{"id":7575,"date":"2013-07-18T13:51:36","date_gmt":"2013-07-18T18:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fitzvideo.com\/sky_surfing\/?p=7575"},"modified":"2013-10-14T19:58:14","modified_gmt":"2013-10-15T00:58:14","slug":"a-flight-to-pawnee-oklahoma-where-the-west-remains-by-brian-fitzgerald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/2013\/07\/18\/a-flight-to-pawnee-oklahoma-where-the-west-remains-by-brian-fitzgerald\/","title":{"rendered":"A Flight to Pawnee, Oklahoma “Where The West Remains” by Brian FitzGerald"},"content":{"rendered":"

Snow Surfing? Naaah…<\/h4>\n

Until and unless I devise a better wind-breaking system<\/strong> to defend myself \u00a0from the elements, winter flying<\/strong> for The Sky Surfer<\/strong>\u00a0a rare affair<\/strong>. I have a very effective snow suit<\/strong>, gloves,\u00a0gaiter, helmet, long underwear<\/strong> if necessary – all that stuff. The problem is it takes all that stuff<\/strong> wrapped around my body to fend off the cold when flying<\/strong> in the Winter<\/strong>. It is very constricting. Probably a bigger problem for Winter Ultralight Flying<\/strong> in Kansas<\/strong>, though, is that the airfield<\/strong> is wet<\/strong> most of the time. Pretty much every field<\/strong> I might fly to is also wet (and muddy)<\/em>. This is a “deal breaker”<\/em> because I don’t want to risk throwing mud<\/strong>, ice or snow through my PowerFin Propeller<\/strong><\/a>. Seeking a remedy for this, I spent about 4 months last year<\/strong> considering different remedies. I\u00a0finally bought<\/strong> some stock<\/strong>\u00a0wheel pants<\/strong> in hope of solving this issue only to back out<\/strong> at the last minute<\/strong>. When I finally got the pants<\/strong> I decided they would be too much trouble<\/strong> to mount, and worse, would end up being a repository<\/strong> for the list of foreign agents I just gave you. I decided pants would only make things worse.\u00a0(the wheel pants are For Sale…)<\/em><\/p>\n

Winter Is For Planning Safaris And Maintenance<\/h4>\n

So, when I am not flying<\/strong> in the Winter<\/strong> I am planning flights for the coming Flight Season<\/strong>. Ever since formulating my “Prevailing Wind Fun Flight Method”<\/em><\/a>, it is apparent I must chart a good number of flights<\/strong> to the South<\/strong> each season. This is because for most of the Summer,<\/strong>\u00a0in Kansas,<\/strong> the wind blows from that direction. Two venues<\/strong> that caught my eye when surveying the map, were in Oklahoma<\/strong> to the Southeast<\/strong> of my home field Selby Aerodrome<\/strong><\/a>. One was Pawnee<\/strong><\/a> and the other was Pawhuska<\/strong><\/a>. So, this story is about a flight to Pawnee<\/strong>. The next story will be about “The White Haired One<\/a>“<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Just After Sunrise. Time to pick up a 160 degree heading for Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After passing high over the scattering of homes South<\/strong> of Selby<\/strong>, I dropped down and followed the railroad tracks<\/strong> for a while like the Barnstormers<\/strong> did in the 1920’s<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Nary a soul was stirring at that early hour as I hummed past the\u00a0East Side<\/strong> of Belle Plaine, Kansas<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Usually I don’t cross this low over a river. It’s a bad place to land \u00a0in case of engine failure. But… Once in a while…<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

As the river widened I decided to climb higher<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Then from the 400′ AGL altitude<\/strong> I was for the previous shot, I noticed this cut wheat field<\/strong> of many browns and yellows. I dropped back down to Ultralight Flight Level 75<\/strong> so you could see it, too.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Suddenly this marsh<\/strong> appeared. Quite unusual<\/strong> for this area. Ahead I saw movement<\/strong> in the brush!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Three deer<\/strong> had been laying low but could stand the sound<\/strong> of this big yellow bird no longer<\/strong>. All three bolted<\/strong> but I could only catch this one<\/strong> on camera.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Shortly the marsh<\/strong> was interrupted by a small salt flat<\/strong> and then a large pond<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

To Low To Know<\/h4>\n

For about a half hour<\/strong> I cruised along in ground effect<\/strong>, conserving fuel and staying under the headwind<\/strong>. This area of marsh<\/strong> and salt flats<\/strong> shown above is somewhat lower<\/strong> than surrounding countryside<\/strong>. I thought about how sailing<\/strong> ships of old<\/strong> would send men<\/strong> up to the top<\/strong> of the mainmast<\/strong> in order to see farther<\/strong> in every direction than they could see on deck. In a similar manner<\/strong>, because I stayed so low<\/strong>\u00a0flying over this area, I did not even see Newkirk, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a> even though I passed within a mile East<\/strong> of it. (I think we might see it on the way back…)<\/em><\/p>\n

