Thread: Cross Country, Weather and Stuff

Afternoon All: I am not sure I understand the new fourm as I have had the devil's own time getting this far. Nancy and I went to San Diego, from Pensacola, again this Thanksgiving and it was a different trip. Going the trip was hampered by higher than forcast winds and lower temps. However, going we had clear weathe. We Roned in Phoenix with friends and then flew north to fly the northern extension Grand Canyon and around the a very low Lake Mead, and the awe inspiring Hover Dam - it was spectacular flight. We landed at Boulder City (BVU) Stars and Striped FBO, first-rate, no hassles, helpful to a fault. We met a fellow CTer, Russ Roberts, when he flew in at the same time this was a first for both of us. . Also, we passed by the "Sky Walk" and counted 19 helicopters on the other side of the canyon. Who says LSA/GA aviation is without new thrills and experiences? Not Nancy or me!!
Weather delays plagued us on the way home, but it was still great cross-contry.We had to clean off 1/4 inch of frost from the plane at Benson, AZ (E95). Not only did we have frost in the morning, but it was really windy and cold when we landed. None the less, The FBO was first-rate and we had a loaner to go to a motel and return in the morning. We next went to Ft. Stockton, TX (FST) and not only did the FBO let us have a loaner to return in the AM, but let us hanger the CT over night, another really good stop. Next morning the wx forcast was shakey, but we could leave and had outs iff needed. The temp at 5500 was 22 degrees and overcast around 6500. We picked up a a little lite rime ice, but it did not accumulate, so we went on. We flew for three plus hours before the temp rose to above freezing and the overcast brokeup--one hell of a system. We landed at Eagle Lake, TX (ELA) and there was no one around, no notams, no fuel. We left for Houston Executive (TME) and it was a good stop with the line guy insisting he should help me refuel--great. Finally in a couple of days we scud ran to land at home.
Lessons learned: XC flying is edifying, fun, challenging, and safe as you want to make it. I, frankly, was surprised at the number of folks who have not seen an LSA aircraft and we tended to draw a number of sight-seers at every stop. Additionally, the number GA and LSA who expressed reservations about flying XC. Oh yes, in the December issue of EAAs SPORT PILOT and Light-Sport Aircraft in an article I wrote concerning how nancy and i decided to buy a CTLS. I also am working on another one concerning flying Cross-Country. I would like to see everyone with a CT type anti-gravity machine to visit some distant.

I will flesh out my XC views soon. Nancy and I offer our hope for a Merry Christmas and a Great Flying New Year. Ken and nancy Nolde, 260 hours abd we love it!!

Thanks Ken, Keep up the great advertising. I hope to do the same one of these days, but I got to get the kids on their own first! If you pass thru AZ again, swing a little south of Benson into Bisbee, we can put you up in our hanger and save you some frost scrapping. Thats another nice thing about CT's you can fit several of them in one hanger. We have courtesy cars as well and much better restraunts!

Enjoyed the article very much, looking forward to the next one.

Regards

Eric Swisher
Copper City Aviation Services
2007 CTsw

Eric: I picked Benson as the daylight was beginning to fade and Bisbee was our planned refueling site. We will pass by again and I take you for a ride. Thanks, Ken and Nancy Nolde, now 250+ hours.

Sounds good looking forward to it, you guys are welcome any time. If you happen to need a BFR when your coming through we can knock it out at the same time!

Eric Swisher

Ken...I read your article in EAA Sport Pilot magazine...great stuff. Our EAA chapter president is selling off all his "toys"...AT6, PT17, and C-182 and is going to go light sport. He was set on the Cessna Skycather until I started telling him about the CTLS...after he read you article, he's now having second thoughts and is considering a CTLS. We have arranged for a presntation and demo rides from the local CT dealer in Sebring for our March meeting...I can't wait. Again...nice article.

Scott
Ocala, FL.