Aircraft require a tremendous amount of maintenance and helicopters take even more. I was flying about and landed at an airport where they refurbish the Chinook helicopters.
There was a huge hangar just outside the frame where teams bring these machines back to full service. Was impressive to see. For now, I’ll stick with fixed wing craft.
As long as we’re on the subject of airplanes, I had the good fortune to be invited for a flight aboard a Beechcraft Bonanza. It was a great day for flying, mostly blue skies overhead and light winds. After a jaunt about the area with a few stops for business purposes, we returned to our home airport. Here’s a POV on short final to Runway 09.
The Bonanza is a stout aircraft. Less shoulder room in the cockpit than the Diamond DA-40 I usually fly. Still, with 300 horsepower up front, it’s a solid performer. Enjoy every flight.
Today’s post takes a look at Air Force One from the Reagan Era. This airplane now resides at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, USA.
Here’s a lock at the cockpit, which is quite primitive compared to the panels in today’s aircraft.
Lots of analog instrumentation there. Perfectly functional as the many years of service proves. Inside the passenger area, you’ll find rather spartan accommodations for a head of state. Sorry, I wasn’t able to snap any photos of that area.
If you enjoy vintage aircraft and American History, this is definitely worth a visit.
Diamond Aircraft paid a visit to my local airport to show off their new twin, the DA62.
That’s a sleek looking aircraft to be sure. This model had the Garmin G1000 instrument panel, which is another handsome feature.
Having used the G1000, I can say it has all the features that make flying that much easier, safer, and fun. Note the center control stick, which is rather unique these days. I’ve flown with both a yoke and a stick, actually prefer the stick. Even from the flip side, this airplane has lots of style as you see in the next photo.
Here’s another perspective just for fun.
It will be interesting to see how this airplane performs in the marketplace. There’s plenty of competition. Looking forward to a ride someday, too. Always do your checklist.
The Bent Page 
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