ErikU
Pre-takeoff checklist
My Bonanza can easily take me to visit my clients landing at the major airports in style. It can also take me to some really neat places on a whim for fun.
There isn't anything airport like about the Copalis airport on the Washington coast. It is an official state airport (which keeps insurance companies happy), but the beach landing seems very "off airport". As far as I know, it's the only beach in the lower 48 where you can land a plane.
You land on a public beach, taking your best educated guess as to what defines the "runway", watching out for other beach goers and the occasional car. A low pass will sometimes clear the beach. There aren't any facilities, or anything else that would make it seem an airport. Often the landing comes as a complete surprise to those on the beach. You exit your plane literally just steps from the water.
The bonanza handles the sand great, even when loaded up with family and a friend. I can't think of any other plane that would be so well suited to both uses!
Sorry I forgot to bring my camera,.. the cell phone photos will have to do.
There isn't anything airport like about the Copalis airport on the Washington coast. It is an official state airport (which keeps insurance companies happy), but the beach landing seems very "off airport". As far as I know, it's the only beach in the lower 48 where you can land a plane.
You land on a public beach, taking your best educated guess as to what defines the "runway", watching out for other beach goers and the occasional car. A low pass will sometimes clear the beach. There aren't any facilities, or anything else that would make it seem an airport. Often the landing comes as a complete surprise to those on the beach. You exit your plane literally just steps from the water.
The bonanza handles the sand great, even when loaded up with family and a friend. I can't think of any other plane that would be so well suited to both uses!
Sorry I forgot to bring my camera,.. the cell phone photos will have to do.
