Night Flying Fun in Virginia!

Great flight last week! Flew from W96 to KCHO Charlottesville, Virginia and back with my CFI.

We used flight following. Great service and each time we use it I see more examples of how valuable it is to take advantage of it. 

This flight brought new challenges and opportunity. This was my first time to KCHO. Really had to adjust my eyes to see things differently. One thing I learned was that there were mountain peaks to keep an eye on approaching the airport. The FBOs TPA is 1700. The highest peak nearby is 1830. Do the math means being very aware of these things, picking great pilotage points prior to flying, and staying clear of that peak! 

You could just see a faint shadow of the mountains. The lights below, towns, baseball fields, parking lots, the airport all stand out against pitch black. I found night flying very enjoyable. Very zen!

Here are a few night flying Virginia pictures and a YouTube clip of my 2 touch and gos at KCHO. Enjoying the view in a great flight you're a part of is priceless! Already looking forward to my next flight.

Spotted a rainbow before the flight

Love the city glow below. 

It is beautiful and more peaceful up here!

Landing on 21

I see Richmond's dazzle 

Richmond glow.

I'm more than enjoying my growing flying experiences and skills. Looking forward to my greatest chapters ahead!

Video of my 2 touch and gos at KCHO with some chill tunes

https://youtu.be/nM74ucz5BGk

Do you enjoy day or night flying better and why?

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Emily

Living it UP! One Recipe for Happiness: Think it. Want it. Go get it.Shine on!

It's Spring and Easter. That is making me think of New Life, what has been and what can be. Life is indeed a journey and adventure. I'm convinced it really is whatever we choose to make our mind up about it. It's either as great or as bad as I choose to believe it is. It's either do or do not. I'm the Captain of that choice. That's the memo I got and I'm sticking with it.:-) I tend to choose to seek moments of genuine gratitude with each day because I see the journey itself is an adventure!

I believe an important part of the recipe for happiness is identifying, over time, what serves you and what does not. That which does not serve should go to make room in your focus for what can be. Also, finding the things you are passionate about in Life. One found, do more of it! For me, flying is a unique passion I have found that truly Wows me. Not many things Wow me to the degree flying does and I love that I have chosen to have it be a part of my Life. One of the best decisions, Ever! 

In an age where we are inundated with distractions and stimuli, it takes extra effort focus and intention to be truly present. Flying does that for me and it energizes me. Flying pushes me far beyond the status quo of everyday mediocre life which I love, hones in all my focus and senses for that time and I feel a super charge of vitality after each and every flight knowing I was part of an incredible experience. It keeps me on my toes, on high alert, and leaves me with an abundance of gratitude and satisfaction reflecting on my growing abilities and skills. 

Something I really value about my Flying Adventures, and this applies to Life Adventures, are the goals I achieve. I love when a want, just a tiny spark of a thought, becomes a reality through intentional actions. In flying, that manifests when I think to myself that I'd really like to fly to a particular FBO. It may not happen for a while, but if I've got the want in my mind, I'm eventually going to do it when the time is right. This is not a unique recipe pertaining only to me. I know you can relate and hope you sonic boom, as I do, when each goal is lived out.

So, talking passion let me share with you a recent fantastic flight I had with my CFI on Wednesday, 4/1/2015, in Virginia. It was a exciting example of one of my flying goals achieved. It's funny how the mind works. When I was thinking of where to fly, I was leaning towards flying into airports I've been because I really like the coastal routes. Also, there was a hint of wanting to stick with what I knew versus traveling into the unknown, but then I came to my senses!:-) Thank goodness my "been there done that" radar was buzzing and a strong urge to stretch and explore took charge. New FBOs it was, made my mind up to expand my experiences and made it happen. I felt a lot of satisfaction after this flight as it was a flight I've been wanting to do for a while. I have the good sense to appreciate the great, but I fully embrace my nature and desire to stretch and experience more because that serves to enhance me in Life in more than ways than one. I truly see and appreciate the connection of my varied learnings, experiences and perspective serving me greatly in fueling my creativity, innovative thinking and ingenuity in my professional Life, too.

