Steve Thomas/Part 103 Ultralight PPC flight across America

Update - February 28, 2005

Yesterday, Sunday the 27th, I flew from Hesperia, California to Joshua Tree, California. That flight was 69 miles and took 2 hours and 26 minutes. I had to fly at 6500' msl most of the way as I crossed over some of the lower mountains. It was quite beautiful as I was flying just about 500' above the snow line. The Mini Me burned 4.5 gallons of fuel.

From Joshua Tree I flew up to 6500' again and crossed over the mountains of the Joshua Tree National Monument Park. It was totally excellent scenery and the timing is perfect for flying over the deserts, both high and low, because everything is green instead of the usual brown. I landed on the other side of the mountains at Chiriaco Summit. The flight lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes and spanned 50 miles. The Mini Me burned 3.5 gallons of fuel.

At Chiriaco I could feel the warmer temps and it felt good! That was more like what I expect from southern California. I did not even pack up the wing, but just refueled and ate a quick snack, then I took off for Blythe. I could finally fly at a low altitude, and in the low desert it was warm enough that I did not need my gloves for the first time on these flights. The flight to Blythe was 61 miles and took 2 hours and 27 minutes due to some headwinds. The Mini Me burned 4 gallons of fuel on that flight.

At Blythe Ed Wiest and his friend Tim were waiting on me to arrive. We all chatted for a while, then I moved my gear from Dave's truck to Ed's, and Dave left to head home. I cannot even begin to thank Dave enough for all of his support. He really made things a lot easier for me, and I greatly appreciate it.

We spent the night in Blythe and today Ed, Tim and I went to Quartzite, Arizona by car and visited with Ted Foster. Ted has located a Truck Stop with a landing field for me to refuel at tomorrow and plans to meet us there in the morning when we arrive. Ed Plans to fly his PPC along with me on at least the next leg, from Blythe, California to The Tomahawk Truck Stop on I-10 south of Vicksburg, Arizona.

Tomorrow the forecast is strange and I am getting conflicting and changing conditions, so we will see in the morning. If all goes well and I can get an early start I would like to make three flights again and stop at Phoenix Regional on the south side of Phoenix. From there it will get very interesting as I will be flying over some the most remote and rugged country of the flight, through southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. Then comes west Texas!

Have a good one!
Steve

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Steve Thomas/Part 103 Ultralight PPC flight across America

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