Los Angeles to Chico

[Marty Ross]

I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes, interesting/cheap
refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end of
this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.

Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous flight
(e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm currently
thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot to
stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).

Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
several days later) will be appreciated!

-- Marty

[Larry Dighera]

On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 21:37:32 GMT, "Marty Ross" >
wrote in Message-Id: >:

>The only stop I'm currently thinking of is at Columbia (O22)

If you've got the time, you can camp there too.

Keep your eyes open for deer wandering onto the runway. It's located
adjacent to the forest.

[Steve House]

Harris Ranch has the best steaks I've ever tasted - 100% organic beef, local
veggies for side dishes, the whole deal. A "must stop" on my many drives on
the interstate between LA and San Francisco during the 70's and 80's. I'm
pretty sure they're still there. They have/had an airstrip right next to the
restaurant.


"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
...
> I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes, interesting/cheap
> refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end of
> this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
>
> Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous flight
> (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm currently
> thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot to
> stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
>
> Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> several days later) will be appreciated!
>
> -- Marty
>
>
>

[Marty Ross]

Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
(later afternoon).

However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
with that!

Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?

"Steve House" > wrote in message
...
> Harris Ranch has the best steaks I've ever tasted - 100% organic beef,
local
> veggies for side dishes, the whole deal. A "must stop" on my many drives
on
> the interstate between LA and San Francisco during the 70's and 80's. I'm
> pretty sure they're still there. They have/had an airstrip right next to
the
> restaurant.
>
>
> "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes,
interesting/cheap
> > refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> > information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end of
> > this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> > California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
> >
> > Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous flight
> > (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm
currently
> > thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot to
> > stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
> >
> > Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> > several days later) will be appreciated!
> >
> > -- Marty
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Bob Gardner]

When the Compuserve Aviation Special Interest Group (AVSIG) holds its annual
get-together at Santa Maria, a mass flight to Harris Ranch is part of the
deal. Never heard of anyone having a problem.

Bob Gardner

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
...
> Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
> (later afternoon).
>
> However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm
comfortable
> with that!
>
> Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?
>
> "Steve House" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Harris Ranch has the best steaks I've ever tasted - 100% organic beef,
> local
> > veggies for side dishes, the whole deal. A "must stop" on my many
drives
> on
> > the interstate between LA and San Francisco during the 70's and 80's.
I'm
> > pretty sure they're still there. They have/had an airstrip right next to
> the
> > restaurant.
> >
> >
> > "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes,
> interesting/cheap
> > > refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> > > information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end
of
> > > this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> > > California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
> > >
> > > Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous
flight
> > > (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm
> currently
> > > thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot
to
> > > stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
> > >
> > > Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> > > several days later) will be appreciated!
> > >
> > > -- Marty
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Jim Weir]

"Marty Ross" >
shared these priceless pearls of wisdom:

->Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
->(later afternoon).
->
->However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
->with that!
->
->Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?

Black.




Seriously, best food in this part of the world, but hotter than HELL right now.
What are you worried about a 30' runway for...your wheels are on a 10' spacing
{;-)

Jim
Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[Cecil E. Chapman]

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
...
> Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
> (later afternoon).
>
> However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm
comfortable
> with that!
>
> Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?

Yep... did it in a C-172. When you do it, you'll find your mind has made it
a much bigger challenge than it really is. You'll do fine!

--
--
Good Flights!

Cecil E. Chapman, Jr.
PP-ASEL

"We who fly do so for the love of flying.
We are alive in the air with this miracle
that lies in our hands and beneath our feet"

- Cecil Day Lewis-

My personal adventures as a student pilot
and after my PPL: www.bayareapilot.com

[JerryK]

On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 22:55:08 +0000, Marty Ross wrote:

> Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
> (later afternoon).
>
> However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
> with that!
>
> Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?
>

The runway is fine. Condition is good.

[Larry Dighera]

>"Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
...
>> On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 21:37:32 GMT, "Marty Ross" >
>> wrote in Message-Id: >:
>>
>> >The only stop I'm currently thinking of is at Columbia (O22)
>>
>> If you've got the time, you can camp there too.
>>
>> Keep your eyes open for deer wandering onto the runway. It's located
>> adjacent to the forest.
>>
>
On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 22:38:55 GMT, "Marty Ross" >
wrote in Message-Id: >:

>Thanks!