Come join me by enjoying a few pictures and videoes I captured! Note: Any pictures or video I shot was during positive exchange where I was not flying. Safety first, always!

A whole lot of flying cheese -Smile - face here! Blue skies, two new FBOs to fly into and the 152, now that's what I'm taking about as a recipe for a great day. 

Ready or Ready?! 

Upper right: Preflight smiles with Matt.

Lower right: My post flight smile and my FBO New Kent Aviation in the background.

The Route: Flew from W96 (New Kent)-7W4 (Lake Anna) -KLKU (Louisa) - then along the James River near downtown Richmond as we headed back to W96.

Enroute to 7W4 Kings Dominion is a good pilotage reference point.

Lake Anna 7W4. One of the shortest/narrowest runways I've landed. Good time! The shortest and narrowest I've landed so far is Hummel W75. I highly recommend you fly into that airport if given the opportunity. It is beautiful! Tip:  If you are interested, like me, in collecting your Virginia Aviation Ambassador stamps then stop by the mailbox off of the parking area to get that self service stamp. Luckily for me, Matt pointed out the stamp was probably in the mailbox. Roger that, it was so I didn't leave without it. If you know me and my flying, I'm serious about getting my stamps :-)

Next up was Louisa airport KLKU. Much longer runway. I always find it extra fun landing on a longer runway when I've just come from a really small one. It makes me really appreciate how long the runway is in those instances. Great welcome at KLKU by the owner Greg. He hooked me up with my… Wait for it… Wait for it… my stamp! :-) 

Enroute back to W96. Here's a shot of my Stratus. I love the combo of my ForeFlight and Stratus. Being a student pilot and learning, it's without question that I'm first and foremost learning the fundamentals without such tools. That being said I still value having them as secondary points of reference.

The trip back was one of my favorites! It was truly special seeing places that I walk around from high above. Like many aviation lovers, my eyes can't help but look up to the skies when I hear the sounds of an airplane nearby. It was amazing enjoying this flipped perspective. Now I was the one flying by, just how I've wanted! 

Here we see the James River!

It was neat to see the vibrant red spider on the field of University of Richmond. Another great pilotage reference point.

Traveling along the James River, soon approaching very familiar spots. Exciting!

Here's a cool shot that Matt took of Pony Pasture. This is so cool because I go fishing around here and spot familiar points.

I love this view of the bridges and Richmond ahead!

Flying over you bridge! :-)

Neat to see all the rocks down in the river and the city.

Sweet Richmond city shot! I like the reflection off the wing. Way more fun to fly over these roads versus drive them. Fact!

The familiar sight of New Kent airport. I can see my car from here! :-)

Here are two videos with some tunes that I created. Check them out for a more animated experience of this great day of flight!

- Two of my three takeoffs captured on 

   GoPro. http://youtu.be/4611TKa_Gr8

- Flying over the James River, Richmond,

  Virginia http://youtu.be/JOaiS1uS9XM

I hope you enjoyed this flying adventure with me through the pictures and video shared. I agree with doing more of what makes you happy. Flying makes me happy, so time to do some more!:-)

Finding your passions and doing more of the things that make you shine is a gift I've found in a few things, including flying. I hope you find it yourself, too, because the world benefits when people shine bright.

Every great adventure has a beginning, middle filled with ups and downs, and a grea end. For the times you find great happiness them, cherish them and do more of it! In times you go through challenges and we all do, power through and learn more about your strengths, what you like and do not like. For sometimes it is through those challenges you given a gift of You-Turns to redirect you on a greater path. You are stronger than you think!

We are all unique individuals here to live out our story. There's a reason we are here. It is my hope for myself, as well as others, to find purpose. That purpose may morph over time, but do what you can to find and align to what makes you shine brightest, by your own standards. As the famous by Howard Thurman: 

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

Sparrowrose Choose to be the greatest version of you. Encourage others to be their best version. You never know just who's watching and being influenced by your actions. Why not Inspire? I dare you!:-) Happy Adventuring, Always!

