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#1
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I learned about flying from this
Many years ago me and a group of friends from college took a canoe trip from the dam at Lake Whitney, Texas for several miles downstream back to where we rented the canoes from. On this pleasant trip I noted that the valley the Brazos River sits in is quite wide, certainly wide enough for a Cessna to drop down into and fly just above the river. I was sharing this verbally with my friends, including my college roommate, who noted the huge group of power lines stretching across the river just south of the dam (you can see them on the sectional that includes Waco, L. Whitney is NW of Waco). http://skyvector.com/ (type in ACT) Several weeks later I took my roommate flying and we rented a 172 from ACT at Texas Aero. I planned on going to the tiny airstrip at Lake Whitney State Park and hanging out at the Lake for a while so we headed NW from Waco Regional (ACT). A little ways from Waco I remembered the Brazos River Valley and how much fun it may be to drop into it and fly along the river below treetop level. I cancelled radar coverage and dipped below the trees and began, nervously (I'd never been below trees except for T/O & landing before), to meander about 20-30 feet above the river. It was fun and scenic and the valley was very wide so I had little concern until, after a few minutes, my roommate remembered the power lines! He rather timidly said something like; "Hey, Ricky, weren't there some power lines stretched across the river somewhere?" My heart went into my throat and I yanked back on the yoke, quickly pulling out of the river valley. Seconds later, a huge group of power lines passed underneath our quickly - climbing Cessna 172! We both remained speechless until landing at L. Whitney State Park a few minutes later. He said he never even saw the power lines and had no idea we were in danger. I told him that we very nearly lost our lives if it weren't for his remembering them! Power lines are inherently difficult to see because they are thin and often blend into the landscape (I learned that from flying balloons, they're a balloon's worst enemy in approaching a landing field or flying low). So I learned on that day long ago that I should think & plan long and hard before doing something as risky as flying a river valley. I should at least be very familiar with all nearby obstructions. I learned that I should be extra vigilant insofar as looking outside and ahead while doing something like this. The river and valley were pretty, so much of my time was spent looking out the side windows, not ahead. The other thing I learned is that perhaps taking risks such as this would not be in my best interest and that putting my life and another's at peril is a thing to be avoided. You may not want to share your story for various understandable reasons, but if you have learned about flying from an occurance such as is found in the back of Flying Magazine, please share! We may all benefit from your insight.......and it may even save a life. Ricky |
#2
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I learned about flying from this
You may not want to share your story for various understandable reasons, but if you have learned about flying from an occurance such as is found in the back of Flying Magazine, please share! We may all benefit from your insight.......and it may even save a life. I'll have to check to see when the statute of limitations runs out! Bertie |
#3
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I learned about flying from this
On Jan 25, 1:59*pm, Bertie the Bunyip wrote:
You may not want to share your story for various understandable reasons, but if you have learned about flying from an occurance such as is found in the back of Flying Magazine, please share! We may all benefit from your insight.......and it may even save a life. I'll have to check to see when the statute of limitations runs out! Bertie Yeah, I've learned to not share my last name online until I know I can trust someone. Any company I want to work for could just Google my name and see stuff like this! Ricky |
#4
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I learned about flying from this
Ricky wrote:
Much snippage... Power lines are inherently difficult to see because they are thin and often blend into the landscape (I learned that from flying balloons, they're a balloon's worst enemy in approaching a landing field or flying low). More snippage... Also be aware that at least in the Pacific Northwest, even small rivers often have cables stretched from bank to bank for Forest Service level measurement. |
#5
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I learned about flying from this
Several weeks later I took my roommate flying and we rented a 172 from
ACT at Texas Aero. How long ago was that? |
#6
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I learned about flying from this
On Jan 25, 6:29*pm, wrote:
Several weeks later I took my roommate flying and we rented a 172 from ACT at Texas Aero. How long ago was that? Gee, at least 12 years ago, possibly 13 or 14, back when Texas Aero rented Cessnas. Actually, they may now but for the last several years I think they got away from renting, everyone around here goes to McGregor to rent. Texas Aero's planes were often for sale so it was not unusual to reserve a plane and find it sold right before you needed it to go somewhere important. Ricky |
#7
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I learned about flying from this
You may not want to share your story for various understandable
reasons, but if you have learned about flying from an occurance such as is found in the back of Flying Magazine, please share! We may all benefit from your insight.......and it may even save a life. Spooky story -- thanks for sharing it. Flying low over water is fun and often quite scenic -- but rivers are a bad idea. The only place I've done it is around the Apostle Islands, up in the Great Lakes, where you don't have to worry about power lines. (Although large water fowl are always a risk...) If you want to see some crazy/cool river flying, check this out: http://www.alexisparkinn.com/photoga...-RV4-Flyer.wmv -- Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Pathfinder N56993 www.AlexisParkInn.com "Your Aviation Destination" |
#8
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I learned about flying from this
Jay,
Nice video. Thanks. But I was scared just watching from the safety of my desk! The music was great. |
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