A solar eclipse seemed like the perfect excuse for a cross-country flight to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, from San Diego with friends in our recently acquired Cirrus SR22T. My close friend Howard was just as excited for the trip as I was. Our less adventurous wives, not so much. My wife protested, “I don’t get it, why all the travel? It gets completely dark right here in our backyard every single night.” Five years and 2,000 hours later and she is still anxious about flying, but with prodding she agreed to go.
Flying During a Solar Eclipse
Key Takeaways:
- A pilot recounts a challenging cross-country flight to witness a solar eclipse, dealing with meticulous trip planning, an anxious non-pilot passenger experiencing altitude discomfort, and unforeseen engine issues on the return.
- The journey underscored the critical need for proactive passenger management, including anticipating comfort needs (e.g., accessible oxygen at altitude) and transparently briefing potential delays or issues like engine hot starts.
- Despite the difficulties, the experience of the total solar eclipse was profound, reinforcing the value of experiential learning and careful consideration for non-pilot perspectives during adventurous flights.
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