I have been asked a few times about how I planned my trip and if I had every location I planned to fly selected in advance.
The reality is though I planned an approximate order of the states that I have traveled so far, I elected to roll the dice on the route and the locations I would fly.
While I had specific destinations for California, Nevada, Utah, every city, place else I have been has been very much luck of the amazingly gracious people that I have met along the way.
Mississippi had been no different, and as it has turned out, just been amazing. As I departed from Millington Tennessee I headed south thinking I would travel to a small municipal airport west of Jackson. However because I didn’t leave until midday, I realized I wouldn’t make my destination until after nightfall and as a result, changed course and settled on Bruce Campbell Field in Maddison.
Upon arriving in Madison I entered the car park adjacent to the airport, where I met David Nail who has a private hanger and entrance to the airport. After a short conversation, he generously let me park in his lot. Not long after I met his brother and we all got talking about aviation.
The next morning I botch my takeoff which resulted in a damaged prop. My spare Helix proper required a spacer which I didn’t have. After reaching out to Lance from Hattiesburg who had offered to help if I needed anything I was soon on my way to meet him.
That afternoon I completed the Mississippi flight. David treated me to dinner and it was at the end of dinner that he shared his plans to contribute to a very well know charity. David plans to provide an Angel Flight to Saint Jude to help children. This by far will be the largest assistance to a charity through 50xChallenge inspirations.
It is with extreme gratitude that I wish to thank Lance Sanderford for his incredible help today and loan of a Prop, Spares, and toys to parachute down to kids along the way. Without Lance, I would not have succeeded in checking off Mississippi today in Madison.
I was also connected with Neil Burnett who operates a Tree felling business in Summit Mississippi. He invited me down to help me out with a spacer for my Helix prop and fly from his private airfield. Got to fly with Neil here at Summit (near McComb) Mississippi and he let me fly is two Gin Gliders. (Pegasus 2 28m & Falcon 26).
Neil was also kind enough to allow me to park my camper at his home nearby and extended me incredible southern hospitality. Thank You again for a fantastic day and for introducing me to all ya’ll family. I’m indeed very privileged and thank you!
I honestly could not have completed Missippi this week without the help I got. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
