Winter Flying

Flying small aircraft in the winter presents some challenges. It’s not only the cold that affects performance. With snow on the ground, things appear differently. Familiar terrain can be unrecognizable, at least until you pick out the landmarks such as roads and railroad tracks that carve up the countryside. But take a look at Lancaster County, PA with snow on the fields.

Looks chilly down there. Winging along, I came upon Chester County’s airport, a familiar and welcome sight as you can see here.

Chester County has a long and wide runway which is good for practicing maneuvers. It’s also easy to find whether there’s snow or not. Despite the winter weather, I’m looking forward to a couple more cross country flights. I’ll post the photos and commentary here as always.

Published in: on January 15, 2011 at 12:20 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Sasha, Avionics Supervisor

When visiting my local avionics shop the other day, I met Sasha, the shop cat. During the winter months, it seems she prefers the office. Take a look.

She’s settled into her perch there, probably atop the accounts receivable. It’s good to know there’s a cat around to calm the nerves and keep any potential trespassing vermin under control. Special thanks to the good people at Penn Avionics for doing a great job with the instruments in the airplane I fly, and for having such a pleasant cat.

Published in: on January 8, 2011 at 12:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Old Instruments

In the oldie but goodie category, we have the following instruments which were removed from an airplane. Below you’ll see the gyro compass, turn and slip indicator, and VOR dial.


You can go a long way with these three. In fact, early aviators went great distances with much less. Today’s technology uses GPS and flat panel displays to make the cockpit of your average general aviation plane seem like something out of a science fiction movie. Still, the fundamentals apply. Anyone who forgets them quickly learns the old rule that aviation is not so dangerous as it is unforgiving. Always do your checklist!

Published in: on January 7, 2011 at 2:43 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Windows on Aruba

Windows on Aruba is a restaurant located at the Divi Links complex in the low-rise area. It’s on the third floor with a view looking over the golf-course, and if you’re at the right table, to sea. For some reason, I never made the time to have a nice supper here. Well, at last, I took a table and was thoroughly impressed. In the first place, the staff greets you warmly. I always appreciate this, especially when they take me to a table in a spot from which the outdoor surroundings can be surveyed or the interior of the room. Either one is fine. I happily accepted a table with both. We promptly ordered as the menu is clearly explained and the wait staff hovers nearby. (Please note there is a good wine list as well.)

Starting with my usual salad, I was presented with this combination of fresh greens, vegetables, and homemade dressing.

Crunchy, fresh, satisfying as you can see in the photo. My wife enjoyed the ravioli drizzled with a truffle sauce that she reports as “awesome.” See here.

Excellent presentation, which adds to the experience. On that note, take a look at the lamb dish she ordered for the main course.

And the filet mignon that came for me, which lurks beneath that finely woven potato thing, the name of which I do not know.

The daubs of mashed potatoes on the left reminded me of crop circles. The kitchen staff deserves kudos for (k)creativity. Of course there was dessert.

Above you see a Bailey’s chocolate mousse with mint ice-cream. She says the mint ice-cream tasted like the real deal, too. I kept it simple with chocolate ice-cream and an ice-cold Coca-Cola. They slipped me a few brownies as you can see below. Perfect touch.

There you have it, a fine meal in a great setting with talented service. Everything you’d want in a meal. The portions are slightly smaller than one might expect. However, the benefit of this was the ease with which dessert was consumed and the comfortable walk to the car afterwards. If you’re in Aruba, I would recommend a reservation at this place.

Published in: on January 4, 2011 at 4:31 pm  Comments (1)  
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