Then… “The Suburbs”<\/h4>\n

Suddenly I topped a slight ridge<\/strong> and beheld the scene below. At first I couldn’t place it. It was not laid out<\/strong> like a typical small town<\/strong>. As I considered my time aloft<\/strong>, speed<\/strong> over the ground and reviewed the map<\/strong> in my mind, though, I realized it must be the outskirts<\/strong> of Ponca City, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a>. The scene below is 7 miles East<\/strong> of Ponca.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I had drifted about a mile East<\/strong> of my direct course to Pawnee<\/strong>. This put me over the small piece of Kaw Lake<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>seen ahead.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Ponca City<\/strong> is mostly hidden in the distant haze West<\/strong> of my postion after crossing the little leg of The Kaw<\/strong>. I am at 400′ AGL<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Ark River Basin<\/h4>\n

Now that I am\u00a0Southeast<\/strong> of\u00a0Ponca City<\/strong>, I know I will be spotting Pawnee<\/strong> before too long. The Arkansas River<\/strong> makes a big “U” turn<\/strong> to the West Southwest<\/strong> here so I will have the great fortune<\/strong> to cross it twice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

By the way, if you are not from my part of the world<\/strong> you need to know that the\u00a0pronunciation<\/strong> for the Arkansas River is the\u00a0“R-Kansas River”<\/strong><\/em>. While there,\u00a0I didn’t think to ask anyone in Pawnee<\/strong> how they pronounce it. Next time I will. They might need some coaching…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The humidity<\/strong> that time of day in Pawnee<\/strong> was recorded at 68%. I think the humidity was much higher over the river.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

It wasn’t quite this dark to the eye when the shot was taken. The camera was having trouble dealing with the brightness of the sky and overcompensated by darkening the river area too much.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

These two had just waved at me. They were the only people I had seen in hours.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

My heading was Southeast<\/strong>. Which is the left part of the horizon shown here. To the Southwest<\/strong> (right) you can see rain falling in the distance. I am at 75′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

Again the Ark River winds under my course.<\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Some high ground between the “waverings”<\/em> of the river.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Then I cross it again.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The sun pops out for a moment.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Climbing again over some high ground next to the river I see this nice hacienda with its own lake.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Course Check<\/h4>\n

When charting my course, I was supposed to cross the Arkansas River<\/strong> twice<\/span>. By this point<\/strong> in the trip I had crossed it four times<\/strong>. Bein’s how I don’t have eidetic memory<\/strong><\/a>, I wasn’t sure what that portended<\/strong> regarding my arrival in Pawnee<\/strong>. I decided to land in a\u00a0fallow wheat field<\/strong> to check my map. Upon looking at it, everything<\/strong> was fine<\/strong>. I had been\u00a0off course<\/strong> to the West<\/strong> only 1\/4 mile<\/strong> and that was enough to put me over<\/strong> an additional bend<\/strong> in the river.<\/p>\n

Anything And Everything<\/h4>\n

Even though it may seem<\/strong> that I take pictures of anything<\/strong> and everything<\/strong> I see, unfortunately this one time<\/strong>, that was not the case. As I stepped away from the airplane to take the picture below I nearly missed stepping<\/strong> into a big oblong hole<\/strong> about a foot wide.\u00a018 inches deep<\/strong>. There were two of them<\/strong>, invisible in the wheat stubble. They had been\u00a0dug<\/strong> by some type of animal<\/strong> of which I am not familiar. I am grateful to God<\/strong> for not rolling over them on landing<\/strong>. The ground was pretty soft<\/strong> there but I would not like to give the landing gear<\/strong> that type of test<\/strong>. \u00a0I wish I had photographed them so you could have seen<\/strong> the size<\/strong> of these holes, though…<\/p>\n

Note from Brian to The Sky Surfer<\/strong><\/span>: When landing out in the country,\u00a0from now on, take a pass<\/em> on the fallow wheat fields<\/strong>. Stick<\/strong> to the mowed hay fields<\/strong>, oil field roads<\/strong>, pickup trails<\/strong>, county roads<\/strong>, etc.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Wheat Field Runway<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In both pictures we are looking East Northeast.<\/p><\/div>\n

Double Vision<\/h4>\n

Crossing the Ark River<\/strong> yet again, I liked the way I could see\u00a0both<\/strong> the river<\/strong> and the<\/strong> sky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Workover<\/h4>\n

On the other side of the river I saw this workover unit<\/strong>. Units like this are employed to re-open a plugged oil well<\/strong> or to solve problems with an operating well<\/strong>. In the oil business<\/strong> they are generally a good sign because wells are only “un-plugged”<\/em> when the price of crude<\/strong> has risen high enough for this “additional expense to make sense”<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

