj0ukUIyZcA2ji6Pje0OM-6eIvJvZEenP02XBPlnk5ZNkDV34JHWeKPF-eVo_4TvV2Gha6fv_B3YBcU5bT4/s2048/230916_MAAM_B25Mitchell-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3j_VhpBaPxucxKzINx-FOAetCvh1xxkv207uQD1f-j0jHNoynXirs4fdzZiVRbuPv8mAaDltPWT4YL7pG8MLmaKQot_1EzQ3xeJTATQg-Tj0ukUIyZcA2ji6Pje0OM-6eIvJvZEenP02XBPlnk5ZNkDV34JHWeKPF-eVo_4TvV2Gha6fv_B3YBcU5bT4/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_B25Mitchell-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj46An6szbeI8EDIQs_H-u2XyA5XnGv3AaqRWEP0lvMiyRX7LsxhP7U9IKLNZpUu2EnJN0hUe3mtzmfAFFGUQlKP2QMYqaHJDy02Tn4HEXJC0sI4qYvwb9vhcHTpxd6Kkf50tQAiUu_veap_J6wnWnW5Xg5-s0Cb2XkyJRjdFvdL_LW3zq0MIU0Ut7Fo/s2048/230916_MAAM_B25Mitchell-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj46An6szbeI8EDIQs_H-u2XyA5XnGv3AaqRWEP0lvMiyRX7LsxhP7U9IKLNZpUu2EnJN0hUe3mtzmfAFFGUQlKP2QMYqaHJDy02Tn4HEXJC0sI4qYvwb9vhcHTpxd6Kkf50tQAiUu_veap_J6wnWnW5Xg5-s0Cb2XkyJRjdFvdL_LW3zq0MIU0Ut7Fo/w480-h640/230916_MAAM_B25Mitchell-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Briefing Time </i>is a B-25 Mitchell bomber that is well-known on the airshow circuit in the northeast. The airplane was also featured in the film <i>Catch 22.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXQN5Ee5wvsfGHrJHKBsiC-6ni8CZUrFmjhvrYeUrVw-JLX46Pd38z04sgEOE-uaC49LX7lb7eelEZkgJaZRMSvk5FltLV37ceSe0sNBO73gPn_MjVGLSdUUysQ9AUq5H8X0GThdRZ12QFBqLzhLeXadCTQl6BPEwkvSAjKCbYwtii1_rTepC-ROZ5Gk/s2048/230916_MAAM_SNJ-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXQN5Ee5wvsfGHrJHKBsiC-6ni8CZUrFmjhvrYeUrVw-JLX46Pd38z04sgEOE-uaC49LX7lb7eelEZkgJaZRMSvk5FltLV37ceSe0sNBO73gPn_MjVGLSdUUysQ9AUq5H8X0GThdRZ12QFBqLzhLeXadCTQl6BPEwkvSAjKCbYwtii1_rTepC-ROZ5Gk/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_SNJ-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Standing aft of the museum's SNJ (Naval version of the T-6 Texan), a World War II era advanced trainer.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhr7kzH-itg9hdSzfTOyr8splwQYOUbpdOVwiWFx_qGHLH9drANrQn-sU1dZ-XDOkMJweMedRIsdLN6xAhbGnBPUykBRDsZz_EMt2cICxCmsk6pCTa8hBDfhyphenhyphenf08JGXW6iNGrfpickK-oSD93OjiLDJMF3ipvA60Is2lJLENa3EolOh37ZFJeSrYrM6Y/s2048/230916_MAAM_PT22-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhr7kzH-itg9hdSzfTOyr8splwQYOUbpdOVwiWFx_qGHLH9drANrQn-sU1dZ-XDOkMJweMedRIsdLN6xAhbGnBPUykBRDsZz_EMt2cICxCmsk6pCTa8hBDfhyphenhyphenf08JGXW6iNGrfpickK-oSD93OjiLDJMF3ipvA60Is2lJLENa3EolOh37ZFJeSrYrM6Y/w640-h480/230916_MAAM_PT22-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The fuselage of this beautiful Ryan PT-22 Recruit primary military trainer positively gleamed as though it made light of its own.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbFqbgEGYCh2l6vhyphenhyphen8YNmpDC87AayJ7A9m_HDd54yCCEjBdxuClVS8cDeD2FMDSM8bIEMQIAvahzrdSB9xha2T326Qh8ICKKzWVmpABVK4tEQKhNu4W6izgwfBlZ-TO-uhacybL8CL4Uf76y7495Aj0Drly5L4Z_9jZ1Dr2BYmOU8i240TEFKScr9Zk/s2048/230916_MAAM_FlyingFlea-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fbFqbgEGYCh2l6vhyphenhyphen8YNmpDC87AayJ7A9m_HDd54yCCEjBdxuClVS8cDeD2FMDSM8bIEMQIAvahzrdSB9xha2T326Qh8ICKKzWVmpABVK4tEQKhNu4W6izgwfBlZ-TO-uhacybL8CL4Uf76y7495Aj0Drly5L4Z_9jZ1Dr2BYmOU8i240TEFKScr9Zk/w640-h480/230916_MAAM_FlyingFlea-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This odd looking flivver is a 1964 homebuilt <i>Flying Flea</i>. Originally designed by Henri Mignet, this version was built by Louis Dagne Sr in the United States. Short-coupled with a large horizontal stabilizer, the aircraft was practically a staggered biplane. Pitch was controlled by varying the angle of incidence of the upper wing (forward and aft motions of the stick) and roll was initiated by the oversize rudder (left-right motion of the stick). The two cycle 28 horsepower engine could propel this <i>Flying Flea</i> through the air to a maximum of 86 mph.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFMN_Wq8vjmJUJQYDk4sZFtlmrLlyJkrLNx4ycLbfkIl8GsAxqUrvJ-TnbBS74BN7T48bqrRVv05F4Y1XsfmWoqHoF7Y-RQZm6R9t_U19cxspY5_7lYDq1jT2UMNSQwfIRpD7HcrGkhPU4pFVXQl-9EKMZkCoWFEzqliwClaMLLKADg6r1OE2DKasEcc/s2048/230916_MAAM_ValReplicaTora3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFMN_Wq8vjmJUJQYDk4sZFtlmrLlyJkrLNx4ycLbfkIl8GsAxqUrvJ-TnbBS74BN7T48bqrRVv05F4Y1XsfmWoqHoF7Y-RQZm6R9t_U19cxspY5_7lYDq1jT2UMNSQwfIRpD7HcrGkhPU4pFVXQl-9EKMZkCoWFEzqliwClaMLLKADg6r1OE2DKasEcc/w640-h480/230916_MAAM_ValReplicaTora3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Originally a Vultee BT-13 Valiant, this replica of a World War II Japanese "Val" bomber (Aichi D3A) starred in <i>Tora! Tora! Tora!</i> (1970) before being donated to the museum in 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Black Widow of Reading</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Mid-Atlantic Air Museum's claim to fame and reason for existence is the restoration of this rare World War II era Northrup P-61 Black Widow. One of only four remaining worldwide, this one was rescued by museum staff from a mountainside in New Guinea where it crashed in 1945.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1V4C2PQlcgu9xZu1K83sZgg6DE7N1ds9E4YVCuOHf2GfQpAjYQsKYLuDU-99QDFdvOGl7RcdYjgI4CeXpQ1ZjopzJ17M61sOONXZkiP4eO6O1oMA470dby-29PNs_CNGevX3YS9mbtesOwGKjqdfWOJv361zli-uiCGLusakXY1C5UXR5fOh7S51u7Y/s2048/230916_MAAM_P61-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1V4C2PQlcgu9xZu1K83sZgg6DE7N1ds9E4YVCuOHf2GfQpAjYQsKYLuDU-99QDFdvOGl7RcdYjgI4CeXpQ1ZjopzJ17M61sOONXZkiP4eO6O1oMA470dby-29PNs_CNGevX3YS9mbtesOwGKjqdfWOJv361zli-uiCGLusakXY1C5UXR5fOh7S51u7Y/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_P61-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Widow in 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I have been following the painstaking restoration of this aircraft since my <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2009/03/yes-maam-mid-atlantic-air-museum.html" target="_blank">first visit to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in 2009</a>. While progress has been slow, it is definitively moving forward.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgLKsmGfuYjr7TpUfCeEVGmc5SO_Ou4eTZprqs9oPOxlD7TXR5yomDI0Wp4GL_m_nfJqRbaylHMM8I9Or2PPgqTsrpA2X2Nmi_ba2dPcelOfNG6LyX1nj8JhMhUsrMxqr8zJieIQ3j5wuGikcqqKXsUXBAi-nwTUE3I-aOTlADGgX7yPNw-Ypj7_b1a4/s2048/230916_MAAM_P61-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsgLKsmGfuYjr7TpUfCeEVGmc5SO_Ou4eTZprqs9oPOxlD7TXR5yomDI0Wp4GL_m_nfJqRbaylHMM8I9Or2PPgqTsrpA2X2Nmi_ba2dPcelOfNG6LyX1nj8JhMhUsrMxqr8zJieIQ3j5wuGikcqqKXsUXBAi-nwTUE3I-aOTlADGgX7yPNw-Ypj7_b1a4/w640-h480/230916_MAAM_P61-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Widow in 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1wsokp424cBBeu3tgMH5q03MgdaIyidw_1qNZSRqfhzgmh5wdrkU6GtWumqX7xNuZlehmQ3OmPGGFEd6T3XOpfqVKKEi27r8E3ePnLpB1OiGwOFbvkJfiRTHWS_eVRMPVUKkIyFlMDZ-g3WUF6vzYFFO1F9VXMtA9M4StfDWsKzRgX1xtQFQXGc9itQ/s2048/230916_MAAM_P61-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1wsokp424cBBeu3tgMH5q03MgdaIyidw_1qNZSRqfhzgmh5wdrkU6GtWumqX7xNuZlehmQ3OmPGGFEd6T3XOpfqVKKEi27r8E3ePnLpB1OiGwOFbvkJfiRTHWS_eVRMPVUKkIyFlMDZ-g3WUF6vzYFFO1F9VXMtA9M4StfDWsKzRgX1xtQFQXGc9itQ/w480-h640/230916_MAAM_P61-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aft fuselage of the Black Widow in 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD25a62KPqrNuMwG63HyYgb5jk-XqxIzmgY7cuc9ZRNFtG-uE_yb26m-ZgAT1Y58Nd1yniDo1MeWqjGaupjf9zAyT-_vOQGk0NGqogqwAbYrJj1YH4TjodnjvjvIJ3Zr1cvrx2MH0vceUGE_3H41jEVada1Cjplzf7NFIXeCTUA-coGdRSOAk6LpB27Ik/s5184/181010_MAAM_P61-12.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD25a62KPqrNuMwG63HyYgb5jk-XqxIzmgY7cuc9ZRNFtG-uE_yb26m-ZgAT1Y58Nd1yniDo1MeWqjGaupjf9zAyT-_vOQGk0NGqogqwAbYrJj1YH4TjodnjvjvIJ3Zr1cvrx2MH0vceUGE_3H41jEVada1Cjplzf7NFIXeCTUA-coGdRSOAk6LpB27Ik/w640-h360/181010_MAAM_P61-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Widow as it appeared in 2018.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>By way of comparison, this is how the Black Widow <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/10/lair-of-black-widow.html" target="_blank">appeared during my visit in 2018</a>. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqovGc9TiHi5tUS5uwTkl85Weq0ec94aVB6biq0Mz1loFZDdkrC-MVAJU3TTvYXAoztD8z-jBtlMNY1uKSjWGX4f2i9mUw_DhzPLclCxz6pouWvWJNbFqIZN4BcEKA9QzhjOe2uesIAtgBHH1y93Xok02RiRvQQCCm59Fur6Xm5oiSstbV1bdSOnrUJI/s1024/090321_MAAM_P61-RearQuarter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqovGc9TiHi5tUS5uwTkl85Weq0ec94aVB6biq0Mz1loFZDdkrC-MVAJU3TTvYXAoztD8z-jBtlMNY1uKSjWGX4f2i9mUw_DhzPLclCxz6pouWvWJNbFqIZN4BcEKA9QzhjOe2uesIAtgBHH1y93Xok02RiRvQQCCm59Fur6Xm5oiSstbV1bdSOnrUJI/w640-h480/090321_MAAM_P61-RearQuarter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Black Widow in 2009.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2009/03/yes-maam-mid-atlantic-air-museum.html" target="_blank">Going back to 2009</a>, this was all of the airplane that had been reassembled (view from aft of the fuselage). The twin tail booms, vertical stabilizers, engines, and forward fuselage were years away from being mounted. Progress <b>is </b>measurable and I look forward to the day that the aircraft is fully restored.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum has a space problem that goes beyond the weathered artifacts already decaying outside on the ramp. There is no room in the hangar to attach the Black Widow's wings outboard of the tail booms. As the Black Widow took shape over the years, the museum added more aircraft to the main hangar; space became tighter while the airplane grew larger. What is the museum to do? Our docent had no idea what the path forward would be, but the technical challenges of restoration may be outdone by a simple lack of space.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZEAbLjfV2L5hdaTGaR-0HcAeMRHBZeS2GOtS3edaiRadXKmLs2jEK-UR6O5mWLDgE-KrxnYLy_lgTSY-tDlZoae6-PFnqTQNaQfM0ya8_vUOf2D7Ei3GR6Xhx26jsWq-DIVQ7b5PRTwMR4W7QBH-M97bG1ROBNrohpxKYCJQ8gXcyzIF-8BMOiBBoU8/s1997/230916_MAAM_Group-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1997" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZEAbLjfV2L5hdaTGaR-0HcAeMRHBZeS2GOtS3edaiRadXKmLs2jEK-UR6O5mWLDgE-KrxnYLy_lgTSY-tDlZoae6-PFnqTQNaQfM0ya8_vUOf2D7Ei3GR6Xhx26jsWq-DIVQ7b5PRTwMR4W7QBH-M97bG1ROBNrohpxKYCJQ8gXcyzIF-8BMOiBBoU8/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_Group-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our group of intrepid Mid-Atlantic Aviation Museum visitors, photo courtesy of our docent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Om-VBWLHKt5r3TIYTBfkulg6xYoyP-dnty2dr40v3FMyu9soeFdydbppehz4d-TNMbqMCIuZMgEiuy76F1ygNsSU98F1XVjqxGgaF5OM9B7sYPdsvpyhzRVcyhlKmXBBCvRtFTHO-DGol1kulXoUtJlbVOw9hBD04sFVAb5B-XHqdYkv8NbLsceLphQ/s2013/230916_MAAM_WFCPlanes-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="2013" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Om-VBWLHKt5r3TIYTBfkulg6xYoyP-dnty2dr40v3FMyu9soeFdydbppehz4d-TNMbqMCIuZMgEiuy76F1ygNsSU98F1XVjqxGgaF5OM9B7sYPdsvpyhzRVcyhlKmXBBCvRtFTHO-DGol1kulXoUtJlbVOw9hBD04sFVAb5B-XHqdYkv8NbLsceLphQ/w640-h360/230916_MAAM_WFCPlanes-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After an informative tour, we migrated back to the airplanes for an easy flight home. Everyone remembered to remove their chocks this time. Kim actually dozed off in the back seat on the way. I take her trust in me to get her home safely as a tremendous compliment.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It will be interesting to see what the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum is able to do with their Black Widow in the next few years.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-64594231988419431322023-09-04T19:55:00.214-04:002023-10-16T19:00:01.675-04:00Warbirds and Pancakes<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Back to Basics</span></i></b></div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div>In 2023, I enjoyed some great adventures from earning my seaplane rating in Traverse City, MI to exploring the Outer Banks with other Williamson Flying Club members as part of a caravan of aircraft. But some days, an aviator need the simplicity of pancakes and grass runways.<div><br /></div><div>Kristy and I were flying back to New York from a visit to Michigan with my family and high school friends when I received a text from WFC member and recently certificated pilot, Joe F. He was looking for a ride to a fly-in pancake breakfast being hosted the next morning by the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2020/11/whiskey-seven-and-belle-of-ball.html" target="_blank">National Warplane Museum</a> on the grass-only airport in Geneseo, NY. He had neither attended a fly-in nor landed on grass before and hoped to ride along with me. It was a perfect back to basics kind of flight.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Surprise!</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">04 Sep 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - D52 (Geneseo, NY) - SDC</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.4</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2720.0</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>In addition to Joe and I in Warrior 481, Dan P and Jamie O were flying in Jamie's Searey. While running up the engine, we stopped next to Mike A and CFI Mike B in the club's Bold Warrior, Eight One Six.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Where are you guys headed?" Mike B asked over the radio.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Pancake breakfast. You?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"We're headed over to Geneseo to give Mike a grass checkout," Mike B answered.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Do they know?</i> I wondered. "Enjoy the pancakes," I broadcast back at them. This was how they found out that a fly-in breakfast was happening at their planned grass check-out destination.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkDRAfQ5hkAvpOe6U43GhR16ehx48K53UVjwrlKvKducg-1fl81hsb7-ptcKvx01MdJzeLEg7u3gyR-U-LIbI0nj6aBLLjOVSI3wGAx-E_Acr4-t2DGcBy9tKpjYdrlLN0gZjfSmqybix9q0xJMLmM2gEFbGeRI_jFu-awv4wqQ44RtyFrL4Hr5lL5eI/s1998/IMG_5482.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1998" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkDRAfQ5hkAvpOe6U43GhR16ehx48K53UVjwrlKvKducg-1fl81hsb7-ptcKvx01MdJzeLEg7u3gyR-U-LIbI0nj6aBLLjOVSI3wGAx-E_Acr4-t2DGcBy9tKpjYdrlLN0gZjfSmqybix9q0xJMLmM2gEFbGeRI_jFu-awv4wqQ44RtyFrL4Hr5lL5eI/w640-h360/IMG_5482.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe F and I in Warrior 481 en route to breakfast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The pattern was busy when we arrived. The Mikes in Eight One Six arrived first with a WACO biplane behind them that was followed by me and Joe. We had traffic behind us as well. The landing became a little dicey when the WACO stopped in the middle of the turf runway as I was turning final. The pilot had been communicating on the radio in the traffic pattern, so it seemed that he should have been aware of us. Eventually, the WACO started to move again. It had not cleared the runway when we touched down, but we easily had 2,000 feet of spacing between us and the turf rapidly slowed the Warrior to a brisk walk. There was no collision hazard or else I would have aborted the landing. We taxied to parking behind the WACO, our aircraft making the ungainly wobble of aircraft taxiing on an uneven surface.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Back in Time</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQYRRihM0vW9KMzsXODAyXVCwUAxyrLc1lUSZSpFlkpT5_iQGuhKgYfgXM5XKf7ArWgfQbn1vdsgQ8MH2zcSVPtctoHZora2OqzpRmxKNlB0k0rU9NygrE6Cdnh9BUFrUREWpIavUvBBQVLUwh7WxLOZKzoOZrPJKG10yqnwrT-YHaE25QLCdFTSH3RE/s5184/IMG_4165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQYRRihM0vW9KMzsXODAyXVCwUAxyrLc1lUSZSpFlkpT5_iQGuhKgYfgXM5XKf7ArWgfQbn1vdsgQ8MH2zcSVPtctoHZora2OqzpRmxKNlB0k0rU9NygrE6Cdnh9BUFrUREWpIavUvBBQVLUwh7WxLOZKzoOZrPJKG10yqnwrT-YHaE25QLCdFTSH3RE/w640-h360/IMG_4165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The National Warplane Museum had partially cleaned out their main hangar to accommodate the breakfast, so several of their treasures were outside under the brilliant sun.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTdyODbX61uBqArZa8H_dEADhHqS_xWhpR88Q_ON3v2mYe4-wpXYynxrqsDxHEF4GlAT0xbaqkiQnipO5a5q-soNntFoDcniEhgFX9yeE6P4IUr73sk3to8RjW-ZXbtsm0gIfJVqOBXvZHOwClrcXKoXhakJD0W9HddJNYEJ54keh-ddG88WCbnkRoqg/s4964/IMG_4166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="4964" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTdyODbX61uBqArZa8H_dEADhHqS_xWhpR88Q_ON3v2mYe4-wpXYynxrqsDxHEF4GlAT0xbaqkiQnipO5a5q-soNntFoDcniEhgFX9yeE6P4IUr73sk3to8RjW-ZXbtsm0gIfJVqOBXvZHOwClrcXKoXhakJD0W9HddJNYEJ54keh-ddG88WCbnkRoqg/w640-h360/IMG_4166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBhzVsntY5_2K56XKg-nAFHlSbcuDf3PaD2qZVL5Ikrr7wqdEhUFDsHPNYdzAiS6CmswTPPVazaiouxz77ZY-bHThqmUlag4zIgUmnjyVRbVjLYAn0DRdihNPMQVfSPCl9VMBQjdo1iZh9BszUWHJAyFthy7dQvKmncOvyJsV57JszVz3BM_STFiCi8k/s4358/IMG_4168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2451" data-original-width="4358" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBhzVsntY5_2K56XKg-nAFHlSbcuDf3PaD2qZVL5Ikrr7wqdEhUFDsHPNYdzAiS6CmswTPPVazaiouxz77ZY-bHThqmUlag4zIgUmnjyVRbVjLYAn0DRdihNPMQVfSPCl9VMBQjdo1iZh9BszUWHJAyFthy7dQvKmncOvyJsV57JszVz3BM_STFiCi8k/w640-h360/IMG_4168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Williamson Flying Club was well-represented that morning by me, Dan P, Jamie O, Mike A, Mike B, and Joe F. Also present were Sam and Zoe, a pair of NetJets pilots who base their Skyhawk at Sodus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHoMpyFKdnU4G6qH5BwUHa9np1or__9cTbOM0lkveKD5t5UNp5fUkqDzUNmWR3e35IlC4tJYhhdQeF020mN0FnWxAKskDa9Zt4NH9EjChwASUX0Re1vMDV3IA1nNoSAivoYzN2Z-AL0trA3KYh8pOx5dqtPBbmvtuvX6NyVZvEyUVo0ZhBJpTlwD3Q8Q/s4840/IMG_4170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="4840" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHoMpyFKdnU4G6qH5BwUHa9np1or__9cTbOM0lkveKD5t5UNp5fUkqDzUNmWR3e35IlC4tJYhhdQeF020mN0FnWxAKskDa9Zt4NH9EjChwASUX0Re1vMDV3IA1nNoSAivoYzN2Z-AL0trA3KYh8pOx5dqtPBbmvtuvX6NyVZvEyUVo0ZhBJpTlwD3Q8Q/w640-h360/IMG_4170.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Twinsies. Kind of. Warrior 816 and Warrior 481. Eight One Six has a bigger engine (a Bold Warrior STC for 180 horsepower), but I still outrun her with my cruise prop and installed wheel pants.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiQO8_mKGqQSxOcieV4QP5flYCnK6Y4YHipYvXky9l90xOFCa_asTW3mWvbn9nHI73CtTTPXd74GhiWivhEFCYtBJ1WsqogsmpUQhj5hsanjv3DuXfPp2DIJuLkGeGTu4DD1sseANsXGqp54VI1clHaN9uvclWp1ZWowWqQ345V3szct1rt28kHXVnfo/s5126/IMG_4171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2883" data-original-width="5126" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiQO8_mKGqQSxOcieV4QP5flYCnK6Y4YHipYvXky9l90xOFCa_asTW3mWvbn9nHI73CtTTPXd74GhiWivhEFCYtBJ1WsqogsmpUQhj5hsanjv3DuXfPp2DIJuLkGeGTu4DD1sseANsXGqp54VI1clHaN9uvclWp1ZWowWqQ345V3szct1rt28kHXVnfo/w640-h360/IMG_4171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A snazzy experimental parked next to Eight One Six.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39m8W2pQ9pc3X0FoFem-EGVukcQzs9UJeJLFtdmWsNVTonilPCGFdM4CY7eHIoOsqml7-AsBYg5icz86pl0Zzfy8eYdw76nXkiNjTFpYYiZGT_glbh9XDOF7aJRkFr_nmH3VIcMplPjqpI_78d3eyXZEiHZBbqCTO8wSgmfe0uwqmgo0Bk4y5Lu51Sr8/s5126/IMG_4172.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2883" data-original-width="5126" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39m8W2pQ9pc3X0FoFem-EGVukcQzs9UJeJLFtdmWsNVTonilPCGFdM4CY7eHIoOsqml7-AsBYg5icz86pl0Zzfy8eYdw76nXkiNjTFpYYiZGT_glbh9XDOF7aJRkFr_nmH3VIcMplPjqpI_78d3eyXZEiHZBbqCTO8wSgmfe0uwqmgo0Bk4y5Lu51Sr8/w640-h360/IMG_4172.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Vultee BT-13 Valiant, Douglas C-47, and Fairchild PT-26 Cornell.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We ate breakfast as a group. The National Warplane Museum team did a great job cooking that morning and everything was delicious. When done, we spent some time exploring the museum. At some point, Mike and Mike disappeared and we saw them practicing grass landings in Eight One Six.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gk-ih6Y6DZRAMI7ZQAu3QqfYCAnm3F9WAnAr8B3t_hW0amtXwPMcq-Ur_csHV6Zb5J9OLjgJTgk6SdRVmP-bjj1vlaM_rqn2ZTIRyPdPB0cs71GKWRVIUFDf3OOOOvKsOZvGNJ9jXHTZHh8Wjvdz4CIDydN_gCbDnBnWSLvrtpMDNOCcuMuht1xbHNs/s5174/IMG_4174.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="5174" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gk-ih6Y6DZRAMI7ZQAu3QqfYCAnm3F9WAnAr8B3t_hW0amtXwPMcq-Ur_csHV6Zb5J9OLjgJTgk6SdRVmP-bjj1vlaM_rqn2ZTIRyPdPB0cs71GKWRVIUFDf3OOOOvKsOZvGNJ9jXHTZHh8Wjvdz4CIDydN_gCbDnBnWSLvrtpMDNOCcuMuht1xbHNs/w640-h360/IMG_4174.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close-up look at the cockpit of the Vultee BT-13 Valiant.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNOg-FXsr6VFQ-zhZjIhRGDLiJDkH9fK2vbE1MQkBikR_pQfyWpjn2HN_giugV-RWCQ54cVt2wJClR7NZoOd1tWqPXMIgMzuqO5c5oEfRkyT5mYNCpHVZprQ5m_sVPinc4oyXDp9IZzA2mB-SnDabGZ1aakOfUcOAlD-eNbGrWFbGgEA250gLStusAro/s5174/IMG_4175.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="5174" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNOg-FXsr6VFQ-zhZjIhRGDLiJDkH9fK2vbE1MQkBikR_pQfyWpjn2HN_giugV-RWCQ54cVt2wJClR7NZoOd1tWqPXMIgMzuqO5c5oEfRkyT5mYNCpHVZprQ5m_sVPinc4oyXDp9IZzA2mB-SnDabGZ1aakOfUcOAlD-eNbGrWFbGgEA250gLStusAro/w640-h360/IMG_4175.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsfPD86wBbbJ02DBVIji1AD1O9yECyWnkiduZXbAzfM4DFApt3_b1bmbotnYKm_gsND5TP5e4DV9I_YJH4dtFt2pnAAo4GUinXcVM6ghZmRJe3YF73AQATGynpN0wG0nl5VXAbIK1vs_NofOMMayv6qevAI1PtEAVA6ZmYL5-PBSzgQ2O4YtAUE-_sT0/s5174/IMG_4176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="5174" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDsfPD86wBbbJ02DBVIji1AD1O9yECyWnkiduZXbAzfM4DFApt3_b1bmbotnYKm_gsND5TP5e4DV9I_YJH4dtFt2pnAAo4GUinXcVM6ghZmRJe3YF73AQATGynpN0wG0nl5VXAbIK1vs_NofOMMayv6qevAI1PtEAVA6ZmYL5-PBSzgQ2O4YtAUE-_sT0/w640-h360/IMG_4176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As its designation suggests, the Fairchild PT-26 was a primary military trainer during the World War II era.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvMiGMjX4YIx5DLdEdHm4vFhxiHJtF3SS8Kae6PEyV0CdE-3x06qpUCUl1qt1VnIumFYuq7lvLBMdBqVbN-J2HWpjZmXT2TmvY1QcHufV37GHPwN53kQZWn4vv3vAZAC70Buov7hG92jAOx1A8BKa6tGlZWD7DHu5vwhyphenhyphen4LRnQ0H4luU_uKx_tY9XsS0/s5174/IMG_4177.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="5174" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvMiGMjX4YIx5DLdEdHm4vFhxiHJtF3SS8Kae6PEyV0CdE-3x06qpUCUl1qt1VnIumFYuq7lvLBMdBqVbN-J2HWpjZmXT2TmvY1QcHufV37GHPwN53kQZWn4vv3vAZAC70Buov7hG92jAOx1A8BKa6tGlZWD7DHu5vwhyphenhyphen4LRnQ0H4luU_uKx_tY9XsS0/w640-h360/IMG_4177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMv3XGzRCcbeF2jtnVoGg4tbOIFeODm349Egs9i423imAgUb2i3XeCqisUVjaPFMjAhYWCKEEH4aDBg9IGNG-ooq7QJGj8pz4neph_H4d52UEy4Jc3Akaud7QDiR-YwOfcLubRzD4BEfJJSLaf2l4qohPs9hwCIaDp1I9O1LrXkHd4mSZsd70lPxrlic/s5093/IMG_4180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2863" data-original-width="5093" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMv3XGzRCcbeF2jtnVoGg4tbOIFeODm349Egs9i423imAgUb2i3XeCqisUVjaPFMjAhYWCKEEH4aDBg9IGNG-ooq7QJGj8pz4neph_H4d52UEy4Jc3Akaud7QDiR-YwOfcLubRzD4BEfJJSLaf2l4qohPs9hwCIaDp1I9O1LrXkHd4mSZsd70lPxrlic/w640-h360/IMG_4180.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This WACO UPF-7 was the biplane that mysteriously stopped on the runway while we were preparing to land. It is a beautiful airplane. I am still not sure what its pilot was thinking.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQis4atCOjjWp3oNQlVxcQWEY0oyZujJHOOsoIDmIpHhAexOeNfXyjswtmJxMj_aBz6HkoSZBOQMC3sZuPLkHHbXobxiltIpMK7tEDSc2KUpAQS68ei4GcgjfVGnj8lEURfPxY2CS1_wVqQ8MpA_oPfi0e7ZUz6PAQzc041Kg0s73J6S_HQJgJ34FGvkk/s5126/IMG_4183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2883" data-original-width="5126" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQis4atCOjjWp3oNQlVxcQWEY0oyZujJHOOsoIDmIpHhAexOeNfXyjswtmJxMj_aBz6HkoSZBOQMC3sZuPLkHHbXobxiltIpMK7tEDSc2KUpAQS68ei4GcgjfVGnj8lEURfPxY2CS1_wVqQ8MpA_oPfi0e7ZUz6PAQzc041Kg0s73J6S_HQJgJ34FGvkk/w640-h360/IMG_4183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Whiskey 7 is the local airplane celebrity. This C-47 is a veteran of D-Day and flew as a lead ship in the liberation of Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. In 2014, the National Warplane Museum flew Whiskey 7 back to Normandy on the 70th anniversary of D-Day. It was surely the adventure of a lifetime for her crew.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdFghp6jjCB5QWtXJCQoXJOW_NmON9NEAA4CweV2vVpkSdXTPOt2c9m9FU8nourqzWWGbI4qVxpxuFd6vwWuaJlyd4y3GWioWsQkcX0HkIcoFUTMkukzq0zMCWpVZ2v_o_n6AbRCM_EUgwbaeNbwyuYnI-ryAURopg5wc-d-7aAdLHApFnRRIUinNBYM/s4872/IMG_4185.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2740" data-original-width="4872" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdFghp6jjCB5QWtXJCQoXJOW_NmON9NEAA4CweV2vVpkSdXTPOt2c9m9FU8nourqzWWGbI4qVxpxuFd6vwWuaJlyd4y3GWioWsQkcX0HkIcoFUTMkukzq0zMCWpVZ2v_o_n6AbRCM_EUgwbaeNbwyuYnI-ryAURopg5wc-d-7aAdLHApFnRRIUinNBYM/w640-h360/IMG_4185.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PFueA2BCu8v9lM1GZMSVV7HQ5fHBi6uNrRtYE-KR85RrWI8-l8zExv7W43VuJmSqKj1f35RrWnAcVRHZC0HLVy8wxIXD0hv_2gsn173VQEN79S9wdJJAop79Gn2pmaB7F-XIRA05vrAghKIe21UTnayOmYrJ5Xd1rPQOvnErwz4U0_xeYQVUf_-mbwE/s5083/IMG_4186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2858" data-original-width="5083" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PFueA2BCu8v9lM1GZMSVV7HQ5fHBi6uNrRtYE-KR85RrWI8-l8zExv7W43VuJmSqKj1f35RrWnAcVRHZC0HLVy8wxIXD0hv_2gsn173VQEN79S9wdJJAop79Gn2pmaB7F-XIRA05vrAghKIe21UTnayOmYrJ5Xd1rPQOvnErwz4U0_xeYQVUf_-mbwE/w640-h360/IMG_4186.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The museum recently acquired this Beech Staggerwing. I know little about its origins, <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2017/08/a-beech-visit-on-national-aviation-day.html" target="_blank">I just know that I love Beech Staggerwings</a>. I would prefer mine in a different color, but otherwise, it's a magnificent specimen.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN-DvJNDwADnbpKmt0j9ltq1Im9QpgAbPhu2wGti_Qn4U_stLp0xpmGSjRji6ZSmAtr0yJjXL3O_DV_uYBLltr3VDv3SFrUz9RiasREffe7Yn0hFtVYaqdPxQ1d7ktJ6WXKEfJA17olMxAIXWPqVVXI9Rv123V7tOGV8UJADZHlAc10xrKzSt9eHClN4/s4953/IMG_4187.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2785" data-original-width="4953" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN-DvJNDwADnbpKmt0j9ltq1Im9QpgAbPhu2wGti_Qn4U_stLp0xpmGSjRji6ZSmAtr0yJjXL3O_DV_uYBLltr3VDv3SFrUz9RiasREffe7Yn0hFtVYaqdPxQ1d7ktJ6WXKEfJA17olMxAIXWPqVVXI9Rv123V7tOGV8UJADZHlAc10xrKzSt9eHClN4/w640-h360/IMG_4187.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Oh, and they had a Spam Can on display. Wait...that was our ride home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because departure from Geneseo requires a back taxi on the runway, we waited for a break in landings, then taxied back to the departure end with a Grumman Tiger and Jamie's Searey. On take-off, when I pulled the nosewheel off the ground, Warrior 481 palpably accelerated with the reduction in drag. I was surprised at how similar the sensation was to getting the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/05/hydrodynamic-part-2-float-flying.html" target="_blank">Super Cruiser seaplane up on the step</a>, another rapid acceleration resulting from drag minimization.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the simplicity of pancakes, good company, a grass runway, and warbirds, I was ready for the next adventure!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-77020043699601372052023-08-20T21:50:00.772-04:002023-10-09T12:20:34.948-04:00Nocturne<span style="text-align: left;">It was not my intention to fly home in the dark. But after a day of reuniting with cherished friends and family, I was in no hurry to depart southeast Michigan. Driven by the cold machinations of the heavens, sunset waits for no one.</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Broken Connections</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I spent the first 22 years of my life in southeast Michigan, but most of my time on Earth has been lived elsewhere. I have many friends and family in that part of the Mitten that I do not see as often as I would prefer. Losing my mother in 2018 further severed those connections, both because she kept me involved with the family and because I found myself making far fewer visits home without her there to welcome me.</div><div><br /></div><div>On August 3, my cousin Barb's husband Tony was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident near Sturgis, South Dakota. I liked Tony. Though we had exactly zero things in common, whenever I attended a family gathering, he always made an effort to check in with me to see how I was doing. For many years, Barb and Tony hosted Mom's side of the family <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2013/05/origin-story.html" target="_blank">at their house for Thanksgiving</a>. They are a half generation older than me and one of my early memories is attending their wedding as a little kid where I danced the night away like a goofy fool with my best childhood friend, Rob. It was clearly an event that occurred before I developed any form of inhibitory self consciousness.