A phalanx of restricted and Military Operating Areas confronts pilots heading north out of Los Angeles. Between sprawling Edwards Air Force Base and the Naval Air Weapons Station situated at water-free China Lake, a pilot studying the chart for the first time must think the way impassable.
Technicalities: Peter and Nick’s Excellent Adventure
Key Takeaways:
- The article describes a pilot's journey from Los Angeles, navigating challenging restricted airspace via the "Trona Gap," to reach Weiser, Idaho, with his son for the 2017 total solar eclipse.
- It vividly recounts the experience of witnessing the eclipse from the air, detailing the eerie dimming of daylight, the unique "night" of totality with a lit horizon, and the "diamond ring" effect.
- The flight also involved navigating busy airspace congested with other planes heading to the eclipse, encountering wildfire smoke affecting visibility, and a surprising F-18 traffic advisory on the return trip.
See a mistake? Contact us.
