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                             Charleston, SC

                                  

                                   By Don Miller

                                   Columnist                  

 

 

 

We just returned from our weekend flights to Charleston and the Outer Banks.  The weather was excellent and the activities exceptional.  The 172 performed perfectly, almost.

 

 

Our first day out on this trip was a non-stop flight to Charleston Executive (2.4 hours). This busy little airport has a good FBO and reasonable gas prices.  Our son and daughter-in-law met us at the airport, and provided B&B services.  They had arranged to have tickets to see the Hunley Submarine and its current visitor area.  Although temporary, the exhibits were well done. A group of volunteer actors simulated guarding a casket containing a Confederate sailor from the Hunley.  Also on display were the Medals of Honor presented to the lost Hunley submariners in 2000 by the Confederate History Commission. A small disappointment was the no camera rule in the Submarine room itself. The Hunley is in a large pool of water and tourist cameras, etc. are not wanted in the water from accidental drops.

 

Our non-stop flight to Dare County was over some restricted areas and thus was at 5500 feet with flight following (3 hours).  After passing the last restricted area, we dropped down to 3000 feet to better see the landscape along our east coast. This leg was memorable for its views of the coast and variety of vessels seen under way. We found the Dare County airport FBO to be professional and well equipped.  Also, they have their own car rental with vehicles on-site (B&R).

 

We checked all local hotels for the week of December 17. No vacancies were found. The flight across the bay to First Flight is 6 minutes.  In preparation for the huge crowds expected on December 17, the park service has begun to clear the pine trees on both sides of the runway at First Flight to permit parking many more than the current 15 or so spaces. The photo shows the large brown patches on each side of the runway where additional parking will be available this fall.

 

A temporary building has been set up at the monument housing exhibits from several sponsors.  The gift shop has limited offerings, however the Dare County FBO has a small but better choice.

 

Visitors literature picked up at Dare County and First Flight contained some useful data.  First the "Fly Wright to Dare" visitor information: A parking registration form is available for those planning to fly into MQI for the December event. Singles qualify for grass parking only. Runway 17-35 will be closed and used to park twins. The apron will be reserved for jets. They believe they can park 1,200 aircraft, primarily in the grass. They strongly recommend that a rental car be previously contracted or local taxi.  The North Carolina DOT will provide bus shuttle from the airport to the Wright Brothers national Memorial only.  If you choose to drive to NC, the buses will pick you up at one of the satellite parking areas.  We heard about two satellite areas, one at the mainland near the bridge to the Outer Banks. Although not likely in December, camping under your wing can be arranged.

 

"The Flyer", a quarterly publication of the First Flight Society lists the week's schedule of events:

·         December 12 - For children; interacting with NASA, interviews with the Wright Family children, Candy Bomber demonstrations and Young Eagle flights.

·         December 13-14 - A festival to celebrate aviation's impact over the last century and will feature appearances by historic aviators, exhibits, aircraft demonstrations and entertainment.

·         December 15 - Protecting the Home of the Brave; Military aircraft dating back to World War I and participation from the U.S. Military stationed around the world.

·         December 16 - In History's Footsteps, Celebrating 100 Aviation Pioneers; The N. C. Centennial Commission will hold a ceremony to honor 100 aviation heroes.

·         December 17 - 12 Seconds that Changed the World; Re-creation of the single most significant moment of the last century.

 

On our last in route stop at Burlington, NC the right brake failed (2.2 hours). Fortunately it was while taxiing to the ramp and did not impact our travel. Almost exactly half way to Dare County from DKX, the Burlington FBO is friendly and helpful. The 70's something Chrysler sedan we borrowed took us to the Cutting Board restaurant near by.  Several other options exist within two miles.

 

We found the ATC service excellent overall, on the trip, except Greenville, NC. Their class C tower seemed to think they were ATL class B. And finally, BUY to DKX (2.1 hours)

 

Owning a 1974 Cessna 172 with low time engine has been a blast. Our previous owned airplane, a 1975 Cessna 150, was satisfactory for learning and some travel.  I actually took a company business trip to Philadelphia, in the 1980's, flying the 150.  Now into our fourth year of ownership with the 172, we find it to be more than adequate for east coast travel. My new instrument rating certainly made the aircraft more practical for planned travel. This family/pleasure trip to Charleston and the Outer Banks was a perfect example of the trip best suited for it.  The aircraft has an auxiliary fuel tank giving it at 7 hour range, but we choose to make legs about two hours when possible. Our longest non-stop trip was to St. Mary's, Georgia, with a non-stop leg of five hours. We had a significant head wind on that trip. We usually fly over the mountain at 8500 West and 9500 East and never experience turbulence.  In terms of unusual events in route, this trip was uneventful.  I guess the most dramatic thing about this trip was the uniformity of moderate winds and clear skies after the outbound leg with tailwind. 

 

Elaborating on the brake failure:  The Skyhawk had recently made 10 landings at Sky Ranch in the same day, loaded with Young Eagles, requiring heavy breaking.  It is possible that this event set us up for the right brake cylinder failure while taxiing to the ramp at Burlington, NC.  This was my first experience with airport operations and the final landing at DKX, having only one brake.  For the uninitiated, sharp turns are virtually impossible using only the rudder at taxi speeds.

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Want to read more from Don Miller?  Check out of his other columns.

Got a comment, question or suggestion for future article? eMail Don.

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