    Todays Angel Flight had us departing home base Luray at 0730 on a Beautiful Fall morning. The air was crisp and 49Bravo was eager to take to the sky. Our mission today would take us to Baltimore MD and then down to Norfolk VA. Our passengers were 7 year old Zeq and his mother Kristine (we had flown Zeq before, back in 2015)
    Our flight conditions up to Baltimore were very good (and beautiful as well) as we watched the sun greet the new day, peeking above the Blue Ridge. This was our first flight of the season that had icing conditions forecasted for our intended route (moderate ice was forecasted from 4000 to 14000 feet)…. but….. we knew that we had warmer air beneath us and also that the clouds were mainly going to be scattered broken layers (you need to be in the clouds to pick up ice, unless you are flying thru freezing rain) so we had no issues with the forecast. We did fly thru some clouds heading to Baltimore while in the freezing levels, but we picked up no ice at all. We had a nice little tailwind component on the way and the ride was fairly smooth.
    As we neared Baltimore we were given vectors to get us around for a visual approach to runway 33R….. which gave us very good views of the City and the Inner Harbor area (got some great photos !) Once on the ground at BWI we found Zeq and his mom waiting for us (Zeq was sound asleep) after reminiscing with his mom (Kristine) for awhile, we awoke Zeq and proceeded out to board 49Bravo.
    We departed BWI on runway 33R with vectors taking us around towards the east to intercept our given route to Norfolk. We had some amazing views out towards the Twin Bay Bridges as the morning sun reflected down thru the scattered clouds onto the Chesapeake Bay. Zeq was in the back really enjoying the views as well (especially when we would get near the clouds) …. this little fella loves to fly ! Our flight conditions at 6000 feet heading down to Norfolk were very good, having a little tail wind component part of the way and fairly smooth air. As we neared Norfolk, we once again were given vectors to get us around for a visual approach onto runway 5.
    After landing at Norfolk and getting into the FBO we enjoyed some great conversation with Zeq and his mom as they waited for Granddad to come pick them up for their ride home. All of our passengers that we transport seem to find a very special place in our hearts… and when it is children, that place is just a little bit deeper ! Zeq (who is now 7) suffers from Eosinophilic Esophagitis (YOU CAN CLICK HERE) to find out more on this condition. He is being treated by John Hopkins Children’s Hospital in Maryland where he and his mom presently travel to once a month. Looking at Zeq you would never know that he is carrying such a load, it is absolutely amazing how strong and upbeat a child can be ….. I believe that maybe, if we would just think about it, we could all learn a few lessons from them ! We hope all the best for Zeq and his Family and hope to fly him and his mom again real soon !
     After Granddad arrived, we saw them off and then proceeded out to begin our flight back home. Once receiving our clearance we departed Norfolk on runway 32 homebound. During our flight back home we proceeded with a very import phase of flight …. our I.A.P. (In Air Picnic) which we enjoyed very much while taking in all the beautiful views out of our office windows ! After landing back at home base on runway 4 we tucked 49Bravo back into her hanger and then very much enjoyed a nice cup of hanger coffee all the while discussing things of much importance ! ……. then, as always, we embarked on one of our most dangerous parts of the day…. the ride home !
    Total flight time today was 4.3 hours, covering 455 nautical miles over 3 States. This flight was Angel Flight Mission number 408 for Captain John and Angel Flight Mission number 278 for myself (Nevin)
    As always, thank you for your time and we hope you enjoy the following photos of todays flight !
Really love your pictures Nevin. Spent 2 weeks at Cove Point just south of Calvert Cliffs years ago. Found many many sharks teeth…Barbara B.
Thanks B.B. 😊
You really “outdid” yourself this trip Nevin with the pictures. All are beautiful. Are we going to see a book someday with all of your pictures? Capt. John and you deserve many “thank you” for all these flights; helping people. I look forward to these postings.
Thank you so much Tom for following our flights …. It makes us feel like you are flying along !
Ken & I Really enjoyed all the Beautiful Pictures. You are to be commented for the Wonderful Service you provide for All the people in Need.