You're welcome.

>Is it (O22) pretty well attended days (e.g., 1-4pm)?

http://www.airnav.com/airport/O22
Attendance: 0800-1700

>Good place for gas?

Chevron 100LL $2.55
80/87 $2.50
Jet A $2.60
Updated 06-Jul-2003

>Is town really just a couple of blocks by foot?

Check it out for yourself:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=10&n=4212394&e=727172&s=25&size=m
http://mapper.acme.com/?lat=38.030414&long=-120.41456&scale=11
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?size=big&mapdata=xU4YXdELrnDqSfB4NsX5LidybGI7bJyBre5fPIEq%2 fugykkkNxPnS9H5FU14771BMAQJ20kih9qdZuyiXBALoOeyE6G t3wjmRu1mw4FLQUNjvvYen7%2bNlywUlKezigYf6ZqKVKS1POv TusPrZfdNBW7eD%2bZdbr6asR9HZMb9tqIM1%2f0jg4vBNWG2O dFbFvHbegOFWTM5c01tEXfVlxTYoKMCbCjlqOXdTH58VEKRA7a 1wmtQWH8PB8VpkNdkgx%2fpFvx37ccmR3zoZg0qQc0BRDhVwkM Q3W1QD

[Larry Dighera]

On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 22:55:08 GMT, "Marty Ross" >
wrote in Message-Id: >:

>Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
>(later afternoon).
>
>However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
>with that!
>
>Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?


Make sure the feed lot is downwind from the restaurant when you plan
to drop in. :-)

[Marty Ross]

Thanks to everyone for their input.

I just practiced it in my flight sim. Indeed, the narrowness played the
usual (textbook) tricks on me (think you're farther/too high, etc.), but
after some practice I was fine.

Still, I'll make sure to practice hitting centerline in my "pre" flight
(I'll be taking a plane I haven't flown for awhile, so I'll take it up for a
few spins a couple of days before the trip), and judge my performance then.
I've been lucky/unlucky to do all of my training on a 150' wide runway here
at Santa Monica (tends to encourage one to get sloppy).

Sounds fun to fly-in to a steak-house, tho!

-- Marty

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
...
> Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
> (later afternoon).
>
> However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm
comfortable
> with that!
>
> Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?
>
> "Steve House" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Harris Ranch has the best steaks I've ever tasted - 100% organic beef,
> local
> > veggies for side dishes, the whole deal. A "must stop" on my many
drives
> on
> > the interstate between LA and San Francisco during the 70's and 80's.
I'm
> > pretty sure they're still there. They have/had an airstrip right next to
> the
> > restaurant.
> >
> >
> > "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes,
> interesting/cheap
> > > refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> > > information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end
of
> > > this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> > > California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
> > >
> > > Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous
flight
> > > (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm
> currently
> > > thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot
to
> > > stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
> > >
> > > Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> > > several days later) will be appreciated!
> > >
> > > -- Marty
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Craig Prouse]

"Marty Ross" wrote:

> Another question I'd like to consider at any airport I might stop at is:
> what are the normal/typical winds/active runways?
>
> I realize I can get some/all of this information from Flight Guide and/or
> other sources, but I also like to hear people's recent experiences...
>
> So far, I'm looking at Harris Ranch (3O8) and Columbia (O22).
>
> My flight sim seemed to get winds 260 at 12 for Columbia (direct crosswind)
> when it downloaded "real-time weather". Not too bad, but it prompted this
> question.

The prevailing wind at Harris Ranch will favor a landing to the north.

Columbia is less predictable. For terrain and noise abatement, preferred
landing runway is 35 and departures are back the way you came from on runway
17. In my few trips up there, the wind is usually light from the west,
favoring if anything the turf runway 29. When winds are light, you can
expect pilots coming and going every which way.

We've camped at Columbia on two occasions. One time, there were WWI
biplanes using the turf runway and CDF fire tankers using the paved runway.
On the most recent trip, I happened to have my handheld monitoring CTAF at
my campsite when I heard "Columbia Traffic, North American XXX low approach,
Columbia." That gave me just enough time to run out to the turf runway and
witness an impromptu P-51 flyby.

[Marty Ross]

Thanks for the details!!

Columbia sounds like a no-miss opportunity, I'll definitely try to include
it.

