View Full Version : cmor's Bay Area flights
Argument for Charter 133
O69 KSAC Baron passengers 55nm $15 $825 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
A man identifying himself as Major Kurt Luger wants me to fly him and his two buddies to Sacramento from Petaluma. The three men, all in their 70s, had just visited the Petaluma Military Antiques Museum and purchased military paraphernalia. such as items of uniforms, for their collection. They have been touring military museums in the West to add to what they call “vast collection of military memorabilia.” Before leaving California, they want to go to Sacramento for a tour of the California Military Museum. The three gray-haired men were attired in military garb reminiscent of World War II. I asked the “major” if he and his friends were World War II veterans. He surprised me in replying that none of them had ever been in the service. “We are just interested in all aspects of the military,” said Luger, indicating that a medical problem kept him out of uniform. I asked him why he is called “major.” He said he got the nickname from friends because of his knowledge of military history.
PIREP for Charter 133
O69 KSAC Baron passengers 55nm 0.43 hours $15 $825
We took off just before noon under heavily overcast conditions. Visibility was not much more than one mile. Some passengers – and maybe a pilot or two -- would be nervous flying in such overcast conditions. But my three passengers seemed oblivious to the conditions. They spent much of the short flight arguing over who made the best purchases at the Petaluma museum. I stayed at about 9,000 feet most of the way. With the help of my instruments, I descended out of the clouds within sight of Sacramento Executive Airport. I came in a bit high on Runway 30 but made an OK landing. I heard no complaints from my passengers, who said they were anxious to get to the Sacramento museum
Argument for Charter 134
KSAC KSJC Skyhawk passenger 71nm $10 $710 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
“They didn’t realize who I am,” said a perturbed man wearing a clown costume. Koko The Clown told me police officers weren’t impressed that he is one of the featured attractions of the circus that performed in Sacramento last night and is scheduled for San Jose tonight. From what I could determine from his confusing remarks, Koko was involved in some sort of fight this morning and spent a number of hours in jail or the drunk tank. By the time he was bailed out, the circus had left town for San Jose without Koko. The police apparently wouldn’t release him sooner despite his need to reach San Jose by showtime. As a result, the circus hired PGA to fly Koko to San Jose. We’ll leave at about 5:30 p.m. and should reach our destination with just enough time for Koko to make his circus appearance. The only PGA plane available for this flight is a single-engine Cessna Skyhawk.
PIREP for Charter 134
KSAC KSJC Skyhawk passenger 71nm 0.73 hours $10 $710
As he boarded the Skyhawk, I asked Koko why he was still in his clown costume and makeup. In rather colorful language, he angrily explained the circus people mistakenly took his packed belongings when the circus left town, believing he was traveling on his own to San Jose. Apparently, this wasn’t the first time he disappeared after a performance. However, he proudly declared, “I’ve never missed a performance.” With Koko dozing in his seat, we took off in the rapidly darkening skies. I stayed at about 6,500 feet for most of the way. The flight and the landing were routine. Koko was met by circus personnel, who rushed him away in a station wagon that had a circus logo on its side.
Argument for Charter 135
KSJC CA35 KSJC Skyhawk passengers 92nm $10 $920 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Capt. Jonas of the state Corrections Department wants to hire PGA to transport a San Quentin Prison convict being released from custody. He told me this is a hush-hush charter because the convict is Hugo Earlee, a former crime boss who has served a long stretch behind bars in California. Earlee decided a few months ago to make a deal to rat out several of his former crime colleagues in exchange for an early release. His former friends found out about the deal and are undoubtedly planning to get revenge in a most violent way, said Jonas. The corrections official said he will accompany me on a flight from San Jose to Marin Ranch at San Rafael, just a short distance from San Quentin Prison, Earlee’s home in recent years. Earlee will be secretly transported in an unmarked laundry van from the prison to the small airport. From there, I will fly Jonas and Earlee back to San Jose International. At San Jose International, Jonas said, Earlee can connect to any number of flights to a destination where he will assume a new identity. “His old buddies are really mad, and that makes them extremely dangerous,” Jonas. “Just to be on the safe side, I’m wearing a bullet proof vest.” When I asked him if the pilot should wear some protection, Jonas suddenly downplayed the chances that an attack would occur. “We’ve taken so many steps to keep his release date secret, I’m pretty sure there’s no need to worry,” he said. I wasn’t completely reassured.
PIREP for Charter 135
KSJC CA35 KSJC Skyhawk passengers 92nm 1.00 hours $10 $920
The early-afternoon flight from San Jose to Marin Ranch was uneventful although overcast conditions limited visibility to about 3 miles. Earlee, who looked like just about any gray-haired senior, and two guards were waiting for us after we stopped taxiing. As we got out of the plane to greet our passenger, I kept imagining a car roaring out to us and guys jumping out to spray us with machine-gun bullets. If I survived, I knew the PGA bosses would be upset that I stood so close to the plane that the aircraft got some bullet holes in it. In reality, no bad guys appeared. Earlee quietly got on the Skyhawk with Jonas, and we took off for San Jose. Visibility was better on the way back and the landing was smooth.
