Cap'n Jack
Final Approach
We were able to get going last Saturday. The flight was good- got gas at McCook, NE (really great place to stop- very friendly). We went to the Thurman VOR, set course for Centennial Airport. Just after I got down turning, twisting, and switching tanks, the mountaina just appeared in the distance as well as the turbulance.
We landed, parked at TAC (another great place- they rolled the rental car right to the plane- let us park for $10).
We did a Grey Line tour of the city (good way to get an overview while someone else drives), then checked into the hotel (Hotel Gold Crown, almost on the airport). We went to dinner at the City Aquarium (guide said it was good... it was only Ok, expensive, and slow service). The Aquarium was good, open to 9:30.
Next day, drove to the hills. Went to lookout point, Red Rock, and the Dakota outcropping near Red Rock. We had lunch at a BBQ place near the airport. TAC had the plane all ready when we got back.
Flight back- same in reverse except we climed to 9500 to avoid wind and turbulance- highese I've been in a small plane. Got gas in McCook again-there was nother Cherokee pilot that had a starter problem. He asked if I'd prop his plane, but I've never done it, have only theoretical knowledge, and so declined.
The west isn't quite as featureless as the ocean. I could see 50+ mile in front of me so I just pointed the plane at something on my course & flew with only an occasional glance at the compass and GPS or VOR.
No pictures from flight- It's really empty out there & I'm glad I didn't drive it! It isn't as flat as it looks from an airliner though.
We landed, parked at TAC (another great place- they rolled the rental car right to the plane- let us park for $10).
We did a Grey Line tour of the city (good way to get an overview while someone else drives), then checked into the hotel (Hotel Gold Crown, almost on the airport). We went to dinner at the City Aquarium (guide said it was good... it was only Ok, expensive, and slow service). The Aquarium was good, open to 9:30.
Next day, drove to the hills. Went to lookout point, Red Rock, and the Dakota outcropping near Red Rock. We had lunch at a BBQ place near the airport. TAC had the plane all ready when we got back.
Flight back- same in reverse except we climed to 9500 to avoid wind and turbulance- highese I've been in a small plane. Got gas in McCook again-there was nother Cherokee pilot that had a starter problem. He asked if I'd prop his plane, but I've never done it, have only theoretical knowledge, and so declined.
The west isn't quite as featureless as the ocean. I could see 50+ mile in front of me so I just pointed the plane at something on my course & flew with only an occasional glance at the compass and GPS or VOR.
No pictures from flight- It's really empty out there & I'm glad I didn't drive it! It isn't as flat as it looks from an airliner though.