About that turf runway -- I'm surprised to hear people use it. What
condition is the turf in, and would one just use traditional "soft field"
takeoff and landing? I would not want to use it since I've never actually
done a "soft field" operation, and I'll be in a rented plane (probably
invalidates the insurance), so I'll just pay close attention to the winds
for 17/35.

"Craig Prouse" > wrote in message
...
> "Marty Ross" wrote:
>
> > Another question I'd like to consider at any airport I might stop at is:
> > what are the normal/typical winds/active runways?
> >
> > I realize I can get some/all of this information from Flight Guide
and/or
> > other sources, but I also like to hear people's recent experiences...
> >
> > So far, I'm looking at Harris Ranch (3O8) and Columbia (O22).
> >
> > My flight sim seemed to get winds 260 at 12 for Columbia (direct
crosswind)
> > when it downloaded "real-time weather". Not too bad, but it prompted
this
> > question.
>
> The prevailing wind at Harris Ranch will favor a landing to the north.
>
> Columbia is less predictable. For terrain and noise abatement, preferred
> landing runway is 35 and departures are back the way you came from on
runway
> 17. In my few trips up there, the wind is usually light from the west,
> favoring if anything the turf runway 29. When winds are light, you can
> expect pilots coming and going every which way.
>
> We've camped at Columbia on two occasions. One time, there were WWI
> biplanes using the turf runway and CDF fire tankers using the paved
runway.
> On the most recent trip, I happened to have my handheld monitoring CTAF at
> my campsite when I heard "Columbia Traffic, North American XXX low
approach,
> Columbia." That gave me just enough time to run out to the turf runway
and
> witness an impromptu P-51 flyby.
>

[Craig Prouse]

Marty Ross wrote:

> Columbia sounds like a no-miss opportunity, I'll definitely try to include
> it.
>
> About that turf runway -- I'm surprised to hear people use it. What
> condition is the turf in, and would one just use traditional "soft field"
> takeoff and landing? I would not want to use it since I've never actually
> done a "soft field" operation, and I'll be in a rented plane (probably
> invalidates the insurance), so I'll just pay close attention to the winds
> for 17/35.

This time of year, the Columbia runway 29 in no way approximates "soft." It
might be a little bit rougher than pavement but it is baked hard as a rock.
The "turf" is actually more of a closely-cropped straw.

If you land on runway 29, you can just taxi off at the campground. It's the
expeditious way to arrive and a fun way to announce your arrival to the
other campers.

[III]

While we're daydreaming about your trip...

Half Moon Bay could be a nice stop, also. It has fuel, a short walk to
restaurants and a harbor, and beautiful scenery. The risk is that it's
fogged in, and you have to navigate the airspace around SFO.


"Marty Ross" > wrote in message >...
> I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes, interesting/cheap
> refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end of
> this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
>
> Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous flight
> (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm currently
> thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot to
> stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
>
> Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> several days later) will be appreciated!
>
> -- Marty

[Chuck Price]

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message >...
> Thanks for the details!!
>
> Columbia sounds like a no-miss opportunity, I'll definitely try to include
> it.
>
> About that turf runway -- I'm surprised to hear people use it. What
> condition is the turf in, and would one just use traditional "soft field"
> takeoff and landing? I would not want to use it since I've never actually
> done a "soft field" operation, and I'll be in a rented plane (probably
> invalidates the insurance), so I'll just pay close attention to the winds
> for 17/35.

(I attempted to post previously, apologies if two similar messages
appear)

Skip the turf, land on the paved runway.

You will be flying into a mountainous area, so if you have not had
mountain training, you should at least review such factors as density
altitude and mountain turbulence.

Columbia is only at about 2000', but with the heat we've been having
you'll have to consider your density altitude. Your planes wings will
think they are higher, and your takeoff distance will be affected.
There is plenty of runway at Columbia, so you need not be concerned
about whether you can get out or not - just don't try to yank the poor
plane off the ground before it is ready to fly!

Also you will have a new set if visual distractions if you haven't
flown in this type of terrain - there is a beautiful canyon you'll be
flying your pattern over, and the runway is not quite perfectly flat.
You'll see this on final, and you shouldn't let it distract you. It
isn't enough to affect anything about your landing.

Don't be surprised by chop in the pattern if there is wind blowing.


