WingsConnect - Making Aviation Connections

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Flying Adventures: FBO BBQ & first visit into Hummel W75

Fun flying this weekend. In addition, got to enjoy the BBQ at my FBO. I have a great FBO where I train. New Kent Aviation, here in Virginia, was recommended to me last year when I was deciding where to start my flight training. I'm so glad I picked NKA, a family owned/run business with a friendly staff. They do Customer Appreciation BBQs through the Fall. Yesterday was their last this season. Glad I went to enjoy some grilled food, pilot chatting & then a great flight to Hummel.

Talking aviation, on this beautiful blue skies Saturday, after a smooth take off of Runway 29 at W96  it was off towards the East Coast. My intent was to use pilotage, dead reckoning & VOR navigation to see some specific spots along my route. Climbed to 5,500. Spotted West Point, then Tappahanock bridge, then Hummel airfield.

The runway is 2270 x 75. I had Jim land this one so I could take in the view during landing. I handled the short field take off when we left. Fun! Good practice before we fly into Tangier soon!:-)

Here are a few pictures captured of a fun filled aviation Saturday. Ready for my next flight already!

Big smile with Cessna 152 at Hummel, W75! :-D
Jeff, New Kent Aviation's GM, handling the Customer Appreciation BBQ. 
Good time chatting with Chad. We connected through Instagram aviation posts. Check out his IG handle @biplaneflyer for his aviation pics. 
Cool picture my instructor Jim snapped. A lot of boating activity on the Rappahannock River. Gorgeous view!!
Hummel airfield approx 1030' MSL TPA
Love the Fall foliage view!
View on Final
Closer on Final
FBO trailer
Inside the FBO trailer to get our Aviation Ambassador stamps!!
Filling it up:-)
W75 specs on ForeFlight 
AOPA tribute to Dr. Nichols who used general aviation to help provide medical services to Tangier. 
Check out the article about it:
I snapped a good shot of Jim and a plane taking off in the background!
Planes on the ground.
Plane flying above
Getting ready for some cheesing in front of the 152. Sunglasses adjustment, Check!:-)
Me & Cessna 49134
Back at W96, enjoying a great view & food. Had one more hot dog & 2 bowls of John's (NKA instructor & examiner) award winning chili. Delicious!

Another great flying day that left a lingering Cheshire Cat smile. The memories & my growing experience are priceless to me. Love it and excited for my next flight!

So, where were you up to? Work on anything in particular?

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Monday, October 20, 2014

Flying Virginia: W96 to KOFP

First time flying into Hanover, Ashland KOFP FBO on 10/5. It had been a month and a half since my last flight ~ Gasp! Too long. Despite the break, the flight was awesome. Did my usual flight game planning, good preflight debrief & off to preflight check the 152. Blue skies in Beautiful Virginia. Fasten your searbelt!

We took off, I did a landing, then off to KOFP. I did a visual spotting of MiddlePeninsula West Point KFYJ, then it was DME Arc VOR navigation flying to KOFP.

As usual took some pictures after we landed. Then it was back to New Kent W96.

Every moment the plane takes off under my hand, the wheels leave the earth and we ascend defying conventional limitations we as humans have being grounded by successfully taking flight is a moment of blissful zen for me. The experience is exciting, thrilling, all while being extremely focused and serious. Time stops for me in those moments of take off and my landings. Very few things have touched me in the same way, have challenged me to this level and I LOVE it!:-) 

Here are a few pics snapped on this flying adventure. In my flight posts, I like to share views of the airports I fly into so catch a glimpse of Hanover FBO!

Flying makes me smile BIG
FBO specs
Me & the 152!
Marinating on my next moves, Always! Oh the possibilities are endless.:-)
Nice pilots lounge
Pilots lounge
FBO lobby
Posing by one of my future rides.:-) 
3 words for you: Dream big, people!
Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport & iphone in the pocket, Check! I love my Pilot Talk clothing line (pullover seen here) & travel mugs!! Classy threads for the ladies & unisex travel mugs/hats. All for the jet setters! Snag one of my products & share a picture with me. Would LOVE seeing you model one of my products so I can share it with my audience! 
Drop me a line with you modeling my product design. Email me through my site! http://wingsconnect.com/

Where are you flying this weekend? What are you working on? I'll be planning to visit another new airport and working on centerline landings! Thinking maybe Tangiere, KCPK or Charlottesville. Oh the possibilities!:-)

Wherever you are UP to... Happy & Safe flying, Always!