Evolution Revolution: Fly Love

I've always been curious, hungry to learn more that will upgrade me, and up for challenges, especially those that I have come through enriched.

Expect the Unexpected 

Life is so interesting. It is truly amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it. I'd say about 5 years ago, I never would have imagined I could fly and navigate a plane. On the ground, I would have never imagined my savvy in digital and social media would be sought out in as much high demand by many of those around me just starting to learn. I only see that need growing and I love being a a leader in the dynamic change! That's the awesome of Life. It grows and evolves. You've got to be nimble and quick to keep up!

Cause and effect. 

Through each choice, interaction and experience, it all steered me in a particular direction in Life. I couldn't have dreamed my life would be as rich as it's been since discovering my love for flight! Flying for me is a passion that rewards me on so many levels. I'm glad I found it and have the aptitude to do it. In my digital channel shares, it is my hope that I continue to be inspired by other aviators I connect with and that I continue to inspire others to show them the possibilities.

What are you grateful for in life learnings?  What thoughts would you share with others to encourage them to be all they can be?

Time waits for no one. It's later than you think. Work hard, be a positive influence that others draw inspiration from and enjoy your life. We each posses something unique. Find your passions and come alive with it. Live it UP!

Check out the video I made of some sweet aviation memories I have from flights over the past 3 months. Hope you enjoy the ride with me! 

http://youtu.be/UEorpLm51FE

I'm so excited for what's to come, which are my best flying years yet!❤️ 

What about you? 

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Want to feel like Iron Man? Go fly with Sky Combat Ace in Vegas!

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, one thing that happened to me in Vegas last week that is going to be known is my EPIC aerobatic flying experience last Friday. Too great to not share about SCA! Mind blown & thumbs up to fly with Sky Combat Ace! They are a MUST DO in Vegas for Aviation Lovers.

My first taste of an aerobatic move was back in December 2014. I experienced a smooth roll in a stylish RV-7. I had never experienced anything like it. Like a "Matrix" (ie the movie) moment, in a great way, it opened my mind to a whole different type of flying. It was a Wow moment for me and yet another great aviation memory. I definitely knew I would be open to trying more aerobatics if given the right opportunity.  

That next opportunity came up as I made plans to meet up with friends in Vegas last week. As part of my planning phase, I was looking at possible activities out there to do for us. I've been to Vegas before. There's no shortage of the usual options and things to do. During my search I came across SCA's deal which was a Groupon (SCORE!) and began to do some research about their services and reviews. I liked what I read, considered things, and then booked my flight. Game on!

A few things I really enjoy about aviation is that it is constantly serving up to my desire to learn and excel, presents me with challenges to face and grow from, opportunities to stretch and expand my horizons in ways beyond the status quo of regular Life decisions/choices. There are no apologies or tip toeing for driving hard, the desire to excel and giving it your best, it's expected. You own your progress, it's as much or little as you put into it. Of course, one progresses faster and better being surrounded with those skilled and eager to see you shine brighter. Be grateful when you find these gems, in all facets of Life! Even better, strive to become such an influencer, if you're not already. Dare you!

A couple action pictures:

One of the things I love about flying is the unique adventurers I meet along the way! Here is a picture of Maurice and I. Maurice is a traveling adventurer from Switzerland. It was so cool to share in the experience, chatting pre and post flight.

SCA has the BEST hangar I have stepped in. 

This plane.... WOWZAS!

Pre-flight smiles with Kyle, an excellent aerobatic pilot!

I took the ups...

I took the turns...

and upside down moments with HUGE smiles! 

Only time I was quiet was when I was wearing my 5 Gs face!:-D

Got the Guys to do a post flight photo with me ~ Kyle, Maurice, Denis & I! Love a great group of aviation enthusiasts:-D

A few points about my experience with SCA: 

* Really impressed and satisfied with their operations. 

* They provide door-to-door hotel pick up and drop off service, upon arrival the signing process was smooth.

