Plane Crazy at Mojave and density altitude.

Once a month at Mojave "Spaceport" (KMHV) they have a day of static displays and events. Generaly the third Saturday, unless something comes upor the weather turns sour.
It is well worth attending, as there is always something interesting to see, people to meet and I have to say the resturant has improved greatly!
On the 30th there will be an airport day at Trona (L72) which I find interesting, as tghe last time I was at Trona, the place was dead as a dornail. Apperantly someone has put lif back into the place.

Summer is coming, and the issue of density altitude is once again a real thing. Some rules of thumb: deduct 5% of your horsepower for each 2000' either pressure or density altitude. For example, here at Tehachapi (KTSP) on a hot day, the density altitude can reach 7000'! This means that your non turbocharged engine is already down by 17 1/2 %, for a little Cessna 150, that means you have only 82 1/2 horsepower for take off, and that is if you lean it properly before you go.

Yes, at these conditions, it is a good idea to take the runway, go full power and then lean until you get either a RPM rise, or your EGT is close (maybe a tad higher) to where it normally is for a sea level take off with full rich.

And don't forget, the true airspeed will be higher, even though you are using the same indicated airspeeds. Airplanes are not to bright. All they know is true airspeed and density altitude. and you need to know them too, and you need to know how to deal with them, especially as t hings get hot.

A new quest!

What you see in the picture is poor ole "Winston", even before I touched up the paint a bit. A wee bit rough around the edges, but it has a good solid engine, and despite it's nearly 13,000 hours of flight experience, flies great!

A wise gentleman once said; "Some people make things happen, others watch things happen, and some wonder what happened". The past few years I feel that I have been in either the second or third category. Its time for a change. But I cannot do it alone. So I am crying out for help. The plan is ambitious to be sure. Perhaps even a bit "out there". No guts, no glory they say.... so.....
Lets fix up this critter and set a weird kind of record. A circumnavigation of the globe, but not laterally, but longitudinally. Yes.. a POLAR circumnavigation. That would defiantly qualify as an "Ultimate Off Road Adventure! One for the books!
I need sponsors, parts, avionics, flight handeling, diplomatic and airspace clearances and a support network, which means, money, and lots of it.
Anyone interested in helping, contact me. Lets set a record.

Back to work!

Spring has prung, well sort of, and between the cold snaps, rain and occasional snow, it has ben a time of work, gatting readyu for the summer flying and trying to keep the wolves from the door.

Two engine overhauls in the mill. and the usual annual inspections and customer stuff. After the long dry winter, it feels good to be busy.

Also need to work on "Winston" our faithful little Skyhawk. It does have to earn it's keep too, and suffers through no small number of student landings, poor engine management and training maneuvers. Also the IFR GPS died, and really needs replacing (any donations to a worthy cause gratefully accepted). As time and money permits I hope to upgrade a few things this summer.

Look for our next adventures. we are planning some flights from the highest to the lowest points in the USA, and trips to the coastal airports as well.

Folded wings

This has been a sad week, annother fellow aviatior and friend, his wings are forever folded. Scott Richmond, a pilot here at Tehachapi passed away Saturday the 13th. Truly tragic, as he was only 58, athletic and so very much full of life.

Pray for his family. All of us here who know him will deeply mis his friendship, zest for living and the happiness he always shared.

Weekly Report

Cold and snowy in tehachapi! Not much flying as Skyhawks are not set up for known icing.
Anyone flying into Tehachapi needs to be aware of the weather, as this place has it's own "micro climate" that is not always related to whats happening in either Bakersfield or Mojave. Some rules are:
1. Call the local AWOS number and get the current conditions. The phone number is (661) 823-0473. If flying in, dial up 120.025
2. Never assume runway 29 is in use.
3. Use your radio! CTAF is simple, 123.00 on your radio dial, and it could save a lot af grief, and maybe even a mid-air or two. (we have had some really close calls lately)
4. After you tie down look me up and say Hi!

Call me up for some mountain flying tips or my course sometime. It's a lot of fun, and you will get to see some really great country.

The MOUNTAIN HAWK is flying again

A leap of faith, and we are bringing Mountain Hawk Aviation out of hibernation.

The business model is a wee bit different though, a bit "downsized" from what it was in the past. More of what I was doing as "G. Davis Aviation" the website for which is still active, but will be changed over sometime next month. The transition is happening slow, but steady.

Other changes, I am going "wireless" effective January 01, 2010. The old "land-line" number, (661) 822-7634 will be inop. The cell number, (661) 805-0435 will be the primary number for the business. It seems I hardle got any calls on the land-line, and except for an occasional FAX need, hardly used it that much. All other contact information is the same.

Our "Mission Statement" is: "Buliding relationships through personalized aviation services" That is our goal, after all, it is not about airplanes as much as it is about the people who fly them.

God bless you all, have a safe and healthy New Year!

Holiday thoughts.