Regarding Harris Ranch: A centerline is the same on a 150' runway as
it is on a 30' runway. If you can hit the centerline consistently on a
150' runway, you can hit hit it consistently on a 30' runway. All that
extra width is wasted on our little planes anyway.

You can use your ODF (Olfactory Direction Finder) to find Harris
Ranch. Just fly up I-5 at 2000' until you smell it. Look down, and
there you are! :-) Note that the smell is not of steaks on the grill,
but steaks on the hoof! :-(

-chuck

[Mick Ruthven]

If you do land at half Moon Bay, I don't think anyone has told you to taxi
to the far southeast part of the field and park. From there you'll see the
trail for the very short walk to Princeton-By-The-Sea.

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
t...
> Thanks to you both for serving up some alternatives to my central valley
> route.
>
> I'll definitely look into a coastal alternative/return route (e.g., for a
> change of weather or scenery), and it's nice to have recommended stops for
> that.

[Mick Ruthven]

Consider Trinity Center at Trinity Lake. It's 80nm from Chico and right on
the lake. You can find a not-so-high route into the southern end of the lake
and then have the length of the lake to the airport to lose altitude.
Pilot's Guide shows the Yellow Jacket Restaurant (530-266-3866) being open
8am to 3pm Friday through Tuesday.

"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
t...
>
> Any other comments or ideas about where might be nice to fly to from Chico
> for the day (radius <= 100NM)?

[Craig Davidson]

Mick Ruthven wrote in message ...
>If you do land at half Moon Bay, I don't think anyone has told you to taxi
>to the far southeast part of the field and park. From there you'll see the
>trail for the very short walk to Princeton-By-The-Sea.
>


Looks like there is a photo at:

http://www.airnav.com/airport/KHAF

[Josh Emmons]

<snip>
> This time of year, the Columbia runway 29 in no way approximates "soft."
It
> might be a little bit rougher than pavement but it is baked hard as a
rock.
> The "turf" is actually more of a closely-cropped straw.
>
> If you land on runway 29, you can just taxi off at the campground. It's
the
> expeditious way to arrive and a fun way to announce your arrival to the
> other campers.

!RIU 07/031 O22 11/29 CLSD WEF 0307141300

11/29 at Columbia is closed for a major overhaul (new turf, sprinklers, and
more that I don't really know). Summer winds almost always favor 29, but
most planes in the pattern use 17 (sometimes with a tailwind ;-). CDF air
tankers depart 17 and land 35 (keep a sharper eye/ear out for them than for
deer.)

The walk into the historic park is indeed short, and hot, but you can buy
ice cream when you get there. If you don't know what Poison Oak looks like,
don't touch any plants along the trail ;-) Have fun...josh

[Chuck Price]

1. Lake Tahoe: I would not recommend a flight to either South Lake
Tahoe or Truckee in a Warrior II without good mountain experience. The
plane can certainly clear the terrain if you have patience (I've
crossed in both a 172 and a 7ECA Citabria without any problems) but
you really need to know what you are doing around the mountains, and
around high altitude airports in the summer heat and convective
turbulence. The Trinity Center recommendation of another poster sound
more reasonable, though I haven't been there and can't comment on it
specifically.

2. You can call flight service to get info on the MOAs before your
flight.

-chuck


"Marty Ross" > wrote in message >...
> I've also been looking into possible scenic flights to take from Chico (once
> I'm up there, to take my brother for a spin).
>
> Two questions have come to me so far:
>
> (1) Lake Tahoe. Is there a good, relatively low altitude and safe route to
> Lake Tahoe from Chico (e.g., from the central valley on the west) fitting
> for a Piper Warrior II and my lack of recent mountain flying experience?
> Judging only from the WAC, all of the surrounding terrain seems rough and
> that I'd need to climb/fly over 11,000', and I'm not comfortable with that.
>
> (2) All of the MOAs east of Chico (E.g., "China MOA") -- are they often
> active and of concern? For instance, a flight up to and around Susanville
> and/or Westwood (E.g.., past Butte Meadows to "Rogers" O05) could be scenic
> fun.
>
> Any other comments or ideas about where might be nice to fly to from Chico
> for the day (radius <= 100NM)?
>
> "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> ...
> > I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes, interesting/cheap
> > refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> > information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end of
> > this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> > California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
> >
> > Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous flight
> > (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm currently
> > thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot to
> > stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
> >
> > Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> > several days later) will be appreciated!
> >
> > -- Marty
> >
> >
> >

[Marty Ross]

Sounds like important advice, thanks!

