September 8, 2026 - Fly to Frederick for Lunch
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| Mugsy and I flew to Frederick Airport today for lunch at the Airways Inn. Frederick is a towered airport; it was fun flying in as a two-ship formation. | ||||||
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After a delicious lunch, we taxiied for takeoff.
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| From Frederick we headed north, heading for Mid-Atlantic Soaring Center Airport, mindful of staying east of the P-40 restricted airspace. That's Highwy 15 down there, running to Gettysburg. | ||||||
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| The Catoctin Mountains are off the left. | ||||||
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| Looking northwest at the Catoctin Mountains and Thurmont are far right. | ||||||
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| Looking at the P-40 Restricted airspace to the west. Don't bust it! | ||||||
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Following Mugsy north.
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| Looking down at Mount St. Mary's University, which I've never heard of. At the time I flew over it, I thought it was Hood College, but it turns out that Hood is in downtown Frederick. | ||||||
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Another look at The Mount.
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| We arrive at Mid-Atlantic Soaring Center Airport. It is privately owned by the Mid-Atlantic Soaring Association (MASA) but because the airport received public funding it is a public airport. This is the second time Mugsy and I have visited. I flew my Ka-4 Rhonelerch glider here at a regatta a long time -- 20 years or so -- ago. | ||||||
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| Just west of MASA is Liberty Mountain Ski Resort which I have never skiied. | ||||||
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| Looking down runway 15. Normally, you land on 33 and takeoff on 15. | ||||||
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On a right base for runway 33. Notice the large grass areas on both sides of the runway. Perfect for landing multiple gliders simultaneously, if necessary.
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| Safe on deck at MASA. | ||||||
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Mugsy talking with one of the MASA regulars.
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| Heading back to Essex Skypark. Looking wouthwest crossing I-695 -- the Baltimore Beltway. | ||||||
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| Looking northeast, the I-695 beltway heads towards Towson. | ||||||
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| Passing Pimlico Racetrack, home of the famous Preakness horse race, part of the Triple Crown, which is being completely renovated, a great taxpayer expense, of course. | ||||||
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| Passing Baltimore on an exceptionally clear day. | ||||||
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| Home sweet home. | ||||||
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Turning final for 16 at Essex Skypark.
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