Friday afternoon I had one of the most amazing flights to date. This flight was also an important one as it was my first solo 50nm+ flight to a brand new airport. I’ve never flown to Tillamook Airport (KTMK)(or the coast for that matter), but had my opportunity to do so. It was beautiful!
The weather was foggy in the morning, but it burned away and left me a nice opening to fly from Troutdale, to the Newburg VOR, over to Tillamook airport. I flew using the Newburg VOR as a navigation aid and also with Flight Following to keep an eye on me as I made my way from Troutdale, through Portland over to the VOR. After the VOR I was switched over to Seattle Center for Flight Following.
The ground elevation rises to around 4,000ft MSL on the way over to Tillamook from the Portland side, so I climbed to 6,000ft and had an easy time getting to TMK. As I made my way over the hills to Tillamook I was amazed by a stunning view of the coast that I’ve never seen before. It was amazing.
The air around Tillamook was quite which made my approach and landing quite peaceful. After a successful landing I gave a call to my instructor that all was well and soon made my way back.
My trip back started with me making a spiral climb back up to above 4,000ft so I could get back over the hillside. The climb up was exciting and allowed for a number of good shots.
From above the airport at 4,000ft I departed climbing to 6,000ft back direct to Troutdale Airport using Flight Following again with a direct return.
After a windy landing into Troutdale I landed, put the plane back, and had a good talk with my instructor. What a great feeling to have that out of the way. Since I finished this 50 miler, I can now fly to the airports under 50 miles without needing a sign-off and instead just a talk with my instructor. Wow…this means I’m getting extremely close!!!
During this flight I realized that I can’t wait to share this with my friends and family. It was too stunning to keep to myself!
Jason
Logs
Flight Time: 1.7 Hours
Landings: 2
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