Captain Tedward's Flying Adventures

Cloud pictures and video

2010-01-25T15:02:00.003-05:00

I did some flying over the weekend and here are a few photos and a video of what it looks like when flying near clouds in a small plane. For more information on our flight, please visit www.hounddogone.blogspot.com.

Captain Tedward

First 2010 Adventure

2010-01-14T20:59:00.002-05:00

My buddy, Barry, and I flew down to Jacksonville for lunch. We had a taste for Chipotle and that is the closest city. :-)

Barry flew the leg down and I flew back. Check out the flight below. I used Everytrail...an application on my iPhone that can track our flight and also allows me to shoot photos. The program geo-tags the location the photos were taken and you can see our course plot on the map.

Enjoy and I hope everyone is having a great New Year!

Captain Tedward

HXD-VQQ-CRG

Map your trip with EveryTrail

2nd Annual Trip to South Florida

2009-11-29T19:40:00.005-05:00

John Kilbourne and I headed back down to South Florida for the second straight year to see a Miami Dolphins' game. He is a huge Tampa Bay Bucs fan so seeing our two favorite teams in action seemed like a no brainer. :-)

Our adventure began on Saturday, 11/14 as we flew from Hilton Head, SC down to Fort Lauderdale, FL via Titusville, FL for breakfast and gas. The weather was perfect and we had one heck of a tail wind, averaging 145 knots across the ground. We landed at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in the early afternoon. That's when the fun began!!! I won't bore you will all the details but great weather, great company, and a Miami win made it very enjoyable for me! LOL

On Monday afternoon, 11/16, we departed for home but had to stop in Kissimmee, FL on the return due to a space shuttle launch. We managed to get airborne in time to get a few shots of the shuttle as it lifted off into space.

The following are three out of the four tracks we flew during this trip. The one for Fort Lauderdale to Kissimmee didn't work properly on my iPhone.

Enjoy the tracks and photos of the shuttle!

Captain Tedward

KHXD-KTIX

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KTIX-KFXE

Map your trip with EveryTrail

KISM-KHXD

Map your trip with EveryTrail

Fun Summer Adventure

2009-06-28T14:51:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, Kim and I went on a little Summer vacation. We flew to Marianna, FL to visit the Florida Caverns State Park first and spent the afternoon exploring the underground caves. Great way to beat the Summer heat! :-)

The following day, we flew to New Orleans. That was on Kim's top 5 list of places to visit so off we flew. It was amazing flying along the Gulf Coast and still seeing damage caused by Hurricane Katrina. The other neat thing (for me at least) was flying over Lake Pontchartrain.

Once we landed at Lakefront Airport, we took a cab to our hotel near the French Quarter and started exploring. One of my main goals of the visit was to try to join the 15 Dozen Club at the Acme Oyster House. Well, I didn't complete the challenge but did end up eating 114 oysters in about 48 minutes; the first 8 dozen were downed in 25 minutes!

Some other things we did besides sightseeing were the aquarium and IMAX movie (Hurricane on the Bayou), a walking ghost tour, and a cemetary tour. Of course, we had to eat some beignets while we were there!

The trip home was uneventful until we got in the Hilton Head Island area where a thunderstorm was parked near the airport. We just got in before the skies opened up! What a great adventure overall!

Captain Tedward

Stormy Weather

2009-06-06T10:56:00.006-04:00

My recent adventure involved flying in and around some stormy weather. Barry and I decided to fly down to Jacksonville last Friday and visit Cecil Field since we have never been to that airport and wanted to check it out. When we approached the area, storms had developed and was basically blocking our approach path into the airport. Since the air traffic controller told us that the cell was an intense one based on the radar return, we opted to divert over to Craig; a few miles to the east (and in the clear for the time being!).

Once we landed, we parked at Sky Harbor and grabbed a crew car. Before we left for lunch, we took a quick glance at the local radar and very quickly changed our minds. It was best that we head home soon! Barry filed the flight plan, we got a little fuel, pre-flighted, and taxied out. Well, the leading edge of the storm beat us to the runway and we had to taxi back to the ramp. We waiting a few minutes for some clearing, looked at the radar again from our phones, and took off. The flight back was not too bad as we flew around the strongest of the cells. You will find some pictures and video I took from the flights. The video is from the trip back to Hilton Head and was taken about 40 miles SW of the airport.

Captain Tedward

YOU WILL NEED ADOBE FLASH PLAYER TO VIEW THE VIDEOS

This will ruin a pilot's day

2009-06-03T08:26:00.003-04:00

Not too much to report in the adventure category lately as I have been flying quite a few missions in "Hound Dog One" for the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue. Don't get me wrong; they are adventures but I choose not to mix my flying for enjoyment with my flying for charity, hence you will not see those missions posted here. If you'd like to see those missions, please check out the Hound Dog One blog.

Ok, so I had to post this. Found this on YouTube this morning. St. Barts is known for its difficult approach path for airplanes coming over a hill and having to drop down in order to land on a short runway. This is an example of what happens when you don't plan the approach correctly and land too long.

Captain Tedward

Mountain Flying

2009-05-13T09:50:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Did some mountain flying yesterday. Definitely an adventure! Great weather and beautiful scenery.

The day started off around 9am with me at the controls flying from Hilton Head to Asheville, NC. After a bite of lunch at the J & S Cafeteria (great food!), my friend Christina took the controls and gave me an aerial tour of some of the prettiest sights in the Southeast. That tour lasted about two and a half hours and then we returned to Asheville for some fuel. I think piloted the plane back to Hilton Head.

Oh, and for those of you going to the Beaufort MCAS Air Show this weekend, stop on by and say hello. Kim and I (as well as the plane) will be there as a static display representing the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue. Hope to see you there and enjoy the photo slide show below.

Captain Tedward

Race to Ridgeland

2009-05-04T10:20:00.001-04:00

Hound Dog One and I participated in this air race and placed 7th. It's not a race against others but a race against the manufacturer's rated highest attainable speed at sea level in the plane you are flying. The one who finishes the race closest to this "index" is declared the winner.

Kim was also there (Luke and Mason too) with a display booth for Hound Dog One/CBHR and we got the word out to a few people that stopped by. Ann from Bluffton also helped out and brought her two Bassets. This was a good practice run since we have a huge event coming up in two weeks....the Beaufort MCAS Air Show featuring The Blue Angels.

Ted
Hound Dog One Pilot

Lunch in St. Augustine/Coffee in Gainesville

2009-03-26T18:01:00.003-04:00

Last Tuesday, 2 of my friends, Paul and Christina, flew down to St. Augustine with me. Our plan was to visit Zaharias Restaurant‎ for lunch. Paul's wife's family owns that restaurant and I have heard great things about the food. Well, we loaded up and departed Hilton Head around 9:00am. The flight down was about an hour and 21 minutes.

Once we landed, Paul got a rental car and we started into town. We decided to stop by the famed St. Augustine Lighthouse for a quick tour. My legs are still sore from climbing those stairs.

