Neither Kate and her instructor or myself have been too happy with the acceleration and climb on our little Cessna, so a trip to the Sensenich propeller shop in Lancaster was needed.
Departing Marcellus in the morning we were headed towards MVFR or IFR weather that was forecast to improve within the next hour or two.
A short hop over some low clouds on the way to top off the tanks in Cortland. Skies below opened as we passed Homer and we easily descended for landing at Cortland.
With full tanks it was a slow climb to 4,500, then about 5,500 to avoid could tops as we passed through Binghamton's airspace to the VOR and V499 south. Smooth easy cruising above the clouds. Eventually we settled in at 6,500. A nice WNW breeze at altitude gave us a good wind correction angle and we cruised along at 90 mph over the high forests of northern PA.
About an hour and a half out it was time for a short break. A slight diversion from our route brought us to Bloomsburg PA nestled up against the Susquehanna River. With all of its meandering through the hills we pass over this river about 3 times as we head south.
Parked at Bloomsburg.
The downside to river front property...
At Sensenich hanger.
It was decided on the advice of the technician there, that our prop was due for an overhaul. After 23 years in service it had developed enough roughness that it needed to be profiled as well as re-pitched about 2".
Lancaster's terminal (side view).
Jeff and I had lunch at the Fiorintino's Resturant inside. The special was soup and crabcake sandwiches. It was good. While eating I watched a continuous stream of aircraft departing on RWY 31 directly in front of us. I noticed how they all seemed to climb so fast and strong and wondered how we were going to look in comparison...
The down side to airplanes...
Another fuel stop at Hazleton, PA.
With full fuel, again it was a slow climb. Fortunately, with 2 glider pilots onboard we knew what to do as we entered a thermal.
Pull up and circle!
Power plant along the Susquehanna.
Jeff and I
Back in NY we swung by Frozen Ocean where Jeff's Lambada is living while Skaneateles has its runway repaved.
Skaneateles.
The main runway has been closed for a few weeks, but the 3,000' grass cross strip remained open.
Our propeller.
1 comment:
These photos are wonderful, beautiful. And your narration really tells the full story of the adventure; I feel as if I'd gone along. This is a terrific blog George! Thanks for sharing. And for taking N4045U down to PA! I couldn't ask for a better partner for the 150! Thanks too to Jeff for going along - its an honor to have him aboard.
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