Fall Foliage Flying (2014)

Had the good fortune to catch the changing leaves from the air. Was around the Mount Pocono, PA, USA, area and snapped this photo of the Pocono Raceway:

Pocono Raceway as seen from about 3,500MSL.

Pocono Raceway as seen from about 3,500MSL.

Note those beautiful colors all around the track. Moving west, I snapped this shot of Beltsville Dam:

Beltsville Dam as seen from about 3,000'MSL.

Beltsville Dam as seen from about 3,000’MSL.

No doubt in the next week or so those leaves will be at peak colors. If you have the chance, take a fall foliage flight. It’s worth every penny to see things from way up there. Always do your checklist.

Published in: on September 29, 2014 at 4:43 pm  Leave a Comment  
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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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Blue Sky Fly

There have been some perfect weather days. That is, perfect weather days for flying. Low humidity, light winds, clear sky over head. Here’s a view looking at the very northern reaches of the Chesapeake Bay:

Upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay as seen from a Diamond DA-40.

Upper reaches of the Chesapeake Bay as seen from a Diamond DA-40.

Here’s another view in which you can almost see forever.

The view from a Diamond DA-40.

The view from a Diamond DA-40.

And just for fun, here’s a look at the instrument panel in that Diamond DA-40:

Instrument panel of a Diamond DA-40.

Instrument panel of a Diamond DA-40.

The DA-40 hums along at 130 knots. That expansive canopy provides plenty of visibility. And on days like this one, it’s awesome. Always do your checklist!

Published in: on August 4, 2014 at 10:17 am  Leave a Comment  
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Fall Foliage Final, photo

Here’s a fall foliage final approach photo from my flight this morning. This was heading in to Runway 29 at Chester County Airport (KMQS).

Final approach to 29 at KMQS.

It was a great morning to go flying. Smooth air, no traffic, friendly controllers, and the Diamond DA-40 was flying well. Then the weather came in from the northwest and I had to head back. Still, the leaves were spectacular and great to view from up in the air.

Published in: on October 23, 2012 at 5:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
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