Burlington, WI
- Aircraft Year
- 1976
- Aircraft Type
- 112/A
- Reg Number
- N1456J - IO-390
- Serial Number
- 456
I flew to the eclipse today, my plan was both detailed and extremely flexible. That is flexible up to not going, zero reservations, weather dependent. From SE WI, the closest to the center, (assured good weather) was the IN/OH line, just East of Muncie, IN. I stopped at Starke, CO airport, about 112 miles from the centerline, $4.95 fuel, RWY 18 to accommodate the strong SSW winds.
While there, after fueling up, I checked into food, an hour to play with. She had a car, recommended a cafe 10 miles away. I was medium hungry, I think I ate the largest burger of my life, not kidding. It was the ‘engineer burger’, at the Caboose Cafe, potato skins as a side. The burger was one or two thick patties, then ham & a bunch of trimmings on top. Needless to say, if I went down in the swamp I was good for a while.
I planned my flight to get to the site a tad early, time was 3:09-3:13 or so Eastern. Once in the air I took my time, got on site, 25-30 minutes before ‘full coverage’. As I approach I tried my eclipse glasses, very dark. I could see the moon starting to cover the sun. I also watched a few others with ads on my Garmin Pilot app. I was 3000’ MSL. There were a few with the same idea. One seemed to plan an oval around the same reservoir as me, he was at 3k, I went to 3500+. We seemed to fly a similar pattern, most others were away or above us. Traffic really wasn’t a problem, airborne.
The sun was kinda high in the window, with glasses I could see the moon, a camera picture just showed the sun. I turned my lights on early, it ended up pretty dark. There were others on 122.75 & 123.45, some formation, others chatting. I orbited at reduced speed with a little flap out, taking a few pictures. My plan was so flexible I didn’t invite anyone.
Once it got light, I gave it a few minutes then headed NW. I was very much the front of the wave. I got flight following to cut through some Class C space. Near Chicago there was a presidential TFR which put me further over water than I prefer, all known ahead of time.
Some told me it wouldn’t be good from the air, my response was, it’s this or not go at all. Just SW of my orbit they had fireworks with total coverage. On the way back the controller was getting overwhelmed, behind me. He told some he was unable to provide FF. Near the presidential TFR, they were on guard a bunch trying to contact a plane.
My first time with a total eclipse. Yes it was fun, enjoyed it, should it happen again next year, likely wouldn’t need to go. Yes, I know, many years off for the USA. I drained my engine oil on arrival back home. I’ll, try a few pictures.
While there, after fueling up, I checked into food, an hour to play with. She had a car, recommended a cafe 10 miles away. I was medium hungry, I think I ate the largest burger of my life, not kidding. It was the ‘engineer burger’, at the Caboose Cafe, potato skins as a side. The burger was one or two thick patties, then ham & a bunch of trimmings on top. Needless to say, if I went down in the swamp I was good for a while.
I planned my flight to get to the site a tad early, time was 3:09-3:13 or so Eastern. Once in the air I took my time, got on site, 25-30 minutes before ‘full coverage’. As I approach I tried my eclipse glasses, very dark. I could see the moon starting to cover the sun. I also watched a few others with ads on my Garmin Pilot app. I was 3000’ MSL. There were a few with the same idea. One seemed to plan an oval around the same reservoir as me, he was at 3k, I went to 3500+. We seemed to fly a similar pattern, most others were away or above us. Traffic really wasn’t a problem, airborne.
The sun was kinda high in the window, with glasses I could see the moon, a camera picture just showed the sun. I turned my lights on early, it ended up pretty dark. There were others on 122.75 & 123.45, some formation, others chatting. I orbited at reduced speed with a little flap out, taking a few pictures. My plan was so flexible I didn’t invite anyone.
Once it got light, I gave it a few minutes then headed NW. I was very much the front of the wave. I got flight following to cut through some Class C space. Near Chicago there was a presidential TFR which put me further over water than I prefer, all known ahead of time.
Some told me it wouldn’t be good from the air, my response was, it’s this or not go at all. Just SW of my orbit they had fireworks with total coverage. On the way back the controller was getting overwhelmed, behind me. He told some he was unable to provide FF. Near the presidential TFR, they were on guard a bunch trying to contact a plane.
My first time with a total eclipse. Yes it was fun, enjoyed it, should it happen again next year, likely wouldn’t need to go. Yes, I know, many years off for the USA. I drained my engine oil on arrival back home. I’ll, try a few pictures.
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