"Josh Emmons" > wrote in message
rthlink.net...
> <snip>
> > This time of year, the Columbia runway 29 in no way approximates "soft."
> It
> > might be a little bit rougher than pavement but it is baked hard as a
> rock.
> > The "turf" is actually more of a closely-cropped straw.
> >
> > If you land on runway 29, you can just taxi off at the campground. It's
> the
> > expeditious way to arrive and a fun way to announce your arrival to the
> > other campers.
>
> !RIU 07/031 O22 11/29 CLSD WEF 0307141300
>
> 11/29 at Columbia is closed for a major overhaul (new turf, sprinklers,
and
> more that I don't really know). Summer winds almost always favor 29, but
> most planes in the pattern use 17 (sometimes with a tailwind ;-). CDF air
> tankers depart 17 and land 35 (keep a sharper eye/ear out for them than
for
> deer.)
>
> The walk into the historic park is indeed short, and hot, but you can buy
> ice cream when you get there. If you don't know what Poison Oak looks
like,
> don't touch any plants along the trail ;-) Have fun...josh
>
>

[Marty Ross]

An IFR question about this trip came up.

I started using AeroPlanner.com, and asked it to show me other people's
routes to Chico from the Los Angeles area.
The first plan I looked at uses the same waypoints I was thinking of using,
but it adds the intersection "DURHA" to the end.

Since DURHA is only 9 miles from the airport, and it's on the way, I am
wondering "why" this intersection was added to the flight plan. I checked
all of the approaches, and found that DURHA is used as the holding fix for
the missed segment in all of the approaches for rwy 13L, BUT IT'S NOT AN
IAF!

I thought you should list IAFs in your flight plan, not missed holding
fixes! Any thoughts?


"Marty Ross" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks!
>
> Is it (O22) pretty well attended days (e.g., 1-4pm)?
>
> Good place for gas?
>
> Is town really just a couple of blocks by foot?
>
> "Larry Dighera" > wrote in message
> ...
> > On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 21:37:32 GMT, "Marty Ross" >
> > wrote in Message-Id: >:
> >
> > >The only stop I'm currently thinking of is at Columbia (O22)
> >
> > If you've got the time, you can camp there too.
> >
> > Keep your eyes open for deer wandering onto the runway. It's located
> > adjacent to the forest.
> >
>
>

[Angus Davis]

Marty Ross wrote:

>Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
>(later afternoon).
>
>However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
>with that!
>
I landed at Harris for my long solo x-c during my private training. For
my second stop on the three leg trip, my CFI sent me to Lodi, where the
runway is only 25 feet wide. It was fun, and it really wasn't a problem.
I highly recommend Harris Ranch to anyone headed up (or down) the
central valley. When you land at Lodi you have dirt under each wing.
Pretty exciting stuff actually, especially for a student at the time!
-angus

[Robert M. Gary]

> However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm comfortable
> with that!
>
> Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?


The runway is in great shape. Its very nice asphalt. They now have
self serve gas but have been known to run out on occation. The food is
the best, and you pay for it too. The wife and I usually spend about
$70 between the two of us for dinner.

[Prime]

"Marty Ross" > wrote in
t:

> I've also been looking into possible scenic flights to take from Chico
> (once I'm up there, to take my brother for a spin).
>
> Two questions have come to me so far:
>
> (1) Lake Tahoe. Is there a good, relatively low altitude and safe
> route to Lake Tahoe from Chico (e.g., from the central valley on the
> west) fitting for a Piper Warrior II and my lack of recent mountain
> flying experience? Judging only from the WAC, all of the surrounding
> terrain seems rough and that I'd need to climb/fly over 11,000', and
> I'm not comfortable with that.
>
> (2) All of the MOAs east of Chico (E.g., "China MOA") -- are they
> often active and of concern? For instance, a flight up to and around
> Susanville and/or Westwood (E.g.., past Butte Meadows to "Rogers" O05)
> could be scenic fun.
>
> Any other comments or ideas about where might be nice to fly to from
> Chico for the day (radius <= 100NM)?
>
> "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes,
>> interesting/cheap refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any
>> other pertinent information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip
>> flight at the end of this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area
>> to Chico (northern California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5
>> days.
>>
>> Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous
>> flight (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop
>> I'm currently thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard
>> it's a cute spot to stretch one's legs (in the old mining town
>> nearby).
>>
>> Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
>> several days later) will be appreciated!
>>
>> -- Marty
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>

For a stunning airport from Chico, try Shelter Cove. The runway is on a
peninsula jutting into the ocean. You land and takeoff over water. It is
surrounded by a golf course.