Once done there, we drove done to the restaurant. Paul ordered some Fried Calamari and the famous flaming cheese! So delicious. I ended up having the queen cut of prime rib...blackened since Paul highly recommended it. We left that place stuffed to the gills.

I highly recommend the place. Their address/number is 3945 A1A S, St Augustine, FL 32080, (904) 471-4799. If you are in the area, drop in and try it!

After lunch, we ventured back to the airport and I let Christina fly us VFR (visual flight rules) over to Gainesville. We grabbed a crew van from University Air Center and drove into town past the University of Florida campus and wound up at a Starbucks west of town. We were not there long since we had a 1.5 hour limit on the courtesy vehicle.

Once back at the airport, we headed back to Hilton Head. Another great adventure with good friends.

Thanks for flying by.

Captain Tedward

The Outer Banks are Beautiful!

2009-03-25T21:10:00.002-04:00

On Monday, Ted, Christina, and I flew up to North Carolina for a little Outer Banks flying. I flew the first leg from Hilton Head, SC to New Bern, NC. Once we arrived in New Bern, we borrowed the crew car and went to Captain Ratty's Seafood Restaurant for lunch. Nothing like fresh seafood!

After lunch, Christina flew us up over the Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island and Hatteras. We stopped at both locations to look around (beaches are gorgeous!) and then she flew us back to New Bern.

We borroed the crew car once again to head back into town for a light snack for the trip home. I flew the leg back and the sunset was amazing!

Enjoy the slideshow!!!

Captain Tedward

Kim finally gets to Myrtle Beach

2009-03-25T21:00:00.002-04:00

Last Sunday, Kim and I flew up to Myrtle Beach for the day. She has heard me talk about how neat the Hard Rock Cafe is and she got the chance...finally! :-)

Since we flew to FL on Saturday, the hounds were still boarded at Camp Green Dog. We loaded up Sunday morning to spend a few hours up there. Well, what can i say that most people don't already know.....tourist trap hell!!!

It wasn't very crowded and the temperature was cool so not too many people out along the beach. What amazed us both was the amount of souvenir shops along Business Highway 17! And pancake and omelet places??? At least 6 per mile. I think we'll pack up and move there....NOT!

Needless to say, no picture taking that day since there really wasn't anything of note. Well, maybe the Starbucks we stopped at for coffee. ;-)

Was just a great day hanging out with my sweetie!

Thanks for flying by.

Captain Tedward

BBQ at a private airport in Florida

2009-03-25T20:48:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday, Barry, Kim, and I flew down to Greystone Airport near Ocala, Florida. The fly-in community there, Jumbolair, was hosting a BBQ. The airport is home to John Travolta and his 2 aircraft, a Gulfstream and a 707. I didn't see his aircraft that day so he must have been out of town.

We were the 3rd aircraft to land and shortly thereafter, the planes started to arrive in droves. When it was all said and done, there were about 50 planes parked along the runway. The BBQ was good and watching all the planes depart was very exciting.

After the BBQ was over, we departed for Dunnellon Airport to pick up some gas, then we hopped over to Cedar Key for a light dinner. What's neat about Cedar Key is that the local cab company monitors the radio frequency and comes out to pick you up! $5 per person will get you into town. When you are ready for the ride back to the airport, you just give them a call.

As you can see by the slideshow, the weather was great and the trip home was beautiful too.

Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

Practice Run - Race to Ridgeland

2009-03-17T10:07:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I have entered this year's Race To Ridgeland event on May 2. The race spans 127.7 nautical miles and is open to all single engine, piston driven aircraft and is broken down into speed indexes. The link to the map of the race is shown below (map shows 2008 race route which is the same this year).

Map of the Race to Ridgeland

I have selected Christina Dacey as my navigator and VFR traffic observer. Last week, we did a normal speed, practice run to get ourselves familiar with the course. During the race, the flyover at Ridgeland (at the starting/finish line) can be below 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL), but the other turnpoints must be flown at 1,000 AGL. As you can imagine, the course is run at full power and if it happens to be hot that day, the thermals will cause turnblence and it could be quite a rough ride! I ceratinly am hoping for good weather! :-)

Come out and support me for this race and enjoy the festivities after. I'll be part of the flight line static display after the race. Ridgeland is right off of I-95 and exit 20 in South Carolina. Email me if you need directions.

Hope to see you there!

Captain Tedward

Back in the air!

2009-02-18T09:13:00.009-05:00

I finally got back into the air after several weeks. The plane was in for its required annual inspection. I picked it up on Monday and flew it back to Hilton Head, SC.

Yesterday, I flew a friend of mine and her boyfriend to Charleston for a day trip. It was her boyfriend's birthday to make the occasion even more special. The highlight of our day was a visit to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown. I have posted some of the pictures from the visit below.

Enjoy the photos!

Captain Tedward

Boeing's 747 Dreamlifter
Christina and Jason in front of the USS Yorktown

The Ravenel Bridge

I think they forgot to let this guy out of the jail cell.

Downtown Charleston, SC

Annual Inspection

2009-02-08T19:39:00.001-05:00

Not much new to report in my world of flying. The airplane has been in Sylvania, GA since late January undergoing a mandatory annual inspection. In addition, she is getting several new parts. :-)

I hope to be back up in the air soon with some new adventures and pictures to share with y'all.

Captain Tedward

Hound Dog One

2009-01-13T09:16:00.004-05:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of flying my first animal rescue mission. Words can not describe what it felt like that day. It was a first for CBHR (Carolina Basset Hound Rescue), as well. The following is how the story unfolded from inception to the end. I apologize now if it is a bit winded but I assure you that you'll leave this blog with a smile.

Not too long ago, a 35 pound, female Basset Hound was homeless in Hertford County, North Carolina. Her name was Trudy. She wondered the area in search for food and shelter. What she received was much worse. Trudy was struck by a car one day but she managed to pull herself to a neighboring yard to look for help. Luckily, the owner of that house scooped Trudy up and took her to the shelter in town. The vet that saw her diagnosed her with a pelvic fracture and a torn ACL in her right leg. The prognosis was not good for little Trudy. There was no money for the expensive surgery and she was put on the list to be euthanized. In Hertford County, the "kill" shelters use gas and from what I understand of it, it is very cruel. They load dogs into large trailers, stacked on top of each other, place a tube into the trailer, and then turn on the gas....killing the dogs on top first....eventually killing the rest. I try not to even think of this because it disturbs me too much.

Stephanie Holt, a rescue worker for Paws of Hertford County saw Trudy and called CBHR's Foster Home Coordinator, Brandi Smith. (I have to stop for a second and thank Stephanie for everything she did. Without her help, Trudy would not be with us today.) Brandi got the word out to fellow CBHR volunteers and tried to coordinate getting Trudy down to Charleston, South Carolina. As Hertford County, NC is close to the Virginia border, it was becoming more difficult to find the drivers necessary to get Trudy down to SC. This is when I stepped in.