No People. Only these cattle were around.<\/p><\/div>\n

Any Minute Now<\/h4>\n

When I landed in the wheat field<\/strong> I was only 12 miles from Pawnee Airport<\/strong>. It is more hilly and wooded in this area, so visibility<\/strong> is more restricted<\/strong> when flying low. I knew I should be seeing Pawnee Lake<\/strong><\/a> soon. Suddenly I did, and knew I would be entering the airport traffic pattern<\/strong> due North<\/strong> of it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pawnee Lake<\/strong> from 600′ AGL looking South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Moments after seeing Lake Pawnee<\/strong>, Pawnee Municipal Airport<\/strong><\/a> appeared under my left wing.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I took this shot as I passed over the field to enter the Downwind Leg<\/strong> for landing. The Pawnee Lakeside Arena<\/strong><\/a> has taken the place of a number of hangars<\/strong> that used to be in that spot.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

After rollout I pulled up next to the windsock to tie down. I snapped this shot looking East<\/strong>. It was very quiet. Nothing and nobody was moving.<\/p><\/div>\n

Time For A Stroll<\/h4>\n

When planning the flight to Pawnee<\/strong> I calculated a 3 mile walk into town. My general method is to carefully tie down<\/strong> the aircraft, unstrap the two empty gas tanks<\/strong> I keep behind the seat, grab them and some Havoline 2 stroke oil<\/strong><\/a> and walk into town. The first gas station<\/strong> I encounter, I ask the proprietor<\/strong> if I can leave<\/strong> the tanks<\/strong> and oil there.<\/strong> Then I set out to see what I can see<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Wind on the surface was very mild so I only tied the tail down.<\/p><\/div>\n

Short Cut<\/h4>\n

Seeking a short cut<\/strong> to town, I headed through the grounds of the Rodeo Arena<\/strong>. There, working to increase<\/strong> the height<\/strong> of the grandstands<\/strong>, was Welding Contractor Tom Tisher<\/strong>. Tom had been busy at work<\/strong> and did not know I had landed. When he saw me walk up with cans in my hands<\/strong>, he thought I had run my car out of gas<\/strong>. I could see he was busy trying to get some hot work done<\/strong> in the morning before temperatures rose<\/strong> that day. After briefly explaining<\/strong> what I was doing, I pointed in my intended direction<\/strong> of travel to see if he thought it was a good course. He pointed a little to the right<\/strong> of where I was going so I would hit the foot bridge<\/strong> over the creek. Then he gave me a great tip<\/strong> of another town in Oklahoma<\/strong> I should fly to (Cleveland, OK<\/strong><\/a> is now on the list…).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Tom Tisher<\/strong> – hard at it on a Saturday Morning<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

I picked up my stuff and headed<\/strong> in that direction<\/strong>. I had jumped over a fence and was halfway across the field<\/strong> when I heard him call out “Wait a minute. I’m goin’ to take a short break. I’ll give you a ride into town”<\/em>. I called back, “Excellent!”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Within two minutes my pace into town had accellerated to 50 mph as I took my place in the passenger seat of Tom’s Cadillac<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Tom<\/strong> gave me some observations about Pawnee<\/strong> and in about three minutes we were at the first gas station\/convenience store<\/strong>. Tom<\/strong> grabbed a soft drink and said he had to get<\/strong> back to work<\/strong>. I thanked him for the ride<\/strong> and said I would check in<\/strong> on my way back if he was still working at the arena<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/a><\/h4>\n

Pawnee<\/strong> is the county seat of Pawnee County<\/strong>. There are about 2,190 people<\/strong> living there. Everyone was\u00a0pleasant<\/strong> and things<\/strong> seem to be going fine there. The small towns<\/strong> I fly to are\u00a0arranged\u00a0around a “town square”<\/em>. Typically that is where City Hall<\/strong>, the Library<\/strong>, the\u00a0Police Station<\/strong> and the\u00a0Bank<\/strong> are. Depending on the layout, my path might take me through residential housing.<\/strong>\u00a0I cover some of that but always head for the town square to include it in my photos.<\/p>\n

Stone And Brick<\/h4>\n

As children<\/strong> most of us were taught the story of “The Three Little Pigs”<\/em>. On the surface, merely a primer<\/strong> on construction codes, the real moral<\/strong> of the story is deeper. It teaches the values<\/strong> of hard work, planning, prudence and permanency. Evident in the\u00a0architecture<\/strong>, I see those virtues<\/strong> were present in the ancestors<\/strong> of those now fortunate to reside in Pawnee<\/strong>. Since the people of Pawnee<\/strong> have decided to maintain and embrace these solid, old buildings, I surmise they embody<\/strong> the same traits<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stone And Brick<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Pawnee County Courthouse<\/strong><\/a> will not win any awards for art but it definitely conveys seriousness and solidity.<\/p><\/div>\n

Behind the Courthouse is The<\/strong> City Square<\/strong>. This one is “park-like” with a band gazebo and memorials<\/strong> to war veterans.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Saturday Farmer’s Market<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I’m going to put this event on my calendar for next year.<\/p><\/div>\n