</div><div><br /></div><div>For that matter, I had not seen Rob in over 20 years, another connection broken with time and distance. As kids, we spent every summer day together scheming and building new things, our imaginary adventures every bit as fantastical as those of Phineas and Ferb (but without the teal, shoe-box shaped platypus). <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2013/05/origin-story.html" target="_blank">Not surprisingly, most of those adventures involved a lot of purely imaginary flying</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I was invited to Tony's Celebration of Life on August 20, no one from the family genuinely expected me to make an appearance. However, with an airplane, such feats are easily accomplished.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Back to the Mitten</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">20 Aug 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - PTK (Waterford, MI)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">3.1</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2708.4</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzVG9qcH47EgMEUOWIP9VF5lfEFvfz_UzS571wFQYxu8KwTBMLWzIb-nIJ0BBOZYdDeYSR_8hEi6rpneN9qxMhyelkygy7mgFVmplgQOD1xyG4w4uG1QEGOEyjALwnjRYtG8h8vHe3PUQsL_oGXpDhTjsBRiPqP8iQibVMWPMbT1tSU8gA2_vA0i8zqs/s2048/230820_N21481-SDC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzVG9qcH47EgMEUOWIP9VF5lfEFvfz_UzS571wFQYxu8KwTBMLWzIb-nIJ0BBOZYdDeYSR_8hEi6rpneN9qxMhyelkygy7mgFVmplgQOD1xyG4w4uG1QEGOEyjALwnjRYtG8h8vHe3PUQsL_oGXpDhTjsBRiPqP8iQibVMWPMbT1tSU8gA2_vA0i8zqs/w640-h360/230820_N21481-SDC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the fuel pump in Sodus preparing for departure.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I flew to my hometown against a 30 knot headwind that stretched the flight time to just over three hours. Considering that the drive time is reliably six hours, even a slow flight is unquestionably an improvement over a fast car. Stress is also a factor and there is something to be said about lounging in a mostly deserted sky with HAL controlling the airplane and shoes comfortably kicked off versus navigating the crowded mad rush of traffic on the QEW.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR62lutwWYlm-reU-DnTaO2dlt_2r9umPkGHEN4W5vNZPlkFjcJ3KLRsY74e9vEbZ8kGyJDU6jckjJfz4PQ9-YBXSsV8mf7EVfQ6pU6tV69KnN0_QYmoVVeBeRtCiSnMT1jNTzdj3hyG7FU6kB-kNJCFSqyTgQklQ3PPOnoA9FeyzwqkIzWyr6BED9GCg/s5184/230820_NiagaraFalls.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR62lutwWYlm-reU-DnTaO2dlt_2r9umPkGHEN4W5vNZPlkFjcJ3KLRsY74e9vEbZ8kGyJDU6jckjJfz4PQ9-YBXSsV8mf7EVfQ6pU6tV69KnN0_QYmoVVeBeRtCiSnMT1jNTzdj3hyG7FU6kB-kNJCFSqyTgQklQ3PPOnoA9FeyzwqkIzWyr6BED9GCg/w640-h360/230820_NiagaraFalls.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years, I have developed an odd relationship with Niagara Falls. Many pilots fly from far away just to get an aerial peek at the Niagara River tumbling over its escarpment. What is a bucket list item for some pilots is just one of many landmarks on the flight home for me. I always enjoy seeing the falls, but every time I capture a photo I think, "Well, that looks just like the last photo I took." Yet I keep taking them. I do not know what I am searching for, but I hope to recognize it when it appears.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT5mZPuzLjKVGMCsdcKvZJ1QuUxK-TPrWv5FspfNLpf1aLtawID98conFm76Xt_lRukqzCYDe6ryvhZ4BXf69eHlMBpajD5PAO5XH5KcPsVabxA0YWduBTMP5kn_Ikf-BUs18JomlaONlXN5uuqVIko1nSEZ7XK3iNd7EVxOn3M1fiQm2Hu7v4RppjBA/s1987/230820_OntarioCanada.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1987" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAT5mZPuzLjKVGMCsdcKvZJ1QuUxK-TPrWv5FspfNLpf1aLtawID98conFm76Xt_lRukqzCYDe6ryvhZ4BXf69eHlMBpajD5PAO5XH5KcPsVabxA0YWduBTMP5kn_Ikf-BUs18JomlaONlXN5uuqVIko1nSEZ7XK3iNd7EVxOn3M1fiQm2Hu7v4RppjBA/w640-h360/230820_OntarioCanada.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haze over Ontario, Canada.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Michigan Aviation, my go-to FBO at Oakland County International, remains generous with their courtesy cars. The facility received a significant facelift in the years since I <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2018/08/dust-of-stars-part-3.html" target="_blank">partially lived there in 2018</a>, but what really makes the place feel different is Scott's absence. For years, Scott marshalled me to parking there and always greeted me by name. He made me feel like I belonged whenever I returned to my hometown airport. Now that Scott is retired, I am just another unknown transient pilot. But at least they still loaned me a car for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had lunch at one of my favorite places, Parker's Hilltop Brewery. From there, I checked in on Mom's former house, visited with <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2011/03/symphony-in-jackson.html" target="_blank">Greg's parents</a>, and successfully navigated by memory to the hall in Oxford hosting Tony's celebration.</div><div><br /></div><div>Barb was stunned to see me. Being able to support her in that moment made the entire trip worthwhile. I reunited with other family members, including my wonderful cousin Jerri. She was a teenager when I was a little kid, but always made time for me. During Mom's final days, when I put a call out to the family inviting over anyone who wanted to talk with her one last time, it was Jerri who came with my aunt. I caught up with several relatives that I had not seen in many years and even managed to impress some friends of the family by remembering their names despite not having seen them in decades.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before departing New York, I reached out to my childhood friend Rob and shared the news about Tony and the celebration happening in his memory. Barb was Rob's babysitter when he was young (back when she was still known as Barbie and he was still known as Bobby), which was why he was at her wedding with me in the early 1980s. We grew apart while I was in college and the last time I saw him in person was during my wedding in 1999, but with the swirl of people and activity around me that night I did not find time to sit down and talk with him. I was delighted to see him again and to meet his sixteen year old son for the first time. My reunion with him was bittersweet as I learned that his youngest sister Raquel -- who used to pester and chase after us when we were kids -- died unexpectedly in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>After leaving the event, I met my dear friend Kristen for dinner. Despite passage of many years since we last met in person, we connected as well as we always had, as though our last meeting occurred mere days before. Seeing her caused me to reflect fondly on the summer after high school graduation when we often went to the local Big Boy (the only sit-down restaurant in town that fit teenage budgets) and I regularly made her laugh loudly enough that the manager would scurry over and threaten to throw us out. Good times.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the tragic event that precipitated my trip, reconnection with so many friends and family that day was nourishing to my soul. Although my focus in coming was to support Barb and the family, that support was generously reciprocated. It was a day-long embrace by family and friends that I did not consciously recognize needing prior to making the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Halo</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>I love it when Pontiac Tower overrides the FAA computer that assigns IFR routes to give me what I asked for instead of the problematic default routing over the waters of a Great Lake. All it takes is a note in the flight plan "requesting no route across Lake Erie" to catch a human's eye and inspire intervention. Thanks guys, as always.</div><div><br /></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">20 Aug 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">PTK (Waterford, MI) - SDC (Sodus, NY)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.5</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2710.9</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /><div>The sun was setting as I sped down Oakland County International's runway 27L and took to a sky suffused with a ruddy evening glow. Detroit Departure provided radar vectors out of Oakland County's delta airspace before clearing me to the approved route. By the time I crossed into Canada, the landscape ahead was cloaked in darkness with the western horizon at my tail dimly radiating twilight's residual warmth. Near London, Toronto Center offered a direct route to Sodus that eschewed the longer airway route that I was following. I genuinely love flying after sunset and swimming through the calmed air of nightfall. Radio chatter diminishes and becomes tonally gentler, as though the brusquely staccato delivery of daytime communications might offend the peaceful darkness.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn_uRj9mXkqA0daf5S3G0LSg_xtDWcOXnNWDSYugc1dPLaPmrqu8XLZD1bt2k1eLw_AyAeNTIT9mD6Vg4ZmwUO9dkBPsf4IQGoF9GA2d2JpTgoq2j0UrnAhbff2Y43eyV-nKmrN4aWfXSmmHF6jeY1JIrRu0lj1QH5Vja_RLx8ek_5LVBr4EiBjedltg/s2048/230820_WingtipClouds.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn_uRj9mXkqA0daf5S3G0LSg_xtDWcOXnNWDSYugc1dPLaPmrqu8XLZD1bt2k1eLw_AyAeNTIT9mD6Vg4ZmwUO9dkBPsf4IQGoF9GA2d2JpTgoq2j0UrnAhbff2Y43eyV-nKmrN4aWfXSmmHF6jeY1JIrRu0lj1QH5Vja_RLx8ek_5LVBr4EiBjedltg/w640-h360/230820_WingtipClouds.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of my right wingtip while flying through clouds at night over St Catherine's, Ontario.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Reaching Hamilton, civilization's terrestrial constellations flickered as intervening clouds blocked their light from below. East of Hamilton, I became engulfed in the clouds entirely. It was my first time conducting an extensive flight through clouds at night. The experience was magical. I switched off the strobes and marveled at the hypnotic way the Warrior's navigation lights fluttered and danced on the wingtips as they sliced through the inhomogeneous surrounding vapor. I was my own light show, my airplane enveloped in a misty halo of diffusely reflected exterior lighting. Over the Niagara River, I momentarily emerged on top of the clouds, flying through a phantom range of gauzy mountains that were vaguely discernable in sepia tones against the darkness, barely illuminated from within by heavily attenuated rays reaching through the deck from city lights below.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Because of trees encroaching on the final approach courses, nighttime instrument procedures are no longer authorized at my airport. Though I remained within the clouds for the rest of the flight home, roughly 0.7 hours, the 4,000 foot ceiling over the Williamson Sodus Airport was high enough that no instrument procedures were needed that night. However, even for visual flying, those trees have become a hazard at night due to the visual glideslope lighting system being temporarily out of service. Without guidance, I flew a high and steep approach to runway 28 to ensure clearance with the treetops lurking invisibly in the darkness. Imperceptible except for points of light outlining its perimeter, the runway grew larger in my windscreen, its defining pixels spreading apart then flattening as I approached, the view briefly recalling the crude graphics of a 1980s flight simulator. Once close enough for the Warrior's landing light to illuminate the piano keys and other runway markings, that particular illusion gave way to physical reality and I rolled the airplane's wheels onto the pavement.</div><div><br /></div><div>I landed at 10:40 pm, much later than I originally planned, but content that my tardiness was for all of the right reasons.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-24566279889314094822023-08-17T19:02:00.062-04:002023-10-06T16:41:16.372-04:00Inclement Beauty<div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">17 Aug 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - DSV (Dansville, NY) - SDC</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.5</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2705.3</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>In recent years, a popular after-work activity for the Williamson Flying Club is a brief flight south to Dansville Municipal Airport in Dansville, NY for ice cream from Ice Cream Island. We had five airplanes make the trip on August 17. Bob C, another club member, flew right seat with me for the first time. It is a rare event when ice cream is not the focus of this kind of flight. Instead, a series of isolated rainstorms took center stage. Easily circumnavigated, the cells painted the sky with amazing beauty. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VYXaXd0MT8qYWeyvyUs4ONwJONN2Vhh4DPZTr2LuKrS-oKxL15yN9LIhz5u9azQOuJIk3zeXHFRKOsLXxKZz_bdgNhk8hHwzw5cM0U0gl58ATF9DTv_9aIkoS4MZs2dn6FExmNfJERD5GGSQ4iNArX3-IMFyKS15alTilXlsnnisd72ujLBarGowhVk/s1786/230817_RainbowOverSDC-12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1786" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VYXaXd0MT8qYWeyvyUs4ONwJONN2Vhh4DPZTr2LuKrS-oKxL15yN9LIhz5u9azQOuJIk3zeXHFRKOsLXxKZz_bdgNhk8hHwzw5cM0U0gl58ATF9DTv_9aIkoS4MZs2dn6FExmNfJERD5GGSQ4iNArX3-IMFyKS15alTilXlsnnisd72ujLBarGowhVk/w640-h360/230817_RainbowOverSDC-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Small cells were moving northbound toward Sodus as we prepared the airplanes for flight. We waited out a light rain shower as one passed, witnessing this double rainbow from my hangar.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4QPDrmGovcfh_N0KwdWch_ft5USn1R8Sew287NYW0mIorwuC3PPCzQy_3bxb7gdOH0Nd_5Q3ypdwAumQi2i_dNOPYS8dEUdeAM19gQ1Z5lOakO2J9KEsGHA5BLsrpBgZSoxFjH7qn4wB7dvLEHglh-_HkoT5p8zxl6SIP_FrRyxjt6kGH6b6NlRHl7c/s1917/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1917" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4QPDrmGovcfh_N0KwdWch_ft5USn1R8Sew287NYW0mIorwuC3PPCzQy_3bxb7gdOH0Nd_5Q3ypdwAumQi2i_dNOPYS8dEUdeAM19gQ1Z5lOakO2J9KEsGHA5BLsrpBgZSoxFjH7qn4wB7dvLEHglh-_HkoT5p8zxl6SIP_FrRyxjt6kGH6b6NlRHl7c/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the air, another cell was advancing steadily on Sodus, but we maintained our distance on the way to Dansville.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4FQwY5swz7OBjgeKb7ml_F9ZRcEPOAuTsTrEWv3uIBWqlsvol_woSB_9sEvFAEYspxcVF8mEsiT21me7OiIld5KaQE8xoxovqp2zSNnMgRBOfjPOVlsEDEJJZfQK31WsxplDbkGYGq6URpbnhXxzJCM4l1zsuS5bf4XQpPlfgT9hLdFqkYsO2wnuVXQ/s2048/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4FQwY5swz7OBjgeKb7ml_F9ZRcEPOAuTsTrEWv3uIBWqlsvol_woSB_9sEvFAEYspxcVF8mEsiT21me7OiIld5KaQE8xoxovqp2zSNnMgRBOfjPOVlsEDEJJZfQK31WsxplDbkGYGq6URpbnhXxzJCM4l1zsuS5bf4XQpPlfgT9hLdFqkYsO2wnuVXQ/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpahnIRyUtdUH8sjMPW5ILcNirdZ4eBUU_V_hplZurmaYDbqEbrjjRxH79cwKuJbvupX3Hgc8zfKnBZNA9wMgxiA0x4JL6hA3ZF_CMnc8zi-rBsS2qMUrVFWR5sfQCefXK9XRz9hlpE6q0bFoVMYE7dYMUd_GgfwnXlQMg-qX_tUIo3vN78cRUVFoqsZA/s2048/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpahnIRyUtdUH8sjMPW5ILcNirdZ4eBUU_V_hplZurmaYDbqEbrjjRxH79cwKuJbvupX3Hgc8zfKnBZNA9wMgxiA0x4JL6hA3ZF_CMnc8zi-rBsS2qMUrVFWR5sfQCefXK9XRz9hlpE6q0bFoVMYE7dYMUd_GgfwnXlQMg-qX_tUIo3vN78cRUVFoqsZA/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j2mi-MXwugCajRL4dWLXy1krLJG6pGHS8H8qI8vRA7_IXWhEllYIlrGUt7MiO2SUJKPbLmv5Muxn-t492KkZUtB9Ih-UnbGpuZj8u-lF4O2iKcHX5-slfCqJy0CTYitxmACUwak42cbXdIuE9sDy29MdPsnWn7sNGLE_NyD5DXWA2XNg0IwJOLO8i7M/s1992/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1992" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8j2mi-MXwugCajRL4dWLXy1krLJG6pGHS8H8qI8vRA7_IXWhEllYIlrGUt7MiO2SUJKPbLmv5Muxn-t492KkZUtB9Ih-UnbGpuZj8u-lF4O2iKcHX5-slfCqJy0CTYitxmACUwak42cbXdIuE9sDy29MdPsnWn7sNGLE_NyD5DXWA2XNg0IwJOLO8i7M/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD_tbVntZnOywY_Mm8tImmX8wjDXf6RR3JAdslVZIDgUf9gfgz85F-6C2X_JDmlFAAFx9Ip71v7m7iHJri4JS4wEMVcFeFzSbZ04tTNG32oAcS4VzKLV1psYKsxbnD-NCMsNSkF5vLH2PSmvJC3tFPFYWAp2BEZ3Dv3ccR7yTSvbMCkwg_WaiHRIDors/s1897/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1897" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD_tbVntZnOywY_Mm8tImmX8wjDXf6RR3JAdslVZIDgUf9gfgz85F-6C2X_JDmlFAAFx9Ip71v7m7iHJri4JS4wEMVcFeFzSbZ04tTNG32oAcS4VzKLV1psYKsxbnD-NCMsNSkF5vLH2PSmvJC3tFPFYWAp2BEZ3Dv3ccR7yTSvbMCkwg_WaiHRIDors/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFctNMB5z1beqFZAOTRFSHkrAKN2QmFXPPgx4TjG033WgOsSVcHzCragkJESS3g8-bIpPqYjYFylm7IQFxnbLsEc1qEH5Zbx8Rh4ylVWof3U50wJ7wHdirelsjyxfVRr-SZ477HqZuLCrUIcYeSB7sjIDwljqJ8iuS8XmNaHfXIRzYfHmdOeSP9EmRfmY/s1843/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1843" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFctNMB5z1beqFZAOTRFSHkrAKN2QmFXPPgx4TjG033WgOsSVcHzCragkJESS3g8-bIpPqYjYFylm7IQFxnbLsEc1qEH5Zbx8Rh4ylVWof3U50wJ7wHdirelsjyxfVRr-SZ477HqZuLCrUIcYeSB7sjIDwljqJ8iuS8XmNaHfXIRzYfHmdOeSP9EmRfmY/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS3mVHLEmPbET7e40gPZGSs4QS0ujPzOc0qS5H8cSTF-XQI2MYkgTcJqomeXtgiTQxv78xFZsk7ki-STt88Mphuyns-Q-fkHm-y8F3rsVr1adnUvpNm2wtF9Q2qzjaDdk6R0QlF9hBklxLje79EctEdMAc1NHl9tgKHpUBEfeM46XY_6BgcXny6y-eZs/s2048/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsS3mVHLEmPbET7e40gPZGSs4QS0ujPzOc0qS5H8cSTF-XQI2MYkgTcJqomeXtgiTQxv78xFZsk7ki-STt88Mphuyns-Q-fkHm-y8F3rsVr1adnUvpNm2wtF9Q2qzjaDdk6R0QlF9hBklxLje79EctEdMAc1NHl9tgKHpUBEfeM46XY_6BgcXny6y-eZs/w640-h360/230817_WeatherSDC-DSV-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKZS54Ha3KyyYVRnzaW5-e3K788XGnmQo6gMvo9kS3JnBtuc7ILXX9i3tlYw47-L89EiTRGNrs0Cyy73ndqAApaotBVrVPt6eW9Ihdu8n1qkaLE9eGWsC0-oMkSjbz6sTwoQv_SwtH3cwtpQw_RqResFF0-A25UR0CDxakrklKyUZGNDqeOAG5mD2miY/s1452/230817_FlightAwareTrackSDC-DSV.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1452" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKZS54Ha3KyyYVRnzaW5-e3K788XGnmQo6gMvo9kS3JnBtuc7ILXX9i3tlYw47-L89EiTRGNrs0Cyy73ndqAApaotBVrVPt6eW9Ihdu8n1qkaLE9eGWsC0-oMkSjbz6sTwoQv_SwtH3cwtpQw_RqResFF0-A25UR0CDxakrklKyUZGNDqeOAG5mD2miY/w640-h360/230817_FlightAwareTrackSDC-DSV.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FlightAware flight track with the weather shown as it existed roughly midway through the flight.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-26804029504262474752023-08-13T20:54:00.009-04:002023-09-30T08:19:31.401-04:00Bears in Blue Ridge | Part 3, Down with ODP<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday, August 12, 2023: You Down with ODP? (Yeah You Know Me)</span></i></b></div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div>Our final morning in Blue Ridge was a harried frenzy to dispose of leftover food in a way that minimized its likelihood of being intercepted by the rogue bear on our mountain. I cooked eggs for breakfast to keep them from going to waste. I absolutely hate wasting food.<div><br /></div><div>A Dunkin' in Jasper, GA made for makeshift flight planning space as we waited on fog to lift at Pickens County Airport. While I anticipated an IFR departure that morning, I wanted to see ceiling and visibility of at least 300 feet and a mile to avoid smacking into mountainous terrain around Pickens County Airport during take-off.<div><br /></div><div>Tools available to me for terrain management included ForeFlight's Hazard Advisor, the Warrior's onboard GNS-430W terrain display page, and the airport's obstacle departure procedure (ODP). The ODP was a key element of my departure strategy, but I also filed to IPECA, the missed approach fix for the instrument approach to the runway we would use that morning. The direct route from our departure runway (34) to IPECA would also help manage terrain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before too long, the visibility rose to unrestricted while the ceiling remained around 300 feet. This was high enough to fly the RNAV-34 approach back into the airport if needed and meant that we were a "go" for launch.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Swift Departure</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">12 Aug 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">JZP (Jasper, GA) - DKX (Knoxville, TN)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">1.5</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2698.9</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br />A pair of powered parachutes were operating low under the ceiling at Pickens County, launching and landing from a short grass strip orthogonal to the main runway.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIyLDb0mrgwBqvChY367VEEsM1rCgvDlNCC3se7ZwbORnf8ZGpMcUYv415AMo6eMk7MsTmuaz_Aby4jZ_yIB0lPjew9fslBifLPraAj1-eSwSPWkcdZNDCo8Cp1vRkHb_F0dWkH6NwlFueL5DEUEWZEqAgRDdO9ecSctU7NdGgB63vr5zY6Zsiz4ZOkE/s2010/230812_DepartPickensCo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2010" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIyLDb0mrgwBqvChY367VEEsM1rCgvDlNCC3se7ZwbORnf8ZGpMcUYv415AMo6eMk7MsTmuaz_Aby4jZ_yIB0lPjew9fslBifLPraAj1-eSwSPWkcdZNDCo8Cp1vRkHb_F0dWkH6NwlFueL5DEUEWZEqAgRDdO9ecSctU7NdGgB63vr5zY6Zsiz4ZOkE/w640-h360/230812_DepartPickensCo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low clouds breaking up over Pickens County Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As we readied the Warrior for flight, holes began to appear in the cloud deck that revealed the layer to be relatively thin.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Pickens County traffic, Execjet 123 is on the RNAV-34 approach, Pickens County." "Execjet" is the callsign used by NetJets and the pilot's intentions were broadcast across the ramp by loudspeaker. A pair of women waiting at the operations building had chartered the private jet.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I finished loading our baggage into the Warrior, a loud roar overhead announced the jet going missed on the approach. This was puzzling because the ceiling should have been high enough for the pilot to acquire the airport visually at minimums. Either way, we never saw the jet go overhead in the clouds, we only heard it. </div><div><br /></div><div>At the operations building, the two women were distressed by their pilot's failure to land. Kristy overheard one of the local airport bums providing an excellent layman's explanation of weather minimums and missed approaches to help the waiting passengers understand what just happened. The weather was visibly lifting and he assured them that their chartered aircraft would return.</div><div><br /></div><div>We taxied to the end of runway 34, ran the airplane up, then called Atlanta Center on the phone to get our instrument clearance from the ground. Normally, I would have worried about blocking the entrance to the runway while waiting for IFR release, but it was still early in the morning and not particularly VFR, so I assessed the risk of being in anyone's way to be negligible. (Famous last words.) I suggested to Kristy that we might have to wait for release because the NetJets plane was still IFR and trying to get in.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRie7PMgnM0zA3-PY6dlBY20Jg1Z_9DQGjIF0LquPfh_NRM3n6F0-V6MdX6OOEO-C6QL5j2a-wHMZEDnrwAQ1oKYjE73T3tG_p79Xa1tPRplNN4c7DPBdEEVGvGN_MwxepJQf2QZhEWEFUareRfIhBP3sQm0w2lJRcAFTyZfyt0NxE8JvqUR2fk4NfG_A/s5166/180811_Swift-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2906" data-original-width="5166" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRie7PMgnM0zA3-PY6dlBY20Jg1Z_9DQGjIF0LquPfh_NRM3n6F0-V6MdX6OOEO-C6QL5j2a-wHMZEDnrwAQ1oKYjE73T3tG_p79Xa1tPRplNN4c7DPBdEEVGvGN_MwxepJQf2QZhEWEFUareRfIhBP3sQm0w2lJRcAFTyZfyt0NxE8JvqUR2fk4NfG_A/w640-h360/180811_Swift-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of a Globe Swift photographed 11 August 2018 at the Oswego County Airport (KFZY).</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On the phone with Atlanta, I was immediately put on hold. As I waited, a pair of Globe Swift aircraft taxied up behind me for departure. Because there was no run-up area, I was on the taxiway and effectively blocking their access to the runway. The only reasonable option was for me to taxi onto the 100 foot wide runway, let the two low wing speedsters pass by, then return to the taxiway. Naturally, Atlanta Center came back to me on the phone while I was in the midst of accommodating the Swifts and I asked him to standby for a moment. The Swift pilots expressed their gratitude over the radio, zipped down the runway in formation, and quickly disappeared from view.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite strong cell signal, the audio quality from Atlanta Center was poor and I struggled to understand the controller. After asking him to repeat himself several times, my clearance was granted as filed for immediate release from runway 34. I was surprised by the lack of delay. <i>Where was NetJets?</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">In Through the Out Door</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJXXHMhUe1bsok4iR8kHj4OOO1DM9t3VT8_jbxtdxehtBgm1RozLekGGI2r01wsTNyCKCYf3ErA80gTNMi52wJIWGlg_SKQpkt_4U2ph8FMHZ2-eggpAeidPeItLfzvDTfsGr7f1EQfV5uL8n9qVPFIFik0fYna07TeZXmq-ijXog7H9zM7GJhxLPTjQ/s2010/230812_JZP-DKX-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2010" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJXXHMhUe1bsok4iR8kHj4OOO1DM9t3VT8_jbxtdxehtBgm1RozLekGGI2r01wsTNyCKCYf3ErA80gTNMi52wJIWGlg_SKQpkt_4U2ph8FMHZ2-eggpAeidPeItLfzvDTfsGr7f1EQfV5uL8n9qVPFIFik0fYna07TeZXmq-ijXog7H9zM7GJhxLPTjQ/w640-h360/230812_JZP-DKX-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we climbed through the cloud layer on the ODP, Execjet 123 was being vectored north of the airport. Because I was filed to IPECA (the missed approach holding fix for runway 34 northwest of the airport), Atlanta Center kept the jet clear of our flight path and had obviously (to my utter surprise) prioritized our departure over his arrival. I wondered if the NetJets pilot had annoyed the Atlanta Center controller. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/bears-in-blue-ridge-part-2-slam-dunk.html" target="_blank">I also wondered if Atlanta Center had slam dunked Execjet 123 with a steep descent from VIVIC like they did to me the day before and if that was the cause of the missed approach in the first place.</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reaching IPECA, now flying in clear air and having avoided all relevant terrain, we confirmed visual sighting of Execjet 123 with Center and turned northeast direct to Knoxville Downtown Island Airport. At this point, a series of baffling transmissions commenced between Execjet 123 and Atlanta Center.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Execjet 123, proceed direct IPECA for the RNAV-34 approach, Pickens County Airport." The NetJet pilot read the clearance back haltingly because it didn't make any sense to him. It did not make any sense to me, either. While IPECA was an initial fix for the RNAV-16 instrument approach, it was only part of the missed approach procedure for RNAV-34, not part of the approach procedure itself. It was one of those "you can't get there from here" situations and suggested that the Atlanta controller had mixed up initial fixes for the reciprocal runways.</div><div><br /></div><div>On reaching IPECA, the NetJets pilot was cleared for the RNAV-34 approach...from a fix that was not part of the procedure. <i>How was that going to work?</i> The pilot accepted the clearance, but with a similar, halting cadence betraying his inner confusion. Obviously, the pilot assumed that ATC's nonsensical instruction must eventually make sense if he thought about it long enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Atlanta Center, Execjet 123 requesting a delay vector while we sort through this approach." </div><div><br /></div><div>"Good plan!" I exclaimed to Kristy. The NetJets pilot was buying time to understand ATC's confusing directive. Eventually, he would realize that the mistake was on the controller's end.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Execjet 123, I don't know what that means," responded Atlanta Center.</div><div><br /></div><div>"WHAT?!" exclaimed Kristy. Even my non-pilot wife completely understood what the NetJets pilot was trying to do. Delay vectors are standard phraseology and can be requested by pilots needing ATC to send them on a safe trajectory away from conflicting terrain or traffic while they work through an issue. It is all about buying time while hurtling through the air.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqwxeq-heV8yohDoyUmB2T3CmisWsVcjulyIODnuUWnL46EKwPMHIgBZQAB1Jld2XX3yNboAagCsDTfy1BEvJirRG2BcveGUYkzf04pZR_npk_V_SJBtESnh72aREoM74g7JAHOkeahm0GcBy1Qa02bKZPxFHIbianE8AWjP42-Wo675wZAv_3AKFaV4/s2048/230812_JZP-DKX-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqwxeq-heV8yohDoyUmB2T3CmisWsVcjulyIODnuUWnL46EKwPMHIgBZQAB1Jld2XX3yNboAagCsDTfy1BEvJirRG2BcveGUYkzf04pZR_npk_V_SJBtESnh72aREoM74g7JAHOkeahm0GcBy1Qa02bKZPxFHIbianE8AWjP42-Wo675wZAv_3AKFaV4/w640-h360/230812_JZP-DKX-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After some additional back and forth, Execjet 123 was eventually cleared to VIVIC (the <i>actual </i>initial approach fix for the RNAV-34 approach) at 4,200 feet (<a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/bears-in-blue-ridge-part-2-slam-dunk.html" target="_blank">better than 6,000</a>) where they flew the holding pattern (procedure turn) to get turned back around toward the airport. Hearing them cleared for the RNAV-34 approach into Pickens County and being passed to the advisory frequency caused me to utter a sympathetic sigh of relief. All was eventually right with the world and, presumably, the two passengers waiting in Jasper eventually got to where they were going.