Memorial Day is one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. We extend our utmost gratitude to those who died defending our nation and freedom . . .
“We thank God that such men [and women] lived.”
General George S. Patton
Almost every Saturday in West Houston, pilots gather to talk about flying over coffee and breakfast. By noon the group launches on a local flight and then land at a nearby restaurant of choice for lunch. During a recent weekend more than a dozen aviators got together. We enjoy the fellowship and food.
The last few outings included Torchy’s Tacos in Houston and Irie’s Island Food on Mustang Beach.
You’re welcome to join us if you’re in the West Houston area.
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It’s Good Friday. I hope you can take some time off, rest this weekend, and indeed say “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” As Charles Wesley wrote, circa 1739 –
Soar we now where Christ has led;
Following our exalted Head;
Made like him, like him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Alleluia!
1 Cor. 15:1-8; & 12-28; 1 Tim 1:17
This week I’m taking a break from general aviation to join up on a different flight slope – The ski slopes at Vail Resort in
Colorado. It’s “high altitude” but my feet are still on the ground.
Snow fall has been light this year, but we arrived to marvel at two winter storms which helped to cover the slopes with fresh snow. The mountains and sky are beautiful.
I hope you can take some time off for rest and fellowship with family and friends. Blue sky!
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In 1922, Amelia Earhart set the feminine altitude record of 4,267 meters (14,000 feet). A courageous and capable aviator, and inspiration to many. Go women in aviation.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, –
And done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of —
Wheeled and soared and swung
high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along,
And flung
my eager craft through footless halls of air . . . Continue reading “High Flight 2017”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! If you’re traveling – safe journey. I hope you have a blessed holiday season with family and friends.
Blue sky!
It’s Thanksgiving week. This is a special occasion just before the end of the year. A time to stop and be still. A time to reflect. Continue reading “Thanksgiving – Take time to reflect on your blessings 2017”
We pause and reflect – In honor and recognition to the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We respect your courage, commitment and sacrifice. Thank you for protecting us and our freedom.
May God bless America.
In July 2017, we flew our plane to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Many years had past since I had last attended. It was good to be back and EAA AirVenture did not disappoint. The weather was just perfect. Here are my brief highlights:
Warbirds were in full array. The quality and quantity of restored military aircraft was impressive. I’ve never seen so many. I believe Baby Boomers are spending their retirement dollars on warbirds and enjoying every minute of doing so.
The world famous Blue Angels provided a spectacular physics defying aerial presentation every day we were there. And, each afternoon special aviators took to the sky to display their airplanes and flying skills.
The EAA Aviation Museum was an impressive pause from the activities outside. I had not previously been to the museum. They have a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes and many world-class galleries. I found the documentation of EAA members that have been leaders in innovation a compelling story. We need that passion in the next generation of pilots. Continue reading “We attended EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh Wisconsin”
Surviving an off-airport landing is one of five introductory mountain flying topics discussed by Loren French, with Alpine
Flight Training. His instruction begins with strategy planning to reduce risk and put as many conditions in your favor as possible. Don’t plan your route across terrain where you’d find it hard to survive one night waiting on rescue.
One situation Loren shared was a mountain rescue that took more than a day. The survivors could see the rescue aircraft overhead and made the mistake thinking the rescuers could see them. They turned the Emergency Locator Transmitter off – believing rescue was imminent. With no signal the aircraft left the area. Unfortunately, this occurred several times, as the aircraft would appear the survivors would turn the ELT off which ultimately delayed their recovery until the next day. It became an infamous game of cat and mouse. Let the ELT do its job and rescue personnel will turn it off when they’re on site.
A second story Loren shared was a training exercise in Colorado. About a dozen individuals participated in surviving one night in the Colorado Rockies. Continue reading “What’s in your airplane survival kit?”