My wife, Kim, called me one night and asked if I could fly up and transport Trudy to Charleston. I didn't even hesitate. I started flight planning, looking at available airports in the area to use. I asked Stephanie if she was willing to drive 2 hours south to Kinston, NC to deliver Trudy (who by now was being renamed Twinkle Toes by CBHR). My flight from Hilton Head, SC to Kinston, NC was about 2 hours, 20 minutes and worked out perfectly with fuel planning.

On January 9, 2009, I took off on the journey to Kinston and my first (as well as CBHR's) aerial transport of a rescued animal. My father was visiting from NC and he accompanied me on this historic flight. Once we landed, I was amazed to see Twinkle Toes walking around...knowing of her injuries. Her tail was wagging and she seemed happy to see us, though we know she was hurting. After a short break, we loaded TT into the plane, said our goodbyes to Stephanie, and took off for Charleston, SC.

The flight to Charleston was about 1 hour and 50 minutes. TT slept the entire way! She definitely earned her wings. :) When we pulled onto the ramp at Odyssey Aviation at Charleston International Airport, we were greeted by a host of CBHR volunteers as well as media. Those in attendance from CBHR were Sue Baughman, President of CBHR, D. Thompson, VP, Pauline Grimball, and Sue Ramsey. The latter two ladies are the ones who will be taking care of TT while she undergoes the surgery to fix her injuries.

Once TT was whisked away via personal vehicle to her new temporary home, my father and I loaded up and headed back to Hilton Head, our mission accomplished.

Below are the various links to a newspaper story, as well as pictures and a video. The pictures I took of that day are also posted below. I am very grateful to be a part of such a great network of people!

Captain Tedward

http://www.charleston.net/news/2009/jan/10/a_hound_just_too_sweet_put_down68007/

http://cbhr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87&Itemid=57

http://picasaweb.google.com/a8ezbnd/TwinkleToes#

Twinkle Toes with Sue Ramsey (left) and D. Thompson

Twinkle Toes resting before her first flight.

Captain Tedward with TT and Stephanie

Twinkle Toes gets ready for the flight. :)

Captain Tedward and TT.

Such a sweet girl!

Front Row (from left to right): Pauline Grimball, Sue Baughman, and TT.

Back Row (from left to right): Bob Holstein, Captain Tedward, D. Thompson, and Sue Ramsey.

Another Trip to Jekyll Island

2009-01-12T14:28:00.006-05:00

Kim's brother, Brian, and niece, Tori, came down for a visit around the New Year. We decided to do a day trip down to Jekyll Island, GA, rent a Red Bug, and explore the island. The trip took place on January 1st and it was a bit chilly! The temperature never got above 50 degrees that day but we still have a great time checking out the island, something none of us have done before though I have flown into Jekyll Island Airport many times.

Enjoy the photos!

Captain Tedward

Near Year; New Location

2009-01-12T14:19:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, Beaufort County Airport was the base airport for the plane in 2008. Due to some unfortunate decisions by the management there, the plane was relocated to Hilton Head Island Airport. This will be the home base for 2009 and possibly beyond. The fuel prices for AVGAS have come way down, and although their ramp fees are high, the level of service there has been incredible and I have been impressed so far. Definitely beats the 45 minute drive to Lady's Island up in Beaufort!

Have a great 2009, Everyone!

Captain Tedward

Dogs on a Plane!

2008-12-14T18:15:00.005-05:00

First off, my apologies for not blogging in a while. I have been extremely busy the past several weeks. I am going to try and catch up now by posting some adventures.

Last weekend, Kim and I (and our two Basset Hounds) flew up to Charleston, SC for the annual CBHR (Carolina Basset Hound Rescue) Waddle Weekend. That is the annual fundraising event for CBHR and we also march with the hounds in the Charleston Christmas parade.

We left after Kim got off of work on Thursday evening and flew to Charleston International Airport/AFB. We don't have any pictures from that brief, 20 minute flight because of the darkness but here are a few photos from the trip home that Sunday afternoon.

Captain Tedward

Luke is ready for takeoff!

"Are we there yet?"

"Zzzzzzzzz!"

Departing Runway 33 at Charleston International.

The Low Country at dusk.

Halloween Angel Flight

2008-11-02T10:34:00.003-05:00

I have been in the giving/helping those in need spirit lately and did another Angel Flight mission on Halloween. I picked up the second leg of a trip that originated in Memphis, TN. I transported a 24 year old mother of two. One of the children was four years of age; the other was 2. The 2 year old was the patient and she was receiving treatment in Memphis for cancer behind her eyes, She must go every 3 weeks to Memphis for chemotherapy. The family lives in Beaufort, SC.

I flew to Cobb County - McCollum Field in Kennesaw, GA and awaited the arrival of the first plane. Once their plane landed, we transferred the car seats and baggage to my aircraft and departed for home (Beaufort County Airport). The flight back took a little over 2 hours.

Besides a little tantrum and kicking of the back of my seat at 5,000 feet, the flight went well. :) You will find a picture of the family and me below, as well of some pictures I took on my way to Atlanta.

Captain Tedward

The Croft Family with Captain Tedward

Over Athens, GA at 8,000 feet.

Beautiful Clarks Hill Lake

Augusta, GA

Approaching Augusta, GA

November 2008 - Airport Spotlight

2008-11-02T09:57:00.004-05:00

This month's spotlight focuses on Cobb County - McCollum Field in Kennesaw, Georgia.

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According to Wikipedia, McCollum Field opened in 1960 with a single 4,000-foot runway. There was a stub taxiway connecting the runway with the ramp area, 60,000 square feet of aprons, and a single administration building. The airport steadily grew over the next 30 years with the greatest developments occurring in the early 1990s.

In 1991, the airport layout plan was first revised. The first full service fixed base operator opened in 1992. A second full service fixed base operator opened a year later. That same year, the Georgia State Patrol Hangar was constructed. The Air Traffic Control Tower was opened in 1995, followed by an Instrument Landing System the next year. Over the course of the decade, there were four major purchases of new land at a total cost of 3.8 million in grants and an unspecified amount in local funds. In addition, 6 new hangars were built.

McCollum Field was first designed as a small field for general aviation. It is designated as a reliever airport for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport and DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. Cobb County is also the primary general aviation airport for the Atlanta suburban population. With an average of 475 takeoffs and landings each day, it is the third most trafficked airport in Georgia.

Cobb County Airport - McCollum Field is a public airport located 21 miles northwest of the central business district of Atlanta, immediately south of the city of Kennesaw in Cobb County, Georgia, United States. It is also designated as a weather station, although it does not operate between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. (EST/EDT).

The airport is located on nearly 320 acres of land, has one runway which is 6,305 feet long, and is east-west oriented, with headings of 089 and 269. Cobb Place is at the east end, with Cobb Parkway (U.S. 41) and old 41 intersecting McCollum Parkway on the west end. The airfield sits at 1,040 feet above mean sea level somewhat above average terrain for the area.

