First Project Abroad

Oxnard, California

Sun rise on the West Coast.

On the 12th of Nov., Dynamic flew me out to Oxnard, CA for a three week coastal survey project. It's my first project so there are many things to learn from daily record keeping requirements to cockpit checklists. Not to mention learning how to live out of a carry-on suitcase for three weeks.

Out the left side you can see Santa Barbara, CA.

The type of flying we do here in CA is very unique. The plane is modified to carry very powerful cameras and lasers used to gather topographical/ bathymetric information. Basically, we're mapping the sea floor just off shore. It's mounted on the belly to give unrestricted views and an operator sits in the back to monitor the data and point us where to go. There's a lot of flying to be done and the project scope covers almost the entire US western shore. That is to say, I just might find myself here again before long on another rotation.

Lijen (Josh's wife), Josh and Myself watching the sunset over the harbor.

Each rotation abroad can range anywhere from a few days to four weeks. In some cases, longer. I've been here for a week now and have been blessed to meet up with some old friends from school who now live in the LA, CA area. Lijen, Josh and I spent the evening hours having dinner and catching up last week.

Low and fast over the coast!

Here we are gathering data close to shore. We fly in this phase of flight at 1,300 feet, which is quite low, and at about 200mph. As we work our way up the coast, the captain flies while I talk to ATC and vice-versa.

Mom and I in the Virginia hills.

Mom and Dad came down to visit just before I left for California. We enjoyed a fall weekend of driving through the painted hills with Pumpkin Spice Lattes in hand.