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 author and his son flew from Southern California to Idaho to view the 2017 total solar eclipse, navigating a challenging airspace using ForeFlight and a Stratus portable weather unit.
- Their journey involved traversing the Trona Gap, a narrow, restricted airspace between military installations, and witnessing the eclipse from 14,000 feet.
- The experience of totality was described as a unique and awe-inspiring phenomenon, differing from a typical night due to the illuminated horizon and the presence of a glowing ring around the obscured sun.
- On their return journey, they received a traffic advisory of a maneuvering F-18, highlighting the potential hazards of flying near restricted airspace even after the eclipse viewing.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