My cousin lives there!

Prime

[cMAD]

"Cecil E. Chapman" > wrote in message >...
> "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Interesting... I checked it out, and it might be good for the return trip
> > (later afternoon).
> >
> > However, check out that 30' wide runway!!! I don't know if I'm
> comfortable
> > with that!
> >
> > Anyone landed at Harris Ranch (3O8) lately? What's the runway like?
>
> Yep... did it in a C-172. When you do it, you'll find your mind has made it
> a much bigger challenge than it really is. You'll do fine!
>
> --
> --
> Good Flights!
>
> Cecil E. Chapman, Jr.
> PP-ASEL

I landed at Harris Ranch twice with a Piper Archer, on 1st and 2nd of
July last year. The second time I landed with a complete electrical
failure, but still everything went ok.

The staff at Harris Ranch were most helpful ... they let me use a
hotel room, the telephone, and their fax machine to take care of
important appointments and to arrange for a mechanic to come out of
Bakersfield.

Things got real interesting when I flew as a passenger in a Cessna 150
to follow the Archer to Bakersfield. Two HEAVY guys, plus a spare
battery, in a C-150 on a hot day make for low performance flying. In
fact, the power lines south of the runway were not a problem only
because the pilot went _underneath_ them, and started the 50ft/min
climb afterwards.

Christoph <- who was VERY quiet on the flight from Harris Ranch to
Bakersfield.

[Marty Ross]

Thanks to everyone for sharing their ideas and experiences with me relating
to my trip to Chico!

I ended up flying along the eastern edge of the central valley, stopping in
Columbia, on the way to Chico. On the way back, I chose to fly to the coast
just south of the bay area from Chico (via Sacramento, Byron, Livermore, San
Jose), then along the coast, all of the way home to Santa Monica. Because I
left Chico late, I chose not to plan a stop (e.g., at Harris Ranch as I had
considered) on the way back. However, I ended up stopping for fuel at Santa
Paula, as the dewpoint spread was only 2 degrees at Santa Monica, and I
wanted to have a large reserve in case I needed to ask for an IFR approach.
Indeed, the clouds started to form as I arrived, but were no problem in the
end.

While in Chico, I did take my brother and his girlfriend for a scenic tour
to Lake Almanor, and then back around Paradise. There are SO many lakes up
there! Minnesota watch out!!

This was my longest trip I've logged so far, and I learned a lot from it.
It left me with a desire for more long adventures!

Happy Landings everybody,

-- Marty

"The Flynns" > wrote in message
news:YdMRa.85549$Ph3.10583@sccrnsc04...
> If you're going to Half Moon Bay, I'd recommend Watsonville (WVI) and a
side
> trip to Santa Cruz. Beautiful spot plus neat boardwalk with amusement
park.
>
> "III" > wrote in message
> om...
> > While we're daydreaming about your trip...
> >
> > Half Moon Bay could be a nice stop, also. It has fuel, a short walk to
> > restaurants and a harbor, and beautiful scenery. The risk is that it's
> > fogged in, and you have to navigate the airspace around SFO.
> >
> >
> > "Marty Ross" > wrote in message
> >...
> > > I'm looking to gain information about preferred routes,
> interesting/cheap
> > > refueling stops or siteseeing opportunities, or any other pertinent
> > > information (weather/notams/etc.) for my round-trip flight at the end
of
> > > this month (July 2003) from the Los Angeles area to Chico (northern
> > > California). I'll be staying in Chico about 4-5 days.
> > >
> > > Looking at the WAC, it looks like it could be a pretty monotonous
flight
> > > (e.g., lost in the gigantic central valley). The only stop I'm
> currently
> > > thinking of is at Columbia (O22) because I've heard it's a cute spot
to
> > > stretch one's legs (in the old mining town nearby).
> > >
> > > Again, any other ideas or suggestions for this flight (and the return
> > > several days later) will be appreciated!
> > >
> > > -- Marty
>
>