* You get to wear cool jet flight suits, get a callsign badge and SCA insignia patch for your suit. This promotes a cool fun experience leading up to the flight that's about to knock your socks off! :-) 

*Their hangar is the best I've seen in my entire life, so far. I seriously want my future home to be a model like this one! So thank you SCA for setting the bar there. ;-) 

*Next it was up to the room for preflight debrief. Great job with the overview of the aircraft, maneuvers that we were going to experience, as well as safety points including how to use the parachute should that situation arise. I really liked the details covered in that brief.

*My pilot, Kyle, got me set up with my parachute and situated in the aircraft prior to flying. His flying was Excellent!

 

Join me for the flying experience and check out the video that was captured during my flights with SCA. A couple things about the video, look at my major smiling face throughout the flight. I'm chatting it up and definitely in my element! I go silent when I'm feeling the Gs! :-) 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r49zsz84dxd9znr/AABfDEnAl_46RuIxbc0_fOnwa?dl=0

Primary goals as it relates to this flight was to assess the flying experience, to check out the operations of this place, and I did not want to throw up or get knocked out by the Gs. I am happy to report that mission accomplished all my goals were met on this flight!

I don't have a lot of experience and exposure to aerobatics flying. So stretching myself in this area, stepping out into the unknown to experience something totally different from my current flying experience, was very rewarding. I enjoy that stretch process in life, and it doesn't necessarily have to be aviation, but any life enhancing situations that come from stepping out of your comfort zone, experiencing things that are not every day situations and feeling the rewards of living life to the fullest. 

Taking a unique flight with an experienced pilot to show me the ropes on new maneuvers is a hearty, healthy, fun filled decision that is another step to enhance my journey of life. I'm eager for more exciting chapters to come! Next time I'm at SCA I'm doing more of the hands-on experience which will likely be the top gun package and I'm bringing my pilots logbook for that one! :-)

To wrap things up, nothing I write could really show you just how awesome this flight was for me. It is certainly something that I will never forget, left me wanting more, and I look forward to returning back to SCA so I can further experience some more high throttle aerobatic flying with them! 

Check out their site and learn more about their operation, they're flight packages, their pilots, and more: http://www.skycombatace.com/

Also check out their reviews. They are quoted as one of the top things to do in Vegas. I can attest to that I would say don't miss out on an exciting opportunity to experience Vegas, fly with them while you're out there!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45953-d2072017-Reviews-Sky_Combat_Ace-Henderson_Nevada.html

http://govegas.about.com/od/attractions/fr/Sky-Combat-Ace-Las-Vegas.htm?utm_source=social2&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=shareurlbuttons

What is your most exciting flying experience, what did you feel you experienced in terms of stretching and growth in that flight?

If you go and check out SCA or you happen to be at Henderson executive airport and see them, snap a shot and share it with me on my social media channels. You can find all of them listed on my website http://www.wingsconnect.com/

I'd love to see and hear about your experience!

Happy and safe flying always!

️Love is always in the air for this Aviation Lover

Every flight I've taken has never ceased to take my breathe away at one moment or another. It is an experience, for me, where any thoughts of anything mediocre are gladly overtaken my flying focus during these special moments in time. ️

Every flight provides different challenges and rewards. It demands you always give your best. I love that about aviation.

Flying, for me, is not only a passion. ️Flying is more importantly, my Love and Zen.  Each flight brings me a surge of New Life and greater gratitude for the things that are important to me. I've found my wings and love soaring! :-)

I really enjoy this video directed by Eric Magnan and first saw it from a BoldMethod release by Colin Cutler. http://www.boldmethod.com/blog/video/2015/01/this-is-why-you-love-being-a-pilot/

If you like the video https://vimeo.com/109141765, share it with fellow aviators you'd know these flying images would resonate.

The only main thing different I'd do if I made the video is my Man wouldn't be waiting on the ground for me. He'd be up in the skies flying with me!:-) 

Here's a low flying still from the video. I cannot WAIT to experience this in Vegas in a few days ~ WOOOHOOO!

