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John Long - Aug 23,2006
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Hello Everyone,<br /><br />I had a wonderful trip yesterday and wanted to share the joy with someone. Hope you like the narrative.<br /><br />We had perfect flying weather yesterday morning and I hooked up with a buddy, Dick Marshall, and we flew out of Sebring (SEF) at about 11:15 AM headed for Leesburg, Florida (LEE). The morning was sunny, calm and there was a tail wind. You can't ask for more than that!<br /><br />We were flying the FPNA A-20, with an 80 horse power Rotax. The clean lines make for a smooth flight and we were anxious to be up and flying.<br /><br />You can see the plane at; <a href="http://www.fpna.com/a20.htm">http://www.fpna.com/a20.htm</a><br /><br />When I filed my flight plan with the St. Petersburg, FSS, I told the briefer that I was not terribly experienced with the proceess, apologized if I delayed him uneccessarily and asked his indulgence while we worked thru it. He was so kind and actually told me that it was a pleasure to speak with someone who was not in a hurry, grumpy, or arrogant. They had all the time in the world for me, while I was briefed.<br /><br />The weather looked like it would hold all day and I filed my flight plan, when we finished preflight and fueling. Five minutes later we were lifting off and turning North towards US Highway 27. There were broken clouds at about 4500 feet and we decided to fly above them for the first half of the flight, but, I discovered my calculations were off to the extent that continuing to climb clear of the cloud cover was not worth the fuel burn, so we settled in at 2000 feet and cruised over Avon Park Airport, toward Lake Wales.<br /><br />Along the way we decided a slow flight, low near Winter Haven would allow us to see Cypress Gardens from the air and take in all the beautiful improvements that have been made. The midway was busy and we could see a number of couples strolling hand in hand thru the Botanical Gardens. What a wonderful theme park.<br /><br />The Plane was comfortable and quiet as we cruised along the central Florida Ridge and I got a chance to share with Dick the unique topography of Florida that has the state's water supply protected below the surface thru the central part of the peninsula. The highest point in Florida is near Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales and it is less than 160 feet.<br /><br />Around Bok Tower we slowed down a lot to sight see over the many mansions owned by the old Citrus millionaires. Mansion row is one sight worth the time and fuel.<br /><br />We had no turbulance as we ate up the ground between Winter Haven and Lake Harris, in south Leesburg. The entire leg was only about 90 miles and we covered it, including several side trips in just an hour and a quarter. Cutting across Lake Harris, we sequenced into the traffic pattern for runway 13 and noticed the flag blowing straight down the runway.<br /><br />The interesting thing about that flag was the strong crosswind right at the end of the runway that threatened to push us far enough off center to occasion a go-around. I used some stick and rudder to keep on course and let the airplane float to midfield before touching down and taxiing into SUNAIR Aviation, the Leesburg FBO. What a lovely new facility they have at Leesburg! The new control tower goes on line in October, supposedly. I understand that there have been significant delays in getting open.<br /><br />The line man was out immeidately with a pair of chocks and walking directions to Cracker Barrel, which is located just off airport.<br /><br />Unfortunately, just off the airport was a 1.5 mile walk in hot, sticky temps, but no matters, we were happy to be out flying and pleased with the day. Over luch Dick and I checked in, got a weather briefing for the return home and had a wonderful experience.<br /><br />The manager of the Cracker Barrel, volunteered to drive us back to the plane! How cool is that? We promised him a ride in our plane but it couldn't happen right then, so I promised to come back on his schedule and pay my debt of honor! The manager, Mickey, is a prince and I urge you all to give him your business if you fly over the area.<br /><br />Besides it is a great place to eat.<br /><br />All too soon we saddled up and took off to the south, again over the lake. On take off, I was able to show off a little and let Dick experience the 1800 feet per minute climb rate. in no time we were well above and beyond the field and out of the way of any traffic.<br /><br />A little sight seeing around Leesburg and we turned south towards home. Dick and I flew slow over my home so my bride could snap a few pictures and we slowly flew on to Sebring.<br /><br />There were a lot of small fires around. It seems it was the day for developers and farmers to burn things. The smoke trails were an ongoing source of knowledge of the wind direction for us.<br /><br />Way too soon we were lined up for landing and taxi back to the hanger. I was a little blue at having a great day end, but looking forward to another great day soon.<br /><br />Hope you all are well and safe.<br /><br />John Long<br />_________________<br />God Bless...<br />Godspeed...<br />and see you on the other side...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fpna.com/">www.FPNA.com</a>
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