There are over 350 aircraft based at McCollum, most of them being single-engine. The airport has a control tower.

The airport has 358 aircraft based on it: 251 single engine, 55 multi-engine, 39 jet aircraft and 13 helicopters. 49 percent of operations are single engine and 49 percent are multi-engine. Only 1 percent of operations are air taxi. No major commercial airlines service Cobb County Airport, but there are two charter companies and two major fixed-base operators. Aerial tours are very popular at the airport, as the Appalachian Mountains are less than a 30-minute flight away.

McCollum Field is owned by Cobb County, operated by the County Department of Transportation characterizing it as a municipal airport. It is managed by a full-time, professional airport manager. The airport employs almost 185 people, and had an annual economic impact of more than US$47 million to the local economy in 2002.

Here are some pictures from my recent visit to this airport.

Captain Tedward

Angel Flight

2008-10-27T17:36:00.006-04:00

I did an Angel Flight last Thursday from Greenville, SC to Asheville, NC. I started off by flying to Greenville from Beaufort and waiting for the inbound flight from Gainesville, FL. Once I loaded the 71 year old cancer surviver (leg amputee) and her belongings into the plane, we were off for the short 20 minute trip to Asheville.

Once the patient drove away, I went to lunch with my father and then flew home late that afternoon. I wanted to get back home to Beaufort before the weather deteriorated.

Here are a few pictures from the day that I took while flying. Once I get the photos back from the other pilot involved in the patient transfer, I'll post those as well.

Captain Tedward

The flight from Gainesville, FL arrives.

Helicopter lifts off while I wait at Greenville Downtown.

My "bird".

Level at 8,000 feet over western South Carolina.

A view of the cloud layer that was just below me on the return.

Captain Tedward's Father. :)

24 Hour Around the World Air Traffic

2008-10-22T18:46:00.001-04:00

Ever curious what all the commercial air traffic around the world looks like on a map? Check out the video!

http://gizmodo.com/5055160/24-hour-air-traffic-around-the-world-blows-minds-eyeballs

Captain Tedward

Surprise dinner trip to Jekyll Island, GA

2008-10-06T10:18:00.003-04:00

This was a surprise dinner flight that was planned for months. My friend and fellow co-worker, Paul, and I conjured up this idea and pulled it off with his wife even having a clue. The flight took place on Saturday, October 4th. Elizabeth didn't realize that she was even flying somewhere until she pulled into the airport. :) Ironically, Elizabeth mentioned to Paul earlier in the day that she wanted to go visit Jekyll Island. Perfect!

We took off at 3:58pm for the 48 minute trip down to Jekyll. The weather was fantastic and we cruised along at 6,000 feet along the coast. After landing, Paul and Elizabeth walked down to Latitude 31 and had a romantic dinner along the intercoastal waterway.

I took the pictures below while I was awaiting their return. As you can see, I was enjoying the sights and sounds of this quaint little airport as I sat and waited. :)

We lifted off around 7:30pm for the return flight home. The sunset was gorgeous and once it got dark, the lights from the city of Savannah were incredible. The return trip was flown at 7,000 feet.

I hope to get some pictures that were taken from Paul and Elizabeth's camera and post them within a few days.

Captain Tedward

October 2008 - Airport Spotlight

2008-10-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

This month's airport spotlight features Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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I had the recent opportunity to fly down there to attend a Miami Dolphins' game and the airport/facilities are great! It was the first time in close to 20 years that I have flown into that airport. Here is some info on the airport that I have found off the City of Fort Lauderdale website:

Early Airfield Development
Constructed in 1941 as an auxiliary landing field to train Naval Aviators during World War II, the Airport was named West Prospect Field. The Federal Government deeded the property to the City of Fort Lauderdale in 1947 to be used as a public airport and the airport was unofficially named “Fort Lauderdale Municipal Airport,” but pilots called it “Prospect Field.” In 1959, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission Resolution # 7336 changed the airport’s name to “Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.” “Industrial Airpark” was added to the name in 1966.

Activities at the airport have always reflected the prevailing conditions in the local area. When it became a public airport, it was in a remote part of Fort Lauderdale, with little or no development nearby. During those early years, the runways were used more for drag racing than for aircraft takeoffs and landings.

To help bring economic development into the area and create job opportunities, the City established the Airport Industrial Board and sold Airport land to companies like Allied Signal Bendix and Harris Computer Corporation. Funds from these land sales were used for airfield improvements such as taxiway construction, lighting systems, and guidance signs. The first building on the Airport, a flight school maintenance hangar constructed in 1959, is still in use today.

Over the following decades and as business development boomed in Fort Lauderdale, that first hangar grew to over 450 hangars housing more than 700 aircraft, including about 115 jets and 37 helicopters.

Today, six full service Fixed Base Operators, or FBOs, provide fueling, maintenance, and other services to these aircraft doing business here and bringing people to the area. Related business, such as charter companies, interior refurbishing companies, flight schools, and avionics shops, also successfully established themselves at Executive Airport.

Fueled by the phenomenal economic activity in South Florida, total aircraft operations grew significantly over the decades. Today, the airport handles nearly 200,000 annual takeoffs and landings, making it one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, based on the number of aircraft operations.

Industrial Airpark Development
Business has blossomed in the airport's 200 acre Industrial Airpark. This growth direction resulted from the efforts of the City and the Airport Industrial Board, renamed the Aviation Advisory Board. Their efforts developed Executive Airport as a business and executive facility and minimized its role as a sport and recreational airport.

In 1974, as economic development began to unfold in Fort Lauderdale and real estate development boomed, the City decided to stop the practice of selling airport land and instituted a lease-only policy, thereby ensuring a continuing revenue stream for the airport Enterprise Fund.

Today over 125 individual businesses call the Industrial Airpark home, including Elite Panel Products, Telematics, Marriott Hotels, Citicorp Latino, Walgreens, Dry Clean USA, Lucent Technologies, and General Electric.

These non-aviation businesses occupy more than 1.3 million square feet of office and warehouse space and make the Executive Airport Industrial Airpark the 16th largest in the tri-county area. In recognition of Executive Airport's economic importance in the community, it was made a Division of the Community and Economic Development Department of the City in the mid-1980s.

Community Facilities at the Airport
In addition to promoting economic development, Executive Airport also became home to a number of diverse community-based activities. The U.S. Army Reserve Center's 841st Engineering Battalion is located on the field. The Center is named for Sandy Nininger, a Fort Lauderdale native and the first recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor during W.W.II.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department has a substation and a hangar at the airport. The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) maintains its special operations, such as the aviation unit, marine patrol, bomb squad, and canine units, here.

The airport also contains two fire stations. The on-airport one is dedicated to aircraft rescue and operates a state-of-the-art 1500-gallon pump and roll vehicle that can also fight structural fires in the Uptown area. The other is located in the Industrial Airpark and is used to fight building fires.