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Emily

www.WingsConnect.com

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Talk LiveATC Radio to me & other aviation digital tools I use to enhance my flying experience!

Flying is one of my deep passions. What it gives me is the opportunity to leave the ordinary and soar into extraordinary. Few things in Life THIS exhilarating. A delicious blend of intense focus, zen, love and freedom.

For me, in learning to fly, it is about nailing the fundamentals without dependency on all fancy tech gadgets. That being said, I embrace these additional tools as secondary tools to enhance my flying experience. In this post, I'll share a few of my favorite tech digital aviation tools that I actively use.

Pilots - I'd love to hear what you are using, even if they are some of the same. It's through pilot referrals that I discovered these tools!

Foreflight - I really like using this on my iPad and iPhone, both in flying and on the ground. When on the ground, I'm often looking up FBOs I'm contemplating to visit in the near future or just poking around to view details about places I have been while familiarizing myself with the features. I use a lot of the runway details, taxi diagrams, view specs about the FBO, etc. 

This app is loaded with information! It is a great secondary reference for situational awareness, along with increasing productivity in choosing better routes (ie winds by altitude details, etc). Oh, I also like the TFR setting so you can be sure to avoid those hot spots. If don't have Foreflight yet and are interested in learning more, I included the site link above for you to peruse further.

Stratus - I have the original that works fine for me. I love the seamless integration with ForeFlight. I bought mine from Sporty's and here's their description of it, "The original Stratus is the easiest, least expensive way to get subscription-free weather on your iPad. Stratus is a totally wireless, portable receiver that streams NEXRAD radar, text weather, TFRs and GPS position to the ForeFlight app—all without a monthly subscription. Simply turn on Stratus, connect to your iPad and go flying. There are no wires, no subscriptions and no hassles." I'm a fan of it, especially for having what I feel is enhanced GPS and more current weather feeds. Click here to view this device and more details on Sport's site.

LiveATC Wow, I really dig this mobile app!! It's such a great way to listen to ATC and pilot radio talk to expose ones ears to what is conveyed. I listen to it whenever I want on my iPhone or iPad. All kinds of handy features in this bad boy like various channels worldwide (Wow!), diagrams, Wx and frequencies. Click here to read my July 2014 post about this useful app.

So, FESS UP, Pilots...What are some of the digital tools you are using to enhance your flying experience and accuracy?

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Aviation Love Flow

Hello Fellow Fantastic Flying Friends!

I hope 2015 has started off great for you all and has included some awesome ️flying! Mine has, including a few of my best flights to date this month. WOOHOO! Eager to stay this pattern!:-D

Flying, for me, is an Aviation Love Flow. A winning recipe includes clear planning prior to flight, a great takeoff, turns enroute, adjusting, refining, & a great landing that makes you feel a big YESSS in every cell. Great weather helps, too!:-)

I reflect on why I flying resonates with me so strongly. It's the sense of growth and personal accomplishments in a challenging field most do not partake in. It's all the amazing feelings And memories I gain. It's also fellow pilots I meet that match that extraordinary passion and energy in how they fly & live!

I have yet to meet a pilot who was like, "Meeeeeh..." when I've chatted with them about flying. Regardless if they are active or haven't flown for a while, there is a fire in the eyes and the love for flight palpatable. That Rocks!

In connecting with fellow pilots, I value that passion and enthusiasm we share for this extraodinary field. This type of planning and discipline applies to many facets of a successful path in Life, aviation and beyond.

Aviation to me is a wonderous blend of passion, determination, perseverance and being in tune and nimble to adjust along the way for better performance. Personally, there are few things I have found in Life that demand your best to this degree, to focus everything on these flying moments, to show up giving your best everytime and never want for complacency. Flying is one of those things to me. That is how I'm wired, so I value the alignment of those standards I feel I get in aviation. I celebrate my growing skills/experience and am eager to improve, all while learning more. I love the challenges and learnings I gain. It's making for a better version of me!