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was one of the most baffling exchanges with Air Traffic Control that I had ever overheard. (Except, perhaps, for the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/06/flying-with-humility-sikorsky-incident.html" target="_blank">Sikorsky Incident</a> earlier this year.) After being handed-off to Knoxville Approach and checking in, Kristy and I just looked at each other in amazement.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Wow," we said in unison.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Swift Day</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3qt2tqAEB-WfO8aYk1AcK7MyXdH5ZbxszOX3-Y3NeAkbZo7TndVDfttmsfoi4jvVjNbawtVZ96X1l0Te8lWBvaVOuXxun42AtTKshcI-3w2KUpHjvE31i7f8EOmde4M7nj-wvqXQN7enjMdDdikezWHA49L9OwXSE1YJHZAmWMbrcIVAAs_F7R8xYgk/s2048/230812_JZP-DKX-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3qt2tqAEB-WfO8aYk1AcK7MyXdH5ZbxszOX3-Y3NeAkbZo7TndVDfttmsfoi4jvVjNbawtVZ96X1l0Te8lWBvaVOuXxun42AtTKshcI-3w2KUpHjvE31i7f8EOmde4M7nj-wvqXQN7enjMdDdikezWHA49L9OwXSE1YJHZAmWMbrcIVAAs_F7R8xYgk/w640-h360/230812_JZP-DKX-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging from the clouds north of the Smokies east of Knoxville with the French Broad River visible.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />A mere hour after departing Pickens County, we were flying the RNAV-26 approach to our Tennessee home away from home, Knoxville Downtown Island Airport. We planned an overnight visit with Dad and Carol before returning to New York. With our last visit being in 2021, we were very overdue.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaTT-1lQDzEBk7g94eqlm9lVyIRw25DmuwgLUbjftiefcV5DMWnCiMY_1CjYawdzh61ctTilZRV3InDJaKcRactRaZcne_17QcpSOr93T4S4idcZEJ48TuNVm-YX00GHCIKZnyAofQ96hZRJBTFdwzez_irbnWNDV-jXXPj2V3ehTU1D9K5neTPWr0Ho/s4775/210717_DowntownKnoxvilleIslandAirport-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="4775" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaTT-1lQDzEBk7g94eqlm9lVyIRw25DmuwgLUbjftiefcV5DMWnCiMY_1CjYawdzh61ctTilZRV3InDJaKcRactRaZcne_17QcpSOr93T4S4idcZEJ48TuNVm-YX00GHCIKZnyAofQ96hZRJBTFdwzez_irbnWNDV-jXXPj2V3ehTU1D9K5neTPWr0Ho/w640-h360/210717_DowntownKnoxvilleIslandAirport-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knoxville Downtown Island Airport photographed 17 July 2021.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>On the ramp, we were met by an enthusiastic, newly-minted pilot who had flown to Knoxville from northern Georgia to enjoy some plane spotting.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWojvr6hnG2hPqZbcOJeHsVj5oy1SucNhU8L8SJrGwv1Gga_gtkLs15K6oXTAUl1NxP7LSbps6nt6FBD1Hw3p-gI8hi3ezdD_J3Jcc9G65INAZVgU9cXObrrjpn-RhnWZ0CV6R8nFIIkFDZLCn7T5hu4kGaogOFQo-MpVUF20ZCoXfxP6fcM0reROVT4/s1817/230812_DKX-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1817" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWojvr6hnG2hPqZbcOJeHsVj5oy1SucNhU8L8SJrGwv1Gga_gtkLs15K6oXTAUl1NxP7LSbps6nt6FBD1Hw3p-gI8hi3ezdD_J3Jcc9G65INAZVgU9cXObrrjpn-RhnWZ0CV6R8nFIIkFDZLCn7T5hu4kGaogOFQo-MpVUF20ZCoXfxP6fcM0reROVT4/w640-h360/230812_DKX-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the fuel farm with the skyline of Knoxville, TN in the near distance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>"Your landing was great!" he exclaimed in greeting. Honestly, it was actually pretty good. That <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2023/08/bears-in-blue-ridge-part-2-slam-dunk.html" target="_blank">crazy landing at Pickens County two days earlier</a> seemed to have broken a streak of crummy "thumper" landings from the past two months. Then he pointed to a shiny, sleek-looking low wing aircraft launching from runway 26. "What kind of airplane is that?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"It's a Swift," I responded wryly. Swifts are not very common and it was unusual to see three in one day.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfkIRfUSuxw7Wf8W5SfmOXz8Jp3ENUc5velsCwK5Nj0lu71jqpnT23khTO_ghy5xgfHF0T-qV-ovBqQQAlcqSYKoiJevicg_WBvI3NpLe-CvM_zUM-dOcVhNwYUZJRpGrsCL5YDkO_NsfjK_Niw4pg4JDM-tPlT-iQAgYswTNrZ_rN-PaywhxReRpB6Q/s2048/230812_DKX-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfkIRfUSuxw7Wf8W5SfmOXz8Jp3ENUc5velsCwK5Nj0lu71jqpnT23khTO_ghy5xgfHF0T-qV-ovBqQQAlcqSYKoiJevicg_WBvI3NpLe-CvM_zUM-dOcVhNwYUZJRpGrsCL5YDkO_NsfjK_Niw4pg4JDM-tPlT-iQAgYswTNrZ_rN-PaywhxReRpB6Q/w640-h360/230812_DKX-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome ground crew comprised of Dad and Kristy.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>With Dad and Carol, we explored the new house they were having built (I have lost track of how many new houses they have built since moving to Tennessee), got some cinematic closure on our <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2021/07/tales-from-braying-dock-manor-part-7.html" target="_blank">last visit</a> by watching <i>Guardians of the Galaxy 3</i>, and enjoyed pizza from Dad's favorite pizzeria for dinner. It was good to catch up with them.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, August 13, 2023: Grove City</span></i></b></div><div><br /><div align="center"></div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 667px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">13 Aug 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">DKX (Knoxville, TN) - 29D (Grove City, PA) - SDC (Sodus, NY)</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4.9</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2703.8</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqev6qEAxSWpotLplsJ-0hT6DLGw8lKSUfz4sqKVarF1JIz5dUTlSxQnC8WWr0nuvcHJgXGzwu-YO5zoTOQqZP8LRuqsrNOzJIP90OtjVT1e9dcOFBBC1eGIhSKsH6wBgG38ckrAxCWD8ZIAD2lY6BDSS9sGjZH58D9glKdDt6HRg1l6vuDEpiKWHwZw/s1978/230813_DKX-29D-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1978" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqev6qEAxSWpotLplsJ-0hT6DLGw8lKSUfz4sqKVarF1JIz5dUTlSxQnC8WWr0nuvcHJgXGzwu-YO5zoTOQqZP8LRuqsrNOzJIP90OtjVT1e9dcOFBBC1eGIhSKsH6wBgG38ckrAxCWD8ZIAD2lY6BDSS9sGjZH58D9glKdDt6HRg1l6vuDEpiKWHwZw/w640-h362/230813_DKX-29D-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meandering Ohio River separating West Virginia from Ohio.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />With an IFR departure from the island and a climb through a low ceiling over the Tennessee River, we cruised northeastward in clear air at 7,000 feet. Our route encountered the meandering Ohio River again. Much like the trip south, the journey home was easy and I was content to let HAL fly the plane while I kicked off my shoes and gave my toes a stretch.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLumnSSU2JU-OGjKqwZsKtEMIquk_ixNTnvx1BtQo2BT2XCHAFqHzebzkhFzI0kPaT2gQ6mC0wOAKytMjh-FQhYRhRYkA_2im_vt_S5suoVy0tH1AQwduFOL8Mf-KynHQAzIihmQWnXCi43pvDEdxms4qyHxHK14-9UfAKhpE5Dqw7D069FFvNXbwBPo/s2048/230813_29D-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLumnSSU2JU-OGjKqwZsKtEMIquk_ixNTnvx1BtQo2BT2XCHAFqHzebzkhFzI0kPaT2gQ6mC0wOAKytMjh-FQhYRhRYkA_2im_vt_S5suoVy0tH1AQwduFOL8Mf-KynHQAzIihmQWnXCi43pvDEdxms4qyHxHK14-9UfAKhpE5Dqw7D069FFvNXbwBPo/w640-h360/230813_29D-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We let down into Grove City, PA (29D) for lunch at TimberCreek Tap & Table, a brewpub adjacent to the airport. My first visit there was in June when I arrived with a group from the Williamson Flying Club to check it out. Tap & Table has a reasonably diverse menu of hearty, glorified pub food. Other attributes of Grove City include an active skydiving operation at the airport, a large outlet mall that draws shoppers from all over the region, and dreadful cellular signal. Signal was so poor at the restaurant that I could not even pull a METAR from home. It was like being back on Tangier Island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWkn_uGyl6lJvlBX0IlwoYyd2n3OP-tQG3bpeVvqNGnCOnNxkv7sxAYIEI599F94lGxlk95zl-aW99fZlR1ofXKBcifyhPNBCaSChr-irmBx0Dhjqkk9isF-Lv-3wQA61ocNmsItWzGWO42WgON3-y7WIKaVdKhj8fQnUSD74tFQF8aK1pAvvGAIYQPE/s2048/230813_29D-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoWkn_uGyl6lJvlBX0IlwoYyd2n3OP-tQG3bpeVvqNGnCOnNxkv7sxAYIEI599F94lGxlk95zl-aW99fZlR1ofXKBcifyhPNBCaSChr-irmBx0Dhjqkk9isF-Lv-3wQA61ocNmsItWzGWO42WgON3-y7WIKaVdKhj8fQnUSD74tFQF8aK1pAvvGAIYQPE/w640-h360/230813_29D-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These are not fancy designer propellers. The local skydiving outfit had a gear-up landing incident with their King Air. At least it is a turboprop and prop strikes do not automatically require an engine teardown and inspection. Regardless, the condition of those propellers probably led to a difficult conversation with the pilot.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxArKSklPR9r6_XlWc1Nv7ZNpnp-XVxjpvPFZIRGcTzlKsvHOmu8joHEaNEdWkZFJnRRVYszMXq6o3uXckkNXQDisw9am6SrQxk93hX3UjW9QwgjyDx-MKpFagjEI3qzDQtJZ3FjMQSjUCgx8hWppwPWa-Dxg51cBMOsFNdfuJSkP-liP5uxknaZKNLg/s2048/IMG_5097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxArKSklPR9r6_XlWc1Nv7ZNpnp-XVxjpvPFZIRGcTzlKsvHOmu8joHEaNEdWkZFJnRRVYszMXq6o3uXckkNXQDisw9am6SrQxk93hX3UjW9QwgjyDx-MKpFagjEI3qzDQtJZ3FjMQSjUCgx8hWppwPWa-Dxg51cBMOsFNdfuJSkP-liP5uxknaZKNLg/w640-h360/IMG_5097.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TimberCreek Tap & Table photographed June 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_Nzo4imxdXo62tQApi4dSVO_w9KpHfTcwXsKcGBcPMMh94jzxs3wBajpKZlFLWPtqrEedfw0k8R2cKgmmOSIU1TQ_55E4KF-JXgbWvZrLt90b8tYBXLVAzsUSZn4Dtkfpd-mrL8bP7JY5092fvnaVSjHIMW_-binJvF65gAcx7pPDPljToXQTtF_IA4/s2048/IMG_5096.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_Nzo4imxdXo62tQApi4dSVO_w9KpHfTcwXsKcGBcPMMh94jzxs3wBajpKZlFLWPtqrEedfw0k8R2cKgmmOSIU1TQ_55E4KF-JXgbWvZrLt90b8tYBXLVAzsUSZn4Dtkfpd-mrL8bP7JY5092fvnaVSjHIMW_-binJvF65gAcx7pPDPljToXQTtF_IA4/w640-h360/IMG_5096.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TimberCreek Tap & Table photographed June 2023.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Lunch was good. It may have been glorified pub food, but it was good glorified pub food. Because most brewpubs showcase their brewing equipment, I was surprised not to see any evidence of the physical microbrewery on site.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs4IS1PQ_MB6kQgaUgg8MSSdGM_ysFIRECil9FzfZeTPD5pO5naXMWq-9ltzUMn5PqXTNKHK_4p9zlS8SzPE1LQXSWGUtSNCvGJR8mAHfbushDJzXMe1YwRlLskv_cj7eOiyLi2jl1KUyULi6wngg7i0pAQVrYG0PRvxU-cNEo53d3keE3WxXDyJpNUc/s2002/230813_29D-3-TapandTable.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2002" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIs4IS1PQ_MB6kQgaUgg8MSSdGM_ysFIRECil9FzfZeTPD5pO5naXMWq-9ltzUMn5PqXTNKHK_4p9zlS8SzPE1LQXSWGUtSNCvGJR8mAHfbushDJzXMe1YwRlLskv_cj7eOiyLi2jl1KUyULi6wngg7i0pAQVrYG0PRvxU-cNEo53d3keE3WxXDyJpNUc/w640-h480/230813_29D-3-TapandTable.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then I found it. Apparently, I just needed to look down. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkM8Y-5Wdwk67oBImrAy8psl1v1kK__HlgSjFhCaPNHfyJZz5CX2m1cW1rZ-sHKi01EwQr5PpSZtm5CwRyjb6gUkj0yjgVuEM4ah4pg0Zv8l6cJfVHQRT4HpTpFb01MXH1jiqSCVelNYPg7dc8RKi5FWeyMF07yXeGjjFrN_kaSAMYYqYK8wtZ-lltnU/s2048/230813_29D-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkM8Y-5Wdwk67oBImrAy8psl1v1kK__HlgSjFhCaPNHfyJZz5CX2m1cW1rZ-sHKi01EwQr5PpSZtm5CwRyjb6gUkj0yjgVuEM4ah4pg0Zv8l6cJfVHQRT4HpTpFb01MXH1jiqSCVelNYPg7dc8RKi5FWeyMF07yXeGjjFrN_kaSAMYYqYK8wtZ-lltnU/w640-h360/230813_29D-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Kodiak leased to the skydiving operation while the King Air is down.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Refueled and recharged from an excellent lunch, we fueled the airplane before departing Grove City. Running through the clouds on the way home, we were fortunate to earn peeks of the beautiful landscape below framed by the cumulus.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Sightseeing</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFSHzDSYY4-RENoGU77pU8X10ueZslonGlP4eaqAaEcpWvoqOlIz5jZwIlPvYsbRz2aZYqi6p6sFKaaQVgOSMHPmeyHH7Uwe35DIi3VJ2TJyecux2oQPnEW0U51w2aZ4H-ZERHDyhyphenhyphenmN5q3-EER_Wkdmla8RDaT1zCTJhQT7P5M8MNqEWacEVhnt374/s2048/230813_29D-SDC-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLFSHzDSYY4-RENoGU77pU8X10ueZslonGlP4eaqAaEcpWvoqOlIz5jZwIlPvYsbRz2aZYqi6p6sFKaaQVgOSMHPmeyHH7Uwe35DIi3VJ2TJyecux2oQPnEW0U51w2aZ4H-ZERHDyhyphenhyphenmN5q3-EER_Wkdmla8RDaT1zCTJhQT7P5M8MNqEWacEVhnt374/w640-h480/230813_29D-SDC-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Allegheny Reservoir on the New York - Pennsylvania border.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHutw_Ta-PjqT47_bOIPjlLep4ImaipzVy4fY8KT70NK2Ynp-NbbzKcyqz8u-gSN8GAgqu7cIfUsA8O38G3HI2MXwzfNlFqv6Oo5kUKLpYeKfyvpWpcUzirmWwc6inqMbJmKeSOX-IZP0O27V5Xmo0A8peW5ikTwni0bNkm80onQTk8sEq1WPjuGHNB8I/s2048/230813_29D-SDC-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHutw_Ta-PjqT47_bOIPjlLep4ImaipzVy4fY8KT70NK2Ynp-NbbzKcyqz8u-gSN8GAgqu7cIfUsA8O38G3HI2MXwzfNlFqv6Oo5kUKLpYeKfyvpWpcUzirmWwc6inqMbJmKeSOX-IZP0O27V5Xmo0A8peW5ikTwni0bNkm80onQTk8sEq1WPjuGHNB8I/w640-h360/230813_29D-SDC-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rushford Lake in Western New York. The arrowhead always points toward home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCBPatmPJcVotbChs3OVMfZf4LRY3tPb_5C_MOttiC5p3NwE3Ha1atbHReEzMcq4PEWHa2_hKy7OJT4a1eR-najmuXwDHbnnd-ZLY-qz5A98RLw81dzlM8rD45lG69803fp6t83xBRC3DsgxDvT8DxmuuQ7RnBCogrQMExwETBPDzcIb25lxNpyP4Ig/s1972/230813_29D-SDC-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1972" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVCBPatmPJcVotbChs3OVMfZf4LRY3tPb_5C_MOttiC5p3NwE3Ha1atbHReEzMcq4PEWHa2_hKy7OJT4a1eR-najmuXwDHbnnd-ZLY-qz5A98RLw81dzlM8rD45lG69803fp6t83xBRC3DsgxDvT8DxmuuQ7RnBCogrQMExwETBPDzcIb25lxNpyP4Ig/w640-h360/230813_29D-SDC-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Finger Lake! Conesus Lake, to be specific. Almost home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcEwWZ2HWj9xNG5QTyvGpeZiIS2iDPvTYr3IMw2_ATQPZ54Z5e_Q9K-tBYa_eQW2jeN2Efpf0vLTOLHlFmXGoNgNBq63mxoxeuq9YO5LMyWv5NQ_CinS4As4Vkcra9mOvh1v0F7n7AjJOGomswe3QoKQ35NJxLN-GSs9V2mJg8YAGuFFjPSv9d1rn3Oo/s2048/230813_29D-SDC-5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcEwWZ2HWj9xNG5QTyvGpeZiIS2iDPvTYr3IMw2_ATQPZ54Z5e_Q9K-tBYa_eQW2jeN2Efpf0vLTOLHlFmXGoNgNBq63mxoxeuq9YO5LMyWv5NQ_CinS4As4Vkcra9mOvh1v0F7n7AjJOGomswe3QoKQ35NJxLN-GSs9V2mJg8YAGuFFjPSv9d1rn3Oo/w640-h360/230813_29D-SDC-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remarkably flat cumulus bottoms on the descent into Sodus.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Recap</span></i></b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This year's SurnameFest expedition added 13.8 hours to the logbook, including 1.9 hours in instrument meteorological conditions with one instrument approach logged (Pickens County Airport) and two IFR departures (Pickens County and Knoxville). We added two new airports to the map (Jackson County and Pickens County) while returning to one of our most frequently visited out of state airports, Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (appearing in my logbook 12 times). We saw "tiny dinosaurs", grilled under umbrellas, cruised around in a very purple Charger, learned a valuable lesson while mitigating a hail storm, had an encounter with a ravenous bear that we did not bring with us, reconnected with Kristy's family plus my Dad and Carol, played a lot of Mario Kart, enjoyed Boston Coolers, and learned where not to stand in the Pickens County Airport operations building. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, a good trip!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-45601952595150003972023-08-11T17:17:00.902-04:002023-09-30T08:32:30.923-04:00Bears in Blue Ridge | Part 2, Slam Dunk into Jasper<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Personal Growth</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>For me, part of aviation's appeal comes in the form of opportunities to challenge myself, experience new things, and grow. Sometimes, growth comes in the form of critically evaluating performance, learning a new lesson, and finding a better way. Our vacation in Georgia this summer offered a memorable example of such a growth opportunity.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Monday, August 7, 2023: "Oh, Hail..."</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to light aircraft, there are few things that strike fear in the hearts of owners quite like the threat of hail. Shy of a hurricane or tornado, the Warrior can easily tolerate most weather phenomena experienced while parked outdoors in her cabin cover. But hail is in a league all its own and only a hangar can protect against that. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2011/06/bears-odyssey-episode-5-bear-goes-over.html" target="_blank">The Warrior was already subjected to hail on my watch during a stop in Kennesaw, GA in 2011</a> when I watched helplessly as tiny chunks of ice pummeled my airplane. Fortunately, the hail was small and the damage minor. No one wants the skin of their airplane to resemble a dimpled golf ball, Pollyanna commentary about drag reduction aside.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two days into SurnameFest, a credible hail risk was forecast for the entire area. Starting with Pickens County, I called every small airport in the region looking for hangar space. Nothing was available. Finally, I called Hawthorne Aviation at the Cobb County Airport in Kennesaw, GA, a towered general aviation airport on the northwest quadrant of metropolitan Atlanta. I learned that I could overnight there in a hangar for $65. Sold! I told them to expect me within a couple of hours.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ucNpwSIxls0Rj89SMMqlt5jHLqKG3ChANJuFtaJ7frTmqtFH-wTqSg7JVB6jtGnvqpaNc5hjx8Ba15ZVSBTA8IsanAK-RVb4h1Xpjcn85dCfP_tEjfA5OEQzx6QdPVOSkYDL1ECBTQYBRcgCBqTS1gc0akA_Bf_gdsBTwFTWX39xFHE67ot0H99fjBY/s1024/110615_McCollumDeluge-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ucNpwSIxls0Rj89SMMqlt5jHLqKG3ChANJuFtaJ7frTmqtFH-wTqSg7JVB6jtGnvqpaNc5hjx8Ba15ZVSBTA8IsanAK-RVb4h1Xpjcn85dCfP_tEjfA5OEQzx6QdPVOSkYDL1ECBTQYBRcgCBqTS1gc0akA_Bf_gdsBTwFTWX39xFHE67ot0H99fjBY/w640-h480/110615_McCollumDeluge-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 (seen between the pillars) caught out in a massive thunderstorm that eventually led to hail on 15 June 2011 ay KRYY.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Ironically, Cobb County Airport is the very place where Warrior 481 experienced her last hail storm. At least this time, she would be under roof.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Repositioning Flight</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, repositioning the airplane became an activity for half the family. Terry, Nate, Kristy and I departed together from our mountain abode on a mission of preemptive airplane rescue. Kristy and Nate dropped me and Terry at Pickens County Airport, then continued southbound to retrieve us from Cobb County Airport. </div><div><br /></div><div>Inside the Pickens County operations building, Terry and I encountered Randy, boisterous airport manager extraordinaire. We caught him in the midst of a discussion about the deteriorating structure.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well, we moved the couch under the bulletin board so that no one reading it could stand where they would fall through the floor," Randy said. Noticing my grimace, Randy pointed to a nearby door with a no-admittance sign on it. "The floor is even worse in there. No one goes in there."</div><div><br /></div><div>I introduced myself and reminded Randy of our conversation about rental cars from a few weeks before. He asked how Enterprise did and I gave them high marks. I explained that we were relocating the Warrior due to the coming storm, but that we would be back later in the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though only two days elapsed since arriving in Georgia, the Warrior had already weathered multiple rainstorms. I discovered evidence of this in the right fuel tank, which contained a significant volume of water. I spent several tedious minutes removing water from that tank, silently thanking the inventor of the GATS jar for making it possible. Happily, fuel in the left tank was completely dry. Though I was confident that my efforts with the right tank had removed all water, I planned to launch on the left tank just in case.</div><div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">07 Aug 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">JZP (Jasper, GA) - RYY (Kennesaw, GA)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">0.5</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2696.7</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div>As the crow (or airplane) flies, Cobb County Airport is only 27 nautical miles from Pickens County. Terry joined me for the repositioning flight because he was intrigued by the Warrior's new(ish) avionics and wanted to see them in action. Unfortunately, it was going to be a short hop that would not allow for much of a demonstration. Within moments of departing Pickens County, we were on with Atlanta Approach and, shortly thereafter, handed off to McCollum Tower at Cobb County.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cobb County was moderately busy and the controller capably sequenced us in for landing. Terry commented that it was the most ATC chatter he had ever heard while flying with me. The line crew from Hawthorne marshalled us to parking at what appeared to be the exact spot where Warrior 481 rode out her last hail encounter. My agreement with Hawthorne was that the Warrior would spend the rest of that day and night in their hangar, but that they could tie her down outside afterward until I returned. To that end, I bundled the airplane back up in her pajamas.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi-wy00Rlq5PD4N65t7I0LSCI24g37U9OI3e1tg2xbuMHkO0pyS3DeSzZYyaHBUFUJV4vIajJ6qk2-_B2myLx2MwhjtqpsAsM2EvsAenwbyBfw7xEmr2NDXAdIIwEG33YII0Pn09PK_yyuBu5k7ncxqCW8oh2UGpSiTo2ph7_Igxq3e9p1UzRDVPnvhc/s2048/230807_ElevationChophouse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsi-wy00Rlq5PD4N65t7I0LSCI24g37U9OI3e1tg2xbuMHkO0pyS3DeSzZYyaHBUFUJV4vIajJ6qk2-_B2myLx2MwhjtqpsAsM2EvsAenwbyBfw7xEmr2NDXAdIIwEG33YII0Pn09PK_yyuBu5k7ncxqCW8oh2UGpSiTo2ph7_Igxq3e9p1UzRDVPnvhc/w640-h360/230807_ElevationChophouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Emerging from the FBO, I received a vivid reminder of our 2011 visit by returning to where we took shelter under the overhang at the Elevation Chophouse. We waited an hour for a ride to the hotel that night, The Bear cowering against me as the thunderstorm raged around us, thunder roaring, lightning searing the bruised sky, and ultimately hail pelting downward from the heavens. Despite a beautiful clear day in 2023, strong visual memories of that storm readily overlaid contemporary reality.</div><div><br /></div><div>Content that the airplane was in good hands, we returned to Blue Ridge. That afternoon, severe storms swept through northern Georgia as forecast. I do not know whether Jasper actually received hail or not, but that is a moot point. (And a bit of a Schrodinger's cat scenario.) $65 was money well-spent for peace of mind.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Friday, August 11, 2023: Logistics</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of SurnameFest, our purple Charger would have to go back to the Pickens County Airport and, once without a car, we would need access to the Warrior to fly home. This meant that the airplane had to return to Jasper before our vacation was over.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Friday morning, we departed Blue Ridge in the Charger and drove two hours south through the rain to deliver Izzy to Hartsfield International for her flight home. Returning north, we stopped for lunch at a Kennesaw Mediterranean restaurant before Kristy and The Bear dropped me at Cobb County Airport to fly the Warrior back to Pickens County. It was the perfect opportunity to reposition the plane considering that we were already driving through the area.</div><div><br /></div><div>At Hawthorne Aviation, the FBO staffer noted that I had been parked there four nights with one of those in the hangar due to the storm. Kindly, she waived the $65 hangar charge and I was only billed for four nights of tie-down at $25/night. That was a pleasant surprise from a big corporate kind of FBO at a big corporate kind of airport.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked to where the Warrior was tied down on the edge of the ramp with mild apprehension. The entire route to Pickens County was under IFR conditions with low ceilings. While I have become quite comfortable flying instrument approaches, I am not used to doing so in mountainous regions where the stakes are much higher. I had spent much of lunchtime obsessively reviewing details of the short IFR flight to Pickens County.</div><div><br /></div><div>I removed the cabin cover, stowed the chocks, pitot cover, and cowl plugs, then set about inspecting the airplane. Though Monday's storm was the only one forecast to pose a significant hail threat, it was not the only example of severe weather that week. Sumping the right fuel tank -- the one contaminated with water at Pickens County -- I was relieved to recover only dry fuel. Moving to the left tank, I discovered significant water contamination in the formerly dry tank. <i>How did that happen?</i> With sweat running into my eyes, I repeated the tedious exercise of removing all water from the fuel.</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">IMC in the Mountains</span></i></b></div>
