Tuesday April 17th 2018
The forecast Monday evening, for Tuesday was not good. The morning weather briefing was no better. A full FAA weather brief for each flight is generated at 1800wxbreif.com, a (the?) FAA approved flight briefing portal.
Forecast winds, from the south were 45mph at 2000ft. A sigmet (a weather advisory containing significant weather information) had been published for low level wind shear (LWS) below 6000ft, and another for moderate turbulence at lower levels. At Livingston, the winds were calm at sunrise, but due to increase quickly during the day to be gusting 25/30mph by 10am. My destination, Navasto (60R) had a similar actual and forecast report. Probably best to wait this out until things improve.
OR………
Go for it, ride the winds and get to Navasto BEFORE the winds pick up…..
The calmness is obvious from the reflection
Thin layer of haze seen where the air is smoother
Upon landing at Navasota it was obvious the gusting winds were picking up again, so after a quick taxi around the whole airfield, the BZIM found a sheltered location from southerly wind, behind some hangers. Just in case the wind directions changed, the wing was lowered and tied down.
The flight to Navasota had taken 1hr 25 minutes to cover just over 60 miles. Not long after the BZIM arrived, Mike from Spinner Aviation arrived. Mike, also a pilot, was keen to find out all about my journey. We also discussed his vacation flight with his father, crossing the Atlantic in his fathers impressive TBM. This happened during 2016. It was encouraging to hear of his experience when he visited Prestwick airport on his westbound return leg. “The service and amenities were some of the best encountered on the trip.”
Mike from Spinner Aviation and his dad’s TBM
Mike was then kind enough to provide access to the airports courtesy car. He recommended the “Classic Rock” restaurant for breakfast, which was heartily devoured. Navasota, in Grmmes County Texas, is known as the Blues capital of Texas, something very apparent from the decor of the restaurant inside and out.
Winds were forecast to subside by evening. After a few hours hanging around the airport, Mike offered the airport car and suggested a visit to the birthplace of Texas, in Washington-on-the-Brazos state park, a few miles up the road.
Back to Navasota again, Larry from Air Photos USA introduced himself. He produces canvas prints of aircraft ‘in flight’. Offering to produce on for the BZIM, I had to decline due to logistics, but I promised I’d plug his product instead.
Larry from Air Photo USA
More watching the military play in the pattern.
By 7pm it was obvious the winds were not going to subside in time to get anywhere, so a night in Navasota it was. Time was well spent and enjoyable hanging around Navasota airport, visiting the town and soaking up some history, thanks mainly to Mike and Spinner Aviation.
At least I flew a little further …..
