Air-to-Air AZ Cessna 172 Kath

[Lowflynjack]

As I've said a few times about this trip, the best part was the people. I saw old friends, made new friends. @kath was probably the most interesting by far! If you get a chance to meet her on her around-the-US tour, do it. She's taking a one year sabbatical from her job as a Physics Professor and I'm sure I only had time to hear a few of her stories! What an adventure!

 

[GRG55]

Yes, even the ubiquitous 172 comes out looking like a starlet with your lens Jack! I'm sure @kath will be pleased with how these turned out.

 

[asicer]

Sweet pics, Jack!

@kath what's up with the copilot window? And looks like there's landing/taxi lights in both wingtips and the nose?

 

[kath]

@kath what's up with the copilot window? And looks like there's landing/taxi lights in both wingtips and the nose?

The copilot window has a "photographer's cutout thingy" in it, a little section that can open. Apparently it's cheaper than replacing the entire window/door with one that opens.

There are forward-facing "flasher" lights in the wingtips (in addition to the strobes and the nose taxi light), that can be operated as steady or flashing or alternating-flashing. For extra visibility.

The formation-flight experience was a new one for me... Spent the first pass down the canyon realizing how for this flight I had to "unlearn" everything about how pitch controls airspeed and throttle controls altitude. I'd never really practiced finesse-ing the throttle quite like that and getting a feel for the delay in acceleration or deceleration. Very educational, and thrilling! I can see how one could get better at it with practice. "Remember to breathe!" Jack said at one point, when I had indeed forgotten to.

So nice to see Becky the Beige Bullet have a moment of glory in the sun! ...And proving that regardless of the paint scheme or the dust or the bugs or whatever else, the *most beautiful* plane in the world is the one that you have the keys to. Thx Jack!!

Currently at ERAU in Prescott. Will be headed for Tucson next weekend, and then Texas sometime in December or (more likely) January.

 

[Pilawt]

The formation-flight experience was a new one for me... Spent the first pass down the canyon realizing how for this flight I had to "unlearn" everything about how pitch controls airspeed and throttle controls altitude. I'd never really practiced finesse-ing the throttle quite like that and getting a feel for the delay in acceleration or deceleration. Very educational, and thrilling! I can see how one could get better at it with practice. "Remember to breathe!" Jack said at one point, when I had indeed forgotten to.

You said it well, Kath! Jack did a very good job of briefing us on the ground before the shoot, but I wouldn’t want to be any closer without formal formation training.

 

[steingar]

I do not believe that was Kath's Skyhawk. I believe a fraud has been committed on the unwary. The imposter Skyhawk in the photo was not covered in bugs.

 

[GaryV]

Great looking plane and great photos.

@kath. If you end up in the Houston area I’ll buy lunch at KLBX or another local stop of your choosing.

Gary

 

[Jumpmaster]

Hey Jack,
Love your work but as a suggestion perhaps a shot of the pilot on the ground for each plane you photograph might be in order. Some people say a picture is a way to put a face with a name, but since this is POA, it’s a way to put a face with a plane.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Great pictures! (Did you clean the belly just for the photo shoot?)