Bradford, PA

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October 21, 2007:  Fall in western Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful; the changing leaves attract tourists from all over.  This year, we decided to rent a Cessna 172R and fly to Bradford (by the Allegheny National Forrest) to witness this spectacular view from the air.  The morning was crisp and clear as we headed north at 8:00 a.m.  We landed at Bradford Regional Airport, where we enjoyed a breakfast at the Runway Cafe.  On the return trip, we flew over the Kinzua Bridge which had been partially toppled by a tornado on July 21, 2003 (my birthday.)  Click on any picture to see a larger version.

Evaporation fog on the Allegheny River.

PIC (Pilot in Command)

Instrument panel--flying at 3,500 ft. and 138 knots groundspeed (159 m.p.h.)

Display in the airport--Bradford, PA is the home of Zippo lighters.

US Airways check-in counter.

Breakfast at the Runway Cafe--our plane is directly behind my head.

The entrance of the airport.

The Kinzua Bridge from a distance.

A closer view of what is left of this famous landmark after it lost an argument with a tornado.

Bradford Regional Airport (KBFD) off the starboard wing.

A typical small PA town in the fall.

The ring is actually made of full size logs.

The contrast between the trees and farms is beautiful.

Another farm

Fall colors as far as the eye can see.

A little more definition when you look down.

This is a Christmas tree farm.

The Allegheny river takes a meandering path.

US 322 bridge outside Clarion, PA.

Clarion County Airport (KAXQ)

Piney Dam

I-80

Spectacular view!

Farmland

and trees

Approaching Runway 26 at Butler County Airport (KBTP)

A little closer (and a bit too high.)

Closer yet.

Moments before touchdown and right on the glideslope.

Home again (with some bug casualties on the window.)

 

The flight was excellent and we had a great time.