There's a beef jerky outlet in Concord, NC. Naturally, that's a reason to fly somewhere. The Concord Regional Airport (JQF) is about 80 nautical miles WSW from Raleigh Executive (TTA). Why I've never flown there in my 4 years as a licensed pilot I do not know. The best I can come up with is that I was reluctant to get that close to the busy airport in Charlotte which, according to our trustworthy friends at Wikipedia is now on the list of top 10 busiest airports in the U.S. That's kind of intimidating. One of these days I'll go 16 miles past today's destination and make my presence known at the #10 busiest airport in the country.
Jerky is not the only reason to fly into Concord as it's solid cross-country time from Raleigh Exec. A little further than the minimum 50 miles, but not so far that it becomes crazy expensive. Total flight time was 2 hours even. I got to hear "Cleared to enter class bravo airspace" for the first time today, so that was exciting.
With purchase of fuel at the FBO we were allowed to borrow a sweet Crown Victoria crew car with a "permanent" NC plate, just like a real cop. The facilities and people at the FBO were great.
Of course I have pictures taken by copilot Emily.
Right base for runway 2 at JQF takes us right over the Lowe's Motor Speedway with the Charlotte skyline in the background.
Charlotte skyline from about 10 miles to the NE.
No caption necessary.
Final approach to runway 2 at JQF. Smooth landing. That's I-85 to the right, looking north.
Crew car Crown Vic, looking like a cop, Jerky in the background.
You could refer to me as "air crew". That would make Emily my "escorted passenger".
Concord Regional FBO. Great service, friendly folks, nice facilities.
Really busy day at Concord Mills Mall. Lots of cars.
The climb-out from JQF gave us a great view of the Lowe's Motor Speedway, drag strip, and dirt track.
