Jackson, Wyo in Spring

Flew the boys up to Wyoming for Memorial Day. High spring run-off made for unusually green scenery.  On departure, we got routed out right over the top of the Grand Teton. Spectacular Mirage views.

Sparky Imeson Slips the Surly Bonds – a Big Loss for the Aviation World

We were saddened to hear of the loss of Sparky Imeson, a well known guru of mountain flying.  The news story can be found here.
Sparky was the author of 19 books on piloting and aviation, but the most notable was the Mountain Flying Bible, in which he detailed in simple terms and easy to remember [...]

VLJ Event Canceled

Just heard the upcoming NBAA VLJ event in San Diego was canceled. This represents yet another setback (or I guess is a reflections of the setbacks) for the VLJ industry.   I’ve been rooting for all of the VLJ manufacturers from the start, mostly because the arrival of an entirely new aviation platform would spur significant [...]

Airplane Make/Model User groups

When you decide to purchase any make and model aircraft, it’s best to first consult the experts.  In Cessnas you have the amazing Cessna Pilot’s Association (CPA), in Bonanzas the American Bonanza Society (who’s home base in Wichita, KS I just drove by!!!) , and in Cirrus you have COPA.  All are groups that strive [...]

Sunset at John Wayne

Flew the Malibu down to John Wayne (KSNA) this week for a few days of fun on the beach with the family.
Flight from Norcal was a breeze, and I caught this shot at sunset.

The Kids Love the Malibu Mirage

Kids Miarage

Originally uploaded by jcal7flickr

One of the best things I love about my Mirage is the cabin! My kids love it. I’ve owned 3 planes: an Skylane, Bonanza, and now a Mirage. The Mirage is so far the best for kids, though the Skylane was a close second. The high wing of the Cessna meant [...]

Teton Departure

Tetons

Originally uploaded by jcal7flickr

Departed KJAC on RW01 at about 10am. Couldn’t resist snapping this view of the Tetons on a severely clear day. We had a string of great flying weather then some August fires started up past few days in ID and MT, causing some haze and smoke in the region.

Flathead Lake off the nose

Flathead Lake off the nose

Originally uploaded by jcal7flickr

Approaching the Bigfork and Glacier Park regain in the Mirage. Headed up to GPI from JAC to pick up my brother and sister in law. Beautiful day. IFR up there is straight shot, this day at FL180. Folks at Glacier Park Jet Center are terrific.

Left Turn over Santa Cruz

Monterey off the right.
Headed out of PAO this afternoon because the weather was just too good to pass up. Piston engines are like Labrador retrievers . .they’re better when you run them. So I regularly take the bird up and run it hot-ish for a couple of hours. This theoretically heats up the oil and [...]

Pacific Ocean off right wing

IMG_3837

Originally uploaded by jcal7flickr

Heading southbound today during an engine run.