Citizen Warriors<\/h4>\n

People<\/strong> of Pawnee<\/strong> are proud of the sacrifice<\/strong> many of their men made in World War II<\/strong> and Korea<\/strong>. When I saw the memorial stone<\/strong> below, with the name 45th Infantry<\/strong>, I already knew of this unit’s fame. Growing up I read a constant stream of books<\/strong> and magazine articles<\/strong> about the battles of World War II<\/strong> in the air<\/strong> and on the ground<\/strong>. The 45th<\/strong>, known by their “Thunderbird”<\/em> patch, fought with\u00a0distinction\u00a0against the Nazis<\/strong> in Italy<\/strong> and France<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This grand old stone building is obscured by lush trees, so…<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

…I moved in close so you could see the entrance.<\/p><\/div>\n

Quaint But Worthy Of \u00a0Imitation<\/h4>\n

A salient feature<\/strong> I noticed on the facades<\/strong> of many of the buildings in downtown Pawnee<\/strong> is their “Date Stamp”<\/em>. As I stated earlier, I am impressed that people\u00a0made a statement<\/strong> with their buildings. These are monuments to their culture of industry<\/strong> and hard work<\/strong>. They call out and should prod\u00a0our era<\/strong>. I believe the builders fully expected<\/strong>\u00a0someone like me to look at the\u00a0stone<\/strong> and brick<\/strong>\u00a0edifice\u00a0below –\u00a0103 years after it was built<\/strong>\u00a0– and talk about\u00a0how impressive it still is<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

No longer City Hall<\/strong>, this signage method is quite creative<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The tenth time<\/strong> I looked at this picture I finally realized the backing<\/strong> for the Police<\/strong> and Fire Departments<\/strong> Sign<\/strong> is a section of old style\u00a0fence<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Of course we should expect The Mason Building<\/strong> to be made of\u00a0brick and stone<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Fuel Delivery<\/h4>\n

After touring downtown Pawnee<\/strong> it was time to return to the gas station<\/strong> and fill my two gas tanks to carry back to the MXL<\/strong>. The sky was still overcast<\/strong>. As I approached the station<\/strong> I noticed two guys<\/strong> in bib overalls<\/strong> talking by a pickup truck. While talking with his buddy, the one in the blue shirt seemed to be interested in what I was doing<\/strong>. About the time I was tightening the caps<\/strong> on my now full gas tanks<\/strong>, the one buddy drove off<\/strong>. I approached the one who had been watching me and introduced myself<\/strong>. He said his name was Les Crocker<\/strong> a retired plumber\/electrician. I marveled at his “dual citizenship”<\/em>, how different the professions are and that I had never heard of anyone performing both trades. Les concurred and said it was very unusual but really helped him stay busy over the years<\/strong> in this rural setting. I told him I liked his town<\/strong> and like visiting small towns to take pictures<\/strong> and write<\/strong> about them. Finally he said, “Did you fly in?”<\/em> and I said, “Yes”<\/em>. He said he had a feeling I did and that his Son Steven<\/strong> was a pilot for Delta Airlines<\/strong>. The two of them had always loved airplanes<\/strong> and flying<\/strong>. He asked if I wanted a ride back to the airport. Sho ’nuff!<\/strong> Off we went.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Les driving his late model Chevy.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Arriving back at Pawnee Muni<\/strong> rain could be seen to the Northwest.<\/p><\/div>\n

Service To Our Country<\/h4>\n

As we drove to the airport, Les<\/strong> lamented the fact that the old group of flyers<\/strong> that had been active in Pawnee<\/strong> no longer flew<\/strong> or owned planes. He said the Rodeo Arena<\/strong> had taken the place<\/strong> of a goodly section of hangars<\/strong>. During the ride I noticed the inscriptions<\/strong> on his hat<\/strong>\u00a0laying on the console. I asked for a picture<\/strong> once we arrived at the airport. Les<\/strong> had been on active duty in World War II<\/strong> and Korea<\/strong> with\u00a0The<\/strong>\u00a0Airborne<\/strong> and Special Forces<\/strong>. He said it was interesting work.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Since Les<\/strong> was familiar with airplanes<\/strong> I wanted him to see mine up close. He thought it was pretty interesting<\/strong> and let on that there had been a couple of Ultralights<\/strong> based at the field a few years ago.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Les Crocker and the Quicksilver MXL<\/p><\/div>\n

After looking the Quicksilver<\/strong> over Les<\/strong> announced that he had to pick up his Wife<\/strong> in 5 minutes and needed to go. I thanked<\/strong> him for the ride and gave him my card <\/strong>so he could read the story <\/strong>later.\u00a0Unfortunately<\/strong>, he said he did not<\/strong> use the internet<\/strong> and would not be able to. After a moment is remembered\u00a0sometimes his Daughter<\/strong> shows him stuff on the Web<\/strong> at her house . He said he would get her to dial in my site<\/strong> next time he visited her.<\/p>\n

