The lovely early spring weather this Sunday prompted me to take a little jaunt down the California gold country in Placerville Aviation’s lovely Diamond DA-40 “Star,” N232JP (lovingly referred to as ’2JP’, pronounced ‘two-juliet-papa’, hereafter). Since the weather promised to be comfortable in the central valley (as opposed the oppressive heat of high summer), I decided to lead an expedition to the legendary Castle Air Museum, at Castle Airport (KMER) (formerly Castle Air Force Base). In addition, I decided to use the low temperature — and attendant low density altitude — to take a flight over the beautiful Yosemite valley and the fabled Hetch Hetchy reservoir.
Archive for the 'Flying' Category
I recently got a Cessna 172 up to a ground speed as high as the model number while on a trip to San Luis Obispo (KSBP) and Santa Barbera (KSBA). The same winds which have been powering the Southern California wildfires proved quite a boon on the return trip. At 6000 we saw tailwinds as high as 60 knots from approximately 150 to 160 degrees.
The route of flight for this particular leg was IFR: KSBA V27 KSBP. It was about 8AM local (1500 Zulu). The aircraft was a Cessna 172N, N1920F.
Of course, the other direction, while flying into the wind was not so much fun. Pictures after the break.
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