Cool Shuttle Experience in Houston

T

Tex_Mike

Pre-takeoff checklist
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
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Houston
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Tex_MIKE
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So the Shuttle is in Houston today. It stopped for the night on its way to LA. I tried twice to drive to Ellington Air Force Base but the traffic was just to bad each time I went. So I said to myself, self you are a pilot and fly out out Pearland which is only 10 miles away get the plane dummy! So that is what I did. I called up an friend of mine and we took off hoping we could do a low approach and check it out from the air. I called Ellington Tower and they had no problem working me in between the other GA traffic and T38s. Thanks Tower Guys! I really didn't expect a clearance to do that.

We flew 100 feet off the deck right next to the shuttle. It was an amazing site to see from above. I had seen it on final approach earlier in the day (which was way cool) but seeing it from the air was a special treat. Didn't know I would feel this way when I took off but this trip made me proud to be a pilot.
 
I guess that gives me impetus to try to fly over LAX through the SFRA or mini-route before it's de-mated.

--Carlos V.
 
Unbeliever said:
I guess that gives me impetus to try to fly over LAX through the SFRA or mini-route before it's de-mated.

--Carlos V.
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Probably be closer standing on the hill in El Segundo - it'll be out on the south 40 at LAX south and west of the south runway complex off Imperial Highway.

Does make me want to go fly over the weekend over the SFRA . . . . me and every other pilot in SoCal . . .
 
There was no way that I was going to deal with that traffic.

I ferried 2 adults and 4 kids into EFD in a Cherokee. It took me 4 round trips but I got it done.
 
I might try to see it from my roof when it flies to Moffett tomorrow morning.
 
MadseasoN said:
There was no way that I was going to deal with that traffic.

I ferried 2 adults and 4 kids into EFD in a Cherokee. It took me 4 round trips but I got it done.
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4 trips? I hope you were flying from Pearland or Baytown!
After everyone found out what I did they felt a bit left out. Pretty sure I could have made a few round trips myself.
 
Tex_Mike said:
4 trips? I hope you were flying from Pearland or Baytown!
After everyone found out what I did they felt a bit left out. Pretty sure I could have made a few round trips myself.
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Yep, Pearland. Short trips and it was a good excuse for me to fly :wink2:
 
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