Shoutout to great things that support my journey to find my wings --> great FBOs & crews like mine, NKA, CFIs like Jim Oddono & Matt Welch who are setting me up for success, fellow pilots I connect with that inspire and share insights with me that enhance my journey and organizations like AOPA & EAA that support General Aviation efforts/education and safety. 

Life moves fast. I challenge you, like I do myself, to keep doing great things that make the journey an EPIC one!

What is Aviation to you? How does it make you feel when you fly? 

Here are a few pictures & YouTube videos caught on my GoPro from my flights this month. 

This is my flying love face. You'll see it in often in my flight posts! 

I love wearing it.:-)

1/2/2015: W96, New Kent Aviation (NKA), Virginia. 

A little drizzle, but still VFR! My focus in this day was pattern work and finesse my landings. It was great flying! I was very pleased with my TP setups & landings. So was my CFI, Jim Oddono!

Love the patchwork design from up high 

Post flight smiles! 

1/5/2015: W96, New Kent & KRIC, Richmond International Airport Virginia back to W96

My birthday flight rocked! Was a tad windy, but not too terrible. It was my first time flying with NKAs new full time CFI Matt Welch. On a social media plug note, I'm active on it. I actually met Mat through LinkedIn before I met him in person at NKA. That was a cool example of how digital connections can enhance your reach to connect with great contacts!

So this flight we did a XWind take off and landing at W96, then headed to KRICs towered airport. I wanted to observe Matt's radio handlings. There was activity there. We came in behind a jetliner, big guy so he ensured we kept a safe distance. We did 3 touch and gos. Runway 34 seemed like it went on forever (was very long) for our little Cessna 152!:-) I like the added challenges of all the activity happening at this airport. Keeps you on your toes even more than usual! It was a fun flight with new learnings.

Winds

Me getting prepped.  am sporting a Wazoo survival tools parachord bracelet. Love their products! Bringing 'Be Prepared' to a new level. I likie! My favorites are the Adventure bracelet, this Zombie bracelet, & Woodchuck key chains. Check out their site: http://www.wazoosurvivalgear.com

Check out my product review on their survival skills bracelet on my Adventure blog:

Enroute to KRIC

LOVE this view!

We spotted and came in after this big guy! Seeing the passengers de-plane as we climbed out.. They looked like ants!!!

Here's Matt in action!

KRIC

Hard to see, but there are the National Guard helicopters. I LOVE helicopters! 

Working it! Line up for landing runway 34.

Back to W96

I see my car!:-)

Post flight smiles! Check out that sock. Windy!

1/19/2015 - New Kent W96 to West Point KFYJ to Hummel W75 back to W96 

Great flight to 2 different FBOs, KFYJ and my first time landing at W75. Shortest runway I've landed to date (2270x45). 

I planned out the routes to identify key landmarks along the way. I'm very pleased I spotted everything I wanted to get us to and from each location. I'm still working ing in finessing my landings. I was most pleased with my second landing at W75, which I share in a link below.

Here is Stuart, Director of Maintenance (aka the mastermind keeping the planes in tip top shape!) and Matt rolling out this mighty 152 lil' guy who's ready to be flown!:-)

Here's a few pictures: Upper left - Me with Stuart. Shoutout to the crews who ensure the planes are at their best! Upper right: Smiles with the Champ in the background. I must fly him this year. Lower left: High Altitude smile from beautiful Virginia! Lower right: Post flight smile. Another great day of Flying Virginia! 

Taking off w96

On Final KFYJ

Traveling to W75

On Final W75

W75, it's been fun. Time to head back to W96!

Below are two GoPro videos caught on this flight. I added music to this footage, so buckle up and enjoy the view on this virtual ride with me! They were a blast! I hope it leaves a smile on your face and the want to get more air time, fellow pilots. I know I'm ready to get UP again!❤️✈

Takeoff at New Kent #W96 Click here

Landing at Hummel #75 Click here 

Pilots ~ What is your favorite FBO to land at and what are those runway dimensions? I'd love to hear. May inspire a future trip for me!

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Emily