Some volcanoe flying in Costa Rica

Spectacular !

When I was stationed at EDF, I had the opportunity to go on a helicopter training flight as a passenger in the winter of 72-73, when I was just learning to fly. I'd had a client with the rescue squadron, and he invited me. The route took us over Mt. Spurr, about 80 miles due west of Anchorage. It's active, but nothing had spurted out of it since 1953, other than a wisp of vapor.

So of course, as soon as I had my private, one of the first flights I took in a 172 with the whole family, I just had to show them Mr. Spurr. We took off from EDF, loaded with 2 adults, 2 kids then ages 7 and 3, our Newfie/Lab mix dog, and full tanks, so we were probably within 100# of gross. Although it was cold (March), this was also my first higher altitude flight in any light airplane, so I was a little more than surprised at the lack of performance as I leaned to eak out sufficient altitude to cross over the top of Mt. Spurr so the kids and wife could look down into the crater. Considering how high the ash clouds grew in the 1992 eruptions some 19 years after our overflight, our flight had some risk that I didn't even think about at the time.

I wish we'd had a good camera--all I have of that flight is memories. I recall it as being nearly as spectacular as your video, but I don't recall clouds--must have been one of those rare Alaska clear days! I used to joke that the only clear days in the Anchorage area occur once a year, and that's when they take all the Chamber of Commerce pictures showing crystal clear blue skies--no offense to our Alaskan members here.

Thanks for sharing your video.

Cary

Excellent!!!!