Always Testing<\/h4>\n

While at the gas station convenience<\/strong> store (before meeting Les),<\/em> I realized I was a little hungry<\/strong> and grabbed a bag of Goldfish<\/a>\u2122<\/strong> for the walk back<\/strong> to the plane. When\u00a0Les<\/strong> offered the ride,<\/strong> I forgot about The Fish<\/strong> until I was unpacking my bag<\/strong> at the plane.<\/p>\n

For at least\u00a020 years<\/strong>\u00a0I have\u00a0assumed<\/span><\/em>\u00a0it would be\u00a0impossible<\/strong>\u00a0to eat<\/strong>\u00a0anything while\u00a0flying<\/strong>\u00a0my\u00a0Quicksilver<\/strong>. I’m standing there trying to decide how to stow the bag of little\u00a0morsels\u00a0when it occurred to me to test the concept<\/span>. In the pilot seat,\u00a0I would wear the “belly bag” I use for my walks into town, insert the open bag of Goldfish in it and observe. If they got sucked<\/strong> into the airstream,<\/strong> I would zip the belly bag shut and save them for later. As it turned out<\/strong>, it was so easy to eat Goldfish\u2122 in the wind I think I might\u00a0bring popcorn next time<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Scattered Showers<\/h4>\n

I believe the weather-caster’s<\/strong> term “Scattered Showers”<\/em> has\u00a0greater meaning<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0aviators <\/strong>than regular folks <\/strong>on the ground. On the ground,<\/strong>\u00a0people have but a vague idea<\/strong>. From that\u00a0perspective<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/strong>“Scattered Showers”<\/em>\u00a0is perceived in terms of time<\/strong>. It resolves into\u00a0“the rain comes in intervals”<\/em> or “expect a\u00a0series of rainings”<\/em>. Because the ground observer is for the most part, stationary<\/strong>, Scattered Showers “come upon” him over time<\/em>.<\/p>\n

When airborne<\/strong>, though, seeing\u00a0showers<\/strong> from the<\/strong> side<\/strong> rather than from below<\/strong>, one can see that each shower<\/strong> is an entity unto itself<\/strong>. From the air,\u00a0showers<\/strong> are seen in their true, three-dimensionality<\/strong><\/em>. A pilot sees the whole enchilada<\/strong> – The Cloud<\/strong> and The Rain Falling From It<\/strong>. They look sort of like a floating bathroom shower head with water pouring out of it. When\u00a0a number<\/strong> of these entities<\/strong>\u00a0can be seen from an airplane – some near – some far – the concept of “Scattered Showers”<\/em> achieves its full meaning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

My flight back to Selby Aerodrome<\/strong> from Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong> featured Scattered Showers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Some Aerials Of Pawnee Before “Splitting The Scene”<\/h4>\n

Since I did not take any aerial photos<\/strong>\u00a0of Pawnee<\/strong> before landing, after takeoff I flew over to the edge of town<\/strong>\u00a0to shoot the following series.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong> from 800′ looking South Southeast<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A telephoto picture of the South<\/strong> edge of Town Square<\/strong> featuring their large American Flag<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A wide shot of downtown Pawnee, Oklahoma<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL looking Southeast<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Right after taking the previous shot I turned 180 degrees to a heading due North<\/strong>\u00a0and took this picture. I am on the edge of town. This gives the relationship of Pawnee Lake<\/strong> to the city. The airport<\/strong> can be seen at the “top” of the lake.<\/p><\/div>\n

Riding The Wave Home<\/h4>\n

After slowly approaching town in a headwind to take the city shots, upon making the 180 degree turn, I was now heading downwind. This had the effect of increasing my ground speed by 20 mph. A 10 mph tailwind seems like no big thing until you realize my Quicksilver<\/strong> is only cruising at 40<\/strong>. That’s a 20% increase in speed.<\/p>\n

Suddenly something Tom Tisher<\/strong> had told me while driving me to the airport triggered my photo instincts<\/strong>. He had told me the Pawnee Nation<\/strong> was having a Pow Wow<\/strong> in town that week<\/strong>. Just before flying over the lake I noticed a stadium to the East<\/strong>. In the football field<\/strong> was a grouping of benches that one normally does not see on a field of that type. I decided that must be where The Indians<\/strong> were holding their meetings. I had to use the telephoto to get the picture shown below. No one was on the field at the time.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Memorial Stadium<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pawnee Lake<\/strong> From 1100′ AGL Looking North<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pawnee Municipal Airport<\/strong> and The Memorial Rodeo Arena<\/strong> from 1100′ AGL looking North<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Back On The Trail<\/h4>\n
\"\"<\/a>

9 miles North Northwest<\/strong> of Pawnee<\/strong> I crossed the Arkansas River<\/strong> again. This time the lighting was better for revealing the beauty<\/strong> of the alluvial plain<\/strong> below. I am at 800′ AGL heading Northwest<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The finely spaced rows<\/strong> in this field made it an interesting subject <\/strong>even though the overcast sky <\/strong>gave only “soft” light.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Mini BB’s<\/h4>\n