<div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 684px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">11 Aug 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">RYY (Kennesaw, GA) - JZP (Jasper, GA)</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">0.7</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2697.4</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div><div>Still dripping in sweat from the humid Georgia air, I was swallowed up into the bottom of the clouds within moments of departing Cobb County Airport. In cruise, I enjoyed a few brief glimpses of blue sky while among the ragged cloud tops. After the switch from McCollum Tower to Atlanta Approach, I was prompted for my approach preference at Pickens County and requested the RNAV-34.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Cherokee 481 is cleared direct VIVIC, climb and maintain 6,000 feet."</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WnOwmYvbqMDgsJK8DrWPCA9h-U_r3G3pVejofWwtRhIaRcNIHULGWWbdfd4Wk8JgEqMKDVsercsC-18lIBNweYI8gc9_oBCLnf9EH2yMFwfWBnHw0dOwyNALxTo7y8XM4MTkhRkCeqMJaIuHhdFZD8Q3zKrek0EBCS5dwRbRzoX6ouancmxob6zWPQE/s2098/JZP-RNAV34.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2098" data-original-width="1343" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WnOwmYvbqMDgsJK8DrWPCA9h-U_r3G3pVejofWwtRhIaRcNIHULGWWbdfd4Wk8JgEqMKDVsercsC-18lIBNweYI8gc9_oBCLnf9EH2yMFwfWBnHw0dOwyNALxTo7y8XM4MTkhRkCeqMJaIuHhdFZD8Q3zKrek0EBCS5dwRbRzoX6ouancmxob6zWPQE/w410-h640/JZP-RNAV34.jpg" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RNAV-34 approach procedure at Pickens County Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Closer to VIVIC: "Cherokee 481 is cleared for the RNAV-34 approach at Pickens County. Maintain 6,000 until crossing VIVIC."</div><div><br /></div><div>Herein lay the problem: a mere 5.9 nautical miles were available to descend from 6,000 feet to the 3,200 foot glidepath intercept altitude at CICCA (note the procedure, above). I established a more aggressive descent rate than the usual 500 feet per minute, but was still too high upon reaching CICCA. A back of the envelope calculation shows that I required a descent rate of nearly 900 feet per minute to meet the altitude target at CICCA. Despite subjectively plummeting among the mountains relative to my usual flight envelope, the descent I flew was still not steep enough.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkcwIHuZUxBfZU_x3GjJC3SubKlDXmPxR1kKzqaptyh0NfU7Se5XPnckjxZ3wrlnQjlfNepsExtFvHioBXfdOvpABacoe3Pdp5HmLiTmYlD4mRbUs3UcRt9RSd9qJF8XhHntxhvHNZOcjceLmEjrsp2eTCjse1XHLUrpO3japN30DE1is3fFNIfKfIvc/s2207/230811_TrackLog-RYY-JZP.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2207" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkcwIHuZUxBfZU_x3GjJC3SubKlDXmPxR1kKzqaptyh0NfU7Se5XPnckjxZ3wrlnQjlfNepsExtFvHioBXfdOvpABacoe3Pdp5HmLiTmYlD4mRbUs3UcRt9RSd9qJF8XhHntxhvHNZOcjceLmEjrsp2eTCjse1XHLUrpO3japN30DE1is3fFNIfKfIvc/w484-h640/230811_TrackLog-RYY-JZP.png" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ForeFlight track log from Cobb County Airport to Pickens County Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Passing CICCA, still in IMC, I pulled the throttle back farther to increase vertical descent rate and decrease forward airspeed toward a runway lurking somewhere ahead and beneath the clouds. It was to no avail and I watched the glideslope indicator slide gradually toward the bottom of the instrument.</div><div><br /></div><div>This meant that I needed to abort the approach and try again. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Dammit. </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Before I could advance the throttle for a missed approach, there was a flicker through the windscreen and I emerged from the cloud deck into clear air with the runway directly ahead. I was roughly 900 feet above the runway surface and far too close to make a normal approach and landing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now returned to VFR conditions in clear air, old instincts took over. I twisted the airplane into a power-off full forward slip and dropped toward the runway. It was the kind of steep, slipping approach I routinely used to land short on the grass behind the tree line at South Haven. As the asphalt expanded to fill my peripheral vision, I kicked the rudder, leveled the wings, and pitched the nose toward the horizon. Suddenly, the wheels were rolling without any bump announcing ground contact. It was the best landing I had made in months and I used less than a third of the total runway length to accomplish it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pickens County Airport was hosting a social event when I arrived. The operations building porch was lined with people in rocking chairs who gawked at the aircraft that had just dropped into their midst from the clouds. I topped off the fuel and dressed the Warrior in her pajamas. My clothes were soaked anew from a combination of climate and stress. </div><div><br /></div><div>Inside, the conference table overflowed with food. Randy was very intent on sharing this bounty with me, but I had no appetite. I was too full of falafel and adrenalin. "I ate before flying over," I offered weakly in an effort to fend him off. </div><div><br /></div><div>"But I just saw you out there working! Surely you have room now!" Pickens County Airport and its gracious manager cannot be faulted for a lack of hospitality.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">One Good Turn</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Even before touching down at Pickens County Airport, it was obvious to me how I should have handled this approach differently. As shown on the approach procedure, charted crossing altitudes for VIVIC range from 4,200 to 6,000 feet. VIVIC is also the fix for a holding pattern. Although I was not required to fly that hold (I arrived from the "NoPT" or "no procedure turn" direction), requesting it would have provided an opportunity to descend to 4,200 while negotiating the racetrack. This would have set me up for success by crossing VIVIC at 4,200 feet instead of 6,000 feet, allowing a comfortable descent rate of just over 300 feet per minute to reach the glidepath intercept altitude at CICCA. There is no guarantee that Atlanta Center would have granted this request, but because it is a charted portion of the procedure, the likelihood seems high. With five mile legs in the published holding pattern, a single turn would have sufficed.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a student instrument pilot, the notion of intentionally requesting a hold would have made me blanch. In this case, the hold would have allowed me to lose altitude in protected airspace to set up for a safer approach flown with a normal descent profile. During instrument training, pilots learn that they can request the hold (or additional turns in the hold) to lose altitude. I should have made use of this tool to avoid that slam dunk approach into Pickens County.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-70748073733032416812023-08-05T10:01:00.760-04:002023-09-26T16:06:44.372-04:00Bears in Blue Ridge | Part 1, Easy Pickens<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">A Full Decade of SurnameFest</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeLbWJ7wNlWvVnR-GfPUum_cGileKClqrpoKngWkCD2Ldf-PSeNqxo41kn5lW1VAs0xxK4WuwpX7aBK0HPZcqUZs1sin5ZRQuzik6fEhH9QTIkhoQyJWr1w2tsOV8uIybHDe5NBSZ1r9yx6MFhd59M7xMYi--9Kj3cHKjvmBpfP-OrSd3k3knsDUFmvk/s4000/DJI_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeLbWJ7wNlWvVnR-GfPUum_cGileKClqrpoKngWkCD2Ldf-PSeNqxo41kn5lW1VAs0xxK4WuwpX7aBK0HPZcqUZs1sin5ZRQuzik6fEhH9QTIkhoQyJWr1w2tsOV8uIybHDe5NBSZ1r9yx6MFhd59M7xMYi--9Kj3cHKjvmBpfP-OrSd3k3knsDUFmvk/w640-h360/DJI_0388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SurnameFest 2023 in Blue Ridge, GA. Photo by Nate via UAS!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>How do you stay connected when your family is scattered across the country? Weekly Zoom meetings are an option. A concerted effort to accomplish in-person visits is another. Kristy's family has pursued both approaches, with the latter epitomized by the annual "SurnameFest" gathering (name changed to protect the whimsical). SurnameFest began in 2013 at a rental home in Pigeon Forge, TN and has become a annual, if nomadic, event that has never been never held in the same place twice. (Some suggest that SurnameFest originated years prior in Jackson, MI, but because The Bear and I were not involved, we do not formally recognize this as its inception.) Past gatherings have been held in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, Quebec, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin.</div><div align="center">
</div>
<div><br /></div>In 2023, we flew to Blue Ridge, GA to spend a week together in a mountain community. With only three exceptions, Warrior 481 has dutifully carried Kristy, The Bear, and I to our annual convocation. Exceptions were 2013 (Pigeon Forge, TN) when I decided that my brand new instrument rating was not up to the challenge of fatigue and weather conditions, 2016 (Cadillac, MI) when thunderstorms and tornado warnings aborted that flight, and 2020 that simply did not happen because of COVID. In contrast to these examples, the 2023 flight to SurnameFest was pure simplicity.<div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Cloud Strategy</span></i></b></div><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">05 Aug 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">SDC (Sodus, NY) - I18 (Ravenswood, WV) - JZP (Jasper, GA)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">6.2</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2696.2</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPEa5XxRqupdDswynOVRSxWdoI98OLoNXTBKFBm8ka-y_JUMz_hlVDndLyeSBSHmUbyhv72yxPjHztD1xYUvvONuGF_mhzQbCh4yH-EVv5ZnD2nyPq9wLJ44FLcqeJOlbf0DV1by1pv-STYTgzXdgQ4xcKWrFOQEuAFtlnEgSQVCm160PCpcMoO7zmvQ/s2007/230805_SodusDeparture-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="2007" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPEa5XxRqupdDswynOVRSxWdoI98OLoNXTBKFBm8ka-y_JUMz_hlVDndLyeSBSHmUbyhv72yxPjHztD1xYUvvONuGF_mhzQbCh4yH-EVv5ZnD2nyPq9wLJ44FLcqeJOlbf0DV1by1pv-STYTgzXdgQ4xcKWrFOQEuAFtlnEgSQVCm160PCpcMoO7zmvQ/w640-h360/230805_SodusDeparture-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A ragged cloud layer hung low over the Williamson Sodus Airport, but we climbed VFR through sizable gaps over Lake Ontario before turning on course above the clouds and picking up our IFR clearance with Rochester Approach. To some, negotiating the clouds VFR and going IFR in severe clear weather might seem like a backward strategy. However, the clouds north of the airport were truly manageable and did not warrant a phone call to the TRACON for clearance from the ground. Once in cruise, I prefer to be on an instrument plan for multi-state cross countries because it guarantees coordination with air traffic control and simplifies dealing with any clouds encountered along the way.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsI6R564wpUhTjRv8JY3sCHVnK58q9bfCha4rkBTWpjPcpWNK1iLGibLbOzc_Gn_CU4dM1xKNF3lsKMoZ85nTIZp3F5NdwiIDN2zxXoO6hvIFCOTyLd2nAaECgpLnvy6bv4vkfuqCn8MIBLVRbKL2Kqbo6R1RIAQMXS7Z08DJvPoKfl_hqiOk30x3i30/s1996/230805_SodusDeparture-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="1996" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsI6R564wpUhTjRv8JY3sCHVnK58q9bfCha4rkBTWpjPcpWNK1iLGibLbOzc_Gn_CU4dM1xKNF3lsKMoZ85nTIZp3F5NdwiIDN2zxXoO6hvIFCOTyLd2nAaECgpLnvy6bv4vkfuqCn8MIBLVRbKL2Kqbo6R1RIAQMXS7Z08DJvPoKfl_hqiOk30x3i30/w640-h480/230805_SodusDeparture-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Level at 8,000 feet, we were treated to a whimsical vista of condensate over New York state.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvfIb2O72A-QEYXxGo1h3bgXxHwcUbJ_v3zxGHTibNzi5FtSR_1WDy92RSgLH11Mm4Zcz9cTkBQILpu4GaKicm7kSUs5w_SV58pjaEMEf1jjLOmtOiE3h0R8prAIeHQudhJjyMMTEXFVPxyKdXKint92jQtw8tH3UmmEz-jefmiDAC3KHsiO4YS8quNU/s5184/230805_FlyingBear.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvfIb2O72A-QEYXxGo1h3bgXxHwcUbJ_v3zxGHTibNzi5FtSR_1WDy92RSgLH11Mm4Zcz9cTkBQILpu4GaKicm7kSUs5w_SV58pjaEMEf1jjLOmtOiE3h0R8prAIeHQudhJjyMMTEXFVPxyKdXKint92jQtw8tH3UmmEz-jefmiDAC3KHsiO4YS8quNU/w640-h360/230805_FlyingBear.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bear providing great fodder for a caption contest.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt4JsUvu20hxe20JqlF3nl48ysZEVzTwBiBlJL3cL4COUiuq6oQmfBZmzVOGnftS1_bUI07aSXl4zLPCXc59UEhKDvEROVgYhY3VqanXBS8ygpkUa29VjjWQ1ryxbwOxbZzgUq5ddOT6GiispCNYDndub-S_uUNiEnQJLyChAH_NAXk3gSRLdrcWw3mo/s4618/230805_FlyingFam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdt4JsUvu20hxe20JqlF3nl48ysZEVzTwBiBlJL3cL4COUiuq6oQmfBZmzVOGnftS1_bUI07aSXl4zLPCXc59UEhKDvEROVgYhY3VqanXBS8ygpkUa29VjjWQ1ryxbwOxbZzgUq5ddOT6GiispCNYDndub-S_uUNiEnQJLyChAH_NAXk3gSRLdrcWw3mo/w640-h480/230805_FlyingFam.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Do these people look happy? It seems like they do, but I have my eye on the one in the back seat. Maybe she's just annoyed because my other Zulu headset was glitching out at the moment (it has since been repaired and upgraded to a Zulu 3 by Lightspeed) and she had to revert back to the ol' David Clark head clamp.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Flirting with the Ohio River</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNKy0H1ZwfFG2Zro5E0Jk9cwM2n7seZFS3AAO4kS7pERKf26CSNAMPREXMY9Aa7io-3wMs8IM7U6rP8HB5jOKsp2IbFngps4ammsf_yZTuzUulemoWquR6iuwmfnDqrqcpR_C4lYYLMVaPW6dbv42yOakRDz-uaAI0AFjxKfXg8gmp-ALTPFFznQF5rQ/s5184/230805_OhioRiver-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNKy0H1ZwfFG2Zro5E0Jk9cwM2n7seZFS3AAO4kS7pERKf26CSNAMPREXMY9Aa7io-3wMs8IM7U6rP8HB5jOKsp2IbFngps4ammsf_yZTuzUulemoWquR6iuwmfnDqrqcpR_C4lYYLMVaPW6dbv42yOakRDz-uaAI0AFjxKfXg8gmp-ALTPFFznQF5rQ/w640-h360/230805_OhioRiver-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Owing to a straight-as-an-arrow trajectory southwest, our route crossed the meandering Ohio River multiple times.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We're in Ohio!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Minutes later: "We're in West Virginia!"</div><div><br /></div><div>A few more minutes later: "We're in Ohio again!"</div><div><br /></div><div>These in-flight announcements were of limited interest to my passengers and, given the striking (if welcome) lack of meowing from Guard Trolls that day, Kristy was left with no one to roll her eyes at but me.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp-L7KhOmkd6ObniS2S8h5pYIY7okHnqUeVZnHmicbnigF2YEzcpAQjOvwhb23VTSq8QuyMeXHL_WAV1MR89vOdiqaP-pw0R2ugj0twHxJC_5Ju2L_FBYc54t2pKLRywNCQgZZTcD7YWsUC-np2qVQGYIgwdb2Ko0jCjRysWANZzVdnQzuPtSLK3_O28/s4618/230805_OhioRiver-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp-L7KhOmkd6ObniS2S8h5pYIY7okHnqUeVZnHmicbnigF2YEzcpAQjOvwhb23VTSq8QuyMeXHL_WAV1MR89vOdiqaP-pw0R2ugj0twHxJC_5Ju2L_FBYc54t2pKLRywNCQgZZTcD7YWsUC-np2qVQGYIgwdb2Ko0jCjRysWANZzVdnQzuPtSLK3_O28/w480-h640/230805_OhioRiver-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfPruGEtLpmNPBhuya1hdel-LUERU_nmfd8eiSAeqb4UvNnYkEZWJ7OZK5DbcpU8zBFN9yx3_lf2ZBn1SF_leq6DHTmUxCpcrVw2s0WNJwQryxh97mLoQRoOGz81DhKGleCnCUKxASTZujfaqHHfocG2XrzzxmGbVYjLdzQxE89_f0-CkF-fgabubcew/s5184/230805_OhioRiver-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfPruGEtLpmNPBhuya1hdel-LUERU_nmfd8eiSAeqb4UvNnYkEZWJ7OZK5DbcpU8zBFN9yx3_lf2ZBn1SF_leq6DHTmUxCpcrVw2s0WNJwQryxh97mLoQRoOGz81DhKGleCnCUKxASTZujfaqHHfocG2XrzzxmGbVYjLdzQxE89_f0-CkF-fgabubcew/w640-h360/230805_OhioRiver-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy-zWgdLI_zE8UYrzf25TNByPqQJ8EznoKwwmKjj6c6wSMcKBS_ParJHwDlY7hz8mlkr1NmzwFElABDrqxIBak2PPlsLh7GebPk6acnSc4H9GDRzLSEyhiO1pwvuJQlTmMsjdXAG2pt22AX0mpvPJxftg3hX-e15p03JkYM9RlgeRJbukc8V5zkDBz6k/s1730/230813_I18-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1730" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhy-zWgdLI_zE8UYrzf25TNByPqQJ8EznoKwwmKjj6c6wSMcKBS_ParJHwDlY7hz8mlkr1NmzwFElABDrqxIBak2PPlsLh7GebPk6acnSc4H9GDRzLSEyhiO1pwvuJQlTmMsjdXAG2pt22AX0mpvPJxftg3hX-e15p03JkYM9RlgeRJbukc8V5zkDBz6k/w640-h362/230813_I18-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson County Airport (I18) as photographed on 13 August 2023.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We landed at Jackson County Airport (I18) in Ravenswood, West Virginia as a leg-stretching and refueling stop (airport #266). Jackson County's appealing attributes that morning included being halfway to our destination in Georgia, inexpensive self-serve fuel, good instrument approaches in case the weather was poor, and its overall appearance of being a hassle-free facility. We planned for a quick turn.</div><div><br /></div><div>A large aluminum plant is sited west of runway 04-22 and boasts a substantial stack that must be avoided while flying a left downwind for runway 4. We landed in calm air, rolled to the end of the runway, and parked at the fuel pump. A young woman from the FBO appeared and helped with fueling. We had a quick restroom break in the nicely appointed, lodge-like FBO building before launching from runway 22 to resume our flight to Georgia. Our total time on the ground was less than 30 minutes. Quick turn accomplished!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Legacy of the TVA</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Back at 8,000 feet, HAL doggedly toed the magenta line to Georgia while music played on the intercom. I kicked off my shoes and we enjoyed an in-flight lunch of sandwiches and grapes from Wegmans. I still think grapes are the perfect airplane snack: delicious, a modest source of moisture, bite sized, and crumb-free.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQloADol_CXktN22cJVuFado3tZ2sD361Rg-4TTJ8RgzwsJahgQS3RmgRvSxNUj3xD2s99BA3dll9DFw025Kgodshdl72q2BAuYITHqTmEsHq5Cprdmr0SYuFmElRBMA8gR9n-7ex7UhbwWUNvr0zgeRUtxOz2hM6qc7858AUvKNVlzLfT4IkcqwzCwjE/s4618/230805_DouglasLakeTN-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQloADol_CXktN22cJVuFado3tZ2sD361Rg-4TTJ8RgzwsJahgQS3RmgRvSxNUj3xD2s99BA3dll9DFw025Kgodshdl72q2BAuYITHqTmEsHq5Cprdmr0SYuFmElRBMA8gR9n-7ex7UhbwWUNvr0zgeRUtxOz2hM6qc7858AUvKNVlzLfT4IkcqwzCwjE/w640-h480/230805_DouglasLakeTN-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Entering Tennessee, we flew over Douglas Lake for the first time. Located east of Knoxville, the massive reservoir was created in the 1940s by the Tennessee Valley Authority and, based on the activity we saw on the water, is obviously a nexus for recreation.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3yvBxBW6L0W3vQjtSVGwp1VlQIYvMfocJ0n9QVmo64zoCZ94fez1hMbqjVsQbVJwxlk6EM6Avwi41xiiwdcDuqN5-o0YP14RCobVSYbbuKfigasJAWJEG2OFxoVMtRasDu2fq_VOZ57zBURqWXqT4I3jcnDsqAc11XiFAqQ56ElO0mDedNGgqquvb-M/s5184/230805_DouglasLakeTN-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3yvBxBW6L0W3vQjtSVGwp1VlQIYvMfocJ0n9QVmo64zoCZ94fez1hMbqjVsQbVJwxlk6EM6Avwi41xiiwdcDuqN5-o0YP14RCobVSYbbuKfigasJAWJEG2OFxoVMtRasDu2fq_VOZ57zBURqWXqT4I3jcnDsqAc11XiFAqQ56ElO0mDedNGgqquvb-M/w640-h360/230805_DouglasLakeTN-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTsSjnG4MzH3Nk1b-4LgrdNEUUbGd3HzFDtnLQlgiOGPipV00aWRLO7xByBzz23MLvMCLSA4WR7hEBW7uJJp-eY61O9aL183Eg1Jt16asWvBzAsWR4XdrqBCpTi0BDQetdFfUSfsoyQ0qtkQ91sC9sCtLE41ywLOc5dDeUGN0Rk9n6MXMCrBHL1b2blw/s5184/230805_DouglasLakeTN-7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTsSjnG4MzH3Nk1b-4LgrdNEUUbGd3HzFDtnLQlgiOGPipV00aWRLO7xByBzz23MLvMCLSA4WR7hEBW7uJJp-eY61O9aL183Eg1Jt16asWvBzAsWR4XdrqBCpTi0BDQetdFfUSfsoyQ0qtkQ91sC9sCtLE41ywLOc5dDeUGN0Rk9n6MXMCrBHL1b2blw/w640-h360/230805_DouglasLakeTN-7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHu2QayQrQhxG-ZWIfqC8ubcz-tOEMRyJpWOv_B6CaNug1hLe8N37yDrRt4pT25Ja0TCgTGycrRrBkcNiMVZNs-zSQh6m4gQQEruEYOSmJZBIyADx1BvUJiTX5r-qB5CG4wIiqa6_U0h43KZtjbgERLe0qBfbmduPz1EbeiUNJTBHIk3o8h-GqfmvjNQ/s5184/230805_DouglasLakeTN-8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHu2QayQrQhxG-ZWIfqC8ubcz-tOEMRyJpWOv_B6CaNug1hLe8N37yDrRt4pT25Ja0TCgTGycrRrBkcNiMVZNs-zSQh6m4gQQEruEYOSmJZBIyADx1BvUJiTX5r-qB5CG4wIiqa6_U0h43KZtjbgERLe0qBfbmduPz1EbeiUNJTBHIk3o8h-GqfmvjNQ/w640-h360/230805_DouglasLakeTN-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH6BLB0iu3NSmkX2rVXwRf73DmzOka3IGiXREx4sBeztaOiFyHl6MuCRDerseP4ux1B5xGas8vuvw3mg4Bz4KXgzcSi6XbzqzMTZVWgSNYL3kWUK5P9mcswzde5EjSfkdy35s8icdGefPv9e9JECbuXgIlhETvoS8w9tc5XSvlzow6Q8cb4kOWK8HzYY/s4618/230805_DouglasLakeTN-10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH6BLB0iu3NSmkX2rVXwRf73DmzOka3IGiXREx4sBeztaOiFyHl6MuCRDerseP4ux1B5xGas8vuvw3mg4Bz4KXgzcSi6XbzqzMTZVWgSNYL3kWUK5P9mcswzde5EjSfkdy35s8icdGefPv9e9JECbuXgIlhETvoS8w9tc5XSvlzow6Q8cb4kOWK8HzYY/w480-h640/230805_DouglasLakeTN-10.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDzsWoksfZ_4xTX864rOwhkqo9CjgQqcxzHmkAXE72CGeZnBEKT7YZnAfG0J94XDGRMLC-frgiqO_O8f39789AJk-SOCdj0ZGIrka8YQ2LPP9s7Qkv-DSC_acurb8soYU2YO7OZ_rVxJJum0yk6ShNSBM0sl8SbZ2tU4jvBc0ml1vsOJE6-Gx2r0MnpU/s4618/230805_PigeonForge-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDzsWoksfZ_4xTX864rOwhkqo9CjgQqcxzHmkAXE72CGeZnBEKT7YZnAfG0J94XDGRMLC-frgiqO_O8f39789AJk-SOCdj0ZGIrka8YQ2LPP9s7Qkv-DSC_acurb8soYU2YO7OZ_rVxJJum0yk6ShNSBM0sl8SbZ2tU4jvBc0ml1vsOJE6-Gx2r0MnpU/w480-h640/230805_PigeonForge-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Coincidentally, we flew right over the spot where the SurnameFest tradition really began: Pigeon Forge, TN. Seeing the traffic below revived lingering traffic density PTSD from that experience a decade ago. We have shunned highly populated areas for SurnameFest ever since.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrURyS7-XFcZNCr9KvQaJaZ5FKXfy1UzJhN-4OYJXz3uPM7UCsxCKPGGUAGJ1N1GhJ8IhqhgnGaLceghCjoUPciPLrw7uTye9ucLawN9-Y4_8wIHLHAtUCEb1jXskW8euAhKgpzmJhEVAxdImd1mxJRFUjaNWDM6Qpsnc22gorGPCJdW50mMP3JWm56dk/s4618/230805_Smokies-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrURyS7-XFcZNCr9KvQaJaZ5FKXfy1UzJhN-4OYJXz3uPM7UCsxCKPGGUAGJ1N1GhJ8IhqhgnGaLceghCjoUPciPLrw7uTye9ucLawN9-Y4_8wIHLHAtUCEb1jXskW8euAhKgpzmJhEVAxdImd1mxJRFUjaNWDM6Qpsnc22gorGPCJdW50mMP3JWm56dk/w640-h480/230805_Smokies-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I have often noted that the Great Smoky Mountains, a subset of the so-called Blue Ridge Province, generate their own weather.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNO1bLv70xuUPOwUmpCypgKO6fEBw1siUfL5EKCoehg81MObSg3Dj7r5IW_5FjeqzTzteTEaKkLW1luEpM0Xbl64MBo4DA9rJhQUVIlBqOoF46IOGW-0CzJf0WRxlRFzxM0FfPUm4wSxUHT3rAnUjKBCxtsY_dkwvTb7_yMuaML6qAL9dK15JFTJIltE/s4618/230805_Smokies-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNO1bLv70xuUPOwUmpCypgKO6fEBw1siUfL5EKCoehg81MObSg3Dj7r5IW_5FjeqzTzteTEaKkLW1luEpM0Xbl64MBo4DA9rJhQUVIlBqOoF46IOGW-0CzJf0WRxlRFzxM0FfPUm4wSxUHT3rAnUjKBCxtsY_dkwvTb7_yMuaML6qAL9dK15JFTJIltE/w480-h640/230805_Smokies-4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That day was no exception as puffs of cumulous coalesced from the air directly over the mountains despite clear skies all around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXY-2hTvaAzyf1xIozj_USNZbxG2iBQCnv_wqrSxD-CACHNiTqFCfmXivGOGThVQcTW9Jry6ZoBkyODVpvSAow7h16_AsQVzyfK4nqO1oznYCeV8oEY7W6p4tC1765hO9uY6dfGfZDqzUOhQWKGhkgyP0AXUhmC1QuSn3Aqks1YKGdM_gukZzpJxK5-o/s5184/230805_Smokies-6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXY-2hTvaAzyf1xIozj_USNZbxG2iBQCnv_wqrSxD-CACHNiTqFCfmXivGOGThVQcTW9Jry6ZoBkyODVpvSAow7h16_AsQVzyfK4nqO1oznYCeV8oEY7W6p4tC1765hO9uY6dfGfZDqzUOhQWKGhkgyP0AXUhmC1QuSn3Aqks1YKGdM_gukZzpJxK5-o/w640-h360/230805_Smokies-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We passed the Santeetlah Reservoir in North Carolina, spillways on the dam actively working to adjust water levels. The reservoir is close to Robbinsville, NC where we stayed in 2019.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FtQ0DDLSsC_WXAaoIX6XAlTz-vkZAbxk2Ml1JiUyOSLTSZVgpzV2X95wWG7qS2Rp1aMljEGFXBjlCFHLwG1V8F01v6zlLUnU7uiZS0ubNiXKjcjGCMc0tdNP9xMWu66KMfWj463hh_SjrCIQOLHg5p7-8L2-A9e8L4GjF4VZmRN8tIoIVzQASTtasHY/s5184/230805_Smokies-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FtQ0DDLSsC_WXAaoIX6XAlTz-vkZAbxk2Ml1JiUyOSLTSZVgpzV2X95wWG7qS2Rp1aMljEGFXBjlCFHLwG1V8F01v6zlLUnU7uiZS0ubNiXKjcjGCMc0tdNP9xMWu66KMfWj463hh_SjrCIQOLHg5p7-8L2-A9e8L4GjF4VZmRN8tIoIVzQASTtasHY/w640-h360/230805_Smokies-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of terrifying water slides at the Santeetlah Dam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Jasper, Georgia</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Some thought went into deciding on an airport to base at for the week, though this was partially undone by weather after our arrival (more on that in the next post). Factors considered included proximity to Blue Ridge and ease of use during inclement weather. Initially, I considered Martin Campbell Field (1A3) in Copperhill, TN where we tied-down during the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2017/08/flight-to-totality.html" target="_blank">total eclipse of 2017</a>. It is a nice facility, the manager is a great guy, and it is the closest public use airport to Blue Ridge. But it is also surrounded by mountains and rather remote. After being stranded by Enterprise in <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2020/08/vacation-2020-style-part-1-olympic.html" target="_blank">Plattsburgh, NY</a> and <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2022/06/a-week-down-east-part-1-sailing-vapor.html" target="_blank">Brunswick, ME</a> in recent years, I wanted to ensure better access to rental cars. Chattanooga has the closest airport with rental cars on the field, but is farther from Blue Ridge than I wanted to park the Warrior. Gilmer County Airport in Ellijay, GA is the next closest to Blue Ridge, but is nonetheless surrounded by higher terrain and has a shorter runway. Pickens County Airport (KJZP), south of Gilmer County, boasted a longer runway, easier approaches with lower terrain, and conversation with airport manager Randy assured a good track record with rental car drop off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Randy referred me to the local Enterprise office. "Call 'em directly, tell 'em Randy sent ya," he instructed over the phone. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIt8TCo2bcyRxXtlum1kr8i2IklNWSuwz_s9X7qjGWi-wylXDEKi0rH9mz-kh4WTLd_hllR4k6wbDSD3k-BkQTgM1_or5xK4-YBB4MYddxlhm6NS5iIe8uNek_4n4cxpyRH2v_CICDUhyqGHsqg8yHosHQ7lAmb_GvdG2aVdmjjuRYi2eQcVWw0Ri0izA/s5184/230805_PickensCountyAirportJZP.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIt8TCo2bcyRxXtlum1kr8i2IklNWSuwz_s9X7qjGWi-wylXDEKi0rH9mz-kh4WTLd_hllR4k6wbDSD3k-BkQTgM1_or5xK4-YBB4MYddxlhm6NS5iIe8uNek_4n4cxpyRH2v_CICDUhyqGHsqg8yHosHQ7lAmb_GvdG2aVdmjjuRYi2eQcVWw0Ri0izA/w640-h360/230805_PickensCountyAirportJZP.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickens County Airport, Jasper, GA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After clearing the Great Smoky Mountains, we overflew Pickens County Airport (airport # 267) and entered a left downwind for runway 34. The approach end of runway 34 is on a high bluff towering over an apartment complex. As much as living near an airport would absolutely delight me, even I would not have wanted to live in those apartments. I mentally directed a silent apology to the apartment dwellers below the final approach course as our shadow traversed their rooflines.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once down and stopped at Pickens County (or, as pronounced by the field's AWOS, "Peeeeeekins County"), I realized that it was one of the easiest flights south we had ever managed. All went according to plan, on time, and without any weather to manage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jasper was hot and incredibly humid. Dripping with sweat, I fueled the Warrior, pushed her to a tie-down spot, unloaded the baggage, and wrangled the cover into place. Kristy entered the ramshackle operations building via its long, rocking chair-lined front porch and retrieved the keys to our rental car. Even with Randy's prior assurances about the reliability of the local Enterprise branch, I remained a bit anxious about being stranded until she had keys in hand.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99h3-plrqTsrnlALMk8Dh--L12tm8ZZlUYfNUKvsNvbtYR4_CsgZW9-7kF5iy7iO7_F5eBzalTrDvhAUbY7PDR__uBDEhEqkdckVskWof2PAHr2QozU0x8nb1GCe1pBVUuWYaMX_MLCBQ_qL4C4Kn4z1x8swDrjAmPfvNuLwc_6789cutIEybGODfmC4/s2048/230805_Charger.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99h3-plrqTsrnlALMk8Dh--L12tm8ZZlUYfNUKvsNvbtYR4_CsgZW9-7kF5iy7iO7_F5eBzalTrDvhAUbY7PDR__uBDEhEqkdckVskWof2PAHr2QozU0x8nb1GCe1pBVUuWYaMX_MLCBQ_qL4C4Kn4z1x8swDrjAmPfvNuLwc_6789cutIEybGODfmC4/w640-h360/230805_Charger.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta da!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I was surprised by the car: a relatively new and very purple Dodge Charger! The Bear hated it, but it was fun to drive. It handled much like the 1983 Firebird my mother owned while I was learning to drive. Leaving the airport, we made an effort to combat the heat with a stop at the Jasper Culver's for ice cream.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mountain Abode</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Our rental house was in a community just south of Blue Ridge, GA managed by the aptly named Mountain Top Cabin Rentals. Driving north along the highway between Jasper and Blue Ridge, we passed a number of interesting roadside attractions. These included "Expedition Bigfoot: The Sasquatch Museum", the Georgia Pinball Museum, and a billboard for a drugstore that also sold ammunition. "Reload and refill!" proclaimed the latter. At the very least, I thought that the Sasquatch Museum held great potential for kitschy fun, but I was evidently alone in that opinion.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga03ZaRVM9PoPgd06ckGPre_j9Lv3wPDWQW02snmmuVX-uV8mvbZE3IDlURC54kmXihgy_DdGTISojvODvhMiVrD8Ectpc08HGSyoEVY2sMykHBOTi1dWdQG3icslHdFSNg4Mq0DzIC3vvQkhYtAIfuLja5x6_hAyLvG-vyI21SwPxswTkABhHQYcShv8/s2040/230810_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2040" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga03ZaRVM9PoPgd06ckGPre_j9Lv3wPDWQW02snmmuVX-uV8mvbZE3IDlURC54kmXihgy_DdGTISojvODvhMiVrD8Ectpc08HGSyoEVY2sMykHBOTi1dWdQG3icslHdFSNg4Mq0DzIC3vvQkhYtAIfuLja5x6_hAyLvG-vyI21SwPxswTkABhHQYcShv8/w640-h360/230810_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A narrow road twisted and turned precariously up the mountain to our home for the week, evoking comparisons from my family to the <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2019/07/holiday-road-on-tail-of-dragon.html" target="_blank">Tail of the Dragon</a>. To me, the most challenging part of the drive was the driveway itself. It dropped so abruptly away from the road that it effectively vanished beneath the Charger's ample hood. Over time, I became more comfortable simply aiming between the hillside and the guard rail, trusting that a driveway existed there despite being invisible. It was not unlike flying an instrument approach.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnQz0AUWQRQp0mjeRMMuPE9Uew_g3XiRE_6rYxW-YQsH6uNUCflGjGwHuco8PTmQFsJLP48Z1SU8E4r27HKvJSmLI1n-tWzM15K0qfibrqFRKonxog7M5BQit4wz4vVQKYGslLhgnTxCJ8lyFgozeRBPASv1OqteFus1HD_7fvzXoo1SRiBYzXGb78tQ/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnQz0AUWQRQp0mjeRMMuPE9Uew_g3XiRE_6rYxW-YQsH6uNUCflGjGwHuco8PTmQFsJLP48Z1SU8E4r27HKvJSmLI1n-tWzM15K0qfibrqFRKonxog7M5BQit4wz4vVQKYGslLhgnTxCJ8lyFgozeRBPASv1OqteFus1HD_7fvzXoo1SRiBYzXGb78tQ/w640-h480/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More worrisome was getting the Charger to climb the gravel driveway back to road grade. With trial and error, I discovered that the best way to climb the steep incline was in low gear and with a running start. Without that momentum, the Charger tended to spray gravel everywhere.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoua2t6fyoK9qkT9S6IK7SfR2akHp4MJk7yvSeHzNJu65-Mq29onhzmIBgAGOAVoiCahcKBm8ZhV-R1C61ItmmoBgFWOuQbo-Em43No6kQ-ghQYwcJDU1npxVl58qnWGJCFccY62rVec5ZGGSKARPBlJDt_hrLGIVzE6CXWrAz1HJSgwNqeUcDzW_NSzw/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoua2t6fyoK9qkT9S6IK7SfR2akHp4MJk7yvSeHzNJu65-Mq29onhzmIBgAGOAVoiCahcKBm8ZhV-R1C61ItmmoBgFWOuQbo-Em43No6kQ-ghQYwcJDU1npxVl58qnWGJCFccY62rVec5ZGGSKARPBlJDt_hrLGIVzE6CXWrAz1HJSgwNqeUcDzW_NSzw/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The house was a new build and one of the best appointed we have ever rented. The kitchen was outrageously provisioned with plates, bowls, and flatware, enough that it seemed as though we could have gone all week without washing dishes. (We did not attempt that, that would have been crazy.) Each of the five bedrooms had its own bathroom, which was incredibly convenient for everyone.