Flying over the Great Lakes—or any open body of water—takes extra planning. You'll need to pack survival gear such as life vests, a life raft, signaling devices, flashlight, and handheld VHF radio. This Cirrus is equipped with a parachute, but if you were to ditch in the water, a thorough read of Aeronautical Information Manual Section 6-3-3 is good preparation. But don't let a fear of the water ruin your fun. Flying over a serene sea to a faraway place is part of a pilot's special perspective.
WHAT: Cirrus SRV
Where: Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota
PHOTOGRAPHER: Mike Fizer
AOPA Fly-In
Rocky Mountain high
Join AOPA at the Colorado Springs Fly-In
By Sarah Deener
The view of Colorado’s fertile countryside and open skies from the top of Pikes Peak inspired the “purple mountain majesties” of America the Beautiful. Looking up from nearby Colorado Springs Municipal Airport today, the 14,114-foot summit stands as an invitation to explore.
A short drive from Colorado Springs, this snowcapped fourteener may be summited by cog railway, automobile, or hiking trail. Pilots, however, may survey the peak of “America’s mountain” from the air while honing their flying skills in a challenging mountain environment. However attendees at AOPA’s Colorado Springs Fly-In decide to explore area attractions, the airport serves as
a gateway to outdoor activities, entertainment, educational experiences, and fun. The fly-in will be held September 26. RSVP online (www.aopa.org/fly-ins).
Pilots may choose to extend their stay with an experience in mountain flying that offers breathtaking views of some of the area’s attractions along with valuable lessons in density altitude, weather, and flight planning. Peak Aviation Center owner and President Pat Carlile said his flight school can tailor its instruction to offer either a full course or a shorter orientation to the mountain flying experience.
Even at the base of the mountains, flying in the Pikes Peak region requires special density altitude awareness. The slow climb from Colorado Springs’ field elevation of 6,187 feet may necessitate circling to gain altitude before reaching the first mountain pass, but that’s no great inconvenience when it’s over the distinctive red rock formations of Garden of the Gods.
Attendees at the Colorado Springs Fly-In can come early for the Barnstormers Party Friday evening, a special event sponsored by Jeppesen featuring a Recreational Aviation Foundation potato bake and barbecue and bonfire. Then check out new products and technologies, refresh your knowledge at informative seminars, dine on food from local gourmet food trucks, and hang out with fellow pilots.
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