Winter Flying

Inside the cockpit in 997.

This time of year flying weather is either great or horrible, not much in between. Christmas Day turned out to be a perfect one.

We just had snow followed by cold, but the ramps, taxiways and runways were clear. A busy airport like Bellingham International has lots of snow removal equipment.

We got our airplane 997 out of the hangar and she was eager to fly. The engine cranked immediately and warmed up to a steady hum.

Bellingham Ground, Piper Arrow N41997 at the fuel pumps with Oscar ready to taxi.  Arrow 997 cleared to taxi to runway 34 via Foxtrot Alpha Golf.

We departed towards the north and did touch-and-go landings in crisp, calm air.

On the downwind leg we had a beautiful view of Mt. Baker capped in snow.

And Bellingham by the Bay.

Arrow 997 cleared to land runway 34. The end to a fun winter flight.

After landing, we thanked the air traffic controllers in the tower for working on the holiday so we could enjoy our aerial tour of Beautiful Bellingham.

Come fly with us on adventures to other destinations in Wayne's book Flying the Pacific Northwest.

"Take the controls of a Piper Arrow as your personal flight instructor leads you to out-of-the-way spots in a recreational aircraft." It's a good read for pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. -- Margy