Hi- yes, have landed in both (but not since I got new paint- the dirt strips kick rocks into the stabilator). Even had a chance to land on the "Hero Strip" in Saline before it was X'd out. See my "Pilot's Photojournal" video for Saline Chicken Strip photos.
As a former camp host at Tuttle Creek (BLM campground) just outside of Lone Pine, Dan, I have some terrific stories the BLM LE (Law Enforcement Ranger) shared with me about run-ins with some nutty folks in Saline Valley over the years. Too extensive for here, but they would make a wonderful book and I've asked the Ranger (Chris Mason) to (hopefully) to someday, share with everyone in a book. (I read in one of the comments that you also fly paramotors ? I still fly my paraglider in laminar air on the coast)
I've flown to the warm springs in Saline Valley a number of times back when. Yes, it's an amazing place and the characters it attracts are memorable. I remember meeting people who've come there from all over the world, because it's that distinct of a place, and the unique people who hung out there were part of the appeal. I can hardly imagine what stories the park ranger could tell!
yes, I saw that. That's what I was referencing. why didn't you actually descend and fly INSIDE it, which is the whole point, you were flying at the ledge of it, over it. didn't you want to experience how incredible it is to go through it, below the ledge, or lower at least?@@dangimpelfilms
It wasn't a good day for going deeper into the canyon - too windy and too turbulent. I also would have had to go around again and try for a steeper, slower approach than what I was set up for, and I didn't have time for that. As I was, trying to follow the canyon down was still a very quick descent and faster still would have meant building up too much speed, which you need to be careful about in heavy turbulence.
Another great video, Dan. As others have said, your narration is spot-on and very informative. You mentioned a "sectional map" where one can find contact information on the training schedule for the Star Wars Canyon area. Where can one find that?
Sectional Maps are the standard maps that pilots use for navigation. You can download maps from the FAA website or purchase paper maps online at Amazon, Sporty's ,etc. Southern California is covered in the Los Angeles Sectional, much of Nevada and parts of CA are in the Las Vegas Sectional, etc.
MOAs (military operations areas) are on the maps. They aren't restricted areas- they are just areas to be extra aware - so there's no really being "too close". Generally pilots study the maps beforehand and reference them during the flights, and our GPS moving maps show us important boundaries too- though not everything. Beyond that, part of being familiar with the Owens and Saline Valley areas is knowing there is frequent military jet activity throughout the region. As far as I'm concerned, it's all one big MOA.
I like your channel I hope you upload more adventures! Can you fly into dead valley?
Yes- there are a few airstrips to land in Death Valley too. Will film those some day.
Outstanding! Sierra hotel!!
Love these videos. Thank you. Did you ever try to land in Saline Valley or Panamint Valley?
Hi- yes, have landed in both (but not since I got new paint- the dirt strips kick rocks into the stabilator). Even had a chance to land on the "Hero Strip" in Saline before it was X'd out. See my "Pilot's Photojournal" video for Saline Chicken Strip photos.
Oh yeah!!!!😃😃😃
As a former camp host at Tuttle Creek (BLM campground) just outside of Lone Pine, Dan, I have some terrific stories the BLM LE (Law Enforcement Ranger) shared with me about run-ins with some nutty folks in Saline Valley over the years. Too extensive for here, but they would make a wonderful book and I've asked the Ranger (Chris Mason) to (hopefully) to someday, share with everyone in a book. (I read in one of the comments that you also fly paramotors ? I still fly my paraglider in laminar air on the coast)
I've flown to the warm springs in Saline Valley a number of times back when. Yes, it's an amazing place and the characters it attracts are memorable. I remember meeting people who've come there from all over the world, because it's that distinct of a place, and the unique people who hung out there were part of the appeal. I can hardly imagine what stories the park ranger could tell!
Thank you! Awsome video!
Glad you liked it!
So amazing, I miss those days, great filming and info, tnank you Dan❤🤗👍
Thanks Dorth! :)
Pretty cool, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
why didn't you fly through starwars canyon since you were already right there???
I did - see starting 11:11. Rainbow Canyon is Star Wars Canyon. The wind was blowing like crazy and the turbulence was bad.
yes, I saw that. That's what I was referencing. why didn't you actually descend and fly INSIDE it, which is the whole point, you were flying at the ledge of it, over it. didn't you want to experience how incredible it is to go through it, below the ledge, or lower at least?@@dangimpelfilms
It wasn't a good day for going deeper into the canyon - too windy and too turbulent. I also would have had to go around again and try for a steeper, slower approach than what I was set up for, and I didn't have time for that. As I was, trying to follow the canyon down was still a very quick descent and faster still would have meant building up too much speed, which you need to be careful about in heavy turbulence.
Do you carry survival gear on these flights?
Yes, survival gear and landing gear and other gear I have not mentioned.
You are the only guy I know who can shoot our beautiful topography as well as the paramotor gliders. Thank you. Cyrus
Hi Doc, thanks for all your comments and positive feedback - appreciate it!
Can you do the kern valley again
Yes - be sure to see my other videos, most of which are around the Kern Valley.
Another great video, Dan. As others have said, your narration is spot-on and very informative. You mentioned a "sectional map" where one can find contact information on the training schedule for the Star Wars Canyon area. Where can one find that?
Sectional Maps are the standard maps that pilots use for navigation. You can download maps from the FAA website or purchase paper maps online at Amazon, Sporty's ,etc. Southern California is covered in the Los Angeles Sectional, much of Nevada and parts of CA are in the Las Vegas Sectional, etc.
how do you know if you are too close to Moa airspace?
MOAs (military operations areas) are on the maps. They aren't restricted areas- they are just areas to be extra aware - so there's no really being "too close". Generally pilots study the maps beforehand and reference them during the flights, and our GPS moving maps show us important boundaries too- though not everything. Beyond that, part of being familiar with the Owens and Saline Valley areas is knowing there is frequent military jet activity throughout the region. As far as I'm concerned, it's all one big MOA.
AMAZINGLY done sir. Simple, humble, and thoroughly narrated. Keep em coming!!!!!!
Very enjoyable flight! Thank you!!!
Great video, you narrate well, film it and even label the things I’m interested in. Didn’t go yet😩
Again, wonderful! Honestly, Dan? I think you make my favorite RUclips videos. Thank you! : )
Thanks so much Bob!
Thanks for the video. I've driven through some areas of death Valley. Love the plane. I would love to have a C177 FG or RG.
Thanks! Hope you get your 177- it's a wonderful plane to fly and a practical plane for traveling too.
What a fun and scenic flight.
Very interesting. Lots of new info and beautiful scenery.
Thank you!
Thanks for all the hard work that went into this very enjoyable and informative travelogue!
Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!
Take me with you!!
Trying to do that virtually! (Looking for someone who can co-host on-camera. Contact me via DanGimpelFilms@gmail.com if applicable.)
Beautiful footage!!!
Thanks Amber! And congrats on your long cross-country flight!
Excellent
Thanks!