2 min read

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in our weekly series called simply the “Friday Photo.” Each week we’ll share a great photo taken from the cockpit – one that shares the joy, beauty or fun of flying. If you’d like to join in, send your photo and description (using the format below) to: [email protected]

NJ airport

The view: Aeroflex Andover Airport in Andover, NJ

The pilot: Joe Percario

The airplane: Cessna 150

The mission: 47N to 12N. An afternoon flying above northern New Jersey lakes and mountains to find the short runway (1,897 long) with a great view.

The memory: It was one of those beautiful afternoons in December when the sky was so clear, crisp and my workday was cut short by my longing to fly. Being a new pilot, every time I fire up the plane I get goosebumps. The excitement of not knowing what to expect keeps me going further, like a child sneaking out of his yard for a look around. This afternoon I decided to go north, not really having an absolute destination but just enjoying the view of the New Jersey landscape. New Jersey is an interesting state because when I left I was leaving from low flatland and in a short 5 nm I was flying out above mountains and then beautiful lake-lined regions.

I never forgot the time my flight instructor had me chart to this particular airport. It was a practice short field spot that I really didn’t get a good look at with my instructor because I was so concentrated on flying with my gorilla grip and landing safely.That day we were doing a short field landings and takeoffs and in New Jersey it’s hard to find a good short airport. So as a venture north I found it again but now with all of my four months of flying under my belt I could look around and even let go of the controls and snap this picture. Freedom to fly is one of the most wonderful feelings.

 

Joe Percario
Latest posts by Joe Percario (see all)
3 replies
  1. Gaston Denault
    Gaston Denault says:

    Hey ! About moore VDO on anny thing is Flying !!!!!!! Or Friday Photo or the Aiport of the week…You see I am a ex-pilot en ex-Ing….I am 75 Years old and still love-it….Thank You Merci beaucoup.

  2. Bryan
    Bryan says:

    Rob: Not really…more like gently rolling hills. But they seem big, I guess, to us flatlanders.

    And Aeroflex (12N) is one of the prettiest fields in NJ. But, with lakes at both ends, and not a lot of tarmac, you do have to bring your “A” game especially if the winds are coming from the NW; there is a ridge to the right of this photo that can make the approach over the lake a little sporty sometimes.

    Had a Cherokee based here for a while…nice field, nice people, some great flying out of there.

Comments are closed.