Winter 1998

Welcome to our First Issue!

Below are descriptions of the articles featured in Pilot Getaways premiere issue. Each destination is fully covered, including details of flying there, where to stay, where to eat, activities, transportation, and the history of the area.

Note: Click on any image to see a larger version.

Telluride, Colorado

The featured destination of our premiere issue had to be special, and the world-class ski resort at Telluride fits the bill perfectly. Spectacular scenery, a range of activities, top-notch accommodations and dining; all easily accessible to the fly-in traveler. We‘ll tell you the secrets of getting to and around this beautiful winter locale.

Palm Springs, California

Will you be traveling to AOPA EXPO ‘98 this October? Or perhaps you‘d just like to visit a desert town where glamour is a way of life, but a wonderful time can be had on any budget. We've posted an online version of our Palm Springs article to introduce you to the style of information you will find in each issue of Pilot Getaways. Go to Palm Springs article.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Winter sports are the main attraction at Lake Tahoe‘s North Shore and the nearby town of Truckee. Our article was written by a veteran pilot and flight instructor who has lived on Donner Pass Road for more than 20 years. Over 1,000 hours of mountain flying and experience with winter weather qualify her as the perfect guide for your trip. Add in a ski resort that provides complimentary transportation and great insider tips on lodging and restaurants, and you have the makings of a truly exceptional weekend.

Mammoth, California

Rounding out our line-up of cold-weather getaways, Mammoth ski resort is an excellent choice for fly-in skiing or snowboarding. After a fun day on the slopes, you can soothe your aches and pains with a soak in a local hot springs. Turn in for the night in one of seven uniquely-themed rooms at a quaint Bed & Breakfast we‘ve discovered. The article‘s author is an expert on what to see and do:  he writes for The Mammoth Times and is a long-time resident of this pilot-friendly ski town.

Coalinga/Harris Ranch, California

Sometimes you just want to fly somewhere convenient for a special night out. We‘ll tell you about a ranch-house restaurant with great fare that also happens to be a hassle-free fly-in experience.

Carmel, California

You and your favorite companion are hand-in-hand on a white sand beach, watching a sunset sky streaked with gold. You are in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and you‘ve spent a relaxing day strolling the shops and art galleries of one of California‘s prettiest seaside towns. We‘ll describe shops you may find of interest, such as one dedicated to aviation aficionados. Whether you prefer to swing a golf club at the exclusive Pebble Beach Golf Resort, visit the second oldest California mission, or explore tide pools, we‘ll give you the details of this lovers‘ paradise.

Panamint Springs, California

"Remote outpost" is a fitting description of the desert airstrip at Panamint Springs. You won‘t find this strip on any sectional chart, but land here and you will find the Panamint Springs Resort. Those seeking the serene, rugged beauty of the desert will appreciate the convenience of flying to this hospitable lodging. The owner of the resort is a former pilot who makes every guest feel like a part of the family.

Landing on Sloping Runways

Touching down on something other than flat, paved runways is a skill accomplished pilots must master on their own, since it isn‘t part of a typical flight curriculum. Using the airstrip at Panamint Springs for demonstration, a seasoned pilot with years of bush flying will lead you through the process.