The Thrill of Flying and Favorite Air Travel Destinations
Flying is a thrilling experience, especially when it's not just commuting, but reaching remarkable destinations. The rich stories and unique experiences that come with air travel make each journey memorable. From breathtaking landscapes to serene wilderness, here are some of my personal favorite air travel destinations and why they stand out.
My Favorite Place to Fly To
As a pilot, my most cherished and thrilling experience involves flying an F-111 at an altitude of 400 feet and at 480 knots speed over the mystic waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. That flight was undeniably one of the most exhilarating. However, with the retirement of the F-111, my heart belongs to a more serene route. Now it is the scenic journey from Austin to Port Aransas for a leisurely lunch.
St. Maarten: A Paradise in the Skies
One of my most favorite flights by far is to the beautiful island of St. Maarten. The experience is more than a simple destination; it's an escape into a world where the beauty of the island and the joy of adventure are in perfect harmony. From a nearby departure point, a road trip to the island would take about five hours, but even with a small single-engine plane, it's just a forty-minute flight straight to the paradise. Considering the round trip, flying saves four hours, which is invaluable for a day that can be spent enjoying the island.
Block Island: A Secluded Haven
Block Island, located off the coast of Rhode Island, is another favorite of mine not just for its natural beauty and fun activities, but also for the lesson it teaches about the convenience and benefits of air travel. Starting from southwestern Massachusetts, a typical car journey would take about five hours. With a small plane, the journey is reduced to less than an hour, offering an extra valuable day to savour the island's delights. The difference is so profound that it celebrates the freedom and flexibility that air travel provides.
A Honeymoon Adventure
Not as a pilot, but as a guest, one of the most memorable flights for me was a very special honeymoon gift. My friend in Canada, an experienced outfitter, flew my new wife and I into a remote lake in British Columbia. He dropped us off for a two-week stay with everything we needed, including food, a tent, canoe, fishing poles, a rifle, lanterns, and plenty of fuel. Every detail was thought of, with one exception—our sleeping bags were also provided. We were the only guests on this lake, which made the experience even more magical. The weather was perfect, the insects were few, the food was divine, and the fishing was absolutely amazing. This flight to the remote destination was a sight to behold, starting approximately a two-hour north of Vancouver.
Classic Flying Destinations
Though I enjoyed flying to many places, there were some special destinations that I loved. I vividly remember flying to Kathmandu, Easter Island, and Cambodia. Each of these places offered a unique experience and a different facet of aviation. From the historic charm of Nepal to the mystical South Pacific, each of these destinations held its own charm and distinct taste in the palate of flying experiences.
Reflecting on my journey as a pilot, the most memorable moments often come from the destinations themselves and the profound impact that air travel has on these experiences. Each flight, whether short or long, opens new doors and allows us to explore the world with unparalleled convenience and wonder.