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AZaUOUsLdj5bvk-5I6p4-GYiMLIQPnHkHMc5yj5760Eo1hSJyl0r5XJwsypG8Ty3vo7JVbgtgVngPTmzFShYiGu4mPCcu1GgTjXRni6mcQCv72Y2TZCMFfoEp9iXXuKBFzfv00HnxsKZoPXOBR3eQcxhSseHUBDaxldqN29TUBHBEcE2rZ5DRdvvjKQ/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AZaUOUsLdj5bvk-5I6p4-GYiMLIQPnHkHMc5yj5760Eo1hSJyl0r5XJwsypG8Ty3vo7JVbgtgVngPTmzFShYiGu4mPCcu1GgTjXRni6mcQCv72Y2TZCMFfoEp9iXXuKBFzfv00HnxsKZoPXOBR3eQcxhSseHUBDaxldqN29TUBHBEcE2rZ5DRdvvjKQ/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Bear was very enthusiastic about the game room. An arcade machine mounted on the wall contained just about every video game from any platform any of us could imagine, even obscure titles like SEGA's <i>Ecco the Dolphin </i>and <i>Adventure</i> from the Atari 2600! It was quite an audiovisual blast from the past.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ouSBSphFdCcEVyIucN99KUUs08Ude5MpslHb1ss3s6QYza7rPvyU9iuK7jGmeab4CloBw6nFNVqyg0lZhkPqrWTt_rDu1i6WpQ3EvTJBLuJYGsG7ExI33QxoRS5QobqyIuhcxkTv4PIf-kF7Q6LmJ9LfU0NBMMSiS32MXeA2mmh6wDVSToMWM8BXnHI/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ouSBSphFdCcEVyIucN99KUUs08Ude5MpslHb1ss3s6QYza7rPvyU9iuK7jGmeab4CloBw6nFNVqyg0lZhkPqrWTt_rDu1i6WpQ3EvTJBLuJYGsG7ExI33QxoRS5QobqyIuhcxkTv4PIf-kF7Q6LmJ9LfU0NBMMSiS32MXeA2mmh6wDVSToMWM8BXnHI/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPegeayXvXFRGOMfEPhZLJHDKNPeMXrRxJuvFtcwcVWl6OZyb7PzuXtKZdaztiLU2A-SFFRocS77p-m3lOn4sq_LDarHUiJXAYdfSocpStucd8Nt5qAN-AhoZZZfwIhH9ZhBa0KZ-qrsWiWdebhqH7JHm1iq1uFaFihn048_at4CEpF5KonWZhwXzRg6U/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPegeayXvXFRGOMfEPhZLJHDKNPeMXrRxJuvFtcwcVWl6OZyb7PzuXtKZdaztiLU2A-SFFRocS77p-m3lOn4sq_LDarHUiJXAYdfSocpStucd8Nt5qAN-AhoZZZfwIhH9ZhBa0KZ-qrsWiWdebhqH7JHm1iq1uFaFihn048_at4CEpF5KonWZhwXzRg6U/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf_jkGigoYRLZukkDPQI_s-UNe8PXDQ_6rhXFHtTeCLuAR32Vr8BcFFdkvqzeMpZ5U9OWFH1rfn0nJbUymu3KNkOuyneM-b0nZzS9Pv_A8ly8A468aMSXBhUn_dS9wEZObWryRDYZH5EHooUErbX5_wwTSUFZZoEEs0eBuP7dWlYq1ihurwdC-tVE2-8/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf_jkGigoYRLZukkDPQI_s-UNe8PXDQ_6rhXFHtTeCLuAR32Vr8BcFFdkvqzeMpZ5U9OWFH1rfn0nJbUymu3KNkOuyneM-b0nZzS9Pv_A8ly8A468aMSXBhUn_dS9wEZObWryRDYZH5EHooUErbX5_wwTSUFZZoEEs0eBuP7dWlYq1ihurwdC-tVE2-8/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She looks very comfortable here, but mounting the hammock was a bit touch-and-go.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilykTkVMAxXl8Y4Exxf6KMr4LWIZ1HPm39sdLlYyRwpk7Y2fsh7JzghRvcXToSfGEjKD_aq4ZMBLy4K13pMb472b3fK5HKgxot3sTMxtdvCaL2SMbHlp9Z6-7QFyiw8MjZ3MiIzm4C9dhNQxkjNcMWmyDtVxT9oaJq68We1sWJILbRceXJyFXinIEUZq8/s2048/230810_BlueRidgeHouse-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilykTkVMAxXl8Y4Exxf6KMr4LWIZ1HPm39sdLlYyRwpk7Y2fsh7JzghRvcXToSfGEjKD_aq4ZMBLy4K13pMb472b3fK5HKgxot3sTMxtdvCaL2SMbHlp9Z6-7QFyiw8MjZ3MiIzm4C9dhNQxkjNcMWmyDtVxT9oaJq68We1sWJILbRceXJyFXinIEUZq8/w480-h640/230810_BlueRidgeHouse-2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Perched on the side of the mountain, the house featured four levels of balconies with portions of them screened in and accessed from individual bedrooms. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJDIBIVlkL8dLJIoIlKHytaPg7IHNUrU5_piF2GEom_6AdtS-83k_t8x40rHgASmYKlZwtJwQnLGNm4z_eW135imGw6PpBr1v_eJjje3Asy-CuC5dqwxG9qPeuHDZG1KREqpW7om6KnBk5mMrEdirDNiJn6r_wKwaIGFkKEIk1xRKVTapfecf7tuUF6Q/s2048/230807_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJDIBIVlkL8dLJIoIlKHytaPg7IHNUrU5_piF2GEom_6AdtS-83k_t8x40rHgASmYKlZwtJwQnLGNm4z_eW135imGw6PpBr1v_eJjje3Asy-CuC5dqwxG9qPeuHDZG1KREqpW7om6KnBk5mMrEdirDNiJn6r_wKwaIGFkKEIk1xRKVTapfecf7tuUF6Q/w640-h360/230807_BlueRidgeHouse-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAtInSmWE4-fsc5hcZiRB0HZPMc8SUxld-BH-ry_1dbAc1yQAuhRMWwIrQzUPgI32I1blwErldLgcqpARNz04hSs2dM8Uui5XOnKr8U-hFW9khBWyBWA19dyQ0c31wTeQlFHzz53iibidll_IKwnC2VpDs1A1CiNmkgnlIZZPkmqtTMwYuHsCYlXrcI8/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAtInSmWE4-fsc5hcZiRB0HZPMc8SUxld-BH-ry_1dbAc1yQAuhRMWwIrQzUPgI32I1blwErldLgcqpARNz04hSs2dM8Uui5XOnKr8U-hFW9khBWyBWA19dyQ0c31wTeQlFHzz53iibidll_IKwnC2VpDs1A1CiNmkgnlIZZPkmqtTMwYuHsCYlXrcI8/w640-h360/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I call this, "Two Bears, One with Hat."</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqIzvVaY_5-jQ5wCJdOyP5Ag127NpY-7uYDZ_PrzdY9QlQsFJ1uoWMgkb3FJ703kKNjBszqxquwDv2ievCwYUssP8kOLTXv3RmE6vPX4uKtFcWuFuNd2s2I8eNbTY-k1RlTarwZquZ3BtThVcWoLEbfbxueC9AMdkm-x_3woDGc_xkNACc598JPrHf4s/s2048/230805_ChildLocks.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqIzvVaY_5-jQ5wCJdOyP5Ag127NpY-7uYDZ_PrzdY9QlQsFJ1uoWMgkb3FJ703kKNjBszqxquwDv2ievCwYUssP8kOLTXv3RmE6vPX4uKtFcWuFuNd2s2I8eNbTY-k1RlTarwZquZ3BtThVcWoLEbfbxueC9AMdkm-x_3woDGc_xkNACc598JPrHf4s/w640-h360/230805_ChildLocks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trapped!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Because we were the first to arrive, we ran into Blue Ridge for groceries and pizza for dinner. One of The Bear's legitimate gripes about the Charger was that the child locks were activated and she had to be released from the car by someone outside.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqv3Bgol47hev90vWzIbG6qXYyZF-kjHrPWerRl-CKUX8ufrZzbBMgSbSNsgV9s_CzEPZPyRECRnIVVWLGCUSDW5SpP1O_zWtCJIy18BFmousMzYoT7tPSuQAyYSl1aGy_ZxyeP9ZVWjuHzUl4wOf5rBRVikKYI0QQcGkelICO0ahHXU0HBJByULKf7M/s2048/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqv3Bgol47hev90vWzIbG6qXYyZF-kjHrPWerRl-CKUX8ufrZzbBMgSbSNsgV9s_CzEPZPyRECRnIVVWLGCUSDW5SpP1O_zWtCJIy18BFmousMzYoT7tPSuQAyYSl1aGy_ZxyeP9ZVWjuHzUl4wOf5rBRVikKYI0QQcGkelICO0ahHXU0HBJByULKf7M/w480-h640/230805_BlueRidgeHouse-11.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An impish Bear plans mischief.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">SurnameFest Miscellany</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years of SurnameFest, I have acquired the role of grill master.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1848" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwapNY3V3VMhArpgr_iLEGK2RkMEqVGUOUA_CXQhjAdMmOKtbO_jw_LjDL6Ix5XrOKOLCEqqHmRPHLlirNG81oeE8aDOzLYy5aoFG2-TP-t3rIUHDaOm8OhI7XrsxC5r8qCQLKBCohIm901-l7FGYEJi_TMh0fxTRiP6eMXU7oTvzZT7_JChsUTpDVkg/w296-h640/20230807_182742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="296" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Stephen.</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>This year took a bit of an absurdist turn when rain started while I was grilling. I quickly found myself surrounded by umbrellas! The family is nothing if not supportive!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Georgia Menagerie</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNao-TjQZqePy7eMiCr9928k22VukjP0n9RbKRNtT5eKcOXXpSseHibRZkxDA92zJ-bGYFwjU5bkrHrm00f5NprPOAfjyaBfbSJ_FlQ8tdJX6XE8xNfYIEO7F13PnvteCmp6j7d1eB6xwrFQFYYmD7dgZfuFBOPgr0nyrI0NdhvWjxUWzTQBaArExoxU/s2048/230809_BlueRidgeHouseBearAttack-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNao-TjQZqePy7eMiCr9928k22VukjP0n9RbKRNtT5eKcOXXpSseHibRZkxDA92zJ-bGYFwjU5bkrHrm00f5NprPOAfjyaBfbSJ_FlQ8tdJX6XE8xNfYIEO7F13PnvteCmp6j7d1eB6xwrFQFYYmD7dgZfuFBOPgr0nyrI0NdhvWjxUWzTQBaArExoxU/w640-h360/230809_BlueRidgeHouseBearAttack-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Loud noises during the night were later revealed to have been a bear ripping open the doors of the wooden garbage can enclosure outside our house. The hungry bear actually dragged the garbage can partway up the mountain before abandoning it. With such a flimsy enclosure, I wondered if our trash was singled out by the bear as easy pickens. Either way, it seemed clear that there were more bears in Blue Ridge than the one we brought with us.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm77NhZ16IkCujWSgu32GQN_KXhg_xMvJf7wuwisW26ujz6rtGTA-rf83kbPgDo6L89I9XdWBGfgfav4kjjPrHm03YbUBceGSB9knFnl1MJCZMtd2yvepPRLnBBfvpsov26kOTLcwr7e-vmp0xHh9IkaiClRqDgB8CFTka2iSinkUMcPIzPQ-Bao8Gvf4/s2048/230809_BlueRidgeHouseBearAttack-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm77NhZ16IkCujWSgu32GQN_KXhg_xMvJf7wuwisW26ujz6rtGTA-rf83kbPgDo6L89I9XdWBGfgfav4kjjPrHm03YbUBceGSB9knFnl1MJCZMtd2yvepPRLnBBfvpsov26kOTLcwr7e-vmp0xHh9IkaiClRqDgB8CFTka2iSinkUMcPIzPQ-Bao8Gvf4/w640-h360/230809_BlueRidgeHouseBearAttack-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURs-52RMrluC1ZYRzUPE-60-Gz2bXpOcXXn_BgbxV1WLsfkGwnuZVZ_NjjHgT8Rv2qMR1RkZswfmpYgY0uTsVz6df4HJZavoozU_kN_FalPSKBwtnGzFnTYs-wi6Wx-s8kKzhseOBPViJehqHRnZIiADTjo9VZbOCkdGJns0lnfeod7qhs-eGPi5jv3Q/s1973/230809_TinyDinosaurs-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1973" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURs-52RMrluC1ZYRzUPE-60-Gz2bXpOcXXn_BgbxV1WLsfkGwnuZVZ_NjjHgT8Rv2qMR1RkZswfmpYgY0uTsVz6df4HJZavoozU_kN_FalPSKBwtnGzFnTYs-wi6Wx-s8kKzhseOBPViJehqHRnZIiADTjo9VZbOCkdGJns0lnfeod7qhs-eGPi5jv3Q/w640-h360/230809_TinyDinosaurs-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We also encountered some tiny dinosaurs at Cohutta Cove Mini Golf.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQAQ4mDkzWnTV_Amb0KjTKPxBDAAIfVw0Pvm6zWIoZQz49Hf69bMoWwPJgfJZWVEDpMSZLGRrWbggMKfkDEHOiJi9NOkYFwl3KNNv2U7HWUfcTaniZC8fLSgm8D63f0S5gHp_9jXFfeLALm5ka5BUWVlHspW2Gh14MdyRSvygT-UV9qh8mq_9uwtCXGE/s1973/230809_TinyDinosaurs-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1973" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQAQ4mDkzWnTV_Amb0KjTKPxBDAAIfVw0Pvm6zWIoZQz49Hf69bMoWwPJgfJZWVEDpMSZLGRrWbggMKfkDEHOiJi9NOkYFwl3KNNv2U7HWUfcTaniZC8fLSgm8D63f0S5gHp_9jXFfeLALm5ka5BUWVlHspW2Gh14MdyRSvygT-UV9qh8mq_9uwtCXGE/w640-h360/230809_TinyDinosaurs-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clever girl."</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHxivkQxLTdZBdGu8L48Uy0SZ2Xd70UTlpAhblFn9y8SP9GXKbnaSZ2lwPUx0hbZ1H1j1Ys0f23NhfXvxZtSVGjATFb_hbIP3dn52UDm0MRfEzdMqgXAqMxJ4_KpiWCDXjTrakP5EcJZHdG_n0yri0ruZFaivl-v3ju4VRhf1YUl5p2c_bp9X2BuwJ_4/s2040/230809_MiniGolfArgonath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="2040" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHxivkQxLTdZBdGu8L48Uy0SZ2Xd70UTlpAhblFn9y8SP9GXKbnaSZ2lwPUx0hbZ1H1j1Ys0f23NhfXvxZtSVGjATFb_hbIP3dn52UDm0MRfEzdMqgXAqMxJ4_KpiWCDXjTrakP5EcJZHdG_n0yri0ruZFaivl-v3ju4VRhf1YUl5p2c_bp9X2BuwJ_4/w640-h360/230809_MiniGolfArgonath.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Bear and Nate took an opportunity to recreate the Argonath from <i>Lord of the Rings</i>. The only thing lacking was Howard Shore's inspiring score!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL9cufhlmBAS4HzS_DeHYSDFWbkY5g91yN6MP_vXcrcuvFN-XSgpYtxSWio_QShlARO5ny8naen3DiuPvdLXRMs2VaqakzyzfZwW00qvNqIzySf_KHuh7HIICJ0ZYtTaj0UGbEh2_bYye5KYyI15EDgPGlhghZBz_EpZgVEi_ghujvU4hvli7WOvYz3o/s4000/DJI_0383.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL9cufhlmBAS4HzS_DeHYSDFWbkY5g91yN6MP_vXcrcuvFN-XSgpYtxSWio_QShlARO5ny8naen3DiuPvdLXRMs2VaqakzyzfZwW00qvNqIzySf_KHuh7HIICJ0ZYtTaj0UGbEh2_bYye5KYyI15EDgPGlhghZBz_EpZgVEi_ghujvU4hvli7WOvYz3o/w640-h360/DJI_0383.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Nate.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjO65E_YbB0_F6xwf69dRmPuSZoDLxH8eZuqvJj4DUo1l3FM8JIZF9f2VB2rrmzfkar3woFW9TIN6LfKOUgRItBu_8kCACf8HYA-j62o6U2pmVICDi9mf5sQkWGlwVK3kP0Qr00Mj-D_BBYrGi4xq_MBIZkQCGL2tH4UuTmqFtRhumayIC-Y3oueUbUQ/s4000/DJI_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjO65E_YbB0_F6xwf69dRmPuSZoDLxH8eZuqvJj4DUo1l3FM8JIZF9f2VB2rrmzfkar3woFW9TIN6LfKOUgRItBu_8kCACf8HYA-j62o6U2pmVICDi9mf5sQkWGlwVK3kP0Qr00Mj-D_BBYrGi4xq_MBIZkQCGL2tH4UuTmqFtRhumayIC-Y3oueUbUQ/w640-h360/DJI_0388.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Nate.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Nate captured some drone photos of the group looking perfectly normal and presentable...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQzzdLQ_gyOFH5ijqwcXM5wbm4JeQllWbn_RhTzcRdS1mqlw9bW492IakN5NKBdjnoWVOxb0cmLkStdb_DU8FVtcRifNVCDIYXNqZ55T_N0NCGyoIk-p_CirzqelrWBl0H8aKUjPsdLKq4wuQxL-bRqUqJ3rBhkoGc8dk3bzVP5KCdOqWYt3GQEU-xtk/s4000/DJI_0392.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQzzdLQ_gyOFH5ijqwcXM5wbm4JeQllWbn_RhTzcRdS1mqlw9bW492IakN5NKBdjnoWVOxb0cmLkStdb_DU8FVtcRifNVCDIYXNqZ55T_N0NCGyoIk-p_CirzqelrWBl0H8aKUjPsdLKq4wuQxL-bRqUqJ3rBhkoGc8dk3bzVP5KCdOqWYt3GQEU-xtk/w640-h360/DJI_0392.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Nate.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>...which meant that everything quickly devolved into chaos shortly thereafter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, we had a great weeklong stay in a very nice house in the beautiful mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. During our stay, I was very pleased to complete a book I was reading ("Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" by Giles Milton) and spent minimal time working.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Aeronautical Challenges</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike the last two years, I made no side trips with the Warrior during SurnameFest 2023. But that does not mean that the Warrior merely sat at Pickens County Airport for the whole week. When weather conditions took an ugly turn, I managed a little more adventure than I expected.</div><div><br /></div><div>So much for "easy".</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-54574739029716768812023-08-01T19:41:00.251-04:002023-10-11T20:53:38.033-04:00Flying the Strand | Part 4, Flattops in the Roadstead<div class="separator"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3: End of the Pilgrimage</span></i></b></div><div align="center">
</div>
<br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td> <td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">01 Aug 2023</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">FFA (Kill Devil Hills, NC) - W75 (Saluda, VA) - SDC (Sodus, NY)</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">4.4</span></td> <td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2690.0</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrbMzt3_aHaGsyE0adirA50CVqeG0svVUj5sc8dVmHQAbw7joOCCK0OEK_3Iv5dlpd23QCTA-mg_UyZ3VTiCCp6fdM8F46mt2uGfV5LxQOanbPx3acCPVBlLEVwG5ciK_DEE8K0um4YRef5_2b9W5uZHazGBm4HicyX5FESKRZNRDr4WbpuIE8esyUBU/s4743/230801_FirstFlight-DepartFFA.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="4743" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrbMzt3_aHaGsyE0adirA50CVqeG0svVUj5sc8dVmHQAbw7joOCCK0OEK_3Iv5dlpd23QCTA-mg_UyZ3VTiCCp6fdM8F46mt2uGfV5LxQOanbPx3acCPVBlLEVwG5ciK_DEE8K0um4YRef5_2b9W5uZHazGBm4HicyX5FESKRZNRDr4WbpuIE8esyUBU/w640-h360/230801_FirstFlight-DepartFFA.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north after departure from First Flight Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>One way to beat the Carolina heat is to be airborne relatively early in the morning. Another way is to eliminate the hike to the airport in favor of an Uber ride. After doing both, we set course from First Flight Airport to Hummel Field (W75) for breakfast on the edge of the Rappahannock River in Saluda, VA. It was really just another morning $100 pancake flight with the WFC despite the unusual starting point.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92Hgaz1mPicHlyl42-5lHYhpTWcC6Wy-zL8dJ6KLRI6z0VM0dgupYyD1NkHIL2DD82g_nWFoHUNOvAUahxA3NJuzrsbxWNnsuAFgMfiBqkCfUnnS3F5YVPXGcTGekdFwbT8ByfEaX0cuYnvcyErwaEP5qx_H1Yl-4Mu-QZt1O6OZ4KVSG9qVthfQlZ70/s4032/230801_CurtissWright.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92Hgaz1mPicHlyl42-5lHYhpTWcC6Wy-zL8dJ6KLRI6z0VM0dgupYyD1NkHIL2DD82g_nWFoHUNOvAUahxA3NJuzrsbxWNnsuAFgMfiBqkCfUnnS3F5YVPXGcTGekdFwbT8ByfEaX0cuYnvcyErwaEP5qx_H1Yl-4Mu-QZt1O6OZ4KVSG9qVthfQlZ70/w640-h480/230801_CurtissWright.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awkward selfie.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I toyed with blasphemy by wearing my Curtiss Museum shirt to the Wright Brothers National Memorial. But I am confident that everything is fine. After all, their companies were combined into one big happy Curtiss-Wright company in 1929 anyway, right?</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G7dL1ZPfIWAKk6MuGoNcG67vHeiZYO6VnXJ77CrByxjqDxXG8IZIkNlLRNLpSd9PEoYGDL_NrJEoBwU0yNc1XA0gXXVApinI-poZTQlmnwIyaEezecHgNnIPlsDDZppJAVjPWxrnZ4kHZlQxjayZ1uvZE24e2VmYzi6CSQgMSlI8gJ98-HGlt-JDy-Y/s5184/230801_DepartFFA-3.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G7dL1ZPfIWAKk6MuGoNcG67vHeiZYO6VnXJ77CrByxjqDxXG8IZIkNlLRNLpSd9PEoYGDL_NrJEoBwU0yNc1XA0gXXVApinI-poZTQlmnwIyaEezecHgNnIPlsDDZppJAVjPWxrnZ4kHZlQxjayZ1uvZE24e2VmYzi6CSQgMSlI8gJ98-HGlt-JDy-Y/w640-h360/230801_DepartFFA-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodie Island<div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjK1XKq03iLibyrPGsviVYX39TU8iNjriuwGjfo3J1Tswa04ilkHPGOc2yt09gelEe1D7PO9k2cVorZVvUOSM_EZz86jEHmcNAMvWTPjF2rMRBss3UqEvLDBQiVYZ6CiERjH1cTFQSj9gdJeUQyzmCdtUZhxHBagfKMtyrfMn3ATePLuS4fjHWY7Wvrg/s2388/IMG_0544.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjK1XKq03iLibyrPGsviVYX39TU8iNjriuwGjfo3J1Tswa04ilkHPGOc2yt09gelEe1D7PO9k2cVorZVvUOSM_EZz86jEHmcNAMvWTPjF2rMRBss3UqEvLDBQiVYZ6CiERjH1cTFQSj9gdJeUQyzmCdtUZhxHBagfKMtyrfMn3ATePLuS4fjHWY7Wvrg/w448-h640/IMG_0544.PNG" width="448" /></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Tom and I followed the other three aircraft north. I noticed that Devil 2, one of NAS Oceana's turboprop T-34s, was cruising around the area as we departed; Eight Five X-Ray flew right over him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hampton Roads</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>After navigating around a buildup, our course to Hummel Field put us directly over the top of Norfolk, VA.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgclDO0GSMJcJhncdKHf0KDIDsnlCV0kPlDmMf6x2Vqa8L7cLgP9N5VvzyZq_x68_r3rd-Ek5qFlnQ26n7ZNqE7gu9pcZaNuDZBXr7T1PsTGPU68M_1whfOaZquQtpcS3WD-B9mxN5g0RVKMw8mo08wnmHbg150Vu2UgjQ1xUIUYo5o8FmgHrSMQkN7E/s5184/230801_Norfolk-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgclDO0GSMJcJhncdKHf0KDIDsnlCV0kPlDmMf6x2Vqa8L7cLgP9N5VvzyZq_x68_r3rd-Ek5qFlnQ26n7ZNqE7gu9pcZaNuDZBXr7T1PsTGPU68M_1whfOaZquQtpcS3WD-B9mxN5g0RVKMw8mo08wnmHbg150Vu2UgjQ1xUIUYo5o8FmgHrSMQkN7E/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Norfolk seen through the clouds.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Norfolk is situated on the Hampton Roads (derived from "roadstead"), one of the largest natural harbors in the world. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwoF6VBG5RcAv9rSFF4vazMZHOuK9NOrV53LMw-aOWobNeA7EyuhBSjEUb_sA8RjWtmSkxip_EdruikvhvpC6A0w95lxlkmI-He_WKP9DqwVC1rfBQRFM9PWIxVN2dsvY_1kVSoy942NHsxVPO7vWPwKmoX77-qoX9T19hv2qbioAExO-mbU7c1aGU2c/s5184/230801_Norfolk-5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwoF6VBG5RcAv9rSFF4vazMZHOuK9NOrV53LMw-aOWobNeA7EyuhBSjEUb_sA8RjWtmSkxip_EdruikvhvpC6A0w95lxlkmI-He_WKP9DqwVC1rfBQRFM9PWIxVN2dsvY_1kVSoy942NHsxVPO7vWPwKmoX77-qoX9T19hv2qbioAExO-mbU7c1aGU2c/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We observed shipping containers being offloaded from cargo ships at the Norfolk International Terminal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tkRxyQXDjkgYhbQ1OIeAAj_dcPMUBSX9aVDG44_uYrgWAxzfN3oQmoqaw1Ys_lqMknNBEr_MdbTxmOkMO86_OxRuFVOU0ks_8sGmMfJaGc8XbFJno5Wc_V7i0snBaJgzsfuwZs61HR9JiddNZF5F2iIESqLfxbWlQX0J7VtVW7UX3ELSeR280kMxs9o/s5184/230801_Norfolk-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tkRxyQXDjkgYhbQ1OIeAAj_dcPMUBSX9aVDG44_uYrgWAxzfN3oQmoqaw1Ys_lqMknNBEr_MdbTxmOkMO86_OxRuFVOU0ks_8sGmMfJaGc8XbFJno5Wc_V7i0snBaJgzsfuwZs61HR9JiddNZF5F2iIESqLfxbWlQX0J7VtVW7UX3ELSeR280kMxs9o/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Naval Station Norfolk is considered the largest naval complex in the world and is the home port for the US Navy's Atlantic fleet. Coincidentally and fortuitously, our flight to Hummel took us directly over the massive piers of the naval station.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1mucdK9DEqtcRQN2fGYLVS359BYYQIo21rGXm4C0Ka0m404TkMFGJHGiNZjNTckK3f-8X2-Ji5a4GPyGyLI_JLXUeiOw3TbEXbMMkk_kQhZ0Y6i0XiklDB8AoPIVRdjk3HaSVZ0rAVJCtttBkGs7MSiDfYpo7c2g1BgdRo99JgwpmCbO-qaKx3-thjg/s5184/230801_Norfolk-6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1mucdK9DEqtcRQN2fGYLVS359BYYQIo21rGXm4C0Ka0m404TkMFGJHGiNZjNTckK3f-8X2-Ji5a4GPyGyLI_JLXUeiOw3TbEXbMMkk_kQhZ0Y6i0XiklDB8AoPIVRdjk3HaSVZ0rAVJCtttBkGs7MSiDfYpo7c2g1BgdRo99JgwpmCbO-qaKx3-thjg/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyfIm2ejJ7GyyUJhfyM1jiOrz9XaPOvv7Yoyu-W40Y8s6-DiSUcYL9PwHfpNnuES7ptM3GTQTclDJnyt7CympiSfVI6sv6z6a86I_Lh1Qh5N80ROz5dX_6fdIN4wGnoccgvSiAEb6JW_U8h5vslt9ImbL9JpYK8J__2Xi_6Do4X0Ep1mCOIvT07xmo5I/s4716/230801_Norfolk-9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2651" data-original-width="4716" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyfIm2ejJ7GyyUJhfyM1jiOrz9XaPOvv7Yoyu-W40Y8s6-DiSUcYL9PwHfpNnuES7ptM3GTQTclDJnyt7CympiSfVI6sv6z6a86I_Lh1Qh5N80ROz5dX_6fdIN4wGnoccgvSiAEb6JW_U8h5vslt9ImbL9JpYK8J__2Xi_6Do4X0Ep1mCOIvT07xmo5I/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyM2PA12MiHZIxVO4TrSVfAkHiohFwCQ5yoPs5J5YWmxE1ZfBFwATTPUfhwb6E6iOuwismsYAgGhQG1tOqrdQ1pIRji81pM9K_gf2F61qISiCnsS6Ji9TzlQByGxIz8MmOXwDWLuOeE5Gq2Dl6lGwcVNI5lm88fXhegmJqeVV5NN1kFJJIK8LGIU55io/s4942/230801_Norfolk-10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2779" data-original-width="4942" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyM2PA12MiHZIxVO4TrSVfAkHiohFwCQ5yoPs5J5YWmxE1ZfBFwATTPUfhwb6E6iOuwismsYAgGhQG1tOqrdQ1pIRji81pM9K_gf2F61qISiCnsS6Ji9TzlQByGxIz8MmOXwDWLuOeE5Gq2Dl6lGwcVNI5lm88fXhegmJqeVV5NN1kFJJIK8LGIU55io/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-10.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w-PaPcbYKdgY-YG-rJ-G6R3XF1v3uNjAfnPY8bjtQR3Gk68aZkNjrf5cHPTpO6CYAkeOWaJ5TAtajT6Kc5q6p-NBe9CSjCDcxBpc1h-LZ2AqIk7eu8yJpptJlZp_YfXG93SlXS-DVPSQmObEjMhmSzhp1RGM_bwPEdq66TjuX8ckKxZZ2TbudhIBxaQ/s4467/230801_Norfolk-11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2512" data-original-width="4467" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w-PaPcbYKdgY-YG-rJ-G6R3XF1v3uNjAfnPY8bjtQR3Gk68aZkNjrf5cHPTpO6CYAkeOWaJ5TAtajT6Kc5q6p-NBe9CSjCDcxBpc1h-LZ2AqIk7eu8yJpptJlZp_YfXG93SlXS-DVPSQmObEjMhmSzhp1RGM_bwPEdq66TjuX8ckKxZZ2TbudhIBxaQ/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was impressed to see three of the ten existing Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carriers in port. From left to right, they were the USS George Washington (CVN-73), the USS George HW Bush (CVN-77), and the USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNui3jyhXlR2XvlePly6xp6AXmrTOhKAyAX154cmYeTlBZAQRnArYBB0cELvbqjMuiBMmeedvpv7ETEhFtNpxUMsFBbueemSpU4cTy1JSHemkGX_unFvPrjR72L8hpAuZjrLQ-_DMj51J_R8D82J2D4bcS96AX4v4Sf1YiMs1r0hbEwDk-mbJibUHjplM/s4236/230801_Norfolk-12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3177" data-original-width="4236" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNui3jyhXlR2XvlePly6xp6AXmrTOhKAyAX154cmYeTlBZAQRnArYBB0cELvbqjMuiBMmeedvpv7ETEhFtNpxUMsFBbueemSpU4cTy1JSHemkGX_unFvPrjR72L8hpAuZjrLQ-_DMj51J_R8D82J2D4bcS96AX4v4Sf1YiMs1r0hbEwDk-mbJibUHjplM/w640-h480/230801_Norfolk-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Docked to the same pier as the Dwight D Eisenhower was the USS Wasp (LHD-1, where LHD stands for "landing helicopter dock"). The Wasp class of light aircraft carriers can transport helicopters, Ospreys, or other V/STOL (vertical/short take-off and landing) aircraft like the Harrier II or the F-35B Lightning II. It is one of seven such carriers on active duty.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBx-dYRjgKbbM9-47b2eGVoOpCJ0Y13rnVEGqROTuUHbUiv03-3R7IAmH2Prjo0cocl_OrYNX97PCtH_nITokmUsxVu64F9nVDjajjH43cw6gm8P6XSASoJ0EcSEiAyoCf6ux53icdO-Ac6v-woHlCdFEc22QqFd3ydcJmJidsbdrsfKY1BGjSLYSBE0/s4308/230801_Norfolk-13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3230" data-original-width="4308" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBx-dYRjgKbbM9-47b2eGVoOpCJ0Y13rnVEGqROTuUHbUiv03-3R7IAmH2Prjo0cocl_OrYNX97PCtH_nITokmUsxVu64F9nVDjajjH43cw6gm8P6XSASoJ0EcSEiAyoCf6ux53icdO-Ac6v-woHlCdFEc22QqFd3ydcJmJidsbdrsfKY1BGjSLYSBE0/w640-h480/230801_Norfolk-13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone up for a short field landing? I suspect that the US Navy would be rightfully unimpressed and unamused by such an attempt.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqtZ5wAJCzLupHkOjnen7aSl9g_8wCxWfaW-1GNNr83joj_Sd-R3LqyTrFxdW7OBbp0v4ypPaoqM0H_vJAp4q8UjGHUHowYXYhN5vY94qpoEddswWHTmuj3J5Gil5vrLoSZ0ZHb1Nhc20uKMEQKYXJUfXPITRjntNmF8sUdQVx4DImzgi3D6FeeqtR2Y/s5184/230801_Norfolk-14.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqtZ5wAJCzLupHkOjnen7aSl9g_8wCxWfaW-1GNNr83joj_Sd-R3LqyTrFxdW7OBbp0v4ypPaoqM0H_vJAp4q8UjGHUHowYXYhN5vY94qpoEddswWHTmuj3J5Gil5vrLoSZ0ZHb1Nhc20uKMEQKYXJUfXPITRjntNmF8sUdQVx4DImzgi3D6FeeqtR2Y/w640-h360/230801_Norfolk-14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A container ship cruising through Hampton Roads. That's a lot of Mega Blocks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ45roJb9J20Sffz451mAjZjOddYRk5JJRV8RERx5qVAT5ynmRL-HEFdv1wd72FS5UhiUmJUlVF4JBAizkqgmWKQmgJEJcDfUu-aryRNUsu5JP1euPacRlEGjPBV5PJ7T-6gmUFAntZmhq71_WEjwCNsOoiaqdYW5SguZqZgfahHdii09CR4bq6N5fHqQ/s5184/230801_FFA-W75.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ45roJb9J20Sffz451mAjZjOddYRk5JJRV8RERx5qVAT5ynmRL-HEFdv1wd72FS5UhiUmJUlVF4JBAizkqgmWKQmgJEJcDfUu-aryRNUsu5JP1euPacRlEGjPBV5PJ7T-6gmUFAntZmhq71_WEjwCNsOoiaqdYW5SguZqZgfahHdii09CR4bq6N5fHqQ/w640-h360/230801_FFA-W75.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the descent for Hummel Field.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Grass Roots</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Hummel Field (airport #265) is a wonderful grass roots kind of place and simply has a great vibe. As we approached, aircraft were operating to and from the airport, with Unicom chatter functioning on a first name basis. We found a Grumman pilot to be especially challenging to understand from the combined effects of a scratchy radio and a Virginia drawl.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Your radio sounds a little rough, Mike," advised one of the local pilots. It really did, but my Yankee ear also struggled with Mike's elocution.</div><div><br /></div><div>A survey crew working on the runway was forced to gather their equipment and move off to the side to allow individual take-off and landing operations. We were reminded of the street hockey scene from the <i>Wayne's World</i> movie. "Car! (pause) Game on!"</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoTPGSbz20NyHejG7EzXjGNS9v9ye4ndPbQDa9CHKYCmCG0cU9sOxXgEQ_XI2FPOfunJoDzmA2UBU5R537VBPGaXM04uxKUBOvYDkeo8qq9_MeKy0TWi9bqbH-gSlUDk_s9232qThYrW4F2pX-7oZxY0AD8qfOgSSMQsrR1FJitpNeZ5rLGHMx1QQ1rI/s4032/230801_Hummel-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSoTPGSbz20NyHejG7EzXjGNS9v9ye4ndPbQDa9CHKYCmCG0cU9sOxXgEQ_XI2FPOfunJoDzmA2UBU5R537VBPGaXM04uxKUBOvYDkeo8qq9_MeKy0TWi9bqbH-gSlUDk_s9232qThYrW4F2pX-7oZxY0AD8qfOgSSMQsrR1FJitpNeZ5rLGHMx1QQ1rI/w640-h360/230801_Hummel-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481, One Delta Tango, and Four Four Papa parked on the grass at Hummel.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We arrived expecting a relatively short 2100 paved runway, but it appeared that the runway had been lengthened recently and the FAA documentation had simply not caught up yet.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TmXUCzHhy3HHYbvlabytNOiwu0-Ixt4pUAVp0jZ4yQRKjxXtf-RaInODjaELMNWhmxRS1VqmviaKZq3DczbJd7NBgH67ctFdj4BUyg_Aiv0lE965EcgGhT158Q77R1Ql6jRnYDvCfSMz6C1LbhGBNiyM_eDiNyZr3-vfC1yeWUo5vxaepEF6T6Yyw3s/s3926/230801_Hummel-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2208" data-original-width="3926" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TmXUCzHhy3HHYbvlabytNOiwu0-Ixt4pUAVp0jZ4yQRKjxXtf-RaInODjaELMNWhmxRS1VqmviaKZq3DczbJd7NBgH67ctFdj4BUyg_Aiv0lE965EcgGhT158Q77R1Ql6jRnYDvCfSMz6C1LbhGBNiyM_eDiNyZr3-vfC1yeWUo5vxaepEF6T6Yyw3s/w640-h360/230801_Hummel-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eight Five X-Ray 💓 Hummel Field.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>With the airplanes parked, we walked to the southeast corner of the field in search of the Pilot House Inn, a motel with accompanying restaurant and banquet room.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC2uMMJrzpT4hv13wnAYFz59zTrLZSWTSRduwHc2H-exkuFXhLEYCmIp72fj-VuAaFWuO82qEQvZX4dAiHKRGtdlyeo5BVVXtjrr7qZad2gqyW6JDt6T26RTJaT4YCII_COnIg1znG9UFImL_2-FAQWDqxtLcFgXl7eVPODYK2SWECdbMbct6cGjMz_M/s4032/230801_Hummel-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTC2uMMJrzpT4hv13wnAYFz59zTrLZSWTSRduwHc2H-exkuFXhLEYCmIp72fj-VuAaFWuO82qEQvZX4dAiHKRGtdlyeo5BVVXtjrr7qZad2gqyW6JDt6T26RTJaT4YCII_COnIg1znG9UFImL_2-FAQWDqxtLcFgXl7eVPODYK2SWECdbMbct6cGjMz_M/w640-h360/230801_Hummel-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although clearly aviation themed, the exterior of the place did not present particularly well. Some of us had our doubts, but these were completely unfounded. The service was friendly and the food was excellent. It was a great place for a late breakfast on the return home.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimU_A05RHY0qtCyuYfh-RDg0R1X5GgtLSLOEbo03Ni0i-Rl_b3adky_grIVVVtbMMGVGjjoIF8A0uJYZ9IQuum0mJNJODOxnP3J_Gq-TLOnPAljEqlD9V5SOaIFwBZPquNJaX7kHL9f8L3k42r4Hl4kIHlXFPXyNdf5mAMK9b9H9NZzYQ0IeBk-SoLe-s/s4032/230801_Hummel-2-Tom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimU_A05RHY0qtCyuYfh-RDg0R1X5GgtLSLOEbo03Ni0i-Rl_b3adky_grIVVVtbMMGVGjjoIF8A0uJYZ9IQuum0mJNJODOxnP3J_Gq-TLOnPAljEqlD9V5SOaIFwBZPquNJaX7kHL9f8L3k42r4Hl4kIHlXFPXyNdf5mAMK9b9H9NZzYQ0IeBk-SoLe-s/w480-h640/230801_Hummel-2-Tom.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Put 'em up! Put 'em up!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The thing about flying with Tom is that he picks fights everywhere he goes. (Not really, but that lion was obviously spoiling for a fight.