Artisan Aviation BLOG

Bedford Springs get-away

October 21st, 2010

Sandra and I found a great place to fly for a weekend get-away. We flew the Arrow from Rochester, NY (KROC) to Bedford County Airport (KHMZ), which is about two hours away. We knew we were in the right place when we taxied up to the FBO claiming the “Home of Bedford Springs Resort.” The Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa, was built near the renowned throughout the 1800′s and 1900′s for its peaceful setting and elegance. What began as a hotel to house health conscious patrons in the early 1800′s continued to develop into one of the county’s top resort hotels. The hotel should be high on the list of pilots (or non-pilots) wanting to find a place that is well worth the flight. Upon landing at the Bedford County Airport, the hotel sent a shuttle to take us to and from the resort. We both highly recommend this as a special and relaxing place to treat yourself. The spa is great for should be included with your stay.

: The stone sign on the front lawn shows the layout of the resort

: With a Southern Ante-Bellum architecture, it was designed to appeal to the many southerners who were frequenting the spa

: Every room faces the front and all share long porches with other rooms. Each has a rocking chair for guests to sit on the porch.

: The springs were known for their healing qualities during the 1800s.

: Each section has its own theme. The golf course has dramatic views of the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland Valley.

: Here we taxi back to the hangar in Rochester to put 0SP away.

The Hotel was quite famous in its day, hosting such visitors as Presidents James Buchanon, Zachary Taylor, and James Polk and other famous guests. One unusual set of guests were about 200 Japanese Diplomats who were captured in Germany after the surrender of Germany during WWII. These Prisoners of War were kept at the Springs until the end of the war with Japan. Officials were concerned that the local Bedford population would resent the Japanese being kept there, so they put out notices that the Japanese Ambassadors would not have use of the golf course and would not have access to liquor. The Bedford food supply would not be imposed upon to feed these prisoners. Food would be supplied by Washington D.C.

There is lots of history to read about and enjoy at this historical resort. Or, like us, you can simply enjoy the peace and quiet, perhaps a spa treatment, then a great 18 hole golf course. Did I mention the fantastic steak dinner served at the hotel? Both Sandra and I agree it has to be one of the best steak dinners we have had in a very long time.

Then enjoy a great flight back to Rochester.

Here we taxi back to the hangar in Rochester to put 0SP away.

For more information, check out their web site: http://www.bedfordcounty.net/springs/index.htm

and for the VFR map image: http://www.runwayfinder.com/?x=-78.5135&y=40.086111&z=11&view=vfr

–Mike

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Duke finds a new home

January 24th, 2010

Paul Schechter frequently helps pets find new homes. He uses the club planes to ferry them to new locations where they are wanted. I accompanied him on one such flight to Youngstown, Ohio. During the flight we talked about piloting, and I learned a lot from Paul about cross country flying. In Ohio we topped the Arrow off with inexpensive (ok less expensive) gas and met our VIP (Very Important Pet) passenger.

Duke our VIP passenger

Duke is a 10 month old chocolate lab. Here he is waiting patiently in the passenger lounge at KYNG Youngstown.

Duke in the backseat of 0SP

He was an agreeable passenger, and climbed into his seat with no problem. Paul has a neat collapsable carrier and Duke fit in nicely. We took off without complications, but at cruise altitude, Duke got a little agitated. Maybe discomfort from the reduced pressure at altitude. Paul spent a few minutes soothing him (think dog whisperer and Duke settled into the remainder of the the flight to KIAG Niagara Falls.

Buffalo from the West about 6000 feet

It was an awesome day and conditions were as nice as I’ve seen. The hour to Niagara was scenic. I snapped a few shots of Buffalo. I even picked out UB where my son goes to school.

Duke back on the ground at KIAG

After landing in Niagara, Duke seemed happy to be back on solid ground. He actually peed with joy (look close and you can see the tiny puddle). The lady on the right was there to drive Duke the remainder of the way to his new home in Canada. The lady in the middle of the picture works for the FBO and met us out on the ramp. She took a shine to Duke right away, and at one point I thought we might have to tackle her to give Duke a chance to get away

0SP at KIAG. Control tower and new passenger terminal in the background.

OSP at KIAG. Control tower and new passenger terminal in the background.

At KIAG we parked not far from the new passenger terminal. You can see it in the left background in this picture.

I jumped in the left seat and flew the last leg home. I think we may have ended up spending more time waiting for landing traffic at ROC than actually en-route. In all, a great day flying. I thank Paul for inviting me.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

New Monitor for Ready Room

January 24th, 2010

This is an update for those of you who have not been to the ready room in the past week. Brad “Go-BIG-or-go-Home” Salai, has wanted a bigger monitor for the computer in our ready room for some time. He found a remanufactured flat screen for a very reasonable price. He asked me to look into it. I found out that the nominated monitor was actually a very nice 23″ diagonal HP. The price was good and the specs could not be beat. I ordered the monitor and it arrived a few days later. I installed it Monday of this week. You can get a LOT more map on this screen. Take a look…

HP monitor

Now I think we may need a bigger desk

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Lunch at CGF

November 3rd, 2009

I need to log time in the Arrow to meet insurance requirements. Steve Fielding was nice enough to offer his Monday to accompany me to Cuyahoga County airport (CGF) Cleveland. I picked that spot for several reasons. It’s just about 200 nm away; being near the shore of that big lake, even I could find it; it’s a nice looking quiet airport; and most importantly, it has a decent restaurant on the field!

Steve couldn’t have arranged a nicer day to go. We had great weather and smooth air. The flight went nicely and Steve showed me many of the finer points of aviation. The trip was not without it’s exciting moments. Buffalo approach notified us of traffic at our 2-3 o’clock, about our altitude. Steve and I both searched the sky and finally reported “no contact” back to approach. We continued to search and finally saw the small business jet just as it passed directly beneath us with about 500′ of separation. We didn’t see that one coming…

When we arrived at CGF, we were lined up, and given a straight in approach. Just so I didn’t get complacent, Steve somehow arranged for another minor gear problem. The second real landing gear problem in back to back flights! Excellent training scenarios! I don’t know how he does it The left main and the front came down fine, but the right had not locked down after what seemed like 25 seconds or so. I flew while Steve prepared to swap the bulbs. I throttled up and planned a go-around while we figured it out. Finally the third green illuminated, not sure what the issue was. We throttled back and landed just fine.

Very new and clean looking

The FBO, Atlantic Aviation was awesome. The place looked like it was just remodeled. It had nice lounges, meeting rooms, and good computers. The staff was energetic and friendly. They even offered to make a fresh pot of coffee when we arrived. It was a first class place in my book. We ordered the tanks topped off, and headed to lunch.

Just a short walk

We walked about 100′ to Milano’s restaurant. I think it’s an Irish joint The place is large with a that dark / reddish den look inside that reminds you of an old piano bar. Not that I hang out in piano bars, but I digress. The food is mostly Italian, but with enough variety to cover most tastes. The food was good, not great, but way better than fast food!