Notwithstanding my long\u00a0dissertation\u00a0above regarding “Scattered Showers”<\/em>, many times<\/span> rain is not visible<\/strong> before you fly into it<\/span>. On those occasions in my open air Ultralight,<\/strong> light rain manifests itself as “a feeling”<\/em>. Light rain hitting your face<\/strong> and arms<\/strong> on a warm day provides a sensation\u00a0not of wetness<\/strong> but more akin to scores of Micro BB’s<\/strong> shot randomly at your person. The wind<\/strong> and heat evaporate<\/strong> these watery projectiles<\/strong> immediately. Small<\/strong> drops are tolerable<\/strong>. Large ones<\/strong> can really sting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Because I saw evidence of “Scattered Showers”<\/em> around the region after takeoff, I was not surprised when I encountered these sprinkles. At the same time, looking ahead, I could see a substantial column of rain<\/strong> moving from the Southwest<\/strong> that I would be intersecting if I continued<\/strong> my current course. So, even though the sprinkling<\/strong> I was receiving at the moment was tolerable<\/strong>, I decided to land<\/strong> and wait for the shower ahead to pass by<\/strong> before continuing.<\/p>\n

Landing Etiquette<\/h4>\n

It has been over a century and a half<\/strong> since there has been\u00a0“free land”<\/em> out on The Plains<\/strong>. Whenever I land anywhere<\/strong> that is not a prescribed airstrip<\/strong> I am landing on someone’s property<\/strong>. Frankly, nobody cares<\/strong> as long as you don’t scare the livestock<\/strong> or damage crops<\/strong>. From a pilot’s perspective<\/strong> it would not be wise<\/strong> to land on crop fields\u00a0anyway<\/strong> because they could also damage the airplane<\/strong> AND potentially make it impossible<\/strong> to take off<\/strong> again. Even when a crop is “low” and just starting to grow, the fields they are planted in are less than optimal<\/strong> for my plane. The furrows<\/strong> can easily be deeper than the height of my tires<\/strong> and therefore present the real possibility of flipping over<\/strong> after touchdown.<\/p>\n

That being said, I surveyed the landscape below<\/strong> me for a suitable field<\/strong>. Within a minute I saw what looked like the perfect fallow wheat field<\/strong> next to the river<\/strong>. It also matched another element of my criteria<\/strong>. It contained a stand of tall trees<\/strong> on its South<\/strong> edge to block wind and rain. I made a low pass<\/strong> to check it better<\/strong> and then circled<\/strong> and landed<\/strong>. The landing was uneventful. <\/strong>I pushed <\/strong>the Quicksilver <\/strong>under the perfect tree umbrella <\/strong>seen below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This telephoto shot portrays the field as I saw it from above. Fallow Wheat<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Mistake<\/h4>\n

Even though I had done my best to survey<\/strong> the field before landing, I am embarrassed to reveal that it was a planted<\/strong> field. From the sky<\/strong> it appeared as you see in the photo above. But, once on the ground, I realized there were crops planted “inside” this random wheat. I think they call this method “no till”<\/strong> or “double cropping”<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Out on the edges of the field, under the tree line the crop is more apparent.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Bright Side<\/h4>\n

Fortunately, my plane is so “Ultralight”<\/em> with its weight distributed<\/strong> over its\u00a0soft tires<\/strong>, the plants rebounded after my tires rolled over them. I think they were soy beans and I could see no damage behind my tracks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I took this picture near the edge of the field as I walked over to the river.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

While waiting<\/strong> for the light sprinkle<\/strong> to stop<\/strong> I walked around the edge of the field to see the river through an opening<\/strong> in the trees.<\/p><\/div>\n

Timing Is Everything<\/h4>\n

I spent a peaceful hour in the field. It was quite nice. After walking back from the river<\/strong> the rain suddenly let up – time to go<\/strong>. It took about five minutes<\/strong> to push my MXL<\/strong> to the South end<\/strong> of the field. Even though the general wind<\/strong> was from the South<\/strong>, down in the meadow there was no apparent wind at all<\/strong>. My plane<\/strong> was closer<\/strong> to that end and there was a flat dirt area<\/strong> there, too. So, I would take off<\/strong> to the North<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Literally, I had just started the motor and was putting my goggles on and it commenced raining again<\/strong>. This time harder<\/strong> than before.<\/p>\n

I remembered seeing a shower<\/strong>\u00a0far off to the South<\/strong> when circling to land in “the bean field”<\/em>. I reasoned that it was upon me now<\/strong>. I also realized<\/strong> I had no idea<\/strong> how wide<\/strong> it was and if I stayed<\/strong> on the ground that “Scattered Shower” could rain on me for\u00a0hours. I fired up<\/strong> and took off<\/strong> expecting to break out of<\/strong> the shower shortly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

I wanted to take a better photo of “the bean field airport”<\/em> but it was quite turbulent<\/strong> upon rising above the trees. Also the auto-focus<\/strong> of my camera latched on to the silver tube<\/strong> in the foreground. This photo will have to do. Note the rain on the tube<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