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Closure</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>During our stop on Tangier Island two days prior, we learned about Dr. David Buell Nichols, otherwise known as Dr. Copter. For 30 years worth of Thursdays, Dr. Copter flew to Tangier Island and provided medical care to its seafaring residents. Initially flying a Cessna 182, he earned his nickname after making the switch to a Robinson R44 helicopter.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymEhxt3KBkMhdeagc4UkBq7WpjmjDQabwHNihznZ-vh9MbSWbW0DREEd5BX8nXndKfCVfxzjzbG3_8tg99Ovovqi7u7sm95JiJ385z0HUNyB7tl2wxoAayeClHSl2hsk3aSEKYpsnr0o-w0RoO-s1kfopikea4R75zRg9IisLAE5GvlPUrHfbOpOA4h0/s4032/230801_Hummel-5-DrCopter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymEhxt3KBkMhdeagc4UkBq7WpjmjDQabwHNihznZ-vh9MbSWbW0DREEd5BX8nXndKfCVfxzjzbG3_8tg99Ovovqi7u7sm95JiJ385z0HUNyB7tl2wxoAayeClHSl2hsk3aSEKYpsnr0o-w0RoO-s1kfopikea4R75zRg9IisLAE5GvlPUrHfbOpOA4h0/w480-h640/230801_Hummel-5-DrCopter.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>What we did not realize was that Hummel Field was Dr. Copter's home base. When the good doctor passed away in 2010, AOPA sponsored matching granite monuments at Hummel and Tangier in his honor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzBjeEsGbbRaKA2dKlR4DxZG96Fih1miBmfpBakeuV7WHNlArBvlDmPx_G1rQp6KUMFxxnro_BCU88cwSPTE9poXN5Bq_zKc0RjEUDylamWEQs86luhYX16DACCWMN5pFbI0ZAUm_ReAhxf34IU24-d74GMW1AOWaMum9aO6JLXPL4G-1PE9OQ-woaxM/s3899/230801_Hummel-6-PT19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2193" data-original-width="3899" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzBjeEsGbbRaKA2dKlR4DxZG96Fih1miBmfpBakeuV7WHNlArBvlDmPx_G1rQp6KUMFxxnro_BCU88cwSPTE9poXN5Bq_zKc0RjEUDylamWEQs86luhYX16DACCWMN5pFbI0ZAUm_ReAhxf34IU24-d74GMW1AOWaMum9aO6JLXPL4G-1PE9OQ-woaxM/w640-h360/230801_Hummel-6-PT19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we pondered the granite memorial, a Fairchild PT-19 WWII military trainer taxied past. This resident of Hummel Field offers <a href="https://bayaviationonline.com/warbird-rides/" target="_blank">rides</a> for those seeking an open cockpit experience along the banks of the Rappahannock.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEacqOzUj9AJM8A_xRQ-PQhXc6BeKKeqsUvxJ1pSPtomvhSZ5RJosK9FJKBy7MqYVHoNWpEi2oMQo1UQxU9wx4XqeDInmGDxUdBRVD0pUpjL05zl27NHSuP4RilclkSyxKB8lYoHJFzzzpxv0y7-4HYBgJee2ohoxHo8-C14xumTf3bohTRPOhTvgUvK0/s3410/230801_Hummel-7-PT19.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1919" data-original-width="3410" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEacqOzUj9AJM8A_xRQ-PQhXc6BeKKeqsUvxJ1pSPtomvhSZ5RJosK9FJKBy7MqYVHoNWpEi2oMQo1UQxU9wx4XqeDInmGDxUdBRVD0pUpjL05zl27NHSuP4RilclkSyxKB8lYoHJFzzzpxv0y7-4HYBgJee2ohoxHo8-C14xumTf3bohTRPOhTvgUvK0/w640-h360/230801_Hummel-7-PT19.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott fuels Eight Five X-Ray as the PT-19 taxies past.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKWjy0tAGxNl7tbDEuK4JGWW0x24DJYoMJ9CNpXw8-lldVMtn25sjlks06N7WqqfnfRzT-HPbSS7vLLxlA3ZjJ3_s5d5t0srSEKsBpePeOTuWjiwtBpkCoubd2gwC51qc7-n_VDLjU6VTRqNt7VvFJv50NCnenWmdRZE-R_mxsB-cY_yUPJhqTjxWjGY/s4856/230801_HummelCub-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="4856" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKWjy0tAGxNl7tbDEuK4JGWW0x24DJYoMJ9CNpXw8-lldVMtn25sjlks06N7WqqfnfRzT-HPbSS7vLLxlA3ZjJ3_s5d5t0srSEKsBpePeOTuWjiwtBpkCoubd2gwC51qc7-n_VDLjU6VTRqNt7VvFJv50NCnenWmdRZE-R_mxsB-cY_yUPJhqTjxWjGY/w640-h360/230801_HummelCub-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Cub on bush wheels taxies for departure on the grass next to Hummel's paved runway.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When I finished fueling Warrior 481, an old-timer in a nearby pickup truck waved and shouted something at me that I could not hear over the sound of Ed's engine idling. I trotted over to see what he wanted.<div><br /></div><div>"Are all you guys here together?" he asked. I explained about our three day trip to the Outer Banks and back as a group. He asked where we were based.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Rochester, NY," I answered, rounding off to the nearest metropolitan area the way I usually do.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Ah," he said. "Monroe County!"</div><div><br /></div><div>Reacting to my expression of utter surprise, he added, "You did not expect me to say that, did you?" He went on to identify himself as a retired airline pilot who used to fly into Rochester often. He was not simply identifying the county where Rochester is located (which would have been an obscure bit of trivia), but rather naming Rochester's commercial airport as it was known before it became Greater Rochester International in 1987.</div><div><br /></div><div>"There used to be a great place for clam chowder near Kodak," he reminisced. "But you probably know more about that than I do." I did not. I confessed that Rochester was not a place that struck me as a hot spot for clam chowder. He laughed and wished us well on our journey home.</div><div><br /></div><div>You just never know who you're going to meet at these little airports.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Divergence</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>From Hummel, our four aircraft split up for the first time in three days. Dan departed to the west in One Delta Tango bound for Winchester, VA. Scott, Kim, and Gilead also took a westerly VFR route around the Washington DC SFRA for their return to Sodus in Eight Five X-Ray, though a weather diversion to Hagerstown, MD delayed their return. Ed launched VFR to the east around the Washington DC SFRA for his return to Sodus. I filed IFR with an airway route (CORET V286 FAGED T291 SEG T445 BEEPS), a clearance that Tom and I picked up in the air from Pax River. ATC amended our route a few times, but we were generally within a few miles of Ed for most of the flight and ultimately cleared direct to Sodus before crossing into New York state.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDuu5hTKh4kTQdPZIGvgX9L0SyW20uM_8jlciIQIsiSscfHm6Kj8Ao3yXb9qS6e248G0-0rFpqwnTONa4Y4Jcekr5zzPFBI7UuFMUHaaKgusIUJx3zvi60I-4LUulJGCplyzUzOA7cGbfoKEYojwsAQsbbX1MBucEGPRTm9ZZ8nsl99xtHUqEq0XqRu8/s4618/230801_LaneMemorialBayBridge-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDuu5hTKh4kTQdPZIGvgX9L0SyW20uM_8jlciIQIsiSscfHm6Kj8Ao3yXb9qS6e248G0-0rFpqwnTONa4Y4Jcekr5zzPFBI7UuFMUHaaKgusIUJx3zvi60I-4LUulJGCplyzUzOA7cGbfoKEYojwsAQsbbX1MBucEGPRTm9ZZ8nsl99xtHUqEq0XqRu8/w640-h480/230801_LaneMemorialBayBridge-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Memorial Bay Bridge outside of Baltimore, MD.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQIUrwnErQuJh8ewYympJJJf4K_BW6x9zEzWygSdS67CVInpy3eZXdo-Lghy2ipRmWaiew2x5jYRgA92REMUtq0aZJueAcZBPP5hnSKC99aZAnP5Y9y8Qrh0fjRhv5no_vtDFBgAPx_Mhivex4sMFuSXWwmQaZDKgP-4cfcl54pCVuNa-ILnqETmSPyo/s4555/230801_BaltimoreInterchange.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="4555" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQIUrwnErQuJh8ewYympJJJf4K_BW6x9zEzWygSdS67CVInpy3eZXdo-Lghy2ipRmWaiew2x5jYRgA92REMUtq0aZJueAcZBPP5hnSKC99aZAnP5Y9y8Qrh0fjRhv5no_vtDFBgAPx_Mhivex4sMFuSXWwmQaZDKgP-4cfcl54pCVuNa-ILnqETmSPyo/w640-h360/230801_BaltimoreInterchange.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An eye-catching interchange east of Baltimore.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOFMJAM_qt-IRfmzknAX-RZMqgG5-u0YwzmsWIGmADo0ldWjt3ohkifzGXII47dwkwXISsoF6ax1GG-OqdBO4bi-BxAoO21cSsLYUAwSkWGR9R9JXmSR6u9wjjHXkgI51cx5WjRWjK7wltjaAOKd-PDq6xEsGJ4Or7mEm9-WH_nH0eIHp4SdY03ZzG7s/s5184/230801_W75-SDC-1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOFMJAM_qt-IRfmzknAX-RZMqgG5-u0YwzmsWIGmADo0ldWjt3ohkifzGXII47dwkwXISsoF6ax1GG-OqdBO4bi-BxAoO21cSsLYUAwSkWGR9R9JXmSR6u9wjjHXkgI51cx5WjRWjK7wltjaAOKd-PDq6xEsGJ4Or7mEm9-WH_nH0eIHp4SdY03ZzG7s/w640-h360/230801_W75-SDC-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Susquehanna River over Harrisburg, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRh33ogVyR4I8GwaiYvwQDtsmYeROBCM6fE44FLUR_t1ZTlmIDy0JpWYESJ2Z6i3l8GWcYDJDvJHwN0bqxIGoUyw5MPyA6j1TOfR6w9n33jzEVa3TT695RKBFOIxIsA_lvljc2a4d7RHITbquyFL6tTYxV1rqi8kLKW0bucx88uCYe5Rbx935EIiwWj0/s4618/230801_W75-SDC-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4618" data-original-width="3464" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRh33ogVyR4I8GwaiYvwQDtsmYeROBCM6fE44FLUR_t1ZTlmIDy0JpWYESJ2Z6i3l8GWcYDJDvJHwN0bqxIGoUyw5MPyA6j1TOfR6w9n33jzEVa3TT695RKBFOIxIsA_lvljc2a4d7RHITbquyFL6tTYxV1rqi8kLKW0bucx88uCYe5Rbx935EIiwWj0/w480-h640/230801_W75-SDC-2.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Susquehanna River south of Williamsport, PA.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We were among the clouds for much of the route home, but only logged about 0.3 hours in IMC. Haze dominated our view of the world beyond Warrior 481's windows and the gray vistas rarely inspired any photography. Obviously, the sightseeing highlight of our day occurred that morning over Norfolk.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPViJb5sR7f-3qkpqsKnqHyOLt-5FW9fL9Dr2guW30FYI2SypvUESba_VtamqnbnpbLqlerKwCzhzCJM-lRhshtFF2ZadI7lNZKaVT9-THJCUu5B-AL8aqzhdgQeufAYw_bT3uJ7NIQyJXhnGO8YCzJWf9EzaRCpt4vIpwjPz7hWzVuWZXWufWLnvVnOk/s4998/230801_W75-SDC-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="4998" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPViJb5sR7f-3qkpqsKnqHyOLt-5FW9fL9Dr2guW30FYI2SypvUESba_VtamqnbnpbLqlerKwCzhzCJM-lRhshtFF2ZadI7lNZKaVT9-THJCUu5B-AL8aqzhdgQeufAYw_bT3uJ7NIQyJXhnGO8YCzJWf9EzaRCpt4vIpwjPz7hWzVuWZXWufWLnvVnOk/w640-h360/230801_W75-SDC-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With a sighting of Keuka Lake, we had officially returned to the Finger Lakes region and home.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Debrief</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a Williamson Flying Club fly-out event, this was our most ambitious effort to date. Four airplanes carried seven to eight people (depending on whether Dave was with us) 1130 total nautical miles on a trip that spanned multiple states over three days. We had ridiculously good fortune with the weather and Tom was a key element of our contingency plan. With Tom as an additional instrument-rated pilot, we had the ability to move all four aircraft through the IFR system had weather necessitated it. We landed at six airports, four of them new to me (Tangier, Chesapeake, Billy Mitchell, and Hummel), and two of them commonly considered as bucket list items for pilots (Tangier and First Flight). We sampled good food, visited beautiful beaches, paid our respects to the Wright Brothers for their advancement of aeronautics, saw a portion of our mighty naval fleet, encountered some devils in the former haunts of pirates, and absorbed the stunning natural beauty of the fragile Outer Banks strand. In addition to being our most ambitious fly-out to date, it was also a massive success!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Extra kudos go to Dan who planned the whole endeavor. As the only member of the expedition with experience flying into First Flight and Ocracoke, I served as an advisor, but Dan did the heavy lifting in terms of planning. That included an expansive, but realistic itinerary with just the right amount of down time. Hummel was a particularly excellent find. Because of Dan's planning, this was a great experience for all!</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2910924549702235794.post-55365251500462106452023-07-31T08:18:01.086-04:002023-09-05T15:17:35.657-04:00Flying the Strand | Part 3, Pirates and Devils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2: Outer Banks Exploration</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrly-ScZOeSLdLpQ4ozQ4vlbDWsEqZQTs9kWRlW2Mhu3R3a-mR9xbUi9k6uQaEg-LPSSyKVOpBQ8xuq9OjvEZhRFf8ZvOD9geZXflxD9P12KlB3M3zlLVpXQfPbWCbwJoim0nzuRW4uA1m80pr2qoutDsRwTaNnSIU-UsDdzMc_QwrEDRGI-0LPtK7qQ/s6610/230731_Beach-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2420" data-original-width="6610" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrly-ScZOeSLdLpQ4ozQ4vlbDWsEqZQTs9kWRlW2Mhu3R3a-mR9xbUi9k6uQaEg-LPSSyKVOpBQ8xuq9OjvEZhRFf8ZvOD9geZXflxD9P12KlB3M3zlLVpXQfPbWCbwJoim0nzuRW4uA1m80pr2qoutDsRwTaNnSIU-UsDdzMc_QwrEDRGI-0LPtK7qQ/w640-h234/230731_Beach-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The sun in the Outer Banks is way more intense than it is in New York. I greeted the dawn from the beach on the second day of our North Carolina sojourn. Though the morning air remained cool, direct sunlight on my skin felt much hotter than it would have at home. I had already decided that I needed to be much more diligent with sunscreen. Nonetheless, I savored the morning's ocean breeze and the tranquility of the beach.</div><div><br /></div><div>We planned to depart First Flight Airport in four aircraft and follow the barrier islands as far to the southwest as Ocracoke. Along the way, we would see the region's famous lighthouses and explore the airports we encountered. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our final destination of Ocracoke is the most remote island in the Outer Banks, separated from the mainland by 16 nautical miles of open water in Pamlico Sound and only reachable by boat or aircraft. It was once a haven for pirates such as the fearsome Blackbeard who used the island for cover before attacking and plundering unsuspecting ships.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Return to First Flight</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><table border="1" cellpadding="0" style="width: 667px;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" height="48" width="122"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Date</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="89"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Aircraft</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="794"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Route of Flight</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="51"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Time (hrs)</span></b></td><td align="center" height="48" width="75"><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Total (hrs)</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="center" height="16" width="96"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">31 Jul 2023</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="82"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">N21481</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="388"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">FFA (Kill Devil Hills, NC) - HSE (Hatteras, NC) - W95 (Ocracoke, NC) - FFA</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="45"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2.7</span></td><td align="center" height="16" width="69"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">2685.6</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqFsAQQk2DmKDaGYcmSeJ4ohS1R-RhlhCllqqLRTRWwvO2fQWLhgpDdvLLFZaIzHgGm0B1M5Invg3wEWj5pIFLzAWRw9xJI3LkXfpMaNo5rouyTE2YoIsu4VPkdCsJt3p_zyREte6y2y-SfbRlpbbsJtQLQjtrVJrgAJh9c0UMewKnX4T0KVhkNHmWRc/s3293/230731_FirstFlight-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1852" data-original-width="3293" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqFsAQQk2DmKDaGYcmSeJ4ohS1R-RhlhCllqqLRTRWwvO2fQWLhgpDdvLLFZaIzHgGm0B1M5Invg3wEWj5pIFLzAWRw9xJI3LkXfpMaNo5rouyTE2YoIsu4VPkdCsJt3p_zyREte6y2y-SfbRlpbbsJtQLQjtrVJrgAJh9c0UMewKnX4T0KVhkNHmWRc/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan standing in front of the Centennial of Flight sculpture.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We hiked back to First Flight Airport as the day rapidly warmed, coming first upon the Centennial of Flight statue. Head down with his phone, Dan appeared to be utterly oblivious to the presence of a glorified box kite that appeared to be bearing down on him with a 10 mph ground speed. Good thing it was actually a statue and any hint of motion from it was an illusion.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9TzM96vLCR-ip3koxy1z_o920txemgaM1mccknDhIIbQBR9yridpxKOkAiV8ULPEk5dXNQhwATmARmpeb8Q94n8SzPc6okIlsgsTsMOk4b5pjBB3vrH7IouqGA9sUwA-A5XgnFSjWNkFGBbTdnCBqx7bh4o3TCz0tGwySoe9jOCxmUKPm0us_BgGr6o/s4032/230731_FirstFlight-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9TzM96vLCR-ip3koxy1z_o920txemgaM1mccknDhIIbQBR9yridpxKOkAiV8ULPEk5dXNQhwATmARmpeb8Q94n8SzPc6okIlsgsTsMOk4b5pjBB3vrH7IouqGA9sUwA-A5XgnFSjWNkFGBbTdnCBqx7bh4o3TCz0tGwySoe9jOCxmUKPm0us_BgGr6o/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Orville's bronze gaze remained fixed on the horizon, just as it has for the last twenty years. As I studied the sculpture, I wondered why the artist chose to orient the Flyer broadside to the prevailing wind. Sometimes, "pilot brain" is just hard to shut off.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdmCWxdXAyBfLbKTkcwvmrKaxRgxC0woRffhDBTPbKH9GNFWEJhgcgDAGjh4I66n87fH6F2EYMhVg5XB28mA7N7woTJfjUttAaPAFQVjiDTZP-QR4egQURiVxgq4PmLTlIZKvrvk32UjLI-lfedytgZTI8ZS0Xh-x8DjWUNp4b0ycW82OhUV0OR1ET2k/s3757/230731_FirstFlight-2-Tom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="3757" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdmCWxdXAyBfLbKTkcwvmrKaxRgxC0woRffhDBTPbKH9GNFWEJhgcgDAGjh4I66n87fH6F2EYMhVg5XB28mA7N7woTJfjUttAaPAFQVjiDTZP-QR4egQURiVxgq4PmLTlIZKvrvk32UjLI-lfedytgZTI8ZS0Xh-x8DjWUNp4b0ycW82OhUV0OR1ET2k/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-2-Tom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tom joined Wilbur Wright in a synchronized wing-running exercise. Honestly, it was really hard to tell which of them was which, but it helped to know that Tom was the one in Technicolor.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-WKKuhWZuNO4XOXWlgLqzun1bEptK3E524JPe6WEBBH4zlyHMlVJ3QS1vklsaNNXLsnYkgGP5B7yEXpi9XGovzLnklQQ3UM-EGWIjd-tLBAI6HZoRpwQ-LwSxN9qai9yE9eBw-FaXTaoICcGbnKmXEtXkgJNaV_oJxLyaTvM9i02y3nZpGacqUB7B1s/s5893/230731_FirstFlight-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2715" data-original-width="5893" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-WKKuhWZuNO4XOXWlgLqzun1bEptK3E524JPe6WEBBH4zlyHMlVJ3QS1vklsaNNXLsnYkgGP5B7yEXpi9XGovzLnklQQ3UM-EGWIjd-tLBAI6HZoRpwQ-LwSxN9qai9yE9eBw-FaXTaoICcGbnKmXEtXkgJNaV_oJxLyaTvM9i02y3nZpGacqUB7B1s/w640-h294/230731_FirstFlight-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This air conditioned oasis in the sweltering Carolina heat is sponsored by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). It was built in 2003 as a pilot lounge and flight planning room in celebration of the Centennial of Flight. It is also an artifact of a time when thorough flight planning had transitioned from just a telephone to computer-based tools and imagery, but before Foreflight arrived on devices carried in everyone's pocket (with apologies to Android users). While our cellphones made the computer terminal redundant, the air conditioning was still very pleasant.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was here that we reunited with Dave, who made the short drive south from Duck that morning and joined us for a day of island hopping. It is always great to have Dave along.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk70Mjoq531NlxgrC4EY4EPiOBMVeNuzNxBR9vQEogGokQmOW7ndNfPdPo39LM4imI29qq9A11Op2eWBlHirxk89dOp3915fyC4JQdAz6ZXqxCRn5VwiYmA7ElMsML6Qo-BsA4o-YO86IM-ef0_ihI6Y9T0Ea4-akZ3hE86kQysGX9kX6ZKWzaEoL2ek/s3805/230731_FirstFlight-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3805" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdk70Mjoq531NlxgrC4EY4EPiOBMVeNuzNxBR9vQEogGokQmOW7ndNfPdPo39LM4imI29qq9A11Op2eWBlHirxk89dOp3915fyC4JQdAz6ZXqxCRn5VwiYmA7ElMsML6Qo-BsA4o-YO86IM-ef0_ihI6Y9T0Ea4-akZ3hE86kQysGX9kX6ZKWzaEoL2ek/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We unbundled our drowsing aircraft and made them ready for flight. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Flying the Strand</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnQRtpUdISOMw_HhIzk6UyrNHRgd0pQnQ_jOXjwGD3XO9TCZTpv95XpyT8bmrA_WxTWAR7eagirGpM1jeLoZ2jZPm0RfTVi08UGw0wnvbTniUiUyJrMmTQ_htjlc11EaTJBUNbfBe03IitD6GPtkQ-N_Hxi0jnbqtlOqaXQH6_T_OKk4mAqReHgsSxZw/s5083/230731_DepartFirstFlight.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2860" data-original-width="5083" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnQRtpUdISOMw_HhIzk6UyrNHRgd0pQnQ_jOXjwGD3XO9TCZTpv95XpyT8bmrA_WxTWAR7eagirGpM1jeLoZ2jZPm0RfTVi08UGw0wnvbTniUiUyJrMmTQ_htjlc11EaTJBUNbfBe03IitD6GPtkQ-N_Hxi0jnbqtlOqaXQH6_T_OKk4mAqReHgsSxZw/w640-h360/230731_DepartFirstFlight.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View looking north on departure from First Flight Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Four aircraft from the Williamson Flying Club launched from runway 3 of First Flight Airport that morning. Afterward, each pilot made the same observation about the heightened density altitude affecting their ability to clear trees at the end of the runway. Everyone made it of course, but all received a not so subtle reminder about the effect of heat on aircraft performance.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0r_ifxU0kvSQXIe1BwDYJGiMHJK5tHaByzdMCNVNy6vAkbq5OzbL6hQxABcS8Wh_dJhfjiUoLy8J8uZArFYZR6q0jU2W2GvDm_PBJ99L3ZmC3rf7tz5x_vC7-y9QcSUkzHNOuzdVYyQfU6JJVMkVJBdOyBtkwOlMsOTI8Hkex4Zh2GbW6gAFniQcIAk/s5184/230731_FirstFlightAerial-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0r_ifxU0kvSQXIe1BwDYJGiMHJK5tHaByzdMCNVNy6vAkbq5OzbL6hQxABcS8Wh_dJhfjiUoLy8J8uZArFYZR6q0jU2W2GvDm_PBJ99L3ZmC3rf7tz5x_vC7-y9QcSUkzHNOuzdVYyQfU6JJVMkVJBdOyBtkwOlMsOTI8Hkex4Zh2GbW6gAFniQcIAk/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Flight Airport and the Wright Brothers National Memorial.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Tom and I flew a wide arcing turn to the left around First Flight, rolling out on a southerly heading and climbing to altitude. Much of the Outer Banks is a designated wildlife refuge area that requires aircraft to operate at or above 2,000 feet. We cruised at 2,500 feet.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0Jrd2o-zbZAQqw9AMjdPMEolrftQXsXNlaEh5cC3MIFSf580lH4zZUoSUe1jBHhS9tovWvslu0Sd3zg1ntU6oU3WNZHqwOoYh4vReB4EjUjO1rnmhdgWKEyH3ArWHzbkOKmoJoQFamdjT11ShrO_zD_MwiXMxO3wjG32s483AHf5dOgItahLZg2NO9s/s4844/230731_FFA-HSE-8-TomChris.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2726" data-original-width="4844" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW0Jrd2o-zbZAQqw9AMjdPMEolrftQXsXNlaEh5cC3MIFSf580lH4zZUoSUe1jBHhS9tovWvslu0Sd3zg1ntU6oU3WNZHqwOoYh4vReB4EjUjO1rnmhdgWKEyH3ArWHzbkOKmoJoQFamdjT11ShrO_zD_MwiXMxO3wjG32s483AHf5dOgItahLZg2NO9s/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-8-TomChris.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Tom flying along the barrier islands.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdv2_R_Kwwp-F-bVvQ_WiLkzGLG8XGzoBA_bWlEf-dDsAp-2KwrzDY0V26kArPl_kk7P5WNz9IpB4dqZ-5oPM1ofnA1XWpmyfyBNvsw0LlReR9PaCBKgeQ9pUofPmezGXKpiwevys1EBQT0w57zO4K--8qsKUxz6JdOge1BvN1GmKv0eJnmAoZzkzdqY/s5038/230731_FFA-HSE-1-Manteo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2834" data-original-width="5038" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdv2_R_Kwwp-F-bVvQ_WiLkzGLG8XGzoBA_bWlEf-dDsAp-2KwrzDY0V26kArPl_kk7P5WNz9IpB4dqZ-5oPM1ofnA1XWpmyfyBNvsw0LlReR9PaCBKgeQ9pUofPmezGXKpiwevys1EBQT0w57zO4K--8qsKUxz6JdOge1BvN1GmKv0eJnmAoZzkzdqY/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-1-Manteo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Across Roanoke Sound from Bodie Island (home to Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk), we could see the Dare County Airport (MQI) in Manteo on Roanoke Island. I landed there during my first flight to the Outer Banks in <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2011/10/pilgrimage-that-almost-wasnt.html" target="_blank">October 2011</a>. That was an important flight for many reasons. It was my first pilgrimage to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, it was the day I logged my 1000th flight hour, and it included the incident that made me realize it was time to pursue an instrument rating. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dare County is named for Virginia Dare, the first English colonist born in the New World in 1587. Young Virginia, along with the other members of the Lost Colony on Roanoke, mysteriously disappeared from the site sometime between 1587 and 1590. Historians speculate that the colonists were absorbed into Native American communities, but details are few.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqfh87tREQeoMwUGykUYSaqB1EpS48gS3f6t2RyJ7qd6WIqzaCpg4iwOlA_aoBPEanczNd9SKoMqNuHtVmmoOswwk9R9B_szQWdthIQhNfOMKBgMMH7LsIUHbkgoKmNlzxz-e4vW0pw6eXdjJknvA59d7cmfJAxgJqXvSgMv3oxfN3Am_VzOqDW1mu_s/s5172/230731_FFA-HSE-4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2908" data-original-width="5172" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqfh87tREQeoMwUGykUYSaqB1EpS48gS3f6t2RyJ7qd6WIqzaCpg4iwOlA_aoBPEanczNd9SKoMqNuHtVmmoOswwk9R9B_szQWdthIQhNfOMKBgMMH7LsIUHbkgoKmNlzxz-e4vW0pw6eXdjJknvA59d7cmfJAxgJqXvSgMv3oxfN3Am_VzOqDW1mu_s/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nag's Head, NC with Jennette's Pier visible.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OAeLfO-Wuj9_1wYDaIubMnTPFHSdVoDUXXkSZxjV9Tt2frEyKvv7eFPptRBtSaA-4P-78o7D57OIfpogx3C27zV5LupwN9AWlZIC-yMCK-ND7DMbTgvQkDTkwVfXkOXVAVjR1tpB0wzLBqSw0y_5DBW4mK3YdLIjcWGZcPGHi4mWDElBQEeCbS25tNs/s5172/230731_FFA-HSE-5.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2908" data-original-width="5172" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OAeLfO-Wuj9_1wYDaIubMnTPFHSdVoDUXXkSZxjV9Tt2frEyKvv7eFPptRBtSaA-4P-78o7D57OIfpogx3C27zV5LupwN9AWlZIC-yMCK-ND7DMbTgvQkDTkwVfXkOXVAVjR1tpB0wzLBqSw0y_5DBW4mK3YdLIjcWGZcPGHi4mWDElBQEeCbS25tNs/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">US-64 bringing road traffic to Nags Head on Bodie Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A system of bridges and causeways carry traffic from the mainland, across Roanoke Island, and ultimately to Bodie Island.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUQfweBc8MDS5iSMpanBW8aFbeu9FaE5411bXj4UTMZwRUldjir9r7-x1aJh6d1zp2FkGeQ72ByovtAb6OP0oZ2CB-4kap_jrLm8ejSFVeZ1vrO0v8KiKfNe40BKVNzZnh7geV4RDu8f4pM3iQnhakJxJOErDEtqIcsHvTgLUpj2BzQrYhu2MueSRC0o/s4971/230731_FFA-HSE-7-Manteo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="4971" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUQfweBc8MDS5iSMpanBW8aFbeu9FaE5411bXj4UTMZwRUldjir9r7-x1aJh6d1zp2FkGeQ72ByovtAb6OP0oZ2CB-4kap_jrLm8ejSFVeZ1vrO0v8KiKfNe40BKVNzZnh7geV4RDu8f4pM3iQnhakJxJOErDEtqIcsHvTgLUpj2BzQrYhu2MueSRC0o/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-7-Manteo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As I observed in 2011, the marshland surrounding the southern tip of Roanoke Island is cut with numerous razor-straight artificial channels.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8wldwys9NP0R4T4JB2vCzZrSByEKKDDo00V1F_ELSSbWzYxOvQJJK7wzWAkQ7EcXuQ2J9_rzCwarlLuZb0vIeNt-nWmR82B88sAV_99o4eDZujSqUR3zbGXA7n5hy1YQHlGbxIPZM__egsmWbER8HGKxq7Ze76_C5E4cwmJKhpLiIaUlMfAQKw12mvk/s4639/230731_FFA-HSE-10-BodieIslandLight.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2610" data-original-width="4639" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8wldwys9NP0R4T4JB2vCzZrSByEKKDDo00V1F_ELSSbWzYxOvQJJK7wzWAkQ7EcXuQ2J9_rzCwarlLuZb0vIeNt-nWmR82B88sAV_99o4eDZujSqUR3zbGXA7n5hy1YQHlGbxIPZM__egsmWbER8HGKxq7Ze76_C5E4cwmJKhpLiIaUlMfAQKw12mvk/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-10-BodieIslandLight.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodie Island Light Station.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A lighthouse has stood guard over the treacherous Outer Banks shore near the Oregon Inlet since 1847. The first incarnation was built on a shoddy foundation and had to be abandoned by 1859. A replacement lighthouse was built that same year, but was destroyed by the Confederacy in 1861 out of fear that Union soldiers would use it to their advantage. The current lighthouse, the first to be sited north of the Oregon Inlet, was completed in 1872.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUGBv1GNIO3svBsSx2ynUGCsLnH5JbAUkZHXAoepylGIXjhQpNrQxnHzxM30YRBSufBKry-74Qog0b9etEZBOEs3RfLrj6UezXRk0_rjIWfInGn4JyDPNYUyNXz--cNsv08MLC3xcm446NqK69P52ZfHqV3PbKhRG0iTdo5qeBzZqc3DG6O0BtCEu-I/s5074/230731_FFA-HSE-11-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2855" data-original-width="5074" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPUGBv1GNIO3svBsSx2ynUGCsLnH5JbAUkZHXAoepylGIXjhQpNrQxnHzxM30YRBSufBKry-74Qog0b9etEZBOEs3RfLrj6UezXRk0_rjIWfInGn4JyDPNYUyNXz--cNsv08MLC3xcm446NqK69P52ZfHqV3PbKhRG0iTdo5qeBzZqc3DG6O0BtCEu-I/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-11-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1PbS5wDGIcPbNMoUobOWa0gzmCKT8yU1aCMkhK5ns4pdzOntuvACbtJNjarzkYfZNnGHiU6yy6Iiy9AlaEqI6Aq1cJ5KOLw5itrKe6MFWDRIIi9xYAfFXN3lo00EQ7e77X15PpaRUzvhC5qejKy6zZxX1voq_PStQF28fl9ZLS6da7tAL5INB_3I_Hc/s5184/230731_FFA-HSE-12-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1PbS5wDGIcPbNMoUobOWa0gzmCKT8yU1aCMkhK5ns4pdzOntuvACbtJNjarzkYfZNnGHiU6yy6Iiy9AlaEqI6Aq1cJ5KOLw5itrKe6MFWDRIIi9xYAfFXN3lo00EQ7e77X15PpaRUzvhC5qejKy6zZxX1voq_PStQF28fl9ZLS6da7tAL5INB_3I_Hc/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-12-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oregon Inlet is the waterway between Bodie and Pea Islands. Vehicle traffic passes between the islands on NC-12 (apparently, the highway is not for children under the age of 12?) on the Basnight Bridge completed in 2019. It replaces the older Bonner Bridge from the 1960s that I would have seen on my previous trips.