Buehler Aviation Research, part of a nationally recognized foundation, restores aircraft for the Smithsonian Institution. The group restored the Howard Hughes Grumman Goose currently on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and recently constructed a replica of Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra. Also, Florida Atlantic University and Barry University offer educational programs from facilities located on the property.

Environmental Program
The airport is also home to two of Florida's rare species. Gopher Tortoises are primarily located in a secluded area on the north side of the airport. The area is made up of rare native plants and serves as a shelter and nesting ground for these rare creatures.

The other species is the Burrowing Owl, which has nests scattered throughout the airfield. PVC pipes shaped like "Ts" mark their nests so that they are visible to the Airport's maintenance crews and also serve as a place for the owls to perch during the breeding season.

A recent statewide population survey of the Florida Burrowing Owl conducted by the University of Central Florida and the Audubon Society counted 79 resident burrowing owls and 49 active burrows at the airport.

In an effort to minimize disruption to the owls, Executive Airport schedules its construction projects so as not to interfere with the owls' breeding or nesting seasons.

Thanks for reading!
Captain Tedward

Trip to speak to aviation students

2008-09-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

I flew down to Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday. I had been invited to speak to a group of aviation students at the college I graduated from. I spoke about the dispatch profession to about a dozen enthusiastic aviation students and a few professors. One of the professors that taught me when I attended J.U. still teaches there and was in attendance. It was quite a thrill for me and the students seemed to enjoy what I had to say.

Flight down and back was uneventful. Hope I get another opportunity to give back to the university that gave me so much. :)

Captain Tedward

Trip to Miami to see the Dolphins

2008-09-10T16:33:00.005-04:00

I flew down to South Florida last Saturday with a buddy of mine to see the Dolphins/Jets game on Sunday. We departed Ridgeland, SC around 12:45pm and flew down to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport..nonstop. Trip took about 3 1/2 hours. The weather was great all the way down and was for the most part, smooth.

We had a rental car waiting for us on the ramp and after we got the plane buttoned up, we headed for my parent's condo in Hollywood. John and I ended up at Oceanwalk that evening at a bar along the beach, watching college football games and partaking in a few adult beverages as well as some fantastic food

We headed out around 10:20 Sunday morning and headed for the local Chipotle to pick up burritos for the tailgate party at Dolphin's Stadium. We downed a few beers, ate lunch, and headed into the stadium. We had pretty good seats but you can imagine how hot it was. The game was great too, though my Dolphins ended up losing at the end. After the game, John and I headed down to South Beach. We found a neat bar and had drinks, dinner, and watched some more sports. People watching is the real sport on South Beach, however. ;) We headed back to the condo around 11:00pm as we had a full day of flying on Monday.

We opted to stop in Titusville, FL on the way back to have some breakfast and to see if we can good view of the Kennedy Space Center, since John has never seen that area before. We ate at the Outer Marker Cafe which is a great little place with an awesome aviation theme.

Check out some of the pictures from our trip below. Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

John taking a turn at flying.

Lake Okeechobee.

Approaching Fort Lauderdale.

Airport coming into view.

The FBO we parked at. John with the stadium in the background.
During the National Anthem.
Big screen!
John and I after the game.
The 'other' in game entertainment. :) Enroute weather.
Towering cumulous.
Approaching some weather.
Along the Florida coast.
Coming in for a landing at Beaufort County Airport.

Not taking any chances

2008-09-04T13:18:00.002-04:00

I debated this when we were looking at Fay. This time, I took action. Tropical Storm Hanna's forecast track earlier this week had the storm bearing down on the Low Country in just a few days.

I opted to play it safe and flew my plane to Ridgeland, SC, about 15 miles or so west of Beaufort. I have a contact over there that has a few empty hangars that he is trying to sell and was willing to rent me one for a few days. The peace of mind knowing that the plane is "out of the elements" is worth the price. Our forecasted winds tomorrow evening are sustained between 30-40 mph with gusts possibly to 60 mph. It was definitely the right call.

My next flying adventure is scheduled to take place on Saturday, once the winds and rain subside. I am heading down to Miami with a buddy of mine to see the Jets play the Dolphins on Sunday.

Captain Tedward

September 2008 - Airport Spotlight

2008-09-01T12:49:00.007-04:00

This month's spotlight features Gwinnett County Airport in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Briscoe Field, the Gwinnett County Airport, is the third busiest airport in Georgia. It handles light general aviation and most corporate jets. Three flight schools also operate at Briscoe.

View Larger Map

Per the airport's website, Gwinnett County Airport is located on approximately 500 acres just one mile northeast of the city of Lawrenceville. Briscoe Field is surrounded by industrial areas to the south and west, the Gwinnett Progress Center to the north, and the Alcovy River to the east. The airport consists of a single 6,021-foot-long by 100-foot-wide runway capable of handling all light general aviation and most corporate jet aircraft in operation today.

In 1991, Gwinnett County Airport completed a $25 million series of improvements which included the expansion of airport property to the current 500 acres, construction of the current runway and parallel taxiway, and installation of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) on Runway 25. We are also equipped with a Level III AWOS system and an air traffic control tower.

Gwinnett County Airport is served by two Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) operating at the airport. Landmark Aviation is located on the north apron and can be reached from 6:00am to midnight daily at 770.995.5592. Aircraft Specialists is located on the south apron and can be reached from 6:30am to 10:30pm daily at 770.277.9000. Both FBOs provide an excellent level of service to their users.

The tower is open daily between the hours of 7:00am and 9:00pm. During this time, pilots can contact the tower using 124.10 as the tower frequency and 121.80 as the ground control frequency. After hours, 124.10 becomes the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF). Pilots can also dial into the AWOS for weather information using 132.27.

Gwinnett County Airport is governed by the Airport Authority. This five-member board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 6:00pm.

IMPORTANT HISTORY (according to Wikipedia):

Two of the 9/11 hijackers, Mohamed Atta and sidekick Marwan Al-Shehhi, took practice flights at Briscoe Field airport. Half a year before terrorists crashed two jetliners into New York's World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 attacks, two men identified as among the hijackers rented a single engine Piper Cherokee Warrior at this small airport and took off for a one-hour "checkout" flight with an instructor.

Sources close to the investigation say flight school records list Mohamed Atta and sidekick Marwan Al-Shehhi, both named on the FBI list of terrorists aboard the planes that on Sept 11 were flown into the World Trade Center. Atta is thought to be a leader and organizer of the hijacking plot, al-Shehhi was a fellow student and apartment roommate.

Both had instrument ratings and were qualified to fly twin-engine planes. Each had to show his commercial pilot's license at Briscoe Field. A source said Atta used a credit card to rent the planes, $69 an hour, plus $32 an hour for an instructor the first time in late February.

Their names and FAA license numbers were entered in the school computer by a flight dispatcher. Each man flew a leg with the instructor. When they returned later to rent another plane, they were able to fly together since they had already qualified.

MY TAKE ON THIS AIRPORT:

I really enjoyed flying into Gwinnett County Airport. The tower controllers were very courteous and the layout of the airport makes finding your way around rather easy for the first timer.

