Previous Cross Country Flights

Thanks to all of you who have already visited my new blog. I figured that this would be a good place for me to muse about my ideas of flying; my ambitions you might say. Although music is my first love, flying is quickly on it's way through the ranks. It's kind of my way of doing an extreme sport. I don't bungee jump of high bridges, dive off of cliffs, or drive off-road vehicles through rocky terrain (although I'd love to give that one a shot). This is my "thing." I hope you'll find something to entertain you here.

Just for fun, I'm putting up some pictures from previous flights. These pictures were taken on a solo cross country flight to the Phoenix Goodyear Airport, Durango & Albuquerque. All of these photos were taken by me. Don't worry, I wasn't flying the plane at the time. I was letting George handle that. All of these flights were made in a Diamond DA40 CS Diamond Star. This is a single engine aircraft made of composite materials with a controllable pitch propeller and the coveted Garmin G1000 Integrated Avionics (see photo). If you think that kind of stuff is interesting, check out these websites: Diamond DA40 CS Diamond Star; Garmin G1000 Integrated Avionics

The best part about the particular aircraft that I piloted was that the autopilot was integrated into the Garmin system. It makes flying the GPS flight plan absolutely seamless. It also provides a flight director on the PFD (primary flight display) as well as a magenta colored projected flight path on the MFD (multi-function display). This makes getting lost nearly impossible. One other feature that I really like about the G1000 is that you can zoom in and out on your position up to 20 miles high, and as close as 500 feet. This shows your position on the GPS map on the MFD and will also display the aircraft's range depending on how much fuel you have on board and what your current rate of consumption is. This can't be trusted as entirely accurate however, because your fuel usage changes in climbs and descents.

Most of these photos were taken near the Grand Canyon. Except for the obvious one of downtown Phoenix. Enjoy!

What to do next...

As the school year is coming to an end, I'm able to concentrate more on my flying. I'll be completing my required long cross country flight to obtain my Commercial certificate before the end of June. My instructor and I have been toying with the idea of a trip to Seattle. We both have family up there and it would meet the required distance of 250 nautical mile straight distance from my base airport (Provo) and at least 300 nautical miles total.

The flight will be made in a Diamond DA42 Twin Star. It's a great little plane. Two Thielert TAE135 Turbo Diesel engines with a common rail injection system. I have included a photo so that you can all share the excitement (...be excited...NOW). For more photos of the Twin Star, go here: DA42 Twin Star

I will also be completing my multi-engine rating to add on to my private pilot certificate. When I take my practical exam for my Commercial certificate, it will be in the Twin Star, so I'll retain my multi-engine status along with my Instrument rating.

I'll be sure to post some pictures of my flights here on this blog. PLEASE comment! As much as it may be difficult for you to believe, I want to hear from you all. There's definitely more to come, so check back at least once a week.