This time, approaching Kaw Lake <\/strong>from the South<\/strong>, you can see the dam<\/strong> that was constructed in 1976 to bring it into being. I was out of the rain now.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Still mostly hidden in the mist, Ponca City<\/strong> is slightly more visible this time. From 1,000′ AGL looking West<\/strong>. A cell of rain is falling in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

A break in the clouds<\/strong> brightens the land below. Arkansas City<\/strong> and Winfield<\/strong> can be seen in the distance. Looking North<\/strong> from 1,000′ AGL.<\/p><\/div>\n

Scaling The Heights<\/h4>\n

From the previous set of photos<\/strong> you might notice<\/strong> I am flying at a much higher altitude<\/strong> than on the way to Ponca<\/strong> early that morning. For The Sky Surfer,<\/strong> it is like being in The Stratosphere<\/strong>. As detailed in The Sky Surfer<\/strong> Safari Flight Guide<\/a><\/strong>, this was done to better<\/strong> “catch the wave”<\/em> of the\u00a0South Tailwind <\/strong>that day. At this time it was a smooth, steady, leisurely 10 mph push. Nothing<\/strong> like the return trip from Perry, Oklahoma<\/strong> earlier this season (a 35 mph tailwind! See HERE<\/a>). Just a nice wave to ride home.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Oil Drilling Supplies<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Newkirk, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/a> – The Kaw Southwind Casino<\/strong> in the foreground.<\/p><\/div>\n

Contrasts In Social Norms, Goals And Expectations<\/h4>\n

Even though I have made flights<\/strong> through this general area<\/strong> a number of times, I am still struck<\/span> by the social\/historical\u00a0<\/strong>contrast<\/strong> portrayed in this series of pictures<\/strong>. Above we see a Casino<\/strong><\/a> owned by an Indian Tribe<\/a>. <\/strong>It is one of a great many Indian Casinos<\/strong> in Oklahoma<\/strong> now.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A short space farther on my path, a mere 5 miles South Southwest<\/strong> of Arkansas City, Kansas<\/strong> are the remains of The Chilocco Indian Agricultural School<\/strong><\/a> (pictures below). The School<\/strong> and the Casino<\/strong> are less than 8 miles apart<\/strong>\u00a0geographically<\/span> but might as well be on different planets <\/strong>socially<\/span>. America<\/strong> has changed<\/strong> dramatically since I was a youth<\/strong>. Change is to be expected but is this\u00a0Progress<\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Chilocco Indian Agricultural School<\/strong> – Abandoned in 1980<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Roofs Have Collapsed<\/p><\/div>\n

Change In The Air<\/h4>\n

Even though my Quicksilver<\/strong> is not a glider<\/strong>, in the right conditions,<\/strong> thermals will lift it upward<\/strong> like a helium balloon<\/strong>. As I passed between\u00a0Newkirk<\/strong>\u00a0and Ark City<\/strong>, the thermals caused me to gain a thousand feet of “free air”<\/em>. “Free Air”<\/em> is a Sky Surfer<\/strong> term for “unearned altitude”<\/em>\u00a0gained without the expenditure of fuel<\/strong>. Thermal forces were powerful that afternoon.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Arkansas City, Kansas<\/strong> from 2,000′ AGL looking East. Note the rain in the distance<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Another Bonus For The Day<\/h4>\n

Just after taking the picture above, I felt a definite, sudden push<\/strong> from behind<\/strong> and the left<\/strong>. The tailwind<\/strong> was\u00a0accelerating<\/strong>. Over about a minute<\/strong> it sped up from 10 mph to a high of 35 miles per hour!<\/strong><\/p>\n

GPS<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I earned my Pilot License<\/strong>, figuring winds aloft was complicated. First you had to figure Ground Speed<\/strong>. Determining\u00a0ground speed<\/strong> while airborne was a matter of passing<\/strong> over landmarks<\/strong> featured on your sectional map<\/strong>, timing<\/strong> your flight between<\/strong> them, and then calculating<\/strong> the speed it took to travel that distance. That gave you your ground speed<\/strong>. Then after calculating your True Air Speed<\/strong> (I won’t get into that)<\/em>, you figured the differential between the two speeds to get your wind aloft speed.<\/p>\n

One of the benefits of GPS technology<\/strong> is that it calculates your Ground Speed constantly. Using that you can quickly<\/strong> and easily determine<\/strong> your winds aloft<\/strong> by taking the difference<\/strong> between your air speed<\/strong>\u00a0(shown on your airspeed indicator)<\/em> and your ground speed<\/strong> (shown on your GPS)<\/em>. The differential<\/strong> of these two figures<\/strong> is the wind aloft speed<\/strong>. That’s how I can tell you I had a 35 mph tailwind.<\/p>\n