Once we landed on Runway 7, we were given permission to taxi to The Flying Machine Restaurant. This is a great place to feast on some great food while enjoying the view out on the patio watching all of the aviation activity.

After lunch, we walked a short distance over to Aircraft Specialists to pay for our fuel and to file a flight plan home. They were very courteous as well and they facility was spotless.

Once done there, we hopped back into the plane and off we flew. We'll definitely be back. Enjoy the pictures!

Captain Tedward

Belated Birthday Flight for Finn

2008-08-19T17:05:00.004-04:00

Captain Tedward delivered on a promise today to take my buddy's son, Finn, up for a spin in the plane as a belated birthday gift. We finally got a chance to do that this morning and here are some of the photos from the trip. The rest of the photos can be seen here.

Finn and Captain Tedward

On approach to Runway 7 at Beaufort County Airport.

On approach to Runway 3 at Hilton Head.

Finn at the controls!

First Officer Finn making one last check of the weather.

Finn helping to untie the ropes.

Captain Tedward

First Officer Tedward

2008-08-19T16:44:00.004-04:00

Ok. I gave up the reigns yesterday. I allowed someone else to play the role of Captain. :)

Captain Christina took the controls of N2212R yesterday and we flew around the area. She wanted to get a good feel for the plane. Best way to do that is hop in and fly! We departed Beaufort County Airport and flew down to the south end of Hilton Head Island, then down the coast to Tybee Island, a few miles east to Fort Pulaski, and then back to Beaufort for some touch and go landings. As I was the co-pilot this trip, I was able to snap some photos.

Tybee Island, GA

Closer view of the pavilion area.

Captain Christina looking at Fort Pulaski.

Harbour Town on the south end of Hilton Head Island, SC

Turning downwind at Beaufort County Airport.

Turning base for Runway 7.

About to turn final.

First Officer Tedward

Operation Wheels for Blue

2008-08-12T15:33:00.007-04:00

Captain Tedward, being the dog lover that I am, went charitable Monday morning and flew a specially designed wheelchair to Madison, GA in order for a disabled Siberian Husky to "walk" again. The wheelchair was designed by the folks of Maranatha Farm using donations from all around the area.

"Freedom Wheels"

Doesn't Blue look happy?

The flight over to Madison Municipal Airport was a bit cloudy at first, with some occasion light rain at 8,000 feet.

Dark clouds and rain to the south.

Not too bad to the north.

A view of Burke County Airport in Waynesville, GA.

On final for Runway 32 at Madison Municipal Airport.

A view of the stacks from the Southern Nuclear Operating Co‎mpany plant near Waynesville.

A view of the instruments.

Some weather off to the south upon my return.

Captain Tedward

Lunch at The Flying Machine Restaurant

2008-08-10T15:00:00.006-04:00

My friend, Eric, lives in the Atlanta area and we go way back. In fact, it has been 21 years since I last saw him. Well, Kim and I, never needing an excuse to fly, headed out to the airport Saturday morning and flew to KLZU (Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field) in Lawrenceville, Georgia. We met Eric there and ate at The Flying Machine. The restaurant is right there on the airport. In fact, you can taxi right up to the patio and park! Great food and great company. We spent several hours getting re-acquainted before heading back home. Was just a fabulous way to spend a Saturday. I am not posting most of the pictures from the airport since it is in the running for a future Airport Spotlight.

Captain Tedward

Downtown Augusta, Georgia from 8,000 feet.

Daniel Field in Augusta, Georgia.

On a right base leg for Runway 7 at KLZU.

On final for Runway 7.

Eric and I posing in front of N2212R.

As you can see, we parked just a few feet away from where we ate outside.

Captain Tedward taking a moment to pose while pre-flighting.

Was cloudy on the way home.

About to fly through one.

Ever wondered what it looks like inside a cloud? :)

Must have been an "OH SH$$!!!" Moment

2008-08-05T19:14:00.004-04:00

Just a couple of updates. For starters, I have posted a new poll. You can now control what airport you would like featured monthly. Please take a moment to vote. If you do not like any of the options and would like to vote for a particular airport not on the list, please post a comment on one of the blog postings with the airport of your choice.

I flew down to Savannah yesterday to get the tire replaced. One of the maintenance techs for the company I work for performed the maintenance after he got off of work. A special thanks to Cliff for donating his time and experience and working in the heat to get her repaired.

While I was waiting, I noticed the following airplane sitting on the ramp of Savannah Aviation.

I've blocked the registration number of the airplane since I am not in the mood to be in a court battle. :) The story, as it was told to me, is that the plane was carrying three occupants and landed in Savannah with strong crosswinds. Rumor has it that the winds were not that strong. Well, you can see the result of a hard landing, whatever the cause.

Captain Tedward

August 2008 - Airport Spotlight

2008-08-01T08:53:00.010-04:00

The first airport to get spotlighted in my new feature is Ridgeland, SC (3J1).

Ridgeland is located just off of I-95 at exits 20/21. The airport itself is a little northwest of town on highway 278.

View Larger Map

History of Ridgeland Airport

A sixty-nine acre parcel of land one mile northwest of Ridgeland, South Carolina, was purchased by Sanders Jenness from J. Lee Dean on March 12, 1938. The property, vacant at the time, had previously been a flower bulb farm. Shortly thereafter, a small group of aviation enthusiasts approached Mr. Jenness requesting that they be allowed to build an airstrip on his property. Mr. Jenness graciously agreed to this request.

With no funds and no experience in this type of project, the group began the task with a borrowed farm tractor and hand tools. After a lot of hard work, they actually completed a workable landing runway early in 1939. Soon, Mr. L.D. Kleckley, Sr. purchased a two-place Aeronca Chief aircraft, becoming the first to begin flying from the new landing field.

Sanders Jenness joined the U.S. Navy as World War II began and as a result, the property was transferred to H.B. Harbade. A few years later in June, 1943, the newly organized Jasper County Aeronautics Commission purchased two parcels of land with a view toward establishing a permanent airport in Jasper County. One was a 48 acre tract from H.B. Garbade and another from Y.C. Weatherbee of 28 acres. Together, the two parcels totaled 76 acres and cost the County $4,850.

The new airport was solidly in operation in 1947 when Miller Flying Service began operations there. Herbert Miller owned the three aircraft put in service and was himself the chief flight instuctor as well. Over 70 local pilots obtained their initial pilots licenses under the tutelage of Mr. Miller.

In 1960, the popularity of the airport attracted funding from the State of South Carolina. A paved and lighted 3,000 feet long by 70 feet wide runway was constructed and put into operation. During that same decade, the training demands of the Vietnam War brought the U.S. Army to the Ridgeland Airport. Army helicopter pilot training was frequently conducted there. After the war, U.S. Army Colonel Oscar C. Mack (Ret) established a flying school at the airport. Mr. Mack operated his very successful flying school for a number of years prior to his untimely death in 1998.

