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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 |
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