Strother Field #2<\/h4>\n

On the flight home I had planned to fly over both<\/span> The Indian School<\/strong> and the WWII Training Field,<\/strong> Strother #2<\/strong><\/a>. Now that I was the recipient of an\u00a0increased tailwind<\/strong>, I decided to forego<\/strong> the detour over Strother #2.<\/strong> Instead I reached out to it with my telephoto<\/strong>. If you want to see some good “straight down”<\/em> shots of it from another flight<\/strong>, go HERE<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Strother Air Field #2<\/strong> is the “triangle” in the distance.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

That is as close as my telephoto<\/strong> would bring it. Taken from 2,000′ AGL looking West<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Geuda Springs, Kansas<\/strong><\/a>. I like the look of this place. It is on my list<\/strong> to visit. Because it has no airfield<\/strong> I will have to get someone’s permission to land in a field nearby.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

With more of the sun breaking through the clouds,<\/strong> I had to capture more of the “alluvial beauty”<\/em> I enjoy so much from up here.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Salt Flat Redux<\/h4>\n

From my 2K altitude advantage,<\/strong>\u00a0to the West<\/strong>, I could see the salt flat\/marsh area<\/strong> I had skimmed over early that morning.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Onward And Upward<\/h4>\n

I had let the\u00a0thermal action<\/strong>\u00a0lift me higher than I wanted to go so I lowered my power setting and began to let down. Even so, as you can see in the photo below,<\/strong> I was still so high the curvature of the earth<\/strong> was evident. I suppose<\/em> it could be the curvature<\/strong> of the wide angle lens<\/strong>, though. You decide…<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Oxford, Kansas<\/a>\u00a0from 1800′ AGL looking North Northeast<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Just past Oxford<\/strong> I saw this big drilling project<\/strong>. I am pretty sure this is a horizontal drilling rig<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Time To Really Let Down<\/h4>\n

From the Oxford<\/strong> area I cut power even more for a descent to 1,000′ AGL<\/strong>. While still benefiting<\/strong> from the tailwind<\/strong>, as I approached The Air Capitol<\/strong> I\u00a0preferred\u00a0to fly lower<\/strong>. Even though I have excellent visibility<\/strong> forward and to the sides, there is the infinitesimally small chance<\/strong> that someone in a faster moving airplane<\/strong> would not see me and run me over from behind. Most of those guys fly 1,500′ AGL<\/strong> and higher so in this relatively higher traffic area<\/strong> staying below 1,000′ is more prudent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The “rivulets” in this wheat field indicate the 35 mile per hour tail wind.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The only thing special about this photo was the general beauty<\/strong> of the landscape and the farm in the foreground.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Whizzing downwind at a ground speed<\/strong> over 70 mph, I managed to snag this shot of Lake Selby<\/strong> while bucking in air turbulence.<\/p><\/div>\n

Windy In The Air = Windy On The Ground<\/h4>\n

After making the “high speed pass”<\/em> shown above<\/strong>, I pulled a high bank, 180 degree turn<\/strong> back into the wind. Now facing into the 35 mph wind<\/strong>, I pretty much hovered on final approach<\/strong>. With time to kill<\/strong> I contemplated my landing and – of course –\u00a0documented the event<\/strong> by taking the picture you see below.<\/p>\n

The “big plan”<\/em> would be to land in front of my hangar<\/strong> and then taxi into the wind shadow\u00a0<\/strong>of the “round hangar” occupied by Brother Steve Ewing’s Quicksilver Ultralights<\/strong>. If this is your first Sky Surfing story<\/strong>, suffice to say, this wind shadow stuff is very important<\/strong>. My Ultralight<\/strong> can literally flip over<\/strong> on the ground in high winds<\/strong>. Care must be taken upon exiting the pilot seat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Selby Aerodrome and Stables<\/strong> from 400′ AGL looking South<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Quicksilver<\/strong> sits placidly out of the 35 mph wind blast<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n

Five Hours Of Airtime!<\/h4>\n

Lots of variety this flight.<\/strong> I hope you liked The Flight To Pawnee<\/strong> as much as I did.<\/p>\n

Blue Skies & Tailwinds!\u2122<\/p>\n

Brian FitzGerald – Wichita<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Snow Surfing? Naaah… Until and unless I devise a better wind-breaking system to defend myself \u00a0from the elements, winter flying for The Sky Surfer\u00a0a rare affair. I have a very effective snow suit, gloves,\u00a0gaiter, helmet, long underwear if necessary – all that stuff. The problem is it takes all that stuff wrapped around my body […]<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,6,10,11,1],"tags":[26,51,33,38,71,52,25,53,45,34],"class_list":["post-7575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fun-flights","category-show-an-airfield","category-teachable-moments","category-ultralight","category-uncategorized","tag-brian-fitzgerald","tag-fun-flight","tag-mustangs","tag-oklahoma","tag-pawnee","tag-prairie","tag-sky-surfing","tag-the-great-plains","tag-the-sky-surfer","tag-wild-horses","category-3-id","category-6-id","category-10-id","category-11-id","category-1-id","post-seq-1","post-parity-odd","meta-position-corners","fix"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7575"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7717,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7575\/revisions\/7717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fitzvideo.com\/skysurfing2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}