The long tradition of grass-roots flight training begun by Mr. Miller and Mr. Mack continues today at Ridgeland Airport. The Lowcountry Soaring Assocation is home-based at the field and operates two gliders and a tow plane, having provided entry-level and advanced soaring training and flight operations to local enthusiasts for the last 15 years. In addition now, powered aircraft flight training is available from a new operation, Lowcountry Aircraft Management.

Today the Ridgeland Airport is a typical, active county airport with fuel and aircraft repair and inspection services available to both visiting aircraft and the more than fifty light aircraft that call the airfield home. The well-attended, annual "Race to Ridgeland", a light plane fly-in conducted in May of each year, is a highlight of the flying year. Ridgeland Airport is a county-owned, public-use airport. Mr. Claude Dean is the Commissioner of the Jasper County Aeronautics Commission and the manager of the airport.

To check out the Race to Ridgeland website, click here.

Fuel price as of 07/29/08

Hope you enjoyed this new feature! Feedback is appreciated.

Captain Tedward

Grounded!

2008-07-30T09:26:00.004-04:00

Well, with the good, comes the bad. Kim, a buddy of mine, and I were about to fly up to Charleston, SC for dinner at the Noisy Oyster Monday evening when we discovered this on the left main tire.

Since the cord was showing, we decided to cancel the flight. I spoke to my A&P mechanic and ordered a new tire yesterday. How much does a new tire cost for a light aircraft, you ask??? :) Bought the same type/model tire that is on the aircraft online for $55 (includes shipping). On the flip side, I have to wait for the delivery, run it out to the airport, and have my A&P mechanic install it at his labor rate. Hopefully, she'll be back in service by next Monday as I have another flight planned.

IN OTHER NEWS

VOTING
Looks as if Marianna, Florida (Florida Caverns State Park) will win out for the next major Captain Tedward adventure with the wife. Still one day left to vote so please do so if you have a preferred destination that you would like us to take pictures of and document our experiences.

NEW FEATURE COMING AUGUST 1st
I will begin a new feature starting August 1st which will be a monthly spotlight on an airport, including pictures and some history of the selected airport. If you have an airport that you would like spotlighted, send me a message!

Captain Tedward

Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe

2008-07-22T14:44:00.008-04:00

Hello Everyone!

For starters, for those that haven't voted yet, please do so. Just a few days left in the voting to see where Captain Tedward and his beautiful wife, Kim, fly to for their next adventure. So far, Marianna, Florida and Milledgeville, Georgia are tied with 4 votes.

Ok, so last week, I got a taste for a good hamburger. Oh yeah! The 100 dollar kind! I had to visit the Hard Rock Cafe again. It has one of the best burgers out there! So, my friend Christina and I headed out for the airport yesterday morning. Christina works with me at Netjets and is also a pilot.

I pre-flighted the aircraft, called for my IFR clearance and off we went for Myrtle Beach!

Taking off on Runway 25 at Beaufort County Airport.

Good view of the bridge that leads to Lady's Island in Beaufort.

We climbed up to 7,000 feet and the visibility was horrible due to haze. Our route of flight took us over Charleston, SC and the enroute time was about one hour and 11 minutes. About 25 miles from Myrtle Beach, approach control started our decent and it looked as if we may get the ILS approach into Runway 18. Approach vectored us fairly close in to the airport to see if we can visually see it. I finally saw the airport about 7 miles out and got cleared for the visual approach.

Airport coming into view.

Turning final to Runway 18.

We taxied in and parked on the large ramp at Myrtle Beach Aviation. The line staff was great! After securing the plane, we were driven up to the main building and we proceeded to sign in and get a crew car. The lady working behind the counter there needs a serious lesson in customer service. That is one of the complaints I have had with this FBO and have read many of the same.

We walked out and got into the crew car (2 hour limit but free!). Low and behold, no gas! It's below "E" and the gas light is on. Well, I went back it to see if there was a gas station nearby. Guess what? Old faithful behind the counter doesn't offer me another vehicle but does tell me where there is a gas station. I told her that was great but I hoped I had enough gas to get there! She then hands me a number to Enterprise and tells me to call them if I run out on the way. Now that's the kind of customer service I can live without!

We made it to the gas station, put a few bucks in the tank, and headed off to the Hard Rock.

Outside of the Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach

Christina posing on the bike out front.

Inside the Hard Rock Cafe.

Lunch was great as usual and it was pretty busy. The service was incredible too. Friendly wait staff and the manager stopped by to chat with us as well. We both had cheeseburgers since that is their specialty.

After lunch, we headed back to the airport and proceeded on our trip back home.

View of the Midwest Connection planes sitting dormant on the ramp.

Takeoff roll on Runway 36. Notice the route of flight on the GPS.

The commercial airline terminal building.

Profile view of Captain Tedward at work.

Due to traffic in the area, we were not allowed to climb up to our requested altitude of 8,000 feet. We leveled off at 6,000 feet and once again, haze was very prevalent. I allowed Christina some time at the controls and soon we were approaching Charleston. I started to notice a towering cumulus cloud complex ahead of us on our flight path. I called Charleston approach and they advised no weather between us and our destination airport. Soon the clouds grew darker and I had to deviate around the west side of a small thunderstorm cell.

Small thunderstorm cell over Charleston.

Knowing that it was going to be hard to locate the airport at Beaufort through the thick haze, I asked for the RNAV GPS approach into Beaufort and was granted the request from ATC. The approach went well and we touched down back at our home airport about 2:45pm local time.

What a great day we had!

Captain Tedward

Aerial Photos

2008-07-14T19:10:00.002-04:00

So I got this idea in my head the other day. Bluffton has grown so much over the past few years and I'm sure there are folks in this area that would love some aerial shots.

Well, I grabbed my flight bag and Kim grabbed the digital camera and off we went yesterday! The photos were taken at about 1,300 feet above the ground. We were up for about 45 minutes or so and Kim did a fantastic job as the photographer!

To view the pictures, click here.

Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

PS: Oh, and if you are curious, aviation gas is $5.85 per gallon at my airport. :P

Fort Pulaski and the Port Royal Sound

2008-07-10T21:17:00.006-04:00

Ever wonder what Fort Pulaski looks like from the air? How about the Port Royal Sound during the Cobia fishing season? Here you go! ENJOY!

Captain Tedward

Virtual Mountain Flying

2008-07-10T20:40:00.002-04:00

Want to know what it is like to fly over snow capped mountains?

Click here to find out. Just move your cursor left and right to turn.

Captain Tedward

Please vote!

2008-07-03T10:21:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone!

Now you can help decide where Captain Tedward travels to next! I have posted a poll on the main page so please take the time to vote.

Have a Happy 4th!

Captain Tedward

Places I have visited in N2212R

2008-06-29T17:30:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone!

For those of you that are curious where I have been, I've put together a map. I will update it as new destinations are added. The newest destination is St. Augustine, Florida as of Friday, June 27, 2008. Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

PS: The yellow tags are the locations that are up for the vote.

