Backcountry Pilot • Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

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Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Hi everyone-
It has been a while since I have updated this forum about my project because while I was trying to fly to southern Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming I wound up in Montana and the Pacific Northwest for a while.

I am a travel writer who is "hitching" rides on private planes across the across US in an effort to visit all 50 states. I've done 15 states so far, checked out Oshkosh, flew on a few experimentals (VaryEze, KitFox, Cozy); several Pipers; Beechcrafts, Cessnas; a Cirrus; a Mooney; one very light jet, and one Husky taildragger. No grass strips or seaplane water landings (yet). There is more info about my hitchhiking project on my website, Jethiking.com including a map of where I have been and a blog about the adventure.

I'm currently in Prescott Arizona (see this article.) http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?Sectio ... eID=114211

Thanks all of you who offered help on the other thread! If you have any flights planned with an extra seat, or have any tips/info/advice please let me know.

Have a great holiday!
Amber
JetHikingGypsy offline
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Amber, you've got a great concept there. I think you'll make a lot of great friends that way, and you should have lots of great experiences, too. Keep us posted on your successes.
PA12_Pilot offline
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

What?? No ski flying yet?
We can make that happen..... :D
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Hey Amber - when you get near Ohio, we will land you at places you never dreamed of. Look us up on

http://ohiobushplanes.com/1/
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

I hadn't heard of Ohio Bush Planes. Glad you mentioned it. I'm in Chicago and may have to drop by sometime. :D

Your videos are fantastic. I'm just getting started with tail wheel, but here's my first video on the subject:
Tail Wheel Training - Phoenix
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Thanks everyone! I definitely stumbled upon a really amazing community. I have a couple "leads" to New Mexico and Colorado in the next couple off weeks but nothing is set in stone yet. I'll update when I know for sure where I will be (which usually isn't until after we land).

I'm going to the airport again today to see what's up. Yes! Ski flying would be awesome :)
JetHikingGypsy offline
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Lemme know if you make it up to Denver or northern colorado, though this time of year you should probably stay south unless you just like the cold.
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Happy New Year everyone! Well..I'm in Taos right now and flying to Alamosa, Colorado tomorrow for a few days. Anyone flying around that area?

Here is the latest article: http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/12/ ... -ride.html
JetHikingGypsy offline
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

"Aviating Adventurer", I want that on a license plate, or maybe a tombstone.....or both, that would be a good book title also!
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

When you make it to Alaska let me know.
Ice Fishing on skis would be an adventure for you as well .
Keep us posted on your where abouts and you happenings.
Fly safe.

Ken in Alaska
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

I can't get you over the divide in my J3C, but if you make it over post again. I hope you don't have too much luggage. ;-)

EDIT: BCP front range fly-in in Greeley on the 19th... Someone probably can take you further north from there.
Last edited by soyAnarchisto on Wed Jan 02, 2013 1:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Dang- Taos is one of my favorite places on earth (next to the NC Outer Banks). My wife and I eloped there.

Be sure to check out the natural hot springs across the highway from the airport...
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

Taos was awesome (Santa Fe area too)! We did some sick flying (just above 500 feet) along the Rio Grande and then more mountain flying at almost 15k on the way back from Alamosa.

Yes...I left Taos- and returned :) I hit up the hot springs and became a little obsessed with the earth ships. It was -33 in Alamosa (coldest place in the country) but I had a blast there anyway!

I think you may be on to something with the Aviating Adventurer....

I just put a post up about NM on http://blog.jethiking.com/ (Chasing Wild Horses)... there is more on Alamosa and Taos coming soon. I just need to add it. I have so many notes!

-------
Now -I am in the Dallas area (and trying to go to Shreveport, LA next). I had a chance to go flying on a 1940 WACO yesterday. WOW. I couldn't get the smile off my face.....

I'll tell you one thing..when I am finished with this trip I am definitely going to get my license.

If anyone is in the Dallas area there is an AOPA convention on Wednesday that I am going to try and go to (pending public transport since I don't have a car)...

Wed, Jan 23, 2013 - 7pm – 9PM
Addison Conf. & Theatre Centre
15650 Addison Road
Addison, TX 75001

A few more news stories too:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/art ... iking-July

http://www.airplanegeeks.com/2013/01/02 ... pieces-ix/

http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/hi ... f887a.html

Those are my updates for now! E-mail me if you think you will be at the convention or know of other events going on in Dallas this week:) [email protected]
JetHikingGypsy offline
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Re: Updates on Plane Hitchhiking

JetHikingGypsy wrote:Taos was awesome (Santa Fe area too)! We did some sick flying (just above 500 feet) along the Rio Grande and then more mountain flying at almost 15k on the way back from Alamosa.

Yes...I left Taos- and returned :) I hit up the hot springs and became a little obsessed with the earth ships. It was -33 in Alamosa (coldest place in the country) but I had a blast there anyway!

I think you may be on to something with the Aviating Adventurer....

I just put a post up about NM on http://blog.jethiking.com/ (Chasing Wild Horses)... there is more on Alamosa and Taos coming soon. I just need to add it. I have so many notes!

-------
Now -I am in the Dallas area (and trying to go to Shreveport, LA next). I had a chance to go flying on a 1940 WACO yesterday. WOW. I couldn't get the smile off my face.....

I'll tell you one thing..when I am finished with this trip I am definitely going to get my license.

If anyone is in the Dallas area there is an AOPA convention on Wednesday that I am going to try and go to (pending public transport since I don't have a car)...

Wed, Jan 23, 2013 - 7pm – 9PM
Addison Conf. & Theatre Centre
15650 Addison Road
Addison, TX 75001

A few more news stories too:

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/art ... iking-July

http://www.airplanegeeks.com/2013/01/02 ... pieces-ix/

http://www.chieftain.com/news/region/hi ... f887a.html

Those are my updates for now! E-mail me if you think you will be at the convention or know of other events going on in Dallas this week:) [email protected]


I have a sister outside of Shreveport. My brother in law would give you a ride further east but he hasn't gotten his private cert yet. Just took the written. Good luck with the trip and be safe.

You can get almost anywhere in town on the DART. (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) I don't know if I'd ride the one in Fort Worth though. (FART) Pew! ;)
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