Atlanta to Melbourne, FL and Back
Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2012 8:55 pmI had been trying to get to Melbourne for about a month now to check out Steen Aero Lab, the component manufacturers of the Pitts Special. My wing order is a month overdue so I thought I'd go bust some heads... :x Actually I wanted to meet the team. They were busy and apologetic in not getting me some spruce when promised. I'm happy that they are busy with orders so I feel less likely to be stuck with a bankrupt company.
It was a great flight down the eastern FL coast, right past the Shuttle landing facility. A picture perfect 72 degree day was welcome after the 38 degree morning departure out of Atlanta. After touring the factory, I spent the night using some Hilton points and departed New Years Eve for Cedar Key, FL. What a cool place! http://www.airnav.com/airport/KCDK A woman in a mini-van with a hand-held monitors 122.90 and when she hears you call in she asks if you need a ride into town... :D
I ended up going to lunch with a couple of Sportcruiser pilots who also flew in for the scenery and lunch. I would highly recommend this place for a quiet getaway as the the relative difficulty in getting there by car keeps the place charming when compared to places like Key West.
It was interesting to note a marker/warning/monument near the parking area that mentions a couple of pilots that were killed on takeoff heading south. It seems the haze can go right down to the water and create instant IFR after takeoff. Beware.
Two hours and twenty minutes later I was in the hangar down to my last 10 minutes before my 275 hour oil change was due. Great trip... :)
It was a great flight down the eastern FL coast, right past the Shuttle landing facility. A picture perfect 72 degree day was welcome after the 38 degree morning departure out of Atlanta. After touring the factory, I spent the night using some Hilton points and departed New Years Eve for Cedar Key, FL. What a cool place! http://www.airnav.com/airport/KCDK A woman in a mini-van with a hand-held monitors 122.90 and when she hears you call in she asks if you need a ride into town... :D
I ended up going to lunch with a couple of Sportcruiser pilots who also flew in for the scenery and lunch. I would highly recommend this place for a quiet getaway as the the relative difficulty in getting there by car keeps the place charming when compared to places like Key West.
It was interesting to note a marker/warning/monument near the parking area that mentions a couple of pilots that were killed on takeoff heading south. It seems the haze can go right down to the water and create instant IFR after takeoff. Beware.
Two hours and twenty minutes later I was in the hangar down to my last 10 minutes before my 275 hour oil change was due. Great trip... :)