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ckaf17NTtk3WTFUoV4trfPOyDSf0024wE5mh6mWnQcvIDIC52K_z3OyovJaenDzQpc93b52jgh5WbDfppzzgS44511Lug0aZjLPAOuhYgCxZEHMKyJDPCBcYqr6dRjlL_XwX643aGIeeXhMq-TeJb88XNmABs8QPvqs5fnevqnD42Xvj04d2C-0h0t8/s5184/230731_FFA-HSE-13-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ckaf17NTtk3WTFUoV4trfPOyDSf0024wE5mh6mWnQcvIDIC52K_z3OyovJaenDzQpc93b52jgh5WbDfppzzgS44511Lug0aZjLPAOuhYgCxZEHMKyJDPCBcYqr6dRjlL_XwX643aGIeeXhMq-TeJb88XNmABs8QPvqs5fnevqnD42Xvj04d2C-0h0t8/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-13-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As shown in this photo, a portion of the Bonner Bridge has been retained on the Pea Island side of the inlet as a fishing pier.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIsYcoc7fYC4eMEfmh9m3pHJys0tirbcC0-FXz9PO3TRv-lMZZR08MSSPePjT1Z444xcn52hY-grjWu-4nUjQAzTr4vJGk4CQ6U7KxpedmsVhbqgi8hOj-tzV6bKuuLncFY9YTLf8WDZF9ImJ2DWXdS38SWMal944I613Y9TemEi0iSLGAb1thnKu2wA/s5184/230731_FFA-HSE-14.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIsYcoc7fYC4eMEfmh9m3pHJys0tirbcC0-FXz9PO3TRv-lMZZR08MSSPePjT1Z444xcn52hY-grjWu-4nUjQAzTr4vJGk4CQ6U7KxpedmsVhbqgi8hOj-tzV6bKuuLncFY9YTLf8WDZF9ImJ2DWXdS38SWMal944I613Y9TemEi0iSLGAb1thnKu2wA/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Pea Island is home to a National Wildlife Refuge and is distinguishable from the air by a series of unusually shaped ponds that show obvious signs of human intervention.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXfggXPDrdgnHja8zWtd8IJSDXq6--fRGBNiVa0-CIT0IZPNjwRSnEtKLGdrCpvHjwKAxQqzeNC4GB1T1wB3yYx7HMlGyKVWUBBlm0sWtB81Hp5Em0VsxOqMLS26BdLWf3EjIG1A4UwPm8rG_UEbY4eamBH-qC8TxQOV25v-Cg4i5ZOuTg75qDqQQ7gs/s5172/230731_FFA-HSE-16.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="5172" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXfggXPDrdgnHja8zWtd8IJSDXq6--fRGBNiVa0-CIT0IZPNjwRSnEtKLGdrCpvHjwKAxQqzeNC4GB1T1wB3yYx7HMlGyKVWUBBlm0sWtB81Hp5Em0VsxOqMLS26BdLWf3EjIG1A4UwPm8rG_UEbY4eamBH-qC8TxQOV25v-Cg4i5ZOuTg75qDqQQ7gs/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DSFXbAjbougqEzELIgF5vXgURiG1UfSX2l0HDdnr6kn6Bb87LAgJO_8s1ZPBDTlNiiB2Jw6vIUJUI0E-IOIMR221pMRUOskZF2mxzLQKE0ctNOOwKOiWwo4DxxBmrFUlk7mPoWPmG_cMo57x_IiygtfSEK-G4KLThlhVfF18yWxLUnRDOCcVYRN7cWY/s5005/230731_FFA-HSE-18.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="5005" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DSFXbAjbougqEzELIgF5vXgURiG1UfSX2l0HDdnr6kn6Bb87LAgJO_8s1ZPBDTlNiiB2Jw6vIUJUI0E-IOIMR221pMRUOskZF2mxzLQKE0ctNOOwKOiWwo4DxxBmrFUlk7mPoWPmG_cMo57x_IiygtfSEK-G4KLThlhVfF18yWxLUnRDOCcVYRN7cWY/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-18.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Roughly 11 miles south of its northern tip, Pea Island becomes Hatteras Island. Although Pea Island is currently conjoined with Hatteras, the dynamic sands of the barrier islands have resulted in periodic disconnections of Pea and Hatteras Islands over time. In fact, my <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2011/10/pilgrimage-that-almost-wasnt.html" target="_blank">aerial photos of the Outer Banks</a> from 2011 clearly show the "New Inlet" opened by Hurricane Irene (August 2011) that severed Pea Island from Hatteras for several years.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYURQ4IOKlzGNhIVwcTsayf_sbBK8zRC8CHtQiVG7q8YDYvEb7phDco9n63j3hDU_LY7UYduKNEFxEx5yW6c5XUtQU30b2sglb8l8H1YlsyrKdw2CPQa4OLop8xEJ1hw3YsWX05CNJ-R5ggG9o1mHL0XiUVv1cVBxExR-n9BUxqRkoW8Tj8DAOjSj73u4/s5172/230731_FFA-HSE-19-Avon.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="5172" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYURQ4IOKlzGNhIVwcTsayf_sbBK8zRC8CHtQiVG7q8YDYvEb7phDco9n63j3hDU_LY7UYduKNEFxEx5yW6c5XUtQU30b2sglb8l8H1YlsyrKdw2CPQa4OLop8xEJ1hw3YsWX05CNJ-R5ggG9o1mHL0XiUVv1cVBxExR-n9BUxqRkoW8Tj8DAOjSj73u4/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-19-Avon.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As explained by Dave, the road into Rodanthe, NC once ran along the beach on the ocean side and was often inundated by seawater. The aptly named Jug Handle Bridge was completed on the protected side of the barrier island to solve this problem in 2022. Also visible in this photo is the "Eye of Rodanthe".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz7VoCDB7j6KzU0FjBK-YCfHVGfqBnD5siJd0WSMTHyITNpLSO38hJhbUsxc3XO8mmvReQGp--FeFkg9vsUIfnBYA8WAVlR7MDyOGux3qyJqU_MfzTg3MzlO1JPm6dUWBi3kGWjw4a9v2mzHeGDqLGkKqbDZS447tjszDGJgu4zhXiWrv-xLg0xDO2UQ/s4963/230731_FFA-HSE-21-HatteraLight.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="4963" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZz7VoCDB7j6KzU0FjBK-YCfHVGfqBnD5siJd0WSMTHyITNpLSO38hJhbUsxc3XO8mmvReQGp--FeFkg9vsUIfnBYA8WAVlR7MDyOGux3qyJqU_MfzTg3MzlO1JPm6dUWBi3kGWjw4a9v2mzHeGDqLGkKqbDZS447tjszDGJgu4zhXiWrv-xLg0xDO2UQ/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-21-HatteraLight.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cape Hatteras is known as the "Graveyard of the Atlantic" due to the Diamond Shoals, an extensive grouping of shifting underwater sandbars that have wrecked hundreds of ships. In recognition of this danger, Congress authorized construction of a lighthouse in 1794 that was ultimately completed in 1803. The resulting 90 foot tall sandstone lighthouse was ineffectual because it was too short, its beacon too weak, and the sandstone exterior blended in with local dunes. Over time, the lighthouse was fitted with a more effective light, increased in height by 60 feet, and the top half was painted red for daytime visibility. But that was still not enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>The current structure was first lit in 1870 and was dressed with its iconic helical black and white stripes in 1873 as a unique "daymark" for recognition. Towering 198.5 feet over the island, it is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/hdp/exhibits/caha/tour/" target="_blank">The National Park Service provides a terrific virtual tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on their website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Friendly Fire</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBnSI2HhfMniKGksKcC-siFYgnnQ_6m5CEuOFFZYZ5-0308ENvMJ2__FRfZ7l8qWubnoTOdAxPJPSjV12sfjMWsNDQcFHr4bKTc5628aD9NAWoZ-VfMnCt2fHE5eCvxJenlrAmQaWMilNHyIP8Ril8lrwph2_Xe-JSJ6nqlnNwvLXTjvKnTImQsaP4vw/s4733/230731_FFA-HSE-22-BaseHSE.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2663" data-original-width="4733" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBnSI2HhfMniKGksKcC-siFYgnnQ_6m5CEuOFFZYZ5-0308ENvMJ2__FRfZ7l8qWubnoTOdAxPJPSjV12sfjMWsNDQcFHr4bKTc5628aD9NAWoZ-VfMnCt2fHE5eCvxJenlrAmQaWMilNHyIP8Ril8lrwph2_Xe-JSJ6nqlnNwvLXTjvKnTImQsaP4vw/w640-h360/230731_FFA-HSE-22-BaseHSE.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left base for runway 7 at Billy Mitchell.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The airport on Hatteras Island bears the name of Billy Mitchell, the Brigadier General who was such a staunch advocate for air power in the early twentieth century that he is considered the intellectual father of the United States Air Force. There is even a bomber named after him, the twin engine B-25 that was central to the famous Doolittle Raid over Tokyo during WWII. In 1923, Mitchell orchestrated a demonstration during which bombers launched from Langley Airfield, flew 175 miles to Cape Hatteras, and bombed a pair of military surplus ships (the New Jersey and the Virginia) anchored there. The job was finished by other bombers launched from a temporary airfield on Hatteras and demonstrated that aerial bombardment could sink ships. Although today's airport is not in the same location as that temporary field, it carries Billy Mitchell's name in honor of his 1923 bombing demonstration along the Hatteras coastline.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1uhJqNw3reK4GImzjQIDTC66Mp7fDbBRtQuvEr900RWeN60pgqPiVb1bGzcwdFTafMkUiJh4nhT3a5qetD5OEj9TyxVDjwrB8O_ooQ5i6PohdQl_PHGt2024g0RV-CzB4QIbWJ4Ches2YJ0ycUpdlBNzKQ1gzOAll7_VHYFrNlBCpk_rT_eH4kUL15A/s4032/IMG_3203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1uhJqNw3reK4GImzjQIDTC66Mp7fDbBRtQuvEr900RWeN60pgqPiVb1bGzcwdFTafMkUiJh4nhT3a5qetD5OEj9TyxVDjwrB8O_ooQ5i6PohdQl_PHGt2024g0RV-CzB4QIbWJ4Ches2YJ0ycUpdlBNzKQ1gzOAll7_VHYFrNlBCpk_rT_eH4kUL15A/w640-h360/IMG_3203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final, runway 7 at Billy Mitchell. Photo by Tom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We flew past an impressive array of massive beach houses on final for runway 7, ultimately overflying beachgoers before touching down at Billy Mitchell (HSE, airport #264). While it was no St Martin, it felt decidedly odd to fly low(ish) over people on the beach before landing.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm5HfkdXJBNLsYiHvKPPJF_B4Qybo_fFXxxh9M_II7Z3LX2y88PSd-kFYFQdcR_StGl5dVkFMl3V6ri01dvrXhFqMjCX8RoZ1YhsPFMkls0aL3BdiAU9ZQpMtnpmYeGsRf_BR5zjMr3svDv3RZgJl9N0mIc7fGmgGbheG1Cx5LjGFFblcbY6WgVVLMRk/s5184/230731_BillyMitchelField-1-DaveEd.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm5HfkdXJBNLsYiHvKPPJF_B4Qybo_fFXxxh9M_II7Z3LX2y88PSd-kFYFQdcR_StGl5dVkFMl3V6ri01dvrXhFqMjCX8RoZ1YhsPFMkls0aL3BdiAU9ZQpMtnpmYeGsRf_BR5zjMr3svDv3RZgJl9N0mIc7fGmgGbheG1Cx5LjGFFblcbY6WgVVLMRk/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-1-DaveEd.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Ed arrived in Ed's snazzy repainted Archer II.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialQwpfBKU9PWyiK-Fg64M9YHWyn_-unauD__V_dPytJfcpJO5JS-HmH07MOpPEFz26GHcRn_95z33N5tIrN1rnvsWX9xDRsGvt4b06xz7yJ8EYqk9Grizeta1y-fLiYzLWeLoJXgh95cw2xwLFanelT06HbexyLzlyVlm3pEhMUCVT2IFMTc6BNEEnus/s4177/230731_BillyMitchelField-2-Group.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2350" data-original-width="4177" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEialQwpfBKU9PWyiK-Fg64M9YHWyn_-unauD__V_dPytJfcpJO5JS-HmH07MOpPEFz26GHcRn_95z33N5tIrN1rnvsWX9xDRsGvt4b06xz7yJ8EYqk9Grizeta1y-fLiYzLWeLoJXgh95cw2xwLFanelT06HbexyLzlyVlm3pEhMUCVT2IFMTc6BNEEnus/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-2-Group.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once everyone was down and parked at Billy Mitchell, we took the obligatory group photo (me, Kim, Scott, Gilead, Dave, Dan, Ed, and Tom).</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqDgAA-P9tZbLZBspz0ekK1a7u_49DEvq7mGmhpgflTIwbmV30TcyXog7-zqoyj7pB50-OyIDCcwha9tQYl_O9y8-N7-YjDFX4R5Y0N6h-w9O0T_lrI6p-UUOQZAtFGGyPuSQV4Q_qCi8JA9P2NquLu2mrUFVlPmbnXsb5FAAUlSUjmv1eBNU0Jj6Usw/s4001/230731_BillyMitchelField-3-Dan.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4001" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqDgAA-P9tZbLZBspz0ekK1a7u_49DEvq7mGmhpgflTIwbmV30TcyXog7-zqoyj7pB50-OyIDCcwha9tQYl_O9y8-N7-YjDFX4R5Y0N6h-w9O0T_lrI6p-UUOQZAtFGGyPuSQV4Q_qCi8JA9P2NquLu2mrUFVlPmbnXsb5FAAUlSUjmv1eBNU0Jj6Usw/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-3-Dan.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan with One Delta Tango.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We were all giddy about landing at a cool island airport adjacent to the beach. It was not the kind of place that our club planes usually frequent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRw1yT3gteBvg5mAmyWC7zMsSgecjrZIUd5gGcFSVHVtlons-06RWVle4DRocsQr3a1AacmMUJuDE5JasASlSlq56Gwxun6MlS-zYSIuUqOzecGk-PjjvERfToNOGgEBD0ql0ECk8EHoYEAIfsuZ90aKhDqSl_pdroPeHTFYek_RKsnbMm0j3Bi3_mD0/s5138/230731_BillyMitchelField-6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="5138" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRw1yT3gteBvg5mAmyWC7zMsSgecjrZIUd5gGcFSVHVtlons-06RWVle4DRocsQr3a1AacmMUJuDE5JasASlSlq56Gwxun6MlS-zYSIuUqOzecGk-PjjvERfToNOGgEBD0ql0ECk8EHoYEAIfsuZ90aKhDqSl_pdroPeHTFYek_RKsnbMm0j3Bi3_mD0/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Reaching the beach was a simple matter of crossing the runway (look both ways!) and climbing over a line of dunes.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgaRwTKCc3pxUf-6bGrZyWs1lGosIPhEAa5rw14fqVuIq28vk9qnqL0ZJX42ipNWQI660VEQNMAoG_IIDXXmZy_nmDTJx9HXG2RjMW0UGXkl5MnB9gEYHcSy_H9OBYTaQwkhjGLNJpPgHsOXv0J6q9PdHRbrvvqbeZ84zNEu4WHbG2iG5vDtekJXYE-c/s1200/Resized_Resized_20230731_104611.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgaRwTKCc3pxUf-6bGrZyWs1lGosIPhEAa5rw14fqVuIq28vk9qnqL0ZJX42ipNWQI660VEQNMAoG_IIDXXmZy_nmDTJx9HXG2RjMW0UGXkl5MnB9gEYHcSy_H9OBYTaQwkhjGLNJpPgHsOXv0J6q9PdHRbrvvqbeZ84zNEu4WHbG2iG5vDtekJXYE-c/w480-h640/Resized_Resized_20230731_104611.JPEG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of me taking photos of others. Very meta. Photo by Gilead.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWscF9yqyL5IdxETAdIDswsNZy45BpdoEIUzdOoWsBujpzdoQ0h-wyabkgX9BGwt-LkThLkprPA2h_MQGHmRMVRs-NBuX0KiYKtuhW7tU-lC2PtF08z5M473D1elqkKhR13KrnwLE8Wy2hi5S3tG8NjowmkMX7ePO9xrajoc60i09Rg1581AkU4iz31Ow/s4618/230731_BillyMitchelField-9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="4618" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWscF9yqyL5IdxETAdIDswsNZy45BpdoEIUzdOoWsBujpzdoQ0h-wyabkgX9BGwt-LkThLkprPA2h_MQGHmRMVRs-NBuX0KiYKtuhW7tU-lC2PtF08z5M473D1elqkKhR13KrnwLE8Wy2hi5S3tG8NjowmkMX7ePO9xrajoc60i09Rg1581AkU4iz31Ow/w640-h480/230731_BillyMitchelField-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl7Slc-oKWlOCKeqDfxf4ujD-iOQvd8-_wIeP0f2CWS3f-gI6MZmRTAW9tcz2F0UUj1vDT4H8HW3knmFLnjrcMi-wrHwR2_ot5YuMPPJWDkvc8P-lIteq-I6t8kWqODcjoobaK-kqwq4aLIYHJu5pEF28sN9hafZ4CkLXQ2hB-AoDwSj34hVFBztVDEU/s4587/230731_BillyMitchelField-10-Runway.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2581" data-original-width="4587" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipl7Slc-oKWlOCKeqDfxf4ujD-iOQvd8-_wIeP0f2CWS3f-gI6MZmRTAW9tcz2F0UUj1vDT4H8HW3knmFLnjrcMi-wrHwR2_ot5YuMPPJWDkvc8P-lIteq-I6t8kWqODcjoobaK-kqwq4aLIYHJu5pEF28sN9hafZ4CkLXQ2hB-AoDwSj34hVFBztVDEU/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-10-Runway.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Why did the pilot cross the runway? To get to the beach, of course!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Ysl0J7djL4gm4pfM6dbjBU7xxLWv_BuWG8b5b4_Yj7RMopV8kJJEkmptExN-bj7SNyx0Hx9_cele1wXNxVk2aKMMlVNxtPQvDGuXlLHAp9D18QRLsfmO8an8XmoQtsmgdSDo1Ht02SkRE_HZG7T76HJfHHkVkxIXHoJs6GlXlxjOdkpS3QzTW5kmg0/s5138/230731_BillyMitchelField-13.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="5138" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Ysl0J7djL4gm4pfM6dbjBU7xxLWv_BuWG8b5b4_Yj7RMopV8kJJEkmptExN-bj7SNyx0Hx9_cele1wXNxVk2aKMMlVNxtPQvDGuXlLHAp9D18QRLsfmO8an8XmoQtsmgdSDo1Ht02SkRE_HZG7T76HJfHHkVkxIXHoJs6GlXlxjOdkpS3QzTW5kmg0/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-13.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Footprints marked the path back to the airport.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0FCGxA-hmJ9q9Y6wNvAftUXpucAATfhWegPqIdZ_Yz-VOoQ0h7uuJ94I7Xngi0X0xm788aIhmFKo2p9gWDXQElG-dK4o1isXly3hBFCPmQ0rka5co8fJJyPc9ch0Kl6hKtydfCy6V9cSgSwm2Ph4RNjvDppv3me9T3hIGIcQutUiZHKMyGuyPRWLkr0/s4977/230731_BillyMitchelField-15.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="4977" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0FCGxA-hmJ9q9Y6wNvAftUXpucAATfhWegPqIdZ_Yz-VOoQ0h7uuJ94I7Xngi0X0xm788aIhmFKo2p9gWDXQElG-dK4o1isXly3hBFCPmQ0rka5co8fJJyPc9ch0Kl6hKtydfCy6V9cSgSwm2Ph4RNjvDppv3me9T3hIGIcQutUiZHKMyGuyPRWLkr0/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-15.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>To the southwest toward Ocracoke, a minor weather system made for a gloomy sky, but the worst of the weather was sufficiently over the Atlantic that we were not concerned.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrXq2fK0WivtUieg373JpVF_civKoBr2yW3tMPl9MwUoIi4rCwRK0wr_9BLVPGFSaUgtnBbNFWJvkyunHJBbZlidnokh0pkVqBQwwu7qpp_tOzpAxVEQ3lwlGdAqahK4E-Gc1BdUqdA4vRwyebwXMCLgFiFN5Tb0ysR7yNCWIDUhuRONiuviUQ5ViOeg/s5184/230731_BillyMitchelField-16.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrXq2fK0WivtUieg373JpVF_civKoBr2yW3tMPl9MwUoIi4rCwRK0wr_9BLVPGFSaUgtnBbNFWJvkyunHJBbZlidnokh0pkVqBQwwu7qpp_tOzpAxVEQ3lwlGdAqahK4E-Gc1BdUqdA4vRwyebwXMCLgFiFN5Tb0ysR7yNCWIDUhuRONiuviUQ5ViOeg/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-16.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tom modeled the latest in aviator beach apparel.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-YuQ7i-2BZxa-rOk5msEuU7X5y56FJttLV00vpsfoy8mHBaffKBirPmR81wCqgBN7mKDZoQNoKbgy6ocDO3KablN3286-o5_HFfJltGhG82XD7dpwwZ3897qDYBDheA3E4OH3_vu7KwK6qGEnaChSpKfhP4A8x0EGOIK3BDaAf5GOAi8--oVeLqCczc/s5142/230731_BillyMitchelField-17.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2893" data-original-width="5142" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-YuQ7i-2BZxa-rOk5msEuU7X5y56FJttLV00vpsfoy8mHBaffKBirPmR81wCqgBN7mKDZoQNoKbgy6ocDO3KablN3286-o5_HFfJltGhG82XD7dpwwZ3897qDYBDheA3E4OH3_vu7KwK6qGEnaChSpKfhP4A8x0EGOIK3BDaAf5GOAi8--oVeLqCczc/w640-h360/230731_BillyMitchelField-17.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Vegetation on the dunes formed a portal between the idyllic beach and the airport.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once we returned to Billy Mitchell Airport, a pair of aircraft flew over in formation.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Are those Mustangs?" asked Tom. From directly below, I noted the squared off wingtips and a discernable whistle from the slipstream.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Maybe!" (They weren't.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Once aloft, we heard the pair on frequency with callsigns Devil 1 and Devil 2 setting up for landing at Ocracoke and knew that we would catch up to them soon.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowRfsDRy0Zp146UUwt_4_52wABrzT2iHiJYzAfiCmls7IpDzrKP6IT8yROsrfvJWqXzRULt2Ab5Px4SmOJMkt5CgZ0kwgujKmd96XP88CM8MUeDubsRMFAHxKIF8HWWwhprvU5jGr61-D3hSYuRUir_zSkCdhM9tXJPnyYIKeltk24fgn70R498RGEzY/s5184/230731_HSE-W95-1-Hatteras.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowRfsDRy0Zp146UUwt_4_52wABrzT2iHiJYzAfiCmls7IpDzrKP6IT8yROsrfvJWqXzRULt2Ab5Px4SmOJMkt5CgZ0kwgujKmd96XP88CM8MUeDubsRMFAHxKIF8HWWwhprvU5jGr61-D3hSYuRUir_zSkCdhM9tXJPnyYIKeltk24fgn70R498RGEzY/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-1-Hatteras.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatteras, NC.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ocracoke - Cola Vegetable?</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHsa9vBf_vYVs41Px06YLjdHUxwdArNL8D3G1D8WuL7XNiVUF-YunGtRuZgzkjSF_JQ8FOMYEi20v5N0nuroRlfZ0wOvoWPe8KArSysrbMsONd5arAQetgDdf2q7O-T84CJn76YcN-nNzg6XojHMwqYQ-HpMfW6eD9BWv2ICcemXDiVVIAXRYkwN9HDQ/s5184/230731_HSE-W95-2-OcracokeFerry.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHsa9vBf_vYVs41Px06YLjdHUxwdArNL8D3G1D8WuL7XNiVUF-YunGtRuZgzkjSF_JQ8FOMYEi20v5N0nuroRlfZ0wOvoWPe8KArSysrbMsONd5arAQetgDdf2q7O-T84CJn76YcN-nNzg6XojHMwqYQ-HpMfW6eD9BWv2ICcemXDiVVIAXRYkwN9HDQ/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-2-OcracokeFerry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands are separated by the Hatteras Inlet. Aside from air travel, the only way on or off Ocracoke Island is by a ferry that requires an hour to transit the inlet. By comparison, our aircraft covered the distance in mere minutes. On our way to Ocracoke, we passed the ferry loaded up with cars and bound for Hatteras. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi8h47VF7yYJWIJd-hVfFzfjlZ2H8Sd5D1zdwlxAJHWdHGKHzGw5V5EKoAg47xfP8OMZZoe9oU1BNKTlYQSxsAdg3kom2akHh0p8oiZuwReCjrQSYPvX0QDqGT8S2z682qofBYstMj25PAcvjsPsbFFgvC2FH9V09q2qqmV5WLIuAYdr5xPUIk5MwIIE/s5184/230731_HSE-W95-3-OcracokeFerry.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSi8h47VF7yYJWIJd-hVfFzfjlZ2H8Sd5D1zdwlxAJHWdHGKHzGw5V5EKoAg47xfP8OMZZoe9oU1BNKTlYQSxsAdg3kom2akHh0p8oiZuwReCjrQSYPvX0QDqGT8S2z682qofBYstMj25PAcvjsPsbFFgvC2FH9V09q2qqmV5WLIuAYdr5xPUIk5MwIIE/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-3-OcracokeFerry.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry crosses Hatteras Inlet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj930Jx8142wHG5hOqRyQ7b_PQHB9mySCQ20CkPzmFL8eMgxeEsCkiudYDtIvr7DGVJIasaXYkUnht7y6DbbaFG1GUSLXxJoDsYEP_OoDWaC7Qli5egbM0B8VriBh_DcxIwQne0SBGk8msExtnXjvQX_IA8I5GuTTmgzBv1LV074oAW2kyA1-_bzz8fRRI/s5061/230731_HSE-W95-4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2847" data-original-width="5061" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj930Jx8142wHG5hOqRyQ7b_PQHB9mySCQ20CkPzmFL8eMgxeEsCkiudYDtIvr7DGVJIasaXYkUnht7y6DbbaFG1GUSLXxJoDsYEP_OoDWaC7Qli5egbM0B8VriBh_DcxIwQne0SBGk8msExtnXjvQX_IA8I5GuTTmgzBv1LV074oAW2kyA1-_bzz8fRRI/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Hatteras Inlet hosts a crab spawning sanctuary in an effort to bolster the local blue crab population.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEuWwG_VzbsoLX9JKsGOQ8yRsAxCeFDw8HOycuK8Q8b7uaI3bkJ6H8vWSy_eN2gxjTnApDadMqwfWLwgdwxR-be1SMFDQiw0zYMy8pdR2M4Q_SoTqPw64lm2rrBuvZUASkIFUec1QVFSWDZYelI1ch-Ya_YxnWrpXd1At7MTw9zewBC1r7410BLsZlic/s4801/230731_HSE-W95-6-OcracokeIsland.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4801" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEuWwG_VzbsoLX9JKsGOQ8yRsAxCeFDw8HOycuK8Q8b7uaI3bkJ6H8vWSy_eN2gxjTnApDadMqwfWLwgdwxR-be1SMFDQiw0zYMy8pdR2M4Q_SoTqPw64lm2rrBuvZUASkIFUec1QVFSWDZYelI1ch-Ya_YxnWrpXd1At7MTw9zewBC1r7410BLsZlic/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-6-OcracokeIsland.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we crossed Hatteras Inlet, details of the slender tendril of Ocracoke Island sharpened. Clouds in the distance were dropping rain, but we expected the worst of the weather to miss us.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXtthm01ZFcIORdwigumEAlReJ-KLqyWZBd4gHwV23wiifGZuIx-awyDCqdPxwWPAoyuoHhePCwrRHXsUNHCKSBT1KaMg660H793Wai_eRfrtE3nl_aJW7fqoFKLO3DDlBTDbSThyW1XVlgdhCtxUfNRHkzT27q-kMIGPscMSSO8b96q57ACx73Cwg-A/s4901/230731_HSE-W95-8.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2756" data-original-width="4901" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXtthm01ZFcIORdwigumEAlReJ-KLqyWZBd4gHwV23wiifGZuIx-awyDCqdPxwWPAoyuoHhePCwrRHXsUNHCKSBT1KaMg660H793Wai_eRfrtE3nl_aJW7fqoFKLO3DDlBTDbSThyW1XVlgdhCtxUfNRHkzT27q-kMIGPscMSSO8b96q57ACx73Cwg-A/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocracoke Island Ferry Terminal.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArq8aLSVU0UyuLne4h3bN7Ic0nXjTZ1V5SNzPNQx4TSeJJMYGS5EICpOJ0woIdtMlcWseQiQH84-Tt9zBJ8TAbNuYA6HNEdVeQweT91QBjRvZdW9o54kAKZHC_l1Og2bK7EX0KbWVbTsEbwkx0ffTiru1aUPJnuQmGPucLtRps7ysE_IEYO7-4DGhWp4/s4990/230731_HSE-W95-9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="4990" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArq8aLSVU0UyuLne4h3bN7Ic0nXjTZ1V5SNzPNQx4TSeJJMYGS5EICpOJ0woIdtMlcWseQiQH84-Tt9zBJ8TAbNuYA6HNEdVeQweT91QBjRvZdW9o54kAKZHC_l1Og2bK7EX0KbWVbTsEbwkx0ffTiru1aUPJnuQmGPucLtRps7ysE_IEYO7-4DGhWp4/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeKTUkofXU7xn4JZClQDnlHpmzYv0ym7fZ1CUmoxLrjc7MbMSJVAO1sIvhDqNDBFBugdcqTVF5oo_L4civGz72zYjUExGEQX1zSF4IQAa3GDOoqJ1msMl4F4Cj5nAISf5k6dip0FJZmqVT8otPC87agCWem-MVUymOrqCqrGHXUPx-SkbmEYGRt-5mV0/s4955/230731_HSE-W95-10.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2786" data-original-width="4955" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeKTUkofXU7xn4JZClQDnlHpmzYv0ym7fZ1CUmoxLrjc7MbMSJVAO1sIvhDqNDBFBugdcqTVF5oo_L4civGz72zYjUExGEQX1zSF4IQAa3GDOoqJ1msMl4F4Cj5nAISf5k6dip0FJZmqVT8otPC87agCWem-MVUymOrqCqrGHXUPx-SkbmEYGRt-5mV0/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-10.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ocracoke Airport in sight! It did not look like much.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZ2GIQKieQSfhooXMGPx0ddfKp1TuIetzIMMLxN4pJuU9y9mTJY000hSijjLcDiLA76TWEbRvqM0S2x3TTCf-sz_L2Ye_MVazjzurxCvJ1i_rlpmd2P9hJHk6KNv-THGCmTC82hqltkuQixVf2oVUCVKU4DfzdsaOowMYRm65U5zrJ2lIVkHZr1zOFo/s2388/IMG_0542.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1668" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzZ2GIQKieQSfhooXMGPx0ddfKp1TuIetzIMMLxN4pJuU9y9mTJY000hSijjLcDiLA76TWEbRvqM0S2x3TTCf-sz_L2Ye_MVazjzurxCvJ1i_rlpmd2P9hJHk6KNv-THGCmTC82hqltkuQixVf2oVUCVKU4DfzdsaOowMYRm65U5zrJ2lIVkHZr1zOFo/w448-h640/IMG_0542.PNG" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tom and I were third out of the four WFC aircraft inbound to Ocracoke. A fifth aircraft was farther east behind us and also inbound. Then there was 55T, a Cessna approaching from the southwest and on an opposite heading to the rest of us. He called that he was inbound for the same runway (6) with an intended midfield crosswind entry. If he executed on this plan, it meant that he would cut into our line of arriving aircraft.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>This should be interesting</i>, I thought. It was not clear to me how the Cessna was going to be able to merge into the line of arrivals safely. Fortunately, he did not try. While his radio calls were a muddled mess, our traffic displays showed him loitering west of the airport waiting for traffic to clear. That was a good choice on his part.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoGJh6zH-o0y_6qbTKzPgiRtEFvNGLQsintTEKthyAfHkBSyS6CuDZ-2OTWb-n0C58ObpKHrZTEr3VRe800ga9sFAdaH5zShT7eAEns4E1r8PWMxAY7-YSX5AzPz-wwraHVGzAsd-VGo4xR9017Ad_sajEuTg1DJO1Xz8I3yrGNolgsduhANJFFVqYHE/s5184/230731_HSE-W95-11.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXoGJh6zH-o0y_6qbTKzPgiRtEFvNGLQsintTEKthyAfHkBSyS6CuDZ-2OTWb-n0C58ObpKHrZTEr3VRe800ga9sFAdaH5zShT7eAEns4E1r8PWMxAY7-YSX5AzPz-wwraHVGzAsd-VGo4xR9017Ad_sajEuTg1DJO1Xz8I3yrGNolgsduhANJFFVqYHE/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-11.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northeast end of the Ocracoke Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhoDvI-j3HKQPht4-KXBTm209ePCdcWtOEbWOZpBFxK6eG9-SC42b0ozrrR9ixAv53Hp9NfDqYsFUghn_jTVRQ4c8oPhiXZwX4mZkYrjNYUeP5Cf9yhh7ImoFbRg37ZqdM-byvzXr2wiVmNEPtwVmNTO7aub9hlMWcClpPtbFY69y79OFnULHmGhJO7Y/s4994/230731_HSE-W95-12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2810" data-original-width="4994" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhoDvI-j3HKQPht4-KXBTm209ePCdcWtOEbWOZpBFxK6eG9-SC42b0ozrrR9ixAv53Hp9NfDqYsFUghn_jTVRQ4c8oPhiXZwX4mZkYrjNYUeP5Cf9yhh7ImoFbRg37ZqdM-byvzXr2wiVmNEPtwVmNTO7aub9hlMWcClpPtbFY69y79OFnULHmGhJO7Y/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-12.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As the WFC aircraft all broadcast their position reports in the pattern, the pilot of Cessna 55T chimed in with, "Is this a convoy?" It is not just Air Traffic Control that comments on our group fly-outs! In all fairness, he had no idea that the fifth aircraft in line was not a part of our group.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl8XOwJ_UePDLB1tdUVeYLN-w1ib_9aojy42IY_WGE9dDKjoU8ucYUnSehVGPEfr8Mq06sOa5jec-B6wpYLBcWDjw8JdC3hx0kGVpn41LLo_EsStJkAxKFeVgXKv9j-OKtRO08bh3Z370aOKfjQVZZh-TnvnTxOp8mpRUTt6g94zQYAJp8NkuwkvjFH4/s4855/230731_HSE-W95-13.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2732" data-original-width="4855" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl8XOwJ_UePDLB1tdUVeYLN-w1ib_9aojy42IY_WGE9dDKjoU8ucYUnSehVGPEfr8Mq06sOa5jec-B6wpYLBcWDjw8JdC3hx0kGVpn41LLo_EsStJkAxKFeVgXKv9j-OKtRO08bh3Z370aOKfjQVZZh-TnvnTxOp8mpRUTt6g94zQYAJp8NkuwkvjFH4/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-13.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwest end of Ocracoke Island. 55T was loitering out there somewhere.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRcOT93lUTNLbXbS-19s_5AhKMVWquAd_W8zp2iHJNMiQbASlFnHfs0lX8uinNTmM1bxoikq3zixNs9Y1z1IL5pnXiRMbz3nbhK-ffaISWIuawR1pKoHCmqqUBhoNC18J3tCg9z_B3Ub0rI5-ap21sHxGcqDZx8m9AmZMYSh6AaTzB7cKy1M4HHYHtO8/s4986/230731_HSE-W95-14.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2805" data-original-width="4986" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRcOT93lUTNLbXbS-19s_5AhKMVWquAd_W8zp2iHJNMiQbASlFnHfs0lX8uinNTmM1bxoikq3zixNs9Y1z1IL5pnXiRMbz3nbhK-ffaISWIuawR1pKoHCmqqUBhoNC18J3tCg9z_B3Ub0rI5-ap21sHxGcqDZx8m9AmZMYSh6AaTzB7cKy1M4HHYHtO8/w640-h360/230731_HSE-W95-14.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left base, runway 6, Ocracoke Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGtcPYYlsxj8DZN6GWN-E_x0fS5CYUW3O8XVmZgm_mHdqBpM6CJMJICMcuiuy8WawjOhpSUH-t9r03esf3YyadWqNN-4vCRLKmodwl654jkhfn4s8N1v91Fbq4SDxo97rl591wAPCW4fknopgXYvnHJm8S655Tp_S4tZep-qr2BTLhIan1SPNYvlL_OM/s3758/230731_Ocracoke-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="3758" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGtcPYYlsxj8DZN6GWN-E_x0fS5CYUW3O8XVmZgm_mHdqBpM6CJMJICMcuiuy8WawjOhpSUH-t9r03esf3YyadWqNN-4vCRLKmodwl654jkhfn4s8N1v91Fbq4SDxo97rl591wAPCW4fknopgXYvnHJm8S655Tp_S4tZep-qr2BTLhIan1SPNYvlL_OM/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WFC aircraft parked on Ocracoke Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Oceana's Devils</span></i></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m4NToF4TmHPQJi_WhocUPbhmHeqlnLgpnNUHgvbeHC2-nYpAwBe8ArqhjD6AQZ7I87yLvkGkQjGLtOh48vWcyGzsdlm2xFngaK5XFjtI4tPZW6X0utw0xGFSyya8myNqPhpbfw-gOg6EolK_Rxqb23zT1zqu09p8rPlLW5v0vg3NkBxpI8lpaee-diI/s3089/230731_Ocracoke-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1738" data-original-width="3089" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m4NToF4TmHPQJi_WhocUPbhmHeqlnLgpnNUHgvbeHC2-nYpAwBe8ArqhjD6AQZ7I87yLvkGkQjGLtOh48vWcyGzsdlm2xFngaK5XFjtI4tPZW6X0utw0xGFSyya8myNqPhpbfw-gOg6EolK_Rxqb23zT1zqu09p8rPlLW5v0vg3NkBxpI8lpaee-diI/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As soon as I saw the pair of turbine-powered T-34 Mentors parked at Ocracoke, I realized my mistake at Billy Mitchell. They were obviously not Mustangs, though they were cool in their own right. A little bit of internet sleuthing revealed that the Devil callsigns are specific to turboprop T-34s based at Naval Air Station Oceana near Norfolk, VA.