July/August 2006

Summer Fun!

Whether you prefer to land on a long, paved runway or on a grass strip in the forest, this issue has something for you. You can choose to enjoy your summer by taking in spectacular mountain vistas from over 14,000 feet, relaxing on a white sand beach, eating scrumptious Maryland crab cakes, or riding horses deep into the Idaho wilderness.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Once the exclusive playground of some of America’s richest families, Jekyll Island now represents wealth of a different kind. The island’s natural beauty shines in its white sand beaches, marshes, and great fishing spots—places now complemented by award-winning golf courses, tennis facilities, and scrumptious restaurants. A well-loved airport adds to the mix of wildlife, golf, fishing, and award-winning restaurants. This is a place to land for dinner or stay for a weeklong vacation.

Mt. Shasta, California

Mt. Shasta exerts a magnetic draw on those who relish nature and adventure. The 14,162-foot peak and its surrounding area of forests, valleys, rivers, and lakes are a haven for outdoor sports: hiking, biking, mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, fishing, golf, tennis, and even skiing or snowboarding in the winter. Throw in excellent lodging and superb dining in the mountain base towns of Mt. Shasta and McCloud, add a nearby airstrip, and you can grin your way through several days of pure delight.

Bay Bridge & Kentmorr, Maryland

The Washington DC ADIZ has the unfortunate side effect that many pilots are missing out on great flying around the world-famous Chesapeake Bay, and the chance to replace the $100-hamburger with fantastic crab cakes. Bay Bridge Airport lies within the ADIZ, but special procedures permit you to fly there without filing an ADIZ flight plan or contacting ATC for a clearance. The Chesapeake is a beautiful place to behold. Unlock the mystery of the ominous ADIZ and this article will remind you why we fly.

Rockport/Fulton, Texas

Down on the Gulf Coast of Texas the twin towns of Rockport and Fulton sit side-by-side on Aransas Bay. If you haven’t heard of these little ports tucked behind Gulf barrier islands, it’s because Texans tend to keep mum on their tranquil fishing villages, bragging about bigger towns like Galveston or South Padre Island to throw you off. Here you can take a kayak safari in the backwaters of Aransas Bay and risk encountering alligators, or view artifacts from a 300-year-old French ship discovered in 1995. So far, most hotels are run by locals, people who love the place and won’t steer you wrong—very appealing in our past-paced world.

Green Bay, Wisconsin

In the heart of the Midwest, Green Bay is about simple pleasures. Take a walk along the river, browse a museum, or watch a Packer game at a hometown tavern and celebrate with a bratwurst and cold brew. The presence of the famed football team is apparent throughout the area. The city offers the traveler a friendly small-town feeling, lively nightlife and, of course, plenty of football-related entertainment. Locals welcome you with open arms—as long as you aren’t wearing a Chicago Bears hat or Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt!

Buckhorn Restaurant, New Cuyama, California

At the Cuyama Buckhorn, tender tri-tips grilling on the barbecue and a display case filled with homemade pies provide a simplistic contrast to the city of Los Angeles only 90 miles south. The restaurant imparts a bit of the Wild West that is disappearing from California. With friendly service and heaping plates of quality food, you can not only enjoy a great meal, but also support the efforts of those who keep this operation going. Come for the food and stay for the experience.

Big Creek, Idaho

Big Creek Airstrip is long for an Idaho backcountry airstrip. Its relatively open approaches make it one of the easier strips in the area. Though there are challenges with landing on a sloping grass strip in the mountains, the effort is worth it. Imagine kicking back in a chair on the deck of your log cabin at sunset while horses graze in the meadow below. You can spend the next morning riding in the backcountry, spotting elk and deer, fording streams on horseback, and casting your fishing line into alpine lakes. It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend a weekend.

Development and Certification of Composite Propellers

Is developing and approving a composite propeller for a certified aircraft worth the cost and effort? Most pilots would say yes. If you look at the top performance aerobatic aircraft, you’ll see composite propellers. But what about a normal GA aircraft? Many pilots are happy with their old, reliable metal propeller, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the move to a composite propeller will likely increase performance, eliminate possible RPM restrictions, reduce weight and noise, and result in a more durable propeller. Learn more in our Backcountry Report.

Temporary Flight Restrictions – How to Stay Informed

Avoiding Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) has become more important than ever. After September 11, 2001, they have become an integral part of our national security program. We’ve learned to avoid the more permanent ones, but the variety of TFRs that pop-up frequently get many pilots in trouble. The Federal Aviation Administration disseminates TFR data via Flight Data Center (FDC) Notices. Unfortunately, pilots sometimes don’t take the time to obtain this information. It’s never a good day when an F-16 joins you as an uninvited escort. Read our tips to ensure this doesn’t happen.