Our county medical society was hosting a winter conference at Sun Valley, a ski resort town in Idaho. Being an avid skier and pilot, I jumped at the opportunity to scratch both itches and fly to the conference. The FBO at my field had a Seneca II available, with oxygen, boots and hot props (but not a flight into known icing system). This was in 1992, so the panel didn’t feature direct inflight weather information or onboard thunderstorm detection equipment. The week before the conference, I was happy with the airplane and my proficiency. During my last checkout flight, I invited Dave, my instructor, to come with me to the conference as a buddy. Being a starving young flight instructor, he jumped at the chance for a free ski trip. It was nice to have another pilot along as well.
The day of departure came, and it was clear air from Seattle to Sun Valley. We had an absolutely gorgeous flight to the ski resort. Winter flying in good weather over the mountains is an incredible visual experience. After arriving, my 8-year-old son, Chris, Dave and I enjoyed great skiing and also an educational conference each day.
