Arthur Billingsley sent us this series of photos and a video of an eventful commute from his home in Jacksonville, Florida, to his primary office in Reston, Virginia. “While I have a local office in the Jacksonville area, I routinely commute from JAX (28J) to DC (KHEF) in my 1974 Cessna C310Q,” he explains.
“Recently, on a return commute from Washington, D.C., to Jacksonville, the stars aligned and my sons were able to fly back to Florida with me,” he continued. “While they have both been flying previously with me over the past 30 years, as they have grown and located in different areas, it has become rare to fly with both at the same time. One lives near Quantico, Virginia, and the other lives in Newport News, Virginia. So they both decided to come to Florida to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.”
“As for the flight, it is not often that a pilot packs hot departure (density altitude), isolated intense weather cells, moderate rain (IMC), sunset, night approach and landing into one flight,” he said. “Couple that with the boys as passengers and it made for a special flight. Here is a video and some pictures.”
AWESOME article!! I fly in and out of Palatka quite often, mostly for inexpensive fuel. Maybe some day I can say “hi” to you in person.
Yes, I had flown with each of them on separate occasions but never together. So it was different and special.
You’re lucky, my son is afraid of flying so a trip like this isn’t in the cards for me. Enjoy your time together while you can, and get a new generation hooked on the joys and benefits of GA.
Yes, my kids flew many times when they were young (2-7 years old) but not much since. And I agree, sharing with the next generation is fun and rewarding. https://generalaviationnews.com/2017/03/30/their-first-trip-to-an-airport/
Thanks for a super video Mr. Billingsley and true pilots fly. I like your well-equipped C-310 and you are obviously a well-trained pilot so nice to see that, you certainly did a great job. thanks for sharing, good luck in the future and continue to fly safely.
I agree that pilots fly and recently took a trip to Atlanta and Birmingham in less than preferred weather. It was a good flight and I got to put much of the pilot toolbox to good use with positive effect. Video ==> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLepLuzuKzo
What a special flight! Thanks for sharing- its amazing how the stars align sometimes and you have to appreciate it when they do!