Copalis State Airport

One of the most unique and incredible landing strips in the country, Copalis Beach Airport is a challenging strip that makes for a great story if you have done it. In order to land at Copalis, you need to make sure the tide is low so that there is plenty of dark wet sand. The dry light colored sand is too soft to make a safe landing on. You will also need to make sure to make a fly over before landing at Copalis to make sure there are no obstructions or pedestrians on the runway. This is especially true if you are flying out to dig the delicious razor clams on the beach. When the razor clam season is open, there are likely to be thousands of people on the beach searching for buried delicacies. Make sure that your plans include getting out of the Copalis airstrip before the tide returns, or you will find the runway under water.

Visit the WSDOT Copalis State Airport site

Montana Mountain Flying

This picture freaks people out.  The exit from the canyon was easy and safe to get through, but this view is an impressive example of the types of things you can see flying the Glasair Sportsman through the mountains in the Western United States. 

Rain Fallin on I-5

Rain makes for incredible pictures.  It also makes for potentially nerve racking flying conditions.  This early summer shower over I-5 right around Olympia was easy to avoid, but you should always use caution flying on days when the conditions may be questionable. 

Sunset on the Washinton Coast

The Washington Coast is full of fun little towns and airstrips to explore.  Trips to Hoquim, Westport and Ocean Shores provide an awesome opportunity to see the sun set into the Pacific Ocean from the same vantage point as the seagulls. 

Spring Time on the Kitsap Penninsula

High ceilings, sun breaks and river fog forming are all incredible sites during spring time flights around the Bremerton and Kitsap Penninsula area. 

The Cascades Provide Flying Views Like No Other

Each flight across or through the Cascade Mountains provides a little something different.  This picture features the sun, clouds and mountains dancing in beautiful afternoon harmony. 

A Sunny Day in the San Juan Islands

I've spent a good bit of time flying around the San Juan Islands in the Northern Puget Sound.  Whether I was searching the water for orcas, or taking some friends for a scenic flight and lunch at Friday Harbor, I have always enjoyed the beauty of this area on a sunny day. 

The Rugged Shores of Neah Bay, Washington

The Northwest most point of the Continental United States is Neah Bay, Washington.  A flight North along the coast from Hoquim will provide an amazing perspective of some terrain that is nearly impossible to see otherwise. 

Libby, Montana Hugging the Banks of the Kootenai River

Libby, Montana is about a three hour flight from Seattle.  This picturesque little town is on the Kootenai River and was the location that Steven Speilberg shot the movie Always, which starred John Goodman.

Mt. Adams Wearing a Cloud Cap

This shot of Mt. Adams was taken on Memorial Day weekend of 2009.  A short flight to the South of Seattle on a clear day will give you great views of Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. 

Mt.Rainier at Sunset

One of the best things about flying in the Pacific Northwest are summer time flights to see Mt. Rainier at sunset.  We must have 50 pictures of Washington's most recognizable peak just before the sun drops below the horizon.  Each of them is incredible. 

An Afternoon Rainstorm on the Puget Sound

While beautiful, this photo is a reminder that in the Puget Sound anything can happen and happen quickly.  In a short amount of time a beautiful VFR day can turn into a flying adventure.  Knowing your limitations as a pilot and making sure that you have a solid feeling for the weather conditions whenever you are in the air are a must. 

Pilot's Eye View of Little Ranger Creek

The view from final approach of the strip at Little Ranger Creek.  Nestled right up to the backside of Mt. Rainier, this strip is a great place for fly-in camping.  It was also on our way back into Little Ranger Creek that we saw the only bear we have seen from the air in Washington.

Glasair Sportsman Out of the Box

Not many people get to see their plane before it is put together.  This Glasair Sportsman just arrived and is ready to be put together as part of the "Two Week to Taxi" program.  

Exanding Your Ideas About the Space Needle

Flying in or out of Boeing Field or Renton Airport will provide you with a great opportunity to easily check out some downtown Seattle Landmarks from above.  The Space Needle is always an attraction when I take people who have never flown in Seattle before up for the first time. 

LaConner, Washington Tulip Festival From Above

April is when the Tulips start to bloom outside of LaConner, Washington.  A quick easy flight through the valley will give you a unique perspective of this celebrated event.  Be aware, this is a popular flight, so keep your eyes peeled for the tour operators and other pilots in the area checking out the sites. 

Flight Lessons

This is where you will post little lessons about flying. 

Sun Peeking Through the Clouds on the Puget Sound

This photo is taken in the South Sound.  Just one of many visual treats that an afternoon evening flight in the Pacific Northwest can provide.  It's hard not to escape the rigors of your day when you are looking out from a Glasair Sportsman at scenes like this.

Where in the World is Helen Cernik?

This will be where you post what you are up to now.  Kind of your current events section. 

Featured Airports

Here you can write about interesting airports or airstrips that you visit.

Ground Lessons

This section will be about common lessons and helping tips for people studying to be pilots or advance their pilot education.