   Today we departed home base Luray at 9:55 am from runway 22. As we climbed out we turned 49Bravo’s nose towards the southeast continuing our climb up and over the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to 7000 feet. Our first destination today would be Norfolk International were we would meet and pick up our Angel Flight passenger Roxanne and her friend Barbara. Our flight down to Norfolk was very smooth with a nice little tailwind component helping us to get there in just a little over an hour, the sky was clear with the sun shinning brightly in our eyes. As we neared Norfolk we were cleared for a visual approach to runway 14 , then after being cleared to land we had 49Bravo’s wheels touching down at 11:03 ….. right on our planned schedule. At the same time we were heading into the FBO to meet our passengers we were receiving a phone call from them letting us know that they had got delayed in traffic getting to the airport (traffic in the Norfolk area can be quite bad at times).Â
   Once Roxanne and Barbara arrived we introduced ourselves and exchanged greetings along with some hugs … and … Roxanne presented us with a dozen homemade blueberry muffins ! ….. (Thank you so much Roxanne, they were delicious) ! …… then on out to 49 bravo we headed to load up all the luggage and to prepare for our departure (Roxanne and Barbara found the back seat waiting for them with two cuddly bears sitting there in Christmas Cheer, waiting to go home with them) We would be departing Norfolk heading for Baltimore MD (BWI) where Roxanne would be having her appointments. We had planned our departure from Norfolk to be on or before 11:30 so that we could be wheels down in Baltimore by 1:00 pm, but due to the traffic delays Roxanne and Barbara had we did not get off until about 11:55.
   After receiving our clearance, we departed Norfolk on runway 32 with our destination being Baltimore MD. Our routing ATC gave was not the best but as we made progress they gave us a few very good shortcuts that worked out really well. Our flight conditions at 5000 feet were good with a smooth ride and a slight headwind component. Flying this route up to BWI always (unless we are in the clouds) gives us some pretty awesome views which translates into some pretty neat photos, although I will have to say that the view out of our office windows while flying …. no matter where we are ….. are always awesome ! We made it to Baltimore in about an hour and twenty minutes with wheels rolling out on runway 33 right at about 1:20 pm (not a whole lot past our planned arrival time) even though we had delays departing Norfolk.Â
   After unloading and heading into the FBO, Roxanne and Barbara worked on contacting UBER for their ride to the Hospital while John and I done the things that a Pilot needs to do after being in the air for awhile ….. especially after having coffee before leaving home earlier in the morning ! Then before UBER showed up, we took some pictures and gave our goodbyes, along with some more hugs …… then we headed on out to 49 bravo, now sitting among several large Corporate Jets ….. no matter where we go, huge airports or small, 49 bravo always feels at home ! After receiving our clearance for back home, we departed BWI on runway 33 right climbing out on runway heading awaiting on ATC for radar vectors to join our route.
   Our flight back home at 6000 feet was smooth with hazy conditions that made the Blue Ridge Mountains, as we neared home, look like a beautiful painting. After wheels down and rolling out on runway 22 at home base Luray, we tucked 49 bravo snugly back into her hanger promising her another flight yet this week (next Angel Flight is Thursday) and John and I, along with our great airport employee Jimmy, enjoyed a very nice cup of hanger coffee while discussing things of much importance …… and remember Jimmy…. if you ever want to fly along with us all you need to do is supply COOKIES !Â
   Then, as always, we bit the bullet and started out on one of our most dangerous parts of the day ……. the drive home !
   Total flight time for today was 4.1 hours covering 431 nautical miles over 3 States. This was Angel Flight Mission number 416 for Captain John and Angel Flight Mission number 286 for myself (Nevin)Â
Have A Great Day and thank you so much for your time ! Following are photos of our flight, hope you enjoy !
Do you have to pay landing fees at every airport? Are they expensive?
Hi Tom ! …….. No, we do not have to pay any fees being an Angel Flight (they are waived) …… but landing (and other added fees) at many airports can be quite expensive !
Loved the pictures of our state Capital and of course those lovely and loved mountains…Barbara B.
Thank You ……….. our Mountains are certainly are Beautiful !