Fly DC.

Here's a view of the city you don't get to see everyday. Just came from shooting some aerials for a client. On the way back to Gaithersburg we flew right past the National Mall. Just reinforces my already strong feelings about what a beautiful city Washington, DC is.

Of course, jumping through the many and varied hoops to get clearance to fly this close reinforces my already strong feelings toward certain unnamed three letter agencies! (I can say no more.)

Cheers!

Then and Now #7

I found this first image in my files recently and completely forget where I got it from or who shot it or when it was. I am still looking for that info and will report back soon. Meantime, hope you enjoy this installment of "Then and Now."

The Washington Monument is obvious, of course. On the right is the Museum of Natural History, on the left (you can just barely see it) is the Smithsonian Institution castle. The immediate foreground looks to be the Arboretum. Middle ground... no idea. Will update as soon as I can.

Cheers.

Update: Narrowed it down to early 1920s. (late teens, maybe) Buildings in the middle ground are likely USDA greenhouses.

Oh yeah, then there's mine. Shot from a Cessna 175, my friend Jal Mistry as pilot, Blackhawk helicopter shadowing us all the way. Fun!

Aerials

This blog post today has no other purpose than to gratuitously brag about some really cool flights I've taken in the past. As some of you may or may not know, DC since Sept 11th has been pretty much designated off limits. The fifteen mile radius out from National Airport is under a Flight Restricted Zone. Only people in and out are major airlines, military, and those lucky enough to be granted a waiver. On occasion, I've fallen into that category.

Last couple years I've flown with an outstanding pilot, Jal Mistry. (see below) We've had great fun and a few adventures...but never in countless flights did I ever feel uncomfortable or had any reason to question his judgements. A man of great yet quiet confidence, you someday may find yourself being shuttled back and forth from Boston or NY and DC with Mr. Mistry up front. Be glad about that!

Anyway, just a couple pics. First is National Airport. Yes, The National Airport! We flew right over top of it! Think about it, huge airliners taking off and landing, where would you want to be?

Next is a shot of the National Mall. Washington Monument and The Capitol Building stand out.

Finally, my man Jal. Not only is he an excellent pilot, but he is always willing to help me get the shot. In this case, I asked him to put the plane in a steep bank so we could see the ground below us. What you see is part of North Beach's Galesville's harbor and the Chesapeake Bay.

Pretty cool, huh?