I've been thinking about a trip "back home" to the place my family is from, Wilkes-Barre, PA. I have made this trip many times by land and air but never once following the Mighty Susquehanna River. I have been toying around with a few stops and planning a flight for a clear sunny day. I plan on heading west towards the Maryland Pennsylvania border then turning north to follow the river. I guess my inspiration is from reading about the Citabria gang , aka the Trunk Monkeys, fun days of slow and low over the tri-state area and forging lasting friendships.Some Susquehanna River Info...
The Susquehanna River (originally "Sasquesahanough" per the 1612 John Smith map)the longest river on the east coast winds its way south from Otsego Lake near Cooperstown, New York, through the northern and central ranges of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania. By the time it meets the Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna River has flowed 444 miles. With an average daily rush of 22 billion gallons of water, the Susquehanna is the largest contributor of freshwater to the Bay. The Bay was formed over 10,000 years ago when what was then the Susquehanna River was flooded by rising sea levels. The quality and quantity of waters from the Susquehanna and its tributaries directly affect the Bay's health and productivity.
In the mid-Atlantic states, it's called the "Mighty Susquehanna." It's the largest river lying entirely within the United States that drains into the Atlantic Ocean and the 16th largest river in the United States. The River's 27,500-square-mile watershed covers parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. This is about 43 percent of the Bay's 64,000 square miles of drainage basin..
I have listed the airports I would like to visit along my route. Of course it's just a tentative schedule for now as things can change once underway.
MOUNT JOY/MARIETTA, PA
Elevation: 458 MSL
Traffic Pattern: All Aircraft: 1258 MSL;
Runways: (10-28) 3250X50; asphalt; PCL; tree ea end
SELINSGROVE, PA
Elevation: 450 MSL
Traffic Pattern Light Aircraft 1500 MSL
Runways: (17-35) 3800X75; asphalt; PCL; trees ry 17; tower ry 35
BLOOMSBURG, PA
Elevation: 481 MSL
Traffic Pattern: All Aircraft: 1410 MSL;
Runways: (8-26) 2800X50; asphalt; LIRL (NSTD); road ry 8; trees ry 26
WILKES-BARRE, PA
Elevation: 545 MSL
Traffic Pattern: All Aircraft: 1546 MSL;
Runways: (7-25) 3376X75; asphalt; PCL; trees ea end (9-27) 2200X100; asphalt; ; trees ry 10 (9-27) 2200X100; turf; ; trees ry 10.
Total flight time non-stop to KWBW is 1.5 hours and along the flight plan pictured about 165 miles. I hope to make a day of it with the above mentioned airports for stops.
Mary has started to work week-ends with her new job and so I will ask a friend or two along for the ride. This might be a nice trip for the two project pilot students I am lucky enough to mentor. It should be fun! I hope to post a video when completed.
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