vfsit
Pre-Flight
Flew down to Jekyll today just to get away from the stupid thunderstorm cycle around the Atlanta area that we have had for a week or so. Nice flight that included a KC-135 flying close to us on an approach to Robbins AFB (really cool when he reports seeing my LED landing lights from a long way out).
Landed at Jekyll, parked my bird and walked in the little FBO ready to rent one of their "Red Bug" souped up street legal golf carts to use for a few hours so my friend and I could explore the island. When I walk in the gentleman that was behind the counter (I think his name is Rich) was helping an older couple that was renting a 2 seat Red Bug. After he helped them through the process he turned his attention towards us. I was fully prepared to rent when he asked how long we were going to use it. I told him 3-4 hours and then jokingly asked if I got a coupon to their pizza restaurant if I was renting a Red Bug. He replied "No, but I hope you go there for lunch since I'm giving you the car for free"... WOOHOO win! and sure I'll go there for lunch. He gave us one of the 4 seaters and explained that we have to stay on the roads and not to go on the beach or cart paths, gave us a map, and got us on our way.
Quick report on the Red Bugs.... great little electric vehicles that have a range about 25-30 miles. (Jekyll is about 8 miles end to end) Max speed is 25 mph but the highest speed limit on the island is 35 mph to no a big deal. They ask that you plug it in if you are stopped for a decent time like lunch. Just make sure when you plug it in that it is charging
ohhh and when you don't make sure its charging and you get it down to about 25% power a little turtle starts flashing and max speed drops down to 19 then 17 then you're happy when the airport comes back into view. ...Not that I would know anything about that LOL
The island has been doing some "modernizing" as a new Westin hotel just opened within the last month with a shopping center at about 90% completion when we saw it today. Nice little water park that my son will love when I take him for a day trip this summer. Its just a nice little coastal island.
Once I was back at the airport I had a little longer talk to Rich. I asked if the complementary usage was more standard or just because they were slow today. He told me that they were really trying to attract more pilots and that although he could NOT guarantee a complementary Red Bug that he would make sure that any pilot had transportation available whether that be a Red Bug, access to a minivan, or if wanted brand new bicycles that he was supposed to take delivery this afternoon that he said were only going to be available to pilots and their passengers. If all that failed someone would drive you...
We also had a short talk about fuel. He said he had all the permit approvals but is trying to figure out how to install something without going broke doing it. He fully understands if he gets fuel he will have to beat Brunswick and St Simons Island right at him to have people stop. Possibly trying to be near the lowest cost around the area. He is even looking into the option to get a fuel truck just to be able to provide fuel. I really wish him well in this because I think it will give them the more business he is looking for.
After talking to him we blasted back off from the complete sunny skies to head back north back to the soggy weather. Landed back at Tara Field between rounds of storms with a nice drizzle. All in all a great day trip that exceeded my expectations.
Landed at Jekyll, parked my bird and walked in the little FBO ready to rent one of their "Red Bug" souped up street legal golf carts to use for a few hours so my friend and I could explore the island. When I walk in the gentleman that was behind the counter (I think his name is Rich) was helping an older couple that was renting a 2 seat Red Bug. After he helped them through the process he turned his attention towards us. I was fully prepared to rent when he asked how long we were going to use it. I told him 3-4 hours and then jokingly asked if I got a coupon to their pizza restaurant if I was renting a Red Bug. He replied "No, but I hope you go there for lunch since I'm giving you the car for free"... WOOHOO win! and sure I'll go there for lunch. He gave us one of the 4 seaters and explained that we have to stay on the roads and not to go on the beach or cart paths, gave us a map, and got us on our way.
Quick report on the Red Bugs.... great little electric vehicles that have a range about 25-30 miles. (Jekyll is about 8 miles end to end) Max speed is 25 mph but the highest speed limit on the island is 35 mph to no a big deal. They ask that you plug it in if you are stopped for a decent time like lunch. Just make sure when you plug it in that it is charging
ohhh and when you don't make sure its charging and you get it down to about 25% power a little turtle starts flashing and max speed drops down to 19 then 17 then you're happy when the airport comes back into view. ...Not that I would know anything about that LOLThe island has been doing some "modernizing" as a new Westin hotel just opened within the last month with a shopping center at about 90% completion when we saw it today. Nice little water park that my son will love when I take him for a day trip this summer. Its just a nice little coastal island.
Once I was back at the airport I had a little longer talk to Rich. I asked if the complementary usage was more standard or just because they were slow today. He told me that they were really trying to attract more pilots and that although he could NOT guarantee a complementary Red Bug that he would make sure that any pilot had transportation available whether that be a Red Bug, access to a minivan, or if wanted brand new bicycles that he was supposed to take delivery this afternoon that he said were only going to be available to pilots and their passengers. If all that failed someone would drive you...
We also had a short talk about fuel. He said he had all the permit approvals but is trying to figure out how to install something without going broke doing it. He fully understands if he gets fuel he will have to beat Brunswick and St Simons Island right at him to have people stop. Possibly trying to be near the lowest cost around the area. He is even looking into the option to get a fuel truck just to be able to provide fuel. I really wish him well in this because I think it will give them the more business he is looking for.
After talking to him we blasted back off from the complete sunny skies to head back north back to the soggy weather. Landed back at Tara Field between rounds of storms with a nice drizzle. All in all a great day trip that exceeded my expectations.
) Started out at another hotel and didn't like it. The staff at the Westin were VERY accommodating, the facility was wonderful, and we loved the food. We had an oceanfront balcony view and spent a lot of time on our balcony. We rented the chairs and umbrella on the beach in front of the Westin. Very few people on our section of beach.
