|
Saturday, May 11, 2013 Ontario Fly-In Breakfast |
||
|
||
|
||
|
Airport Information: Ontario Muni (ONO) More info from AirNav.com Latitude: 44-01-09.7000N Longitude: 117-00-46.9000W Elevation: 2193 Fuel: 100LL Jet-A CTAF: 122.8 Unicom: 122.8 |
||
Friday, March 8, 2013
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
New Fun Place to Fly - Pine Mountain Lake Airport Hotel Charlotte, Groveland, CA
Hotel Charlotte is a BB Hotel in the authentic Gold Rush era town of Groveland, and we offer transportation to and from the Pine Mountain Lake Tuolumne County airport for our hotel guests. We will also transport our hotel guests to and from the public golf course at Pine Mountain Lake. We have Traditional Rooms for 1 or 2 persons, or Large Rooms for 2 to 3 persons, and Family Suites for 2 to 5 persons. All rooms have an en suite bathroom with shower, many rooms have classic claw foot tubs too, and all rooms have TV. High speed internet computer and WiFi in the parlor are free for hotel guests, and a buffet style scrambled egg, sausage, and pancake breakfast is included in the rate for all guests. In addition to the hotel, we offer Vacation Rental properties as well, which can sleep from 4 to 30 people, within walking distance of the Pine Mountain Lake golf course. Submitted by Lynn Upthagrove. - Got Comments? - Got Photos?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Plane Crashes and Cubemates
I work for a large company and I think I'm the only pilot in the bunch. I have airplane stuff all over my cube. Aircraft pictures, aviation related bumper stickers, stuff from AirVenture, you name it, I've got it.
As you can well imagine, I get a lot of comments from passersby. "Oh, your a pilot?"
"You betcha!" I usually reply. "The most fun you can have with your pants on!"
Most people are really interested in the fact that I'm a pilot and I own my own aircraft. The vast majority of people that drop into my cube to chat say things like "I've always wanted to learn how to fly" or "How much does it cost to take lessons?".
Then there are those who are really hooked and have specific questions. "How hard is it to land an airplane? Where do you go to learn how to fly? How much does it cost? Do you have to pay the airports to land your airplane? Would you take me for a ride? I'll pay for the gas!"
I always enjoy these conversations, since apparently it IS my favorite subject. I find that the majority of people are really intrigued by flying and find it fascinating.
But here lately, there have been a few plane crashes and everybody in the whole damn building wants to come over and talk to me about it. For some reason, this really ticks me off. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it really bothers me.
They really make a big deal about any crash and always want to know what I think about it and what I think may have happened to cause it. Sometimes I feel like they're insinuating "See. You're nuts for being a pilot. It's dangerous". Maybe I'm taking it as an insult to what I love. I really don't know. All I know is that I wish they would just stay away from my cube.
I guess I feel like I need to defend my love for aviation, that I'm not a coward as "some" are. I want to venture out and grab life by the collar and really live. Risk is a part of life, an essential part of life. It's what makes us tick and brings joy into our lives. Without a degree of risk, we would never get married, go after the job we want, move to another town, drive a car, jump off the high dive, I could go on and on.
By being a private pilot, I now have tales of adventures in aviation that I can pass on to my grand children, seeing the world from a personal perspective that only a privileged few can ever experience. A few with a true desire to live life fully.
Smitty
Got Comments?
As you can well imagine, I get a lot of comments from passersby. "Oh, your a pilot?"
"You betcha!" I usually reply. "The most fun you can have with your pants on!"
Most people are really interested in the fact that I'm a pilot and I own my own aircraft. The vast majority of people that drop into my cube to chat say things like "I've always wanted to learn how to fly" or "How much does it cost to take lessons?".
Then there are those who are really hooked and have specific questions. "How hard is it to land an airplane? Where do you go to learn how to fly? How much does it cost? Do you have to pay the airports to land your airplane? Would you take me for a ride? I'll pay for the gas!"
I always enjoy these conversations, since apparently it IS my favorite subject. I find that the majority of people are really intrigued by flying and find it fascinating.
But here lately, there have been a few plane crashes and everybody in the whole damn building wants to come over and talk to me about it. For some reason, this really ticks me off. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but it really bothers me.
They really make a big deal about any crash and always want to know what I think about it and what I think may have happened to cause it. Sometimes I feel like they're insinuating "See. You're nuts for being a pilot. It's dangerous". Maybe I'm taking it as an insult to what I love. I really don't know. All I know is that I wish they would just stay away from my cube.
I guess I feel like I need to defend my love for aviation, that I'm not a coward as "some" are. I want to venture out and grab life by the collar and really live. Risk is a part of life, an essential part of life. It's what makes us tick and brings joy into our lives. Without a degree of risk, we would never get married, go after the job we want, move to another town, drive a car, jump off the high dive, I could go on and on.
By being a private pilot, I now have tales of adventures in aviation that I can pass on to my grand children, seeing the world from a personal perspective that only a privileged few can ever experience. A few with a true desire to live life fully.
Smitty
Got Comments?