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vduGP3BYMdKq6ZUbovseWM9QFJdnBK86aE-KQJpeX8tP79cHI4tuiEk-P8VcEPEIT8ASLEJmprzzAPK1pe0txqIQANqbIgrjr_KLNOdxUU2i8MxJqZ-M_MOqStRCnkOqRczWNU6uFvvSjEl5voZEKS7wdw4T1xNAg6mEXiQt5UBAR64RooBokdghpQ/s4025/230731_Ocracoke-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2264" data-original-width="4025" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vduGP3BYMdKq6ZUbovseWM9QFJdnBK86aE-KQJpeX8tP79cHI4tuiEk-P8VcEPEIT8ASLEJmprzzAPK1pe0txqIQANqbIgrjr_KLNOdxUU2i8MxJqZ-M_MOqStRCnkOqRczWNU6uFvvSjEl5voZEKS7wdw4T1xNAg6mEXiQt5UBAR64RooBokdghpQ/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguB1ceevwmDo23eECjIG7a80pUEwsHvo3U8qbCUYjCZoBDa-DK3CTNhkyKDBA3zgMlXuJ2MK8tOYILOKiHa7vXzpXOzujn5S4nhFfC4fqZXyQFVC_5OFGwYO3wR_Cpq1Kj0mcheFmkd6s3xKmr09Okmfct8lpMwm1FOpS4db9qWs42zdwUTcPG2XFYbM/s4032/230731_Ocracoke-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguB1ceevwmDo23eECjIG7a80pUEwsHvo3U8qbCUYjCZoBDa-DK3CTNhkyKDBA3zgMlXuJ2MK8tOYILOKiHa7vXzpXOzujn5S4nhFfC4fqZXyQFVC_5OFGwYO3wR_Cpq1Kj0mcheFmkd6s3xKmr09Okmfct8lpMwm1FOpS4db9qWs42zdwUTcPG2XFYbM/w640-h480/230731_Ocracoke-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They might be glorified Bonanzas, but the paint jobs had undeniably cool WWII-inspired flair.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7ccUs4UIOBVHgbvc66hv5u3ziJUzVwFc9fWIuj95IQfkSo5_ldLveToHldCiJJ41FJqDrdjQTlocAxdZB1NTD8lCznH5itqox4PxP_oGNWAQOsnlMtMAe5YnFwCQ9fB4BKcpfZym1NpdmuTcYsUKHV7GpaTar7b5OOyXnllwIRRGm88KzBNi0M6Pbjc/s4032/230731_Ocracoke-4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7ccUs4UIOBVHgbvc66hv5u3ziJUzVwFc9fWIuj95IQfkSo5_ldLveToHldCiJJ41FJqDrdjQTlocAxdZB1NTD8lCznH5itqox4PxP_oGNWAQOsnlMtMAe5YnFwCQ9fB4BKcpfZym1NpdmuTcYsUKHV7GpaTar7b5OOyXnllwIRRGm88KzBNi0M6Pbjc/w640-h480/230731_Ocracoke-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Dave says, "Hi! I'm in Ocracoke!"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Domain of the Quartermaster</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Howard's Pub is the nearest dining establishment to the airport. <a href="https://warrior481.blogspot.com/2013/08/in-wake-of-blackbeard.html" target="_blank">In the old days, a Pub staffer would pick up aviators in a six seat golf cart</a>. That is no longer the case, but the walk was easy. As we walked, we received a light spritzing as the weather's edge passed Ocracoke. It was just enough rain to spot the windscreens of all the airplanes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhsrKb3olX8FrWyJEZONBxh8bsbndfgKWuYYHusa4kgbQCTiR5tXnSIteJ1tQHa5zprFPuKZCgQNxbDOAYMNGQbl9ATsDcfC0mOpEc67Iwo0qg6fIHI_IJAQV_jQZdZtURD8M-raB5ipImpDCvD-nrmKbsKwWddpLrkOIj5kRNlqKxVZFturJ2Gcfs58/s4032/230731_Ocracoke-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhsrKb3olX8FrWyJEZONBxh8bsbndfgKWuYYHusa4kgbQCTiR5tXnSIteJ1tQHa5zprFPuKZCgQNxbDOAYMNGQbl9ATsDcfC0mOpEc67Iwo0qg6fIHI_IJAQV_jQZdZtURD8M-raB5ipImpDCvD-nrmKbsKwWddpLrkOIj5kRNlqKxVZFturJ2Gcfs58/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX8ZPzcb71GhrWTTYaYoSeGt7fQc0j7yjoB5YxQJgsINCYw9oaQamK2rfDqZbdDeVBTnw-Ys-xyja1nKSv4Ft8_7vVQ_YM1u3_HFXHDko38MLBlUFvosVm5YgPaey6fckh9FdFf9lLyhFHm5ucfHBi_7BAaJrOwRSlaya2jiD85Vdecx7K6DClRgpC5Y/s4032/230731_Ocracoke-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSX8ZPzcb71GhrWTTYaYoSeGt7fQc0j7yjoB5YxQJgsINCYw9oaQamK2rfDqZbdDeVBTnw-Ys-xyja1nKSv4Ft8_7vVQ_YM1u3_HFXHDko38MLBlUFvosVm5YgPaey6fckh9FdFf9lLyhFHm5ucfHBi_7BAaJrOwRSlaya2jiD85Vdecx7K6DClRgpC5Y/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Howard's Pub is an institution on Ocracoke, built by Ron Howard in 1978. (Narrator: Not <b>that </b>Ron Howard.) The Howard family is descended from Ocracoke Island's original owner, William Howard. It is a name that comes with some controversy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Born in coastal North Carolina in 1686, a William Howard served aboard Queen Anne's Revenge as the quartermaster for Edward Teach, better known as the pirate Blackbeard. Despite being captured and sentenced to hang, Howard escaped the noose through good fortune in the form of a royal pardon from King George I. Little is known about Howard's post-piracy life and it was not until decades later in 1759 that a William Howard purchased the island. <a href="https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-island-features/island-centenarian-and-a-pirate-shared-a-name-maybe-more/" target="_blank">It is unclear whether the notorious pirate and the William Howard that purchased Ocracoke were the same man, but the possibility exists</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly, when Kristy, The Bear, and I first visited Howard's Pub in 2013, the menu aggrandized the Howard family's potential buccaneer roots. In 2023, no mention of this connection remains on the restaurant's official website. I wondered if this was due to uncertainty surrounding the Howard family's connection to piracy or a simple desire to rebrand.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzK7LL2urmXTb1l2L1WeviQyf5EOuYJYZAP7WnXOQBmLZcK_IuxFMaFq9M95e9_p3h8vX827SEf-2PjVpXVRrLt0lPH9jinnEm9kJWD_U2xBFGHO1TNT2x9m2097U0Ix5Aj1e63pjTNeU_aUd0K1p8yC6ebY1ciTOeBiSu3kfGIjJCZs_GxjhDttJMho/s4032/IMG_3222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzK7LL2urmXTb1l2L1WeviQyf5EOuYJYZAP7WnXOQBmLZcK_IuxFMaFq9M95e9_p3h8vX827SEf-2PjVpXVRrLt0lPH9jinnEm9kJWD_U2xBFGHO1TNT2x9m2097U0Ix5Aj1e63pjTNeU_aUd0K1p8yC6ebY1ciTOeBiSu3kfGIjJCZs_GxjhDttJMho/w640-h480/IMG_3222.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom, me, Dave, Scott, Kim, Gilead, Dan, and Ed. Photo by Tom.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Inside, Howard's Pub presents a cluttered motif of out of state license plates and college banners from around the world. I even spotted a pennant from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Just as in 2013, the lemonade brought relief from the effects of a hot day. Tom shared a delicious seared Ahi tuna appetizer. Our food was actually better than I recalled and I was glad to see that they still served kid meals on frisbees. This was a good stop.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Rounding the Cape</span></i></b></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxPBmgaQbronx6T9EDlZHXH9e5Lri5J2ALd3nw30GqlCs9OmlUa1vQAIx-M7ak_m9mIkwbtKqWF2g3eBHX7aEa7kmqIstQyngClh-QgTvam7v8DBUA4I7vjzwI18w9hrCFsDs-97GDjgWERXcoqhWIHtJxofWTOhy1CqAjk-OZQGJDnSAzEUl4S61Rw0/s3907/230731_Ocracoke-10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2198" data-original-width="3907" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxPBmgaQbronx6T9EDlZHXH9e5Lri5J2ALd3nw30GqlCs9OmlUa1vQAIx-M7ak_m9mIkwbtKqWF2g3eBHX7aEa7kmqIstQyngClh-QgTvam7v8DBUA4I7vjzwI18w9hrCFsDs-97GDjgWERXcoqhWIHtJxofWTOhy1CqAjk-OZQGJDnSAzEUl4S61Rw0/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apron at Ocracoke Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfklITembpYFbOnv3RM8fCh4xTrWU2DxHrKwRMt7VOUOqVlLaFM9tGVCWSp9J7bbGRquZJUm_zWwL3sJyTya4a5T_4PSLKXN-IS_X1TfW5-R09XfZh8lJGdgEFUX3qTSc-ZTBrz_Gue6-BoD7_XuUbaUbWH-uhTlFiVSIsRs1FPBE9ipoArPCcvtDk8eA/s3907/230731_Ocracoke-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2198" data-original-width="3907" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfklITembpYFbOnv3RM8fCh4xTrWU2DxHrKwRMt7VOUOqVlLaFM9tGVCWSp9J7bbGRquZJUm_zWwL3sJyTya4a5T_4PSLKXN-IS_X1TfW5-R09XfZh8lJGdgEFUX3qTSc-ZTBrz_Gue6-BoD7_XuUbaUbWH-uhTlFiVSIsRs1FPBE9ipoArPCcvtDk8eA/w640-h360/230731_Ocracoke-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave and Ed prepare Four Four Papa for the journey back to First Flight Airport.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y2cJSvDXricX4I11qDyxKcWANJZZN6na_3ewli4ZRNAU07PC41Gcr8SLjnJdfqtBqkNTQDz4O3JDHu4Bk8-o7CoSHGBZIYCgTOIdsb7jBIJwCR0BmnzR_jCOcSnHfzVvGuVIME2qizpveX4TSd3JFJGt_uF-SO0DmKFaudkcDHcbed96ggNWHhrk2u0/s5009/230731_W95-FFA-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2816" data-original-width="5009" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Y2cJSvDXricX4I11qDyxKcWANJZZN6na_3ewli4ZRNAU07PC41Gcr8SLjnJdfqtBqkNTQDz4O3JDHu4Bk8-o7CoSHGBZIYCgTOIdsb7jBIJwCR0BmnzR_jCOcSnHfzVvGuVIME2qizpveX4TSd3JFJGt_uF-SO0DmKFaudkcDHcbed96ggNWHhrk2u0/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking northeastward along Ocracoke Island on departure from runway 6.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NcHrYbrHyxacjjQAB3WTCzTcfzKlC-DMKEHQq-RzGlyUriapMuV9PkN7PJxaYuJtc9Dm6jbwAPTtrSVo3kiCYnhf8TNoh9p_yLCAI98O1Y347iN1U7khLF2BGpT0FsxyTUwbgOfnL2iRX5y8-GgpzTqf9RyQp-tSGsCdZow56NOnPZQc78E45H2pZQA/s4799/230731_W95-FFA-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2698" data-original-width="4799" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7NcHrYbrHyxacjjQAB3WTCzTcfzKlC-DMKEHQq-RzGlyUriapMuV9PkN7PJxaYuJtc9Dm6jbwAPTtrSVo3kiCYnhf8TNoh9p_yLCAI98O1Y347iN1U7khLF2BGpT0FsxyTUwbgOfnL2iRX5y8-GgpzTqf9RyQp-tSGsCdZow56NOnPZQc78E45H2pZQA/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWJOtwLEy6wjHJJVwtbQ1aIY89ggQEvl5LotvoB_ivwgolujAR10oAgJbujmQ7QVKi3qF3e2VfnmQSTrx3oTuuFqpaNNJVEImdBtJZWN9G58ShXMm-b_w5xV42uo7-5ffp76L0KoI4iStJ8bPaRiwkKw_0fyk9Q00EFfnM-kFdyT2Z6kdsjkyJfJOulA/s5035/230731_W95-FFA-6.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2830" data-original-width="5035" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWJOtwLEy6wjHJJVwtbQ1aIY89ggQEvl5LotvoB_ivwgolujAR10oAgJbujmQ7QVKi3qF3e2VfnmQSTrx3oTuuFqpaNNJVEImdBtJZWN9G58ShXMm-b_w5xV42uo7-5ffp76L0KoI4iStJ8bPaRiwkKw_0fyk9Q00EFfnM-kFdyT2Z6kdsjkyJfJOulA/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hatteras Inlet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVC3xsbdIBaMPlnQGGE_f6_vFsl_8g4RITkN2IR_lWch8mN_zB9p3wsIXRHh1i-hU-YKUQHzylvo6rQGbsVPI0VhwWBRrjIz40vv9DsybO3DLlO2cC_EHNLOg5pvmTfGme8BzeWvmFH4824zIUeZbW1ue3roGQ-AKz2fYMK7DDukmD-5Q5Dx18PWUeP0/s5184/230731_W95-FFA-8.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVC3xsbdIBaMPlnQGGE_f6_vFsl_8g4RITkN2IR_lWch8mN_zB9p3wsIXRHh1i-hU-YKUQHzylvo6rQGbsVPI0VhwWBRrjIz40vv9DsybO3DLlO2cC_EHNLOg5pvmTfGme8BzeWvmFH4824zIUeZbW1ue3roGQ-AKz2fYMK7DDukmD-5Q5Dx18PWUeP0/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southwestern tip of Hatteras Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDsL8YB80h_oTGwCcg5lgMLma5i5he76XotMtHLxIFncO4px3YLOJwVTnjPRUVswcIvnapngoLwKT-iQyEGsj3fOovAt6xUJWpbr8DMc_lJe_YDDZTmMUhGaol5TcG-GQvF9daHATY0nj5CESabF5OqHYU_F7PaWCt_hpQfb1VdOqUwZpQ6Z5D-_TC5w/s5184/230731_W95-FFA-9-Hatteras.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDsL8YB80h_oTGwCcg5lgMLma5i5he76XotMtHLxIFncO4px3YLOJwVTnjPRUVswcIvnapngoLwKT-iQyEGsj3fOovAt6xUJWpbr8DMc_lJe_YDDZTmMUhGaol5TcG-GQvF9daHATY0nj5CESabF5OqHYU_F7PaWCt_hpQfb1VdOqUwZpQ6Z5D-_TC5w/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-9-Hatteras.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we relived the journey to Ocracoke in reverse, I noticed that the storm-ravaged Frisco Pier that extended from the shore in segments back in 2013 had been removed entirely.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa8DOfpMlSBMnRPr6WXxybGEuiw6FiNuEasd7xN-vD_JGaYfZqoWUCngZkBHNIClRdnDN2vKJVUerup-8akydVgBn47MEtsLBHctKdZzDjSyDBCF9pY3JYvPsmBA87SeH36xU9V0Doo5asqgzz1nuvwD2IdG8z_TlQMfr6i52IB-I0hBPRgLpgGbhRAI/s4988/230731_W95-FFA-10-BillyMitchell.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="4988" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa8DOfpMlSBMnRPr6WXxybGEuiw6FiNuEasd7xN-vD_JGaYfZqoWUCngZkBHNIClRdnDN2vKJVUerup-8akydVgBn47MEtsLBHctKdZzDjSyDBCF9pY3JYvPsmBA87SeH36xU9V0Doo5asqgzz1nuvwD2IdG8z_TlQMfr6i52IB-I0hBPRgLpgGbhRAI/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-10-BillyMitchell.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Billy Mitchell Airport on Hatteras Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9Wkovj5zyP8SuWPxBMvgVbwyokWiaws4v9tDPi80Hcfo7nnko3cv3nERgvQJ5v3fPNGLRTvUgyuqfl3uekIv0w6jj-Yez_Jb4YveFxA6rlTTQ7Ik1_W0OT-_5g54O4Oaz_wbn3rzPuKBFKKENxWNXCCethEUZAdOR18PdrYtrn8D5N5Akgh6gMlZ5o/s5044/230731_W95-FFA-14-CapeHatteras.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2837" data-original-width="5044" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY9Wkovj5zyP8SuWPxBMvgVbwyokWiaws4v9tDPi80Hcfo7nnko3cv3nERgvQJ5v3fPNGLRTvUgyuqfl3uekIv0w6jj-Yez_Jb4YveFxA6rlTTQ7Ik1_W0OT-_5g54O4Oaz_wbn3rzPuKBFKKENxWNXCCethEUZAdOR18PdrYtrn8D5N5Akgh6gMlZ5o/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-14-CapeHatteras.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This time, we rounded Cape Hatteras on the ocean side of the island.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8Qoz0nHLnfVO2F1-G3DaTRIy7feHOzFQKqadlai63YA95Losvz0GGsxwyX3ojpAFJ9Yi5UjkhH1bI4-tbxe1mxIcJ_ra1Cr9_RiDddB0Tz31FskD1zyeLPe3osD-O7iyLXilfyzvwZK8HIHUWhWkd5YE29bsWC2lf5HrgU4M41Xt9OraEIFrFt8Qe-Q/s3757/230731_W95-FFA-15.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3757" data-original-width="2818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8Qoz0nHLnfVO2F1-G3DaTRIy7feHOzFQKqadlai63YA95Losvz0GGsxwyX3ojpAFJ9Yi5UjkhH1bI4-tbxe1mxIcJ_ra1Cr9_RiDddB0Tz31FskD1zyeLPe3osD-O7iyLXilfyzvwZK8HIHUWhWkd5YE29bsWC2lf5HrgU4M41Xt9OraEIFrFt8Qe-Q/w480-h640/230731_W95-FFA-15.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north along Hatteras Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf6P0zNswzaYmq9mkZaOIAnPnP4SkxHHdqSquGZ6VAl_9lnmHjT-Qeebrql0CK0ypDw3EztuE0n6E8gNyYoULTckh8WCQ3n-MRoKt-1rjATZfl_CaVkKEssd9gMPrTAYZeC6YjsoHvs5p3efD-6HBV1s9pGq3NXFTNVdvw-QDZzpx0j7PJtBQjBVQszQ/s4996/230731_W95-FFA-18-Avon.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="4996" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnf6P0zNswzaYmq9mkZaOIAnPnP4SkxHHdqSquGZ6VAl_9lnmHjT-Qeebrql0CK0ypDw3EztuE0n6E8gNyYoULTckh8WCQ3n-MRoKt-1rjATZfl_CaVkKEssd9gMPrTAYZeC6YjsoHvs5p3efD-6HBV1s9pGq3NXFTNVdvw-QDZzpx0j7PJtBQjBVQszQ/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-18-Avon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodanthe, NC and the Jug Handle Bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKTPe1j7CKUeRO0kcI6dMTtZKXhzXiAsCBgwNNMAdTBqyEJ-qQnRmPLyTByhovsNnQ6UNCkLb7mn5Ql8_7IowExphNHVl6snm-ZnVmFGDZ2BcnA2BpYK3jUQGIW7oH2vscJKXaTJ-KM0yBvCf62m_EzD2X7mAV-iSJFCkyhIPOfQbXdmBU7ciwIEj-t4/s3642/230731_W95-FFA-19.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3642" data-original-width="2732" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKTPe1j7CKUeRO0kcI6dMTtZKXhzXiAsCBgwNNMAdTBqyEJ-qQnRmPLyTByhovsNnQ6UNCkLb7mn5Ql8_7IowExphNHVl6snm-ZnVmFGDZ2BcnA2BpYK3jUQGIW7oH2vscJKXaTJ-KM0yBvCf62m_EzD2X7mAV-iSJFCkyhIPOfQbXdmBU7ciwIEj-t4/w480-h640/230731_W95-FFA-19.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRAzPHruhEwJ3IX8xRMWmyywSWfDUzYOCSSG8lLVdmfkxkB3tDjE5KmP5O4gaRySQauTXiFY1O66k9eHil_H4IfNKhFKM352UPOC2jpJRcP-CvMqur8he9QlbhP5Ms4HoHhSYhg3cuhOp5mTo490jIjGIMvzhZRmRbxhlWPF_-aGM856-yX37u7vXQjQ/s5068/230731_W95-FFA-20.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2851" data-original-width="5068" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRAzPHruhEwJ3IX8xRMWmyywSWfDUzYOCSSG8lLVdmfkxkB3tDjE5KmP5O4gaRySQauTXiFY1O66k9eHil_H4IfNKhFKM352UPOC2jpJRcP-CvMqur8he9QlbhP5Ms4HoHhSYhg3cuhOp5mTo490jIjGIMvzhZRmRbxhlWPF_-aGM856-yX37u7vXQjQ/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-20.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fvSH60t2Vc_TMaibd8hpVW1IJCtbvkHhBN6HUYHyKsDMd-3b-LrFO3McB8fFtUEe8IZ6NayAbkTkRgjGtJqXRL0LNxH-S1X_OCmJ1tWCBTfBzZIxojQ76oxCeZIvZwBsu0HzaLiXH5wUCWbCpWXIQA8KLlJb-6VkK3ZcfydJVXnUaPB8dqwuyx755s/s5124/230731_W95-FFA-23.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="5124" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2fvSH60t2Vc_TMaibd8hpVW1IJCtbvkHhBN6HUYHyKsDMd-3b-LrFO3McB8fFtUEe8IZ6NayAbkTkRgjGtJqXRL0LNxH-S1X_OCmJ1tWCBTfBzZIxojQ76oxCeZIvZwBsu0HzaLiXH5wUCWbCpWXIQA8KLlJb-6VkK3ZcfydJVXnUaPB8dqwuyx755s/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Continuing northbound, we passed the distinctive ponds of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. As before, we stayed above the minimum cruise altitude of 2,000 feet.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MAVzsz7b8fvJTECgEj0DWQ5BQa4Go84CPmS6W-Q3V8PpbmcFwiLtQ3CTF6Yt6JxSvH08dfTFHjP-ObFTga84YL3Bt7AcKfq0zfy2OKh3rYzwSkFZGcrfS2IABTP-GUnQIpSUuFxbdg1xgwG-K03WgRAE2VrlMh-i42_pex36r9CaxCJzMh1E5TEpgK8/s4619/230731_W95-FFA-27-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3463" data-original-width="4619" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MAVzsz7b8fvJTECgEj0DWQ5BQa4Go84CPmS6W-Q3V8PpbmcFwiLtQ3CTF6Yt6JxSvH08dfTFHjP-ObFTga84YL3Bt7AcKfq0zfy2OKh3rYzwSkFZGcrfS2IABTP-GUnQIpSUuFxbdg1xgwG-K03WgRAE2VrlMh-i42_pex36r9CaxCJzMh1E5TEpgK8/w640-h480/230731_W95-FFA-27-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Inlet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjhqRYTw1yfA9lm5qiTZvrL-cXP9l7heH853aP-xt8DjAcE9GpsaGmVv-3gXATIrSkMpn5OxHP7ayuP3L78MNaFjTqGTAGmrlwyTbB3400643dGV2f8lsynKb4zv3MLEz9GyNl2mr1FHv4hlR_2UsAkUMr_3f6pNeQzlCrXDqgsof57E_X3nWyT8dkA0/s4959/230731_W95-FFA-28-OregonInlet.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2790" data-original-width="4959" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjhqRYTw1yfA9lm5qiTZvrL-cXP9l7heH853aP-xt8DjAcE9GpsaGmVv-3gXATIrSkMpn5OxHP7ayuP3L78MNaFjTqGTAGmrlwyTbB3400643dGV2f8lsynKb4zv3MLEz9GyNl2mr1FHv4hlR_2UsAkUMr_3f6pNeQzlCrXDqgsof57E_X3nWyT8dkA0/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-28-OregonInlet.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oregon Inlet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />When the sun emerged, it brought with it the beautiful colors of the confluence of land and sea.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uv7P3RQ2pXIgOvycnSw6xXY1BpVzpg1qn6tVXUDpx5cxfW85RroMIZEYk_ei2yUIVPWI8FgY_kBWfBkGKeIwTa6ofMO5ziZS3EQ3UwmBuV3juicWihk2tHfqDj0vIx5pAzt8q2nAXFHhlVgC7jFGsleW0FVtE242BblyGl2VHoX-9uoBjopIBZHcAzM/s4969/230731_W95-FFA-30.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2796" data-original-width="4969" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uv7P3RQ2pXIgOvycnSw6xXY1BpVzpg1qn6tVXUDpx5cxfW85RroMIZEYk_ei2yUIVPWI8FgY_kBWfBkGKeIwTa6ofMO5ziZS3EQ3UwmBuV3juicWihk2tHfqDj0vIx5pAzt8q2nAXFHhlVgC7jFGsleW0FVtE242BblyGl2VHoX-9uoBjopIBZHcAzM/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-30.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bodie Island (foreground), Roanoke Island (middle), and the mainland (background).</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMR3WKECpIwQ6hWGBUBxQNP_jiviw9gbpKMtau1XmxrkU_K1NlIF8xwBaddgMPB1l5HCP2utuXfFeFB9vXPP0B4lpVwGiEZ5C4c9vsMbNQy_Ii_nHoIPUCg1eEOxlkTkDm536narmMv8HqSTPotyO5T5dgQh5iCM3SRqNSGlaQC9Smc-ZHiha7xSKK8s/s5184/230731_W95-FFA-31-OuterBanksFishingPier.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMR3WKECpIwQ6hWGBUBxQNP_jiviw9gbpKMtau1XmxrkU_K1NlIF8xwBaddgMPB1l5HCP2utuXfFeFB9vXPP0B4lpVwGiEZ5C4c9vsMbNQy_Ii_nHoIPUCg1eEOxlkTkDm536narmMv8HqSTPotyO5T5dgQh5iCM3SRqNSGlaQC9Smc-ZHiha7xSKK8s/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-31-OuterBanksFishingPier.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Outer Banks Fishing Pier, Nags Head, NC.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3nhRDAQhYiy2r8KdkKyfRbOdh6b94gzMTKWq9WdRfib39xiQ0nPM_wxe_MLoe6Cw9ibUr4uNop-K1QWpghHmgMf5gfJDn4NPa0ftcRfPHABxYaaFjQI60bHvbc7Yu9unmcH2L68FY1vf5wcndwD_5Df_q9uc9xk4rcq7eE8OoSL6P-9GgpzHAvys33k/s5184/230731_W95-FFA-32-JenettesPier.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3nhRDAQhYiy2r8KdkKyfRbOdh6b94gzMTKWq9WdRfib39xiQ0nPM_wxe_MLoe6Cw9ibUr4uNop-K1QWpghHmgMf5gfJDn4NPa0ftcRfPHABxYaaFjQI60bHvbc7Yu9unmcH2L68FY1vf5wcndwD_5Df_q9uc9xk4rcq7eE8OoSL6P-9GgpzHAvys33k/w640-h360/230731_W95-FFA-32-JenettesPier.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennette's Pier in Nags Head, NC is the largest fishing pier in the Outer Banks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Wright Brothers Never Had To Deal with Traffic</i></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6W9_-TSKC4IO48ecuz1gi3ERVLLlch5Zpn5q2AlazC1NBpudDe_HkL46GtDVO-bJSoNEZXxWv9cCEP_amHv6eJR-46MqmD4dv8rZUf2yZV2nfM1aGv2QQngCb7ZUhKBnCM7-Fw8NCSnIosUuHRvBjbPIRgMHcQB79A4E52x8EgbkiT6gGbQNW6D4ZbI/s4976/230731_FirstFlightAerial-3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2799" data-original-width="4976" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6W9_-TSKC4IO48ecuz1gi3ERVLLlch5Zpn5q2AlazC1NBpudDe_HkL46GtDVO-bJSoNEZXxWv9cCEP_amHv6eJR-46MqmD4dv8rZUf2yZV2nfM1aGv2QQngCb7ZUhKBnCM7-Fw8NCSnIosUuHRvBjbPIRgMHcQB79A4E52x8EgbkiT6gGbQNW6D4ZbI/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We returned to First Flight Airport mid afternoon and flew over the magnificent granite monument perched high on Kill Devil Hill.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZSv9HeBP5ssa44seD7OC18JnbD-Mnc9QFSHVNO7Hqa4X9hYSQu9l6Zv3YLrZLqf2YsywgUraQh6KkXwunQkz6aegTkfL4LL2C4_6O9u7wRy0DQfxM6c1e6JWeoOpyabiQ4K_nlMn8SXS-GTwV5JurEMDPSRm6nailZDWLLgQJoWPax2Mda6Yh_OkANg/s5184/230731_FirstFlightAerial-7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZSv9HeBP5ssa44seD7OC18JnbD-Mnc9QFSHVNO7Hqa4X9hYSQu9l6Zv3YLrZLqf2YsywgUraQh6KkXwunQkz6aegTkfL4LL2C4_6O9u7wRy0DQfxM6c1e6JWeoOpyabiQ4K_nlMn8SXS-GTwV5JurEMDPSRm6nailZDWLLgQJoWPax2Mda6Yh_OkANg/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BgA393tUAKaffJrin0L6_v3HuleXjzh5WjnmGJRp9w3WBAhrO1Hhs-e90wSs0RepgdUyn2Iy1bea7W9OLdx6Ii4sWQj0KR7T06-LH79UcXfZoSst7xzgIejAYlSsJoQVeE5itZuoJDy9Y-ovFFfzJLeiO1knOfnn6cBnNznWlmVY-e1pGyGmfBJw7L4/s5184/230731_FirstFlightAerial-8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BgA393tUAKaffJrin0L6_v3HuleXjzh5WjnmGJRp9w3WBAhrO1Hhs-e90wSs0RepgdUyn2Iy1bea7W9OLdx6Ii4sWQj0KR7T06-LH79UcXfZoSst7xzgIejAYlSsJoQVeE5itZuoJDy9Y-ovFFfzJLeiO1knOfnn6cBnNznWlmVY-e1pGyGmfBJw7L4/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TGYNf650Tbib6stvUcEFeaRhnbcDeRj5i2kyfc2Dv6NFBRyD_GqbZjpBL5r_G_ELnX9RUZRzcUdkXcfo0Y3XyzuECPr94-20kXpKYNQB3QMnxXSRUFPMvaRRrzrF9rVTAy4bTxj20XleFRJC6c3GTCATn8Y4UBV8mLW6vtUwrXGLg5qptYkLX1AiNss/s4240/230731_FirstFlightAerial-9-85XLanding.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2384" data-original-width="4240" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TGYNf650Tbib6stvUcEFeaRhnbcDeRj5i2kyfc2Dv6NFBRyD_GqbZjpBL5r_G_ELnX9RUZRzcUdkXcfo0Y3XyzuECPr94-20kXpKYNQB3QMnxXSRUFPMvaRRrzrF9rVTAy4bTxj20XleFRJC6c3GTCATn8Y4UBV8mLW6vtUwrXGLg5qptYkLX1AiNss/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlightAerial-9-85XLanding.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we overflew the airport for a teardrop entry into the traffic pattern for runway 3, we spotted Gilead, Scott, and Kim landing perfectly on centerline in Eight Five X-Ray.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsrA4A791htmXHh9vfETbr8YnIkA23Pj8eB_d2p0q8_XjvO-YwynVwbJmUpDuZMvGJmF8onWVT3tTnj0kdPojRHhRQvLrErcODMjph8BxlGN0Ce8QD0ZY8LhqMULcqPzXoWWS85dkl3A2qjLDlP1A-W9W9UPvf8f3JsE7w57T1F-GzxQX4ZornCNUauY/s2888/20230731_145053.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="2888" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsrA4A791htmXHh9vfETbr8YnIkA23Pj8eB_d2p0q8_XjvO-YwynVwbJmUpDuZMvGJmF8onWVT3tTnj0kdPojRHhRQvLrErcODMjph8BxlGN0Ce8QD0ZY8LhqMULcqPzXoWWS85dkl3A2qjLDlP1A-W9W9UPvf8f3JsE7w57T1F-GzxQX4ZornCNUauY/w640-h294/20230731_145053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 landing at First Flight. Photo by Scott.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After touchdown, we overheard some drama on frequency when a pilot departed Manteo and declared that he was landing on runway 21 at First Flight. This was a poor choice because it was not only downwind, but in the opposite direction already being used by traffic in the pattern. His declared pattern entry method placed him in direct conflict with Dan and Ed. After a rebuke from Dan over the radio, the other pilot skedaddled and took his poor judgement elsewhere.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAbzyYYbunTZ1H6lbLctavLYFY2uiRimITC943lrctsmYcbCSlk7m_wWoG5MPmpcDHDWe2Rnb0fsQuCXegECZc_2YiTPcbtE_JivhdcGCfg8HprXYDigt8TDGp0GXJXGeBgcs7QU2_XCWaj3vgCzWB1vEEbaSR3P9JVNnBMu4eGs0RDli_vGfGch5BLc/s2970/20230731_145239.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="2970" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmAbzyYYbunTZ1H6lbLctavLYFY2uiRimITC943lrctsmYcbCSlk7m_wWoG5MPmpcDHDWe2Rnb0fsQuCXegECZc_2YiTPcbtE_JivhdcGCfg8HprXYDigt8TDGp0GXJXGeBgcs7QU2_XCWaj3vgCzWB1vEEbaSR3P9JVNnBMu4eGs0RDli_vGfGch5BLc/w640-h296/20230731_145239.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warrior 481 in front of the Wright Brothers National Memorial at First Flight Airport. Photo by Scott.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6gp58qNHfEe97ldRWd9vuHoGWg7kP9lJIdza7Xg0GG9KBvVvxz1SQAYXONTznQZSzomm0UMSj2qI4YujEzr2Ue9HbUICbffTSGvpDoyvXFCIrc-U0Fj1kdRDRuoHT1y08cKItadMcdQ0r0dg2yRY276x4TItk35DH8MoYOlvTAapPJFYhzq5OrMLc54/s5184/230731_FirstFlight-1-Dave.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6gp58qNHfEe97ldRWd9vuHoGWg7kP9lJIdza7Xg0GG9KBvVvxz1SQAYXONTznQZSzomm0UMSj2qI4YujEzr2Ue9HbUICbffTSGvpDoyvXFCIrc-U0Fj1kdRDRuoHT1y08cKItadMcdQ0r0dg2yRY276x4TItk35DH8MoYOlvTAapPJFYhzq5OrMLc54/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-1-Dave.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave emerged from Four Four Papa having arrived at First Flight by air for the first time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-FJpQg5xpWtq4MnlDYqayLMh84t9SdAcIOEoBEYJT_jjGHvEv6gmh4J9l-sg9ATHKwRj0Pb7oD4bh5DsNk3v9pzubI1efOiQIzDN_WNM4TqfxpQZLjEIuHAeQpduOzD3jnSYYmGK1WwY7ZxOj9IQ0iiR0KEws_Zh2u5hEafF3ogP7vSeS1FEx0rHds8/s5184/230731_FirstFlight-2-Ed.JPG"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-FJpQg5xpWtq4MnlDYqayLMh84t9SdAcIOEoBEYJT_jjGHvEv6gmh4J9l-sg9ATHKwRj0Pb7oD4bh5DsNk3v9pzubI1efOiQIzDN_WNM4TqfxpQZLjEIuHAeQpduOzD3jnSYYmGK1WwY7ZxOj9IQ0iiR0KEws_Zh2u5hEafF3ogP7vSeS1FEx0rHds8/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-2-Ed.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I caught pictures of Dave and Ed standing proudly before the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Then I thought, <i>wait...aren't you supposed to face Mecca? </i>If this was mecca for aviators, was it appropriate to turn one's back to it? Then I realized that this scene unfolded following Ed's <i>second </i>landing at First Flight. <b>Clearly</b>, the wonderment of the first landing had been replaced by a ho-hum / old-hat kind of attitude.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhwkGL-9T08iIQRStISSV_cIsFh76vMnKyOzsIM83HLh_EId-Jjvk7xw5pRZvmzsYUSLQ_f2-c-j9juLj7BgxdVsV4HwunLkydu-EzQ2JgsFXaEAA9X-jDklMHEx0Frss8iAWnUCHJ7Zx36ST5D1ULnVMcGZ2Z-ILP8vxdOtrhATyts7kd-Iqn_cRFIc/s5333/230731_FirstFlight-6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="5333" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhwkGL-9T08iIQRStISSV_cIsFh76vMnKyOzsIM83HLh_EId-Jjvk7xw5pRZvmzsYUSLQ_f2-c-j9juLj7BgxdVsV4HwunLkydu-EzQ2JgsFXaEAA9X-jDklMHEx0Frss8iAWnUCHJ7Zx36ST5D1ULnVMcGZ2Z-ILP8vxdOtrhATyts7kd-Iqn_cRFIc/w640-h360/230731_FirstFlight-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan with the four WFC aircraft tied down at First Flight Airport for our second night.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Palindrome</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div>That night, Ed, Dan, Gilead, and I enjoyed Mexican food at 3 Tequilas. Naturally, there were margaritas involved because they are a must when you dine at a place with "tequila" right in the name.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4rsUBBiAc2FlQ0sdE0hHR3hi8xPOZ5mFi0w8hkOKAmjARp9TE5zrw6CObMM6TtBFptf4pksyGY3Jt-NMIjFJrwV7du21COzSVqQB-e7GP19YtHwxkJwTR1fpZKoTIiu2n5R7Qwb8Nl3A0HUjtZVZpyE0nk9nx_1TA50mSIat-NDlxR8wiIWq9TDFgTQ/s6302/230731_EveningBeach-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2538" data-original-width="6302" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4rsUBBiAc2FlQ0sdE0hHR3hi8xPOZ5mFi0w8hkOKAmjARp9TE5zrw6CObMM6TtBFptf4pksyGY3Jt-NMIjFJrwV7du21COzSVqQB-e7GP19YtHwxkJwTR1fpZKoTIiu2n5R7Qwb8Nl3A0HUjtZVZpyE0nk9nx_1TA50mSIat-NDlxR8wiIWq9TDFgTQ/w640-h258/230731_EveningBeach-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I ended the day the same way I began it, back at the beach. This time, it was with some of the other WFC members rather than taking in the ocean air alone.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YdkOp2SU_QpgbAdxtDxwgNbtvMEAmlLSn3lYdxoxs74EZBS0KlSb96MV4g1w3r68LxS4ZbczyCOHboGs0yo33SGrpGI2PGL-z6muNvaDwHqshMTDeZqZtYWomAWfDcZWj7BiTkAPCfz7JPyf6dhnUbF7XbTAYSoB8z3wYyVWTi2RIm4C8LRkw---gC8/s1828/230731_EveningBeach-3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1828" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YdkOp2SU_QpgbAdxtDxwgNbtvMEAmlLSn3lYdxoxs74EZBS0KlSb96MV4g1w3r68LxS4ZbczyCOHboGs0yo33SGrpGI2PGL-z6muNvaDwHqshMTDeZqZtYWomAWfDcZWj7BiTkAPCfz7JPyf6dhnUbF7XbTAYSoB8z3wYyVWTi2RIm4C8LRkw---gC8/w640-h360/230731_EveningBeach-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Say hello to my little friend!"</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As the sun set, we even found a little friend on the sand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reflecting on the day, I believe that everything we saw reinforced what I have said since my first flight to the region in 2011. There is no place quite like the Outer Banks and the aerial vistas truly need to be seen to be believed.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11846593737518887287noreply@blogger.com0