Argument for Charter 136
KSJC O88 Baron passengers 51nm $15 $765 Sen. Capt. 6 Very Strong
This should be a quick charter. Two businessman types want to fly from San Jose to Rio Vista on short notice. A Baron is gassed up and ready to go for the charter. The two men, dressed in expensive business suits and overcoats, showed up about 15 minutes after they telephoned PGA headquarters to arrange the flight. Both said they were late for an important meeting at a fishing lodge near Rio Vista. Both carried briefcases. One of the men told the other he was flattered to be invited to a meeting where party officials are mapping strategy for the November elections in California. “Remember,” he told the other man, “we can’t tell anybody about this meeting. Everything decided at the meeting is confidential. Our people don’t want to read about this meeting in any newspaper.” The men didn’t indicate what political party was involved. But both carried Wall Street Journal and Investor Daily publications.
PIREP for Charter 136
KSJC O88 Baron passengers 51nm 0.42 hours $15 $765
A sunny and relatively clear afternoon made this flight a routine one. I noticed quite a few light planes parked at Rio Vista Municipal Airport, much more than usual. I assumed other people attending the meeting also had flown to Rio Vista. My passengers asked me to tell as few people as possible about the charter. “We appreciate discretion,” one said. “There’s a good chance we’ll use your airlines again for other charters this year.”
Argument for Charter 137
KSJC Q86 Caravan passengers 77nm $15 $1,155 Sen. Capt. 3 Very Strong
Mr. Lee and his assistant Ms. Kang showed up at PGA headquarters at San Jose wanting to charter an immediate flight to Lake Berryessa. Lee, who came to the U.S., from China last year, is an internationally known architect. He is designing a state-of-the-art mansion at the lake. Because of problems with his design plans, he needs to get to Berryessa right away for meetings with contractors. The middle-aged Ms. Kang says she is serving as Lee’s interpreter. She said Lee’s English is limited. And, as a result, there were some communications problems involving Lee, owners of the new home and the contractors. “Everyone is confused by certain parts of the plans,” she said. “One of the problems is the roof doesn’t seem to cover the entire house.” Ms. Kang said Lee seemed to be handling English fairly well a few weeks ago, but the communication problems with contractors have discouraged him from using his new language. “Now he only wants to speak Chinese,” said Ms. Kang, whose duties with Lee’s company were expanded a few days ago to include being an interpreter. She said she hopes Lee will renew his efforts to master English in the coming months.
PIREP for Charter 137
KSJC Q86 Caravan passengers 77nm 0.55 hours $15 $1,155
Conditions were overcast with light rain when we took off from San Jose. Visibility was about 3 miles. I am using the Caravan for a landing on the lake. The flight was routine and my passengers seemed to enjoy their birds-eye view of the lake area. The Caravan handled beautifully, as usual. The water landing was smooth.
Argument for Charter 138
Q86 KPAO Caravan passengers 70nm $15 $1,050 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Mr. and Mrs. Gotmore, who are building a house at Lake Berryessa (see Charter 137 above), want to fly from the lake to their home in Palo Alto. They had just completed a meeting with contractors and the architect to resolve problems involved in building the upscale house at the lake. Judging from the mood of the middle-aged couple when they boarded the Caravan, not all of the problems were solved.
PIREP for Charter 138
Q86 KPAO Caravan passengers 70nm 0.50 hours $15 $1,050
Weather conditions were good -- scattered clouds with about 5 miles visibility and light wind. Conditions inside the plane were not so good. Shortly after takeoff, the Gotmores started bickering about the house. The husband had doubts about the cost, and the wife wanted some things added to the house plans. The argument escalated. The couple started throwing the house plans and other papers at each other. I diplomatically pointed out that the noise made it difficult for me to concentrate on flying. They quieted down for a while. But they resumed hostilities just as I circled the Palo Alto airport. The landing was smooth. I was happy to say goodbye to the Gotmores, who were still shouting at each other as they left the plane.
Argument for Charter 139
KPAO KSAC Caravan passenger 69nm $15 $1,035 Sen. Capt. 3 Very Strong
Mr. Swift sounded desperate when he showed up at the PGA hangar at Palo Alto. “I’ve got to get to Sacramento right away,” he said. “There’s a meeting starting in an hour, and I’ll lose a vital contract if I don’t get there.” Swift, a young man in a wrinkled suit, said his competitors are meeting with a company that he had been courting. For whatever reason, he indicated, he just learned that the meeting was being held this afternoon. He seemed to calm down a bit when I told him we should make it to Sacramento within the hour. The only plane available, a Caravan, was gassed up and ready for takeoff. I had planned to fly back to San Jose. But now I had a paying customer.
PIREP for Charter 139
KPAO KSAC Caravan passenger 69nm 0.46 hours $15 $1,035
There were just a few clouds in the sky when I took off from Palo Alto Airport. However, southerly winds were gusting to 20 mph. The flight to Sacramento was routine. But during landing, the winds made it a little tricky lining up on runway 02 as I descended to the pavement. I’ve made better landings. Mr. Swift didn’t seem to notice. He couldn’t wait to bolt from the plane and arrange for a taxi. I wished him good luck. I don’t think he heard me.
Argument for Charter 140
KSAC KSFO Baron passengers 68nm $15 $1.020 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
“This is an emergency,” Mrs. Van Roy shouted at me at Sacramento Executive Airport. “Boo Boo needs surgery right away.” She explained Boo Boo was her pet poodle – an ancient one at that. She said if Boo Boo were a human, he’d be over 90 years old. Mrs. Van Roy, who is in her 70s, said the surgery would be performed as soon as possible at the university veterinary school in San Francisco. I told her we would take off immediately after I file my flight plan for the trip to the Bay Area. “Hurry, please,” she pleaded. The small dog seemed unconscious as she carried Boo Boo onto the plane in a blanket. She said Boo Boo’s health had deteriorated rapidly the last few days. The date of the experimental surgery had been moved up accordingly. She said Boo Boo was well known in dog show circles, having won many trophies in competition during his youth. She said she had scheduled a lavish birthday party for her pet next month and hoped Boo Boo could be around to enjoy the attention.
PIREP for Charter 140
KSAC KSFO Baron passengers 68nm 0.50 hours $15 $1,020
We took off on a clear, unseasonably warm afternoon from Sac Executive. The flight, mostly at around 6,500 feet, was uneventful. About 20 minutes later, we were over San Francisco Bay. Surprisingly, the air traffic was light and I got a quicker-than-usual clearance to land on Runway 19R at San Francisco International. Mrs. Van Roy must have pulled some strings because a van from the vet school was waiting for us at the PGA hangar. Mrs. Van Roy described the van as a veterinary ambulance. She thanked me profusely for the smooth flight. I wished her luck on the surgery.
Argument for Charter 141
KSFO KCCR KLVK KSJC Baron passenger 67nm $15 $1,005 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Mr. Birdee from the FAA wants to fly from San Francisco to Concord, Livermore and San Jose as part on an inspection flight. I asked the seemingly tense young man what would he be inspecting. He quickly answered, “You don’t have a need to know.” Birdee said he sometimes suffers from air sickness so he would appreciate a smoothest flight as possible. I told him, “That’s always our goal at PGA.”
PIREP for Charter 141
KSFO KCCR KLVK KSJC Baron passenger 67nm 0.60 hours $15 $1,005
It was an unseasonably warm afternoon in Northern California as we took off. The sky was clear and there were light winds. I anticipated an uneventful flight on all three legs of the trip. Everything was routine in the air. But I guess I tried too hard to make a smooth landing at Concord and wound up bouncing a little. Birdee didn’t look happy. The next two landings were OK. Birdee mumbled something as he left the plane at San Jose. I don’t think it was a thank you.
You sure he wasn't inspecting you? The Boss has some shady deals going on at Frugals World Bar that may have the FAA climbing all over us
Argument for Charter 142
KSJC C83 KSJC Baron passenger 64nm $15 $960 Sen. Capt. 6 Very Strong
The man in the white cowboy hat introduced himself as Dr. Hayes, a veterinarian. Hayes needs to fly to Byron right away to attend to a prize bull. Some malady is preventing the bull from performing his breeding duties in his usual efficient manner, according to the doctor. Hayes says he is a specialist in these matters and is frequently called in to cure the animal patient. I complimented the doctor on his cowboy hat. He said he generally only wears it when he deals with farmers and ranchers. “Farmers are impressed with men wearing cowboy hats,” he explained
PIREP for Charter 142
KSJC C83 KSJC Baron passenger 64nm 0.60 hours $15 $960
The weather couldn’t be better from the flight from San Jose to Byron and back to San Jose. Afternoon temperatures were in the 70s with no appreciable wind and a few clouds. The flight north to Byron in the valley was uneventful. After a few hours, the doctor returned to the plane for the flight back to San Jose. He noticed I coughed several times. I explained I was just getting over a weeklong bout with the flu. He offered to give me a shot to make me feel better. I politely declined, well aware that he is a veterinarian and not a medical doctor. I wasn’t sure what kind of shot he was offering. I hope it wasn’t the same one he gave the bull. The flight to San Jose was routine and we got a surprisingly quick clearance to land.
Argument for Charter 143
KSJC KSTS Baron passengers 80nm $15 $1,200 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Both passengers seemed to have smiles permanently etched on their faces. Brother and sister Jack and Jacqueline want to fly from San Jose to Santa Rosa where they expect their lives will change forever. Jack explained that both received a call from their late aunt Clara’s attorney, who asked them to come to Santa Rosa immediately to attend the reading of Clara’s will. “You’ll be glad you came,” Jack quoted the attorney as saying. Jack said the aunt was “incredibly rich.” He said the call came as a big surprise to the siblings because Clara had several grown children and other relatives living nearby. Jack and Jacqueline hadn’t seen her in several years. Both said Clara didn’t get along even with many people in her lifetime, especially family members. Jack and Jacqueline had just arrived from out of state and, anticipating a big windfall, decided to ‘travel in style” to the reading by chartering a flight.
PIREP for Charter 143
KSJC KSTS Baron passengers 80nm 0.58 hours $15 $1,200
We took off on a mild clear afternoon from San Jose. My confident passengers seem to be counting their riches before the money materializes. Jack was perusing brochures for luxury cars while Jacqueline was looking at pictures of pricey homes and furnishings. The flight and the landing were routine. I wished them good luck. I would have liked to stayed awhile in Santa Rosa to find out if their optimism was rewarded. But I guess I’ll have to get back to work flying another charter.
Argument for Charter 144
KSTS KLVK Baron passenger 67nm $15 $1,005 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
“Prayer never hurts in any situation,” said the Reverend Susan Pelley. She made the comment to me as we taxied in the Baron at Santa Rosa airport. I was preparing to fly Ms. Pelley to Livermore for one of a series of sermons she is giving at Northern California churches. When I noticed she was whispering a prayer prior to takeoff, I asked her if she was nervous about flying. She said “no,” but added that she felt a prayer seemed appropriate at the moment. I didn’t press her for further explanation. I hoped her comments didn’t indicate a lack of confidence in me flying her safely to Livermore. As we sped down Runway 32 on takeoff, I felt a little more pressure than usual to do everything right at the controls.
PIREP for Charter 144
KSTS KLVK Baron passenger 67nm 0.52 hours $15 $1,005
It was another great day for flying – high clouds and light winds. It was a VFR flight all the way. The landing was routine. Ms. Pelley seemed satisfied with the flight although she still appeared a little tense. She explained that her appearance in Livermore was an unscheduled one that she learned about only a few hours before the flight. Normally, she would drive between appearances. But time constraints required flying. She said it was her first time in such a small plane. “I say a prayer or two even when I’m on a big airliner,” she said.
Argument for Charter 145
KLVK O05 KLVK Baron passenger 101nm $15 $1,515 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
A Livermore-area laboratory is sending over a Ms. Whirley, a lab technician. She needs to fly to the University of California at Davis and then return to Livermore. She will be delivering an experimental veterinary vaccine to university scientists. Ms. Whirley later explained that her lab had been testing the vaccine and now she is taking it to the university for more extensive tests. She also will be bring back to Livermore another version of the vaccine that has already been tested at the university.
PIREP for Charter 145
KLVK O05 KLVK Baron passenger 101nm 0.77 hours $15 $1,515
Ms. Whirley, a thin young lady who is over 6 feet tall, gently carried a small box containing the vaccine onto the plane. She handled the box like it contained nitroglycerine. The weather was partly cloudy with light winds as we took off for Davis. Ms. Whirley said she was “extremely interested” in flying and continuously asked me to explain each move I made at the controls of the plane. By the time we landed at Davis the questions were starting to annoy me. On the return flight to Livermore, Ms. Whirley said she had taken a few flying lessons and was hoping to get her pilots’ license some day. She asked several times if she could take the controls for a few minutes. I politely and firmly refused, saying it was against company policy. She seemed quite disappointed and stopped asking questions. In fact, she stopped talking to me for the remainder of the flight. That was a break for me. The return flight and the landing were routine.
Argument for Charter 146
KLVK KHAF KLVK Skyhawk passengers 70nm $10 $700 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
A Mrs. Wheeler wants to charter a flight from Livermore to Half Moon Bay and then back to Livermore. The flight is a birthday present for her 90-year-old mother, who she calls “granny.” Mrs. Wheeler said granny has never flown in an airplane. “This is something she always wanted to do,” the daughter told me. At Half Moon Bay, an afternoon birthday party for granny will be held at a nearby beach house. Several hours later, Mrs. Wheeler and granny will return to Livermore via PGA.
PIREP for Charter 146
KVLK KHAF KLVK Skyhawk passengers 70nm 0.73 hours $10 $700
An excited “granny” and her daughter boarded the Skyhawk for granny’s birthday adventure. Conditions were partly cloudy with light winds and visibility of about five miles. Granny seemed to thoroughly enjoy the view from the air, especially looking down on San Francisco Bay as we headed over the hills to the coastline. She chatted quite a bit about the “miracle of flight.” It was somewhat hazy on the noontime flight to Half Moon Bay, but conditions cleared for the return trip. I made a nice landing on Runway 30 at Half Moon Bay. On the return flight, granny was quiet most of the way. Mrs. Wheeler said the excitement had been tiring for granny. But granny smiled and thanked me for a smooth flight as she left the plane at Livermore.
Argument for Charter 147
KLVK KSAC Baron passenger 51nm $15 $765 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Jack McDuff, whose card describes him as a “Super Agent,” told me, “I’ve always represented the best acts in show hiz.” A small middle-aged man in a loud sport coat, McDuff needs to fly to Sacramento from Livermore. He is completing arrangements for a capital city appearance by one of his clients, a singing group called the Warblers When I said I had never heard of the Warblers, he confidently answered, “You will.”
PIREP for Charter 147
KLVK KSAC Baron passenger 51nm 0.42 hours $15 $765
The weather was good for this late afternoon flight – partly cloudy with light winds. McDuff said he has flown thousands of miles all over the world to book acts. But when we took off from Livermore Muni, I noticed he tightly shut his eyes. I asked if he was nervous about flying in a small plane, and he replied “no” in a barely audible voice. He said he always closes his eyes during takeoffs and landings. “It’s kind of a habit,” he said. The flight to Sacramento was routine. We landed on Runway 20 at Sacramento Executive.
Keep his card, we may be able to use him in a few months when we do the PGA Rocks The Bay concert, I've already pretty much got KISS to do the gig but the Warblers sound awesome :-)
What a Coincidence!
In Charter 147 above, I named the singing group the “Warblers” without checking whether there was a Warblers group in real life. Well, I checked the Internet today and found there is a Warblers trio based in the San Francisco Bay Area. They sing bluegrass music.
cmor
Argument for Charter 148
KSAC KSFO Baron passenger 68nm $15 $1,020 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Just before my planned departure from Sacramento back to San Jose, I got a frantic call from “Super Agent” Jack McDuff (see Charter 147).. He said he needed an immediate charter to San Francisco where he has to straighten out problems involving the appearance of another musical client, the “Cooties.” I told him we could take off as soon as he reaches Sacramento Executive.
PIREP for Charter 148
KSAC KSFO Baron passenger 68nm 0.53 hours $15 $1,020
McDuff once again closed his eyes during takeoff. He apologized for doing so. But I told him not to worry. “I find myself doing the same thing myself often when I take off and land,” I told him. He gave me a startled look. I quickly reassured him I was joking. He didn’t seem entirely reassured. The weather was clear and mild. The flight and landing on Runway 19L at San Francisco International were routine
Argument for Charter 149
KSFO KSTS Baron cargo 58nm $15 $870 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
The dispatcher instructed me to meet two men at the PGA hangar area at San Francisco International. He said the men wanted me to fly a box of important papers to Santa Rosa. The men showed up in a panel truck shortly before 10 p.m. One loaded the box, equivalent to a large suitcase, on the Baron while the other watched us closely. Both seemed tense. The man loading the box told me the “papers” must be delivered to Santa Rosa Airport within an hour. I told him, “No problem.”
PIREP for Charter 149
KSFO KSTS Baron cargo 58nm 0.40 hours $15 $870
It was a clear night as I took off from San Francisco International. The flight was routine. I had no difficulty spotting Santa Rosa Airport. The landing was good. Two men in a panel truck were waiting for me as I taxied to a stop. They quickly took the box off the plane and drove off. They also seemed tense and didn’t appear in the mood for any conversation
Argument for Charter 150
KSTS KOAK Baron cargo 55nm $15 $825 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
A well-known air express company needs our help. One of the company’s planes had to land at Santa Rosa airport for some emergency repairs. To meet delivery schedules, the company has asked several regional air services, including PGA, to fly packages from its diverted plane to destinations in Northern California. We’ll make a delivery to Oakland Metro Airport.
PIREP for Charter 150
KSTS KOAK Baron cargo 55nm 0.45 hours $15 $825
The Baron was loaded to nearly its weight limit for this afternoon flight. I took off in scattered cloudy conditions with light winds. The flight at mostly 9,000 feet was routine. The landing at Oakland was good. Easy money for me and PGA.
Argument for Charter 151
KOAK KSAC Skyhawk passengers 59nm $15 $885 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
“You have the privilege of flying the famous Digby Sisters from Oakland to Sacramento,” Junior told me on the phone. “Who are the Digby Sisters?” I asked. Junior explained the Digby Sisters are about 80 years old and play the ukulele for a variety of fund-raising and charity type events. They dress in circa 1890s garb and wear straw hats. They play and sing traditional ukulele favorites such as “Little Grass Shack,” “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” and “Ukulele Lady.” (All tunes that PGA pilots regularly hum as they fly the unfriendly skies, I’m sure). Their performances range from awful to mediocre, but the sisters are welcomed as celebrities wherever they go. It seems that are incredibly wealthy. And at each event where they perform, they leave a generous donation. The sisters travel first-class to all these events, usually by air. This is the first time they have chosen PGA for a charter.
PIREP for Charter 151
KOAK KSAC Skyhawk passengers 59nm 0.60 hours $15 $885
The Baron is out of action for maintenance so we’ll take the Skyhawk. The sisters were in great spirits as they boarded the aircraft for the flight to their hometown – Sacramento. They said they have flown many miles in small airplanes, but they acted as if it was their first flight. They chattered away excitedly as they pointed to landmarks below during the flight. It was another clear spring day in Northern California with light winds. The flight was routine, and the landing was smooth.
Argument for Charter 152
KSAC O69 Skyhawk passengers 54nm $10 $540 Sen. Capt. 3 Very Strong
I had never seen rabbits that looked like these two. The middle-aged lady in white overalls explained they were English Angora breeding rabbits. They looked like balls of white fluffy hair. You could barely see their noses, mouths, eyes and ears among all that hair. The lady, who introduced herself as Rita, said the rabbits are valuable award-winning breeders. Rita said she needs PGA to fly her and the rabbits to Petaluma for a breeding project. She said driving them to Petaluma might make them nervous. “The quicker we get there, the better,” she said.
PIREP for Charter 152
KSAC O69 Skyhawk passengers 54nm 0.56 hours $10 $540
After we loaded the two cages onto the back seat of the Skyhawk, Rita whispered something to the rabbits. As we took off from Sacramento Executive, I asked her what she told the rabbits. “I told them to remain calm and that this (trip) won’t take long,” she said. We left Sacramento at about 1 p.m. on a hot, clear, and calm day. It was a routine VFR flight all the way. I made the landing as smooth as possible in deference to my two caged passengers. They seemed passive about their first in-flight experience.
Argument for Charter 153
O69 O99 Skyhawk passenger 85nm $10 $850 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Mr. Barney, a Petaluma-area businessman, has made a last-minute decision to attend his sister’s wedding tonight in Santa Clara County south of San Jose. The talkative Mr. Barney said he hasn’t seen his sister in years and has rarely gotten along with her. He had planned to skip the wedding, her second. But he changed his mind and decided to fly there after completing some important meetings today. “I just learned that my Aunt Julia will be attending the wedding,” he said. “Julia is about 90 years old and is very rich. She has been close to my sister. I don’t want to get her mad at me. I might be left out of her will. I’m not taking any chances.” Mr. Barney said he’ll drive back home after the wedding. He said he has no important meetings tomorrow.
PIREP for Charter 153
O69 O99 Skyhawk passenger 85nm 0.82 hours $10 $850
We’ll fly to the South County airport in southern Santa Clara County. That is the nearest airport to the wedding site. Scattered cloudy weather prevailed for the late afternoon flight. I haven’t flown to the South County airport in several years, but I had no problem locating it with the help of my GPS system. The only problem on the flight occurred when some turbulence forced a sudden drop in altitude at about 20 miles from South County airport. I regained control quickly. Mr. Barney didn’t seem to notice. He was murmuring to himself for most of the flight. When I asked if he was okay, he explained he was just rehearsing what he would say to Aunt Julia when he saw her at the wedding. The landing on Runway 14 was smooth.
Argument for Charter 154
O99 KSAC Skyhawk passenger 86nm $10 $860 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Mr. Sharpe, a lawyer, is defending a young man accused of a series of petty thefts. His family has told Sharpe’s law firm to “spare no expense” to keep the young man out of jail. As a result, Sharpe has been flying around Northern California trying to find “character witnesses” to bolster his case. One of those he interviewed is living in southern Santa Clara County. Sharpe wants to fly back to Sacramento, where the trial will be held. “We could drive around to interview witnesses but time is of the essence and the family doesn’t mind paying for air travel,” the attorney said. “We’ve had a heck of time finding someone who will say something good about this guy (the defendant),” he added.
PIREP for Charter 154
O99 KSAC Skyhawk passenger 86nm 0.85 hours $10 $860
It was another beautiful day for flying as we took off from South County Airport. There wasn’t much wind as we flew over the hills and into the valley headed for Sacramento Executive – a nice relaxing flight. It was so relaxing that Sharpe dozed off during the short flight. I guess interviewing witnesses is exhausting work. There wasn’t much traffic at Sac Executive. The landing was good.
Argument for Charter 155
KSAC KHAF Skyhawk passengers 76nm $10 $760 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
Mr. and Mrs. Morrisey are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this afternoon at the party with friends and family. As a wedding gift, their grown children are chartering a flight for them to Half Moon Bay, the site of their honeymoon a half century ago. Their son said Mr. Morrisey has a car-sickness problem so driving the elderly couple to Half Moon Bay is out of the question. “It would be more fun to fly and they won’t get so tired getting to Half Moon Bay,” he said.
PIREP for Charter 156
KSAC KHAF Skyhawk passengers 76nm 0.78 hours $10 $760
The party must have been tiring for the Morriseys because they looked somewhat exhausted when they boarded the Skyhawk. Most people are excited when they fly in a small plane. This couple looked as if they just wanted the flight to get done so they could get back on firm ground. It was nice, mild day for our late afternoon flight. There were only a few clouds and light winds. Air traffic in the Bay Area was light as we cleared the hills and reached the coast. The scenery was spectacular as usual but the Morriseys seemed disinterested. Their mood brightened after we made a smooth landing at the airport. As they left the plane, I congratulated them on their anniversary and told them, “Enjoy your stay in Half Moon Bay.”
KSAC Q86 Caravan passengers 37nm $15 $555 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
During a short vacation at my hometown of Sacramento, I got a call from a PGA dispatcher asking if I could handle a quick charter to Lake Berryessa. I said OK. Mr. and Mrs. Pearlmans’ daughter Judy is quite a swimmer. She is competing in a big swim competition during the 4th of July holiday weekend at the lake. The Pearlmans decided to charter a flight to the lake for themselves and Judy. They will be staying with friends there during the competition. What good fortune! A PGA Caravan is parked at Sacramento Executive following another charter. I’ll use it for the flight.
PIREP for Charter 157
KSAC Q86 Caravan passengers 37nm 0.38 hours $15 $555
The weather was nearly perfect for this afternoon’s takeoff from Sacramento Executive. The three Pearlmans enjoyed the spectacular scenery as we cleared the hills to the west of Sacramento and circled the lake. The landing on the lake was smooth. The Caravan handled beautifully. Everyone was happy, including the pilot.
Argument for Charter 158
Q86 KSTS KSFO Caravan passenger 82nm $15 $1.230 Sen. Capt. 5 Very Strong
A man who identified himself only as Dirk said he has two conflicting commitments, and PGA can help him solve the problem. Dirk says he must get to Santa Rosa from Lake Berryessa as soon as possible for a hastily arranged business meeting. But he said he must attend a business/social event a few hours later in San Francisco. He figures the best way to get to both places quickly is to charter a plane. We make the quick flight over the hills to the west to Santa Rosa. Then, after the meeting, we will fly to San Francisco.
PIREP for Charter 158
Q86 KSTS KSFO Caravan passenger 82nm 0.86 hours $15 $1,230
The weather was clear with little wind when we took off from the lake, heading west. It was a quick and uneventful fight. Dirk didn’t return to the Santa Rosa airport until well after dinner. It was dark by the time we circled San Francisco International. Landing at night at a busy airport can be unnerving. But we made it down on Runway 28L in one piece. Dirk didn’t seem to notice that I was a bit anxious. He was happy that he made to San Francisco in time to attend the business/social event.
Argument for Charter 159
KSFO O05 Baron passenger 62nm $15 $930 Sen. Capt. 3 Very Strong
The dispatcher said he received a call from a man saying he wanted to arrange a charter flight from San Francisco to Davis for a Mr. Brooski. Brooski suffered some sort of injury and needed transportation to his parents’ home near Davis where he will recuperate, the man explained. Brooski arrived at the hangar with his face battered and his arm bandaged. The man accompanying him said Brooski’s jaw was wired shut and that he could barely talk. He said Brooski was injured in a barroom altercation. He said most of the damage occurred when he was struck by a waitress, who the man described as having a “devastating left hook.” Brooski limped on to the Baron with the help of his friend, who wished him good luck and left. I told Brooski would try to make the flight as smooth as possible. He simply nodded back at me.
PIREP for Charter 159
KSFO O05 Baron passenger 62nm 0.43 hours $15 $930
We took off late in the afternoon and flew at about 5,500 feet most of the way to Davis. There were just a few clouds and visibility was great. I had no problem finding the university airport at Davis. Aware of my passenger’s medical condition, I guess I tried a little to hard to make a smooth landing. I came in too fast and bounced the aircraft once before settling on the runway. I can’t remember the last time I did that. Brooski didn’t protest at all. Of course, his wired jaw prevented him from talking. He didn’t moan or make any other sounds. I wish more passengers had wired jaws – just kidding. Anyway, he limped off the plane and was driven away by family members.
Argument for Charter 164
KSAC KSJC Skyhawk passenger 71nm $10 $710 Sen. Capt. 3 Very Strong
“Do you know who Chef Parmesan is?” the dispatcher asked. “Never heard of him,” I replied. “He is one of the best young up-and-coming gourmet chefs in the country,” the dispatcher said. “I read about him in several magazines.” The dispatcher said Parmesan is participating in a cooking competition today in Sacramento and then must fly to San Jose for another competition later this afternoon. “He almost needs to be in two places at once. And that’s where we come in,” the dispatcher said, adding he’ll meet me at Sacramento Executive Airport in a couple of hours for the flight to San Jose.
PIREP for Charter 164
KSAC KSJC Skyhawk 172 passenger 71nm 0.77 hours $10 $710
The bearded chef Parmesan, weighing around 300 pounds, carefully maneuvered himself into a seat on the Cessna Skyhawk. When I first met him, I immediately checked the weight specifications for the plane to make sure we could get off the ground. Parmesan barely could get the seatbelt around him. “You see I love to cook and I love to eat,” he laughed. As we moved down the runway, he reached over to his carrying-on bag and pulled out the largest sub sandwich I had ever seen. “This is my after-lunch snack,” he told me “I’ve got another one (sandwich) in my bag if you want one.” I declined. The flight to San Jose went smoothly. The skies were clear and winds were light. There was a slight bounce in the landing, but Parmesan didn’t seem to notice. He was busily consuming the second sub he had pulled out of the bag.
Argument for Charter 165
KSJC KAPC Skyhawk passenger 54nm $10 $540 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
I thought I had seen the last of chef Parmesan (see Charter 164). But the chef called the dispatcher to arrange a quick flight from San Jose to Napa. Parmesan says he is a last-minute substitute for a chef that was supposed to prepare a gourmet dinner for a high-society group at a Napa vineyard tonight. Parmesan later explained that the chef fell ill with food poisoning. He didn’t offer any other details.
PIREP for Charter 165
KSJC KAPC Skyhawk passenger 54nm 0.57 hours $10 $540
The hefty Parmesan struggled into his seat on the Skyhawk. As he did on the last flight, he reached into his large carry-on bag and pulled out a large sub sandwich. “I had a light lunch and had to rush to the airport,” he explained. Gesturing with the sandwich, he said, “This (the sandwich) will keep me going for a few hours.” It was another ideal day for flying: partly cloudy, light winds and good visibility. I surprised myself by making a flawless landing on runway 36L. As I was taxiing toward the terminal, I glanced at Parmesan and noticed he was munching on a large piece of chocolate cake he was holding with his hand. It looks like I’ll have to clean chocolate frosting off the seat after he leaves the plane.
Argument for Charter 165
KAPC KSTS KAPC Skyhawk passengers 62nm $10 $620 Sen. Capt. 4 Very Strong
Film director Dusty Beaker (Charter 163, long hauls) spent the Labor Day holiday weekend at his winery near Napa. He wants to fly to Santa Rosa to look for another filming location for the climatic scene of his upcoming movie called “Horsey.” After a short visit there, Beaker and his secretary will fly back to Napa. Beaker reminded me that “Horsey” is a heart-warming story of a horse who becomes a hero.
Correction: the above post should be "Argument for Charter 166" instead of Charter 165
PIREP for Charter 166
KAPC KSTS KAPC Skyhawk passenger 62nm 0.68 hours $10 $620
Beaker boarded the Skyhawk with a different female secretary than the one that accompanied him on his last flight. This lady was much younger and prettier. I heard him tell her that the final script for “Horsey” was much different from the original script. The first script involved a talking horse that runs for governor of California. He said he scrapped the plan after movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger won the governorship. “I didn’t want anyone to think I was making fun of my old pal Arnie,” he told the secretary. The flights both ways were routine. The weather was clear and warm.
Argument for Charter 167
KAPC KSJC Skyhawk passengers 53nm $10 $530 Sen. Capt. 6 Very Strong
Film director Dusty Beaker (Charter 166) has another job for PGA. He wants to fly to San Jose immediately to meet with potential backers of his next movie. He said the latest project will follow his filming of his current movie entitled “Horsey.” The new project is an animated film about a cat that flies. The title is “Kitty Hawk.” As they boarded the plane, Beaker proudly told his secretary that he came up with the title a few hours earlier. He then told the secretary, “We’d better check to make sure no one else has used that title for anything in the past.”
PIREP for Charter 167
KAPC KSJC Skyhawk passengers 53nm 0.55 hours $10 $530
The conditions were partly cloudy with light winds as we took off from Napa Airport. There were no problems along the way. Traffic was unusually light at San Jose Airport. The landing was routine.
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