10/31/2016
Yesterday was a perfect day for flying! Brian Bullard took advantage of the Evektor fly-out offer as we joined the “Dirty Dozen” group of aviators at KVGT on their Saturday morning fly-out. This Saturday they were flying to Furnace Creek (L06). I met with Brian Friday evening at the pilots lounge at KVGT to go over his flight plan and study the Evektor numbers and procedures so we were ready to go at 0730 on Saturday morning. We took a NW route, climbing to about 7000 ft. to cut across the mountains and arrived an hour later. On our decent we discovered we had another mountain range between us and the airport but not a problem, we just flew through the canyon at 5000 ft. Furnace Creek is a right hand pattern and Brian decided the best way to enter the pattern was a direct downwind. Perfect landing!
Upon arrival we called the resort van who took us to the restaurant for breakfast. The "Dirty Dozen" had one long table of about 25 people. Brian was introduced (and accepted) into the group with open arms. Breakfast was great, but not cheap. I explained to Brian that it was a tradition for him to buy the flight instructor his breakfast. I was just kidding but he did it anyway. Thanks Brian!
Our departure was interesting. With over 10 airplanes in the group we had to taxi back to the end of the runway before taking off. Nice to watch the different take off techniques from the sidelines. The airport elevation is minus 225 ft. and it was getting hot. No problem here.
If flying into furnace Creek be sure to have your National Park entry pass with you. The sign at the airport says you must pay the Park entry fee. We were told there is a park ranger on a scooter that approaches the planes when they land, however, we did not see any rangers nor were approached by anyone. Everyone was surprised that with all the airplane activity that the ranger wasn’t on us like flies on rotten fruit (I made that up).
On our way back we wanted to do a few touch and go's so I called a flight instructor friend of mine that lives at CalVada (NV74). This is a private airport but we received permission to do touch and go’s. After about four landings we proceeded through the Pahrump pass, and over Red Rock. The valley was so clear you could see forever. Our approach over Red Rock and landing on 12 Right was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
If you are interested in doing a Saturday or Sunday fly out, please give me a call. I am not charging my instructor fee for these introductory flights. A great way to get checked out in the Evektor!
Ernie Swallie
CFI, CFII
702-656-3845
[email protected]
www.lightsprotaviationvegas.com
