Uncategorized

Yesterday, after an incredible journey spanning almost two months and 150 hours of flight time, I landed safely back at Hayward, California (KHWD), home base of Diana and my haven. A Bittersweet Return The short 3-hour flight from Van Nuys felt almost surreal, a far cry from the long, arduous journeys I’d grown accustomed to.…

Yesterday, after 5 hours of flight time, I touched down at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) in Los Angeles, California, marking my return to the Golden State. The journey back has been blessed with favorable weather, and yesterday was no exception – blue skies and smooth air accompanied me the entire way. A Detour and a…

Yesterday, after another lengthy 8-hour flight, I touched down in Roswell, New Mexico (KROW), marking my entrance into the rugged terrain of the American West. A quick fuel stop in Rusk County, Texas (54J), helped me push onward, driven by the thrill of exploration. Freedom of Flight Departing from a non-controlled airport was a welcome…

Yesterday, after almost 8 hours of flight time, I departed Providenciales (MBPV) and arrived in Defuniak Springs (54J), a charming little town in Florida. The departure was a stark contrast to my previous experiences – a true breeze! Departure The FBO had all the paperwork ready, and after the usual checks and filing an electronic…

After 6.5 hours of flight time, I arrived at the breathtakingly beautiful Providenciales Island in Turks and Caicos. The islands’ unique blend of turquoise waters, yellow sand, and coral-shaded mystique is truly otherworldly. A Seamless Departure from Grenada In stark contrast to my South American experiences, departing from Grenada was remarkably smooth. The Caribbean’s more…

Today, I finally broke free from Boa Vista, Brazil, overcoming my apprehensions and navigating the bureaucracy with unexpected ease. After a swift departure, I arrived in Grenada after a smooth 4.5-hour flight. Cloudy Skies and Glimpses of Paradise The flight itself was a tranquil affair, with the plane gliding over a thick layer of clouds…

My hopes of waking up in beautiful Grenada on Monday were shattered, once again, by the complexities of Brazilian bureaucracy. Today’s experience at Santarém International Airport left me bewildered. Despite its name, the airport doesn’t allow international departures due to a lack of customs office – a logic that eludes me. A Fruitless Detour The…

Today, after 8.5 hours of flight time, I arrived in Santarém, Brazil (SBSN), a slight change in my original plan and positioning myself to leave Brazil tomorrow. But it wasn’t without its challenges. The Limitations of Diana Diana, my trusty plane, has an absolute maximum range of about 8.5 hours. To overcome this limitation, I…

After 7.5 hours of flight time, I arrived in Campo Grande, Brazil (SBCG), retracing the same flight path that brought me to South America. This leg was particularly challenging, with headwinds slowing me down and forcing me to make a crucial trade-off: speed for range. Aerial Spectacle The views, however, were again breathtaking. The majestic…

Tomorrow, I embark on the third and final phase of my adventure: the return to California. It’s hard to believe that my time in South America is coming to an end. Over the past two months, I’ve accumulated countless experiences, memories, and lessons learned. A Week of Reconnection Last week, I spent quality time with…