Register

Darkness On The Edge Of Town

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author flew a private plane from Florida to Houlton, Maine, to witness the "Great North American Eclipse," describing the totality as a cosmic and memorable experience.
  • Houlton, Maine, fully embraced the eclipse, transforming into a festive hub with food, entertainment, local artisans, and shuttle services, creating a remarkable community atmosphere.
  • The trip highlighted the significant utility and potential cost-effectiveness of using a personal aircraft for long-distance travel, simplifying the journey to the eclipse viewing location.
See a mistake? Contact us.

As I relate in greater detail in the article beginning on page 7, I flew my Beech Debonair and some friends up to Houlton, Maine, and back in early April to view what the FAA termed the “Great North American Eclipse.” On the four-day roundtrip, the airplane racked up more than 20 tach hours and 2700 nm. And didn’t miss a beat.

The eclipse itself was somewhat anticlimactic—right up until it reached totality. The lightshow surrounding the moon’s black disc, viewable with the naked eye, was truly cosmic in nature. It’s something everyone should see, including the way the moon’s shadow swept across the cityscape, turning a sunny afternoon into evening, but only for a few short minutes.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE