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-   -   Ontario to California and return (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=164134)

Ivan Kristensen 09-12-2018 07:43 PM

Ontario to California and return
 
Three of my "Bucket List" RV-10 flying items got checked off on this recent trip. They were #1. Fly by the Mount Rushmore monument, #2. was the fly by the famous "Mittens" buttes near the Monument Valley airport (UT25) and land at that airport and #3 was the visit Yosemite Natl. Park in California.












Funguy 09-12-2018 08:04 PM

Spectacular
 
Congratulations on a great trip!

rv6ejguy 09-12-2018 08:50 PM

Great photos Ivan. Looks like a fun trip.

Ivan Kristensen 09-13-2018 08:33 AM

Rapid City SD.
 
It would be difficult fly a two week 5000mi. trip without something not going quite right. Out first "hick-up" was with Customs in Rochester MN. Turns out that due to a staffing issue in Rochester they had to send an officer from Minneapolis and for that they charged me an "overtime" charge of $121.00 even though it was during regular business hours.

The only other problem we encountered was a flat main wheel tire in Page AZ. The tire simply went flat overnight so no damage to the wheel pant, luckily a local mechanic had a new inner-tube in stock and had it fixed in short order.

We had a great time in Rapid City visiting the sites incl. Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, The Black Hills, Custer Natl. Park and the Bad Lands.









When exiting the park we saw this beautiful animal.


On departure from Rapid City we got permission to do several Fly-by's of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.

ScottCC 09-14-2018 06:58 AM

Inspirational!
 
Thanks for sharing Ivan. Very inspirational...I'm working on an RV-10 QB. Just joined the tail to fuselage and working on cargo door area.
I'd like to visit those same places.
Scott

Navy76 09-14-2018 12:47 PM

Great stuff, Ivan! Very inspiring! I am working on an RV-14A QB and hope to be following in your footsteps soon. Until now, I've never had a plane anyone would want to steal but I have pondered how I'll feel about leaving a nice RV on the ramp at an unfamiliar field. I am curious about your experience, do you take any special precautions to keep your baby safe while on a long trip?

Thanks again for sharing your great photos!

snopercod 09-14-2018 01:43 PM

Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing them with us.

Ivan Kristensen 09-14-2018 02:41 PM

Keep building!
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottCC (Post 1288404)
Thanks for sharing Ivan. Very inspirational...I'm working on an RV-10 QB. Just joined the tail to fuselage and working on cargo door area.
I'd like to visit those same places.
Scott

Keep pounding those rivets Scott, the reward awaits you! I finished mine in June of 2010 and now have 1140 hrs on it. The RV-10 is a great traveling machine....

Ivan Kristensen 09-14-2018 02:53 PM

Ramp security?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Navy76 (Post 1288473)
Great stuff, Ivan! Very inspiring! I am working on an RV-14A QB and hope to be following in your footsteps soon. Until now, I've never had a plane anyone would want to steal but I have pondered how I'll feel about leaving a nice RV on the ramp at an unfamiliar field. I am curious about your experience, do you take any special precautions to keep your baby safe while on a long trip?

Thanks again for sharing your great photos!

As a rule I will choose an airport with an approach (I fly IFR) an FBO with services and access to rental cars. as such, these airports are generally well secured and have tie-down spots available. In these situations I have never felt that my airplane was at risk, at least in Canada and the USA. However, if you plan to fly into Mexico and the Caribbean security is another matter.

I have flown into Mexico once and the Caribbean numerous times and so far with no problem but I believe the risk is higher.

Ivan Kristensen 09-14-2018 06:13 PM

Monument Valley (UT25)
 
When I visited this place 10 year ago I promised myself that some day I would come back and fly in among these gigantic buttes and land at this airport. This was a "Bucket List" item for me and what a fantastic experience it was. The sheer beauty of this magical place is nothing short of breathtaking.









Because of the mountain south of the field you must land on Rwy 16 and take off on 34. Rwy 16 is slightly uphill to help slow you down.




This is looking at the vertical wall at the end of Rwy 16.


Another view.

Returning to the city of Page AZ.




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