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Another Experimental Aircraft is Ready to Touch the Sky
Bob Rogers, former President of EAA Chapter 1246 in McKinney, has announced that his Bushby Mustang II (N62BT) has received its Special Airworthiness Certificate as of December 20, 2008!
For years, it was only a slowly growing collection of aluminum parts and pieces, but now, his Mustang II is a real airplane, ready to fly!
After his first visit to Oshkosh in 1990 he discovered that maybe there was a way to realize his dream of owning his on airplane. He would build it himself!
He settled in on the Bushby Mustang II. He noted that it seemed fairly straightforward to build, came in a kit, was not real expensive, and was well tested, having been around for over 20 years. He also thought it was the best-looking kit plane among all the choices available to his pocketbook. An an aluminum, two-place airplane that was moderately priced and relatively fast (180-200 mph).
He chose the Mazda rotary engine as his power plant. Properly prepared, it has a power to weight ratio which is much higher than other automobile piston engines and which approaches that of a turbine engine. Real World Solutions, Inc. of Bell, Florida ("RWS") has developed a compact, lightweight, planetary-geared PSRU to fit several auto engine conversions, including the Mazda rotary engine. By all accounts, this PSRU is virtually bullet-proof. Even with a radiator for cooling, the Mazda rotary engine, PSRU, and all accessories weigh about the same as a Lycoming 180 hp aircraft engine installation.
His Mazda rotary auto-engine conversion does not use a magneto system for ignition. However, it does have a highly reliable stock electronic crank angle sensor, with four high-performance coils, powered by the alternator and backed-up with a standby alternator and the battery. Each rotor is served by dual spark plugs; only one plug per chamber is required to keep the engine running, but firing of both plugs is desirable for optimum burning of fuel in the combustion chamber (just like a certificated aircraft engine). The fuel and ignition controller (manufactured especially for this aircraft conversion application by Real World Solutions, Inc. of Bell, Florida) has two separate units, either one of which will fully operate and control the fuel and ignition system.
Congratulations Bob!
Smitty
Got Comments?
For years, it was only a slowly growing collection of aluminum parts and pieces, but now, his Mustang II is a real airplane, ready to fly!
After his first visit to Oshkosh in 1990 he discovered that maybe there was a way to realize his dream of owning his on airplane. He would build it himself!
He settled in on the Bushby Mustang II. He noted that it seemed fairly straightforward to build, came in a kit, was not real expensive, and was well tested, having been around for over 20 years. He also thought it was the best-looking kit plane among all the choices available to his pocketbook. An an aluminum, two-place airplane that was moderately priced and relatively fast (180-200 mph).
He chose the Mazda rotary engine as his power plant. Properly prepared, it has a power to weight ratio which is much higher than other automobile piston engines and which approaches that of a turbine engine. Real World Solutions, Inc. of Bell, Florida ("RWS") has developed a compact, lightweight, planetary-geared PSRU to fit several auto engine conversions, including the Mazda rotary engine. By all accounts, this PSRU is virtually bullet-proof. Even with a radiator for cooling, the Mazda rotary engine, PSRU, and all accessories weigh about the same as a Lycoming 180 hp aircraft engine installation.
His Mazda rotary auto-engine conversion does not use a magneto system for ignition. However, it does have a highly reliable stock electronic crank angle sensor, with four high-performance coils, powered by the alternator and backed-up with a standby alternator and the battery. Each rotor is served by dual spark plugs; only one plug per chamber is required to keep the engine running, but firing of both plugs is desirable for optimum burning of fuel in the combustion chamber (just like a certificated aircraft engine). The fuel and ignition controller (manufactured especially for this aircraft conversion application by Real World Solutions, Inc. of Bell, Florida) has two separate units, either one of which will fully operate and control the fuel and ignition system.
Congratulations Bob!
Smitty
Got Comments?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Avgas is still way too expensive
I just don't get it. Yesterday I filled up my SUV and it wouldn't even hold twenty dollars worth of gas. Wow, $1.33 per gallon! Yet I looked out on AirNav.com and found a wide range of avgas fuel prices. Everything from $2.75 to $5.70, and those prices were at small airports! The larger airports were way over 6 bucks a gallon.
I am guessing that maybe the Avgas at these airports is high because they are re-cooping the money they spent on the fuel they already have at previous prices. It's hard to know what's going on.
Your thoughts or knowledge on this subject will be greatly appreciated not only by me, but other pilots out there who are bewildered as well. Feel free to comment below.
Smitty
FunPlacesToFly.com
Got Comments?
I am guessing that maybe the Avgas at these airports is high because they are re-cooping the money they spent on the fuel they already have at previous prices. It's hard to know what's going on.
Your thoughts or knowledge on this subject will be greatly appreciated not only by me, but other pilots out there who are bewildered as well. Feel free to comment below.
Smitty
FunPlacesToFly.com
Got Comments?
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Best Hundred Dollar Hamburger in Texas
We flew into Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, Texas last week and had the best hamburger we've ever tasted! My son and I chowed down on their monster burger while my wife enjoyed one of their many fine salads.