View Larger Map

Trip to St. Augustine, FL

2008-06-28T17:25:00.000-04:00

Kim and I flew down to St. Augustine for an overnight trip recently. Here are the pictures from the trip. We visited the Castillo de San Marcos, walked around the Historic District, as well as took a night time ghost tour. ENJOY!

Captain Tedward

Trip to Richmond/Norfolk, VA

2008-05-02T17:24:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine, Jason, had asked if I could fly him up to visit his ailing grandmother just outside of Richmond. "Do I really need an excuse to fly?", I asked myself. :)

So, off we went! I flew the leg up, stopping in Wallace, NC for fuel. First destination in Virginia was Chesterfield County Airport, just south of Richmond. We dropped him off and headed over to Norfolk, to see my buddy Joel. He is currently in the Navy and I hadn't seen him is close to 15 years. Joel picked us up and we headed over to the sub base and got one heck of a tour! After the tour, we headed out for beers and a seafood buffet.

The next day, Barry and I headed back to Richmond, this time Barry was at the controls. We met Jason, had a bite to eat at the airport cafe, and off we were towards North Carolina, where we stopped again at Henderson Field (Wallace, NC) for fuel. After a brief break, we loaded up and headed back home to Beaufort.

Enjoy the pictures from this trip!

Captain Tedward

Trip to Marathon, FL

2008-04-23T14:36:00.000-04:00

My friends had family visiting down in the Florida Keys and I had the opportunity to join them. Barry flew down...I flew back. We made a stop in Titusville, FL for fuel and a pizza. :)

We stayed in Islamorada, FL in a rental house for 2 nights. Here are the pictures from that adventure!

Captain Tedward

Welcome to Merritt Island, Florida (KCOI)

2008-03-22T01:45:00.000-04:00

"So where to this week?", Barry asks me one day at work. I told him I'd have to look for a cool place when I got done doing work-related stuff. He told me he'd scope it out and within minutes, he said to look at KCOI, Merritt Island, Florida. It did not take me more than a second to agree as I visited this area back in college when I flew my father up from Miami for one of his business meetings.

We departed Beaufort County Airport (Barry at the controls; I'm working the radio) around 930am on an IFR flight plan that consisted of the following route: KELER v437 OMN V3 INDIA and then into KCOI. After we got handed off to Savannah Approach, they cleared us direct CATHY intersection which saved us a little time. This particular route took us about 16 miles off the coast at its farthest point...right about abeam Fernandina Beach, Florida.

The first several photos show downtown Savannah, Georgia and the coast. After that, you will see pictures of Grills Seafood Restaurant and Tiki Bar and Jetty Park, which include pictures of Barry, a manatee, a cat, a guy cutting up his catch, a couple of pelicans, a casino boat, a tug boat, a fishing boat, a submarine, and a cruise ship belonging to Royal Caribbean. The final shot is on the moon rising off our right wing as the sun sets off to our left.

On the way back, I flew and Barry worked the radios. We were cleared up to 5,000 feet...right in the middle of a row of cumulous clouds. I got about 30 minutes of actual instrument time. As it was getting dark and going through the clouds was a bit bumpy, we opted to climb to 7,000 feet for a smooth ride home. After passing HOTAR intersection (about 16 miles off Jacksonville), ATC cleared us direct to 73J (Beaufort County). That was incredible! Now, we were going to be about 30 miles off the coast, at night, in a single engine aircraft. Kinda freaky but at the same time, VERY COOL! About 40 miles out, we began to see the lights of Savannah and we ended up flying right over Hilton Head Island on the way in. Simply a superb trip!

Captain Tedward

She needed a bath! Plane wash time!

2008-03-13T21:00:00.000-04:00

Well, as you can imagine with a plane being parked outside in the South, N2212R needed a bath. So, Barry and I grabbed the recently purchased airplane cleaning supplies and headed out to Beaufort County Airport. Perfect day for a plane wash as it was in the 70s. On the flip side, it is VERY difficult to wash an airplane without getting completely wet!

Captain Tedward

Revisited Jekyll Island, Georgia (09J)

2008-03-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I took today off so Kim and I could finally go somewhere in the plane. We decided a little day trip down to Jekyll Island would be perfect. We left in the early afternoon and came back in the early evening since we had some extra daylight. DST started this morning so it was going to get darker a little later. :) We landed and walked about a mile down the road to the Jeykll Island Club Hotel. The pictures below will show you how beautiful the area is both from the ground AND the air. Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

Ocean Isle Beach, NC (60J)

2008-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Flew to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina today with Barry "Chewbacca" Cunnigham. What a gorgeous day to go flying. We decided to fly IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) to get radar separation and services from ATC (Air Traffic Control).

Once we arrived, the owner of the new FBO at 60J drove us to Sharky's Restaurant just around the corner from the airport on the Intercoastal Waterway. Barry and I had one of the best hamburger's ever! The view out back wasn't too shabby either.

Below are the pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Captain Tedward

Local Flight with Alex "Don't Panic" Childers

2008-02-17T09:34:00.000-05:00

Flew Alex around Okatie/Bluffton on Friday afternoon. Also did a touch n go at Hilton Head. A special thanks to Alex for the photos (in black and white).

Captain Tedward

Hilton Head, SC (KHXD) to Myrtle Beach, SC (KMYR)

2007-12-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

My latest adventure was a flight from Hilton Head to Myrtle Beach. Barry Cunningham and Nate Spahr accompanied me. We departed on an IFR flight plan with Barry at the helm while Nate operated the radios. Yours truly rode in the back and took the photos. As luck would have it, the camera's battery died as soon as we got to the Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach so there are no pictures of me flying the return trip to Hilton Head. Both Barry and I logged 1.6 hours of PIC time.

Captain Tedward

Hilton Head, SC (KHXD) to Jekyll Island, GA (09J)

2007-11-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

Flew from Hilton Head to Jekyll Island, GA for lunch on the 20th. Nate Spahr and Greta Pipkin tagged along. I flew down and Nate flew back. What a blast!

We dined at the Cafe Solterra located within the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The walk from the airport was about a mile along a tree lined bike trail.

Enjoy the pictures!

Captain Tedward

Nate (left), Greta (center), and Captain Tedward (right)

Nice house!

The Sidney Lanier Bridge

On approach to Runway 36 at Jekyll Island.

Looking back at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel and pier.

Touching down on Rwy 36.

The bike trail along the water.

The Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

Nate at the controls for the trip back.

A view of Hilton Head Island from offshore.

Hilton Head, SC (KHXD) to Asheville, NC (KAVL)

2007-11-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Flew from Hilton Head, SC to Asheville, NC today to visit my father for lunch. Kim took the day off and joined me as my beautiful co-pilot. :)

View of the 170 bridge and Beaufort.

Beautiful Asheville, NC.

The Piper Cherokee cockpit.

Captain Tedward and the wife, Kim.

The Lowcountry from the air!

Captain Tedward in front of N44734.