Flying to Cape May, NJ (KWWD)

Took the Diamond DA-40 for a nice fly a few days ago. The weather was absolutely perfect: Clear skies, low humidity, moderate temperatures. No reason to stay on the ground. I took the long way, flying down through northern Delaware then turning across the upper reaches of the bay, following the western coast of New Jersey then to Cape May Airport. A pair of World War II bombers were parked there. Here’s a look:

World War II bombers at Cape May Airport.

World War II bombers at Cape May Airport.

After taking off from Cape May, I did a few circuits around the lighthouse, enjoying the clear view below:

Cape May, NJ from about 2,500 feet.

Cape May, NJ from about 2,500 feet.

Then it was time to head north. Through that smooth air the flight went perfectly, including this view of the Delaware looking toward Philadelphia:

Looking inbound at the Delaware River near Salem, NJ.

Looking inbound at the Delaware River near Salem, NJ.

It was a great flight, a good time to practice my skills and enjoy the privilege of being above it all. Always do your checklist!

Published in: on September 2, 2014 at 1:17 pm  Leave a Comment  
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From 2500

Here’s a look from the starboard side of that Diamond DA-40, flying at about 2500 feet over Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA, looking to the south.

It was a beautiful, clear day over southeastern Pennsylvania, but from just north of Reading, there was a wall of clouds that blocked my flight into the hinterlands. Too bad. I was looking forward to a long flight, visiting some friends, and then winging back home. Ah well, still a good day. That Diamond is a nice cruiser.

Published in: on June 17, 2012 at 9:54 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Slippery Bird, (DA-40)

Here’s a photo of the Diamond DA-40 I mentioned in the previous post. This airplane is one slippery bird. It’s made of composite materials, which means no rivets, just a few screws here and there, and fairings to reduce drag around key components.

All that smoothness means you can get a bit more speed out of 180 horsepower as compared to the same amount of ponies in the front of a Cessna 172. Of course, there’s more to it than that, including a different wing design and so forth. Either way, the Diamond DA-40 is a great plane. I’ve flown it on a few cross country journeys now, getting used to the electronics and handling characteristics. Plus, the visibility through that canopy is amazing.

Don’t forget, ALWAYS do your checklist.

Published in: on June 16, 2012 at 10:30 am  Leave a Comment  
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Diamond DA-40

Recently, I was checked out in the Diamond DA-40 airplane. This is a great single engine aircraft. It has a slippery profile, which means it will easily cruise at 125 knots using its 180 horsepower efficiently. I’ve taken it on a few short cross county flights in anticipation of some longer trips. Stay tuned for photos and videos. Nothing just yet, because I don’t fool around with the cameras until I’m very comfortable handling the airplane. Soon, hopefully, the video archive will be augmented with some great footage from up there. Remember, ALWAYS do your checklist.

Published in: on June 11, 2012 at 11:03 am  Leave a Comment  
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