The name of the restaurant is the Blue Hangar Cafe. This is truly a unique experience for any aviating enthusiast. Everything you need in one location. There is cheap fuel and a pilots shop within walking distance. The restaurant is on the north end of the runway. You can enjoy your meal and watch all the airport activity right out the window, not to mention making new friends and sharing tall tales with other aviators.
The owners, Gene and Christi really take great care of you and are friendly folks, eager to fulfill your every culinary delight. They're open for lunch everyday and offer breakfast on Saturdays. Be sure and give them a buzz at 817-490-0058.
Have a goodun!
Smitty
FunPlacesToFly.com
Got Comments?
The name of the restaurant is the Blue Hangar Cafe. This is truly a unique experience for any aviating enthusiast. Everything you need in one location. There is cheap fuel and a pilots shop within walking distance. The restaurant is on the north end of the runway. You can enjoy your meal and watch all the airport activity right out the window, not to mention making new friends and sharing tall tales with other aviators.
The owners, Gene and Christi really take great care of you and are friendly folks, eager to fulfill your every culinary delight. They're open for lunch everyday and offer breakfast on Saturdays. Be sure and give them a buzz at 817-490-0058.
Have a goodun!
Smitty
FunPlacesToFly.com
Got Comments?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Flying an Airplane with a Dog as your Passenger
On a beautiful Saturday morning, I drove to my hangar and pulled out my old Cessna. I had to clean her up from the last adventure before a young lady I had met the day before arrived. I had asked her out to lunch, via my airplane. I didn't want her to think I was a complete pig. I cleaned the windows and vacuumed my Cessna out. Ready to go!
Not long after, she arrived, but not alone. She had her small dog, Buffy the Shih Tzu, tagging along.
"Oh" I said. "You brought your dog".
"Oops, I'm sorry, Is that OK?" she asked.
"I dunno. I've never flown with a dog before. I guess it will be OK." I said, not really wanting to have a dog in my airplane.
So after the pre-flight, we boarded my bird and taxied out to the run-up area. The dog seemed to be pretty calm, it just sat quietly in her lap. I did my run-up, all the time keeping one eye on the dog. Still, all seemed to be well.
Time for take-off. I pulled the airplane out on the run-way, while announcing my departure. I pushed in the throttle and started down the runway. Meanwhile the dog was starting to get agitated, but I didn't notice, since I was concentrating on my take-off.
The next thing I know, the dog had leaped from her lap and started running around the interior of the airplane, just like Roger Rabbit in the movie. Around and around it went, yipping all the way. Since I was already airborne, I really couldn't do anything about it. Not only was the dog going wild, but it was pooping and peeing at the same time.
I knew I had to get the plane on the ground as soon as possible. I was worried that that damn dog was going to do something stupid like lodging herself under the rudder peddles.
I made the pattern and landed safely. We got out of the airplane and put the dog on a leash, tied to one of the struts. Both of us were covered with pee and poop, not to mention the interior of my airplane!
She was mortified and apologized profusely. I said "Don't worry, it's OK".
We pulled the airplane into the hangar and she gracious helped my clean it up. After everything was back to normal I turned to her and said:
"I do have one suggestion though."
"What's that?" She asked.
"I think you should change the dogs name to Sue". I answered.
"Why Sue?" She asked.
"Well, then we can refer to her as Shit-Sue!"
We both laughed and went out to lunch, in a CAR.
FunPlacesToFly.com
Not long after, she arrived, but not alone. She had her small dog, Buffy the Shih Tzu, tagging along.
"Oh" I said. "You brought your dog".
"Oops, I'm sorry, Is that OK?" she asked.
"I dunno. I've never flown with a dog before. I guess it will be OK." I said, not really wanting to have a dog in my airplane.
So after the pre-flight, we boarded my bird and taxied out to the run-up area. The dog seemed to be pretty calm, it just sat quietly in her lap. I did my run-up, all the time keeping one eye on the dog. Still, all seemed to be well.
Time for take-off. I pulled the airplane out on the run-way, while announcing my departure. I pushed in the throttle and started down the runway. Meanwhile the dog was starting to get agitated, but I didn't notice, since I was concentrating on my take-off.
The next thing I know, the dog had leaped from her lap and started running around the interior of the airplane, just like Roger Rabbit in the movie. Around and around it went, yipping all the way. Since I was already airborne, I really couldn't do anything about it. Not only was the dog going wild, but it was pooping and peeing at the same time.
I knew I had to get the plane on the ground as soon as possible. I was worried that that damn dog was going to do something stupid like lodging herself under the rudder peddles.
I made the pattern and landed safely. We got out of the airplane and put the dog on a leash, tied to one of the struts. Both of us were covered with pee and poop, not to mention the interior of my airplane!
She was mortified and apologized profusely. I said "Don't worry, it's OK".
We pulled the airplane into the hangar and she gracious helped my clean it up. After everything was back to normal I turned to her and said:
"I do have one suggestion though."
"What's that?" She asked.
"I think you should change the dogs name to Sue". I answered.
"Why Sue?" She asked.
"Well, then we can refer to her as Shit-Sue!"
We both laughed and went out to lunch, in a CAR.
FunPlacesToFly.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
