You know its a good feeling when you have one of those "I just love flying" days. After fighting the weather the last few days today was perfect. Calm wind, clear skies, cool temps. I had to meet a friend at KSAT to pick up a plane that needs an annual. I have never flown a PA-23-160 Geronimo conversion.
Basically it's an old Piper aztec that went through a face lift and engine upgrade. It is always fun to fly a new plane. It is not easy. Things are in different locations, and it takes a little getting used to. Then the second part of the challenge was flying it into Kestral airpark. It is an interesting little airport. A 3000 ft runway that slopes down the side of a hill.
If you look close you can see the drop. Coming in from the Northwest your approaching the top of the hill (Approaching from the NW in the photo above). Just after you cross over the numbers the runway drops out from under you. Lucky for me winds where calm, or slightly out of the north. This allowed me the peace of mind that I could roll out up hill, in case I came in a little fast and landed long. Which I did. It was a smooth approach, but I have a habit of carrying a little extra airspeed if I am unfamiliar with the plane. It was still a nice touch down and rolled out without braking. I was impressed with the Geronimo. It was fast, had a great climb rate, and was a very stable plane! Even though I had never flown one, I had no problems flying it at all! I'm not sure why, but it is always fun adding a new type of plane to the logbook, and trying new airports. I think that's why aviation is so appealing. There is so much to do, learn, and experience. Each day, every flight brings something new. while Flying I look down and feel sorry for the 99.5% of the population that will never experience the freedom, the excitement, and adventure that pilots enjoy. Monday I get to ferry a Mooney over for an annual. This one will not be new as I used to own her! It will be nice to see her again! Fly Safe
Basically it's an old Piper aztec that went through a face lift and engine upgrade. It is always fun to fly a new plane. It is not easy. Things are in different locations, and it takes a little getting used to. Then the second part of the challenge was flying it into Kestral airpark. It is an interesting little airport. A 3000 ft runway that slopes down the side of a hill. 
If you look close you can see the drop. Coming in from the Northwest your approaching the top of the hill (Approaching from the NW in the photo above). Just after you cross over the numbers the runway drops out from under you. Lucky for me winds where calm, or slightly out of the north. This allowed me the peace of mind that I could roll out up hill, in case I came in a little fast and landed long. Which I did. It was a smooth approach, but I have a habit of carrying a little extra airspeed if I am unfamiliar with the plane. It was still a nice touch down and rolled out without braking. I was impressed with the Geronimo. It was fast, had a great climb rate, and was a very stable plane! Even though I had never flown one, I had no problems flying it at all! I'm not sure why, but it is always fun adding a new type of plane to the logbook, and trying new airports. I think that's why aviation is so appealing. There is so much to do, learn, and experience. Each day, every flight brings something new. while Flying I look down and feel sorry for the 99.5% of the population that will never experience the freedom, the excitement, and adventure that pilots enjoy. Monday I get to ferry a Mooney over for an annual. This one will not be new as I used to own her! It will be nice to see her again! Fly Safe
