Sunday, January 11, 2009

Hidden Paradise Found


My wife and I decided to look for some airpark property where we could someday build a home and live within close proximity of our airplane. I owned a Turbo Arrow at the time, so we loaded it all up and decided to go airpark hunting.

Our travels took us all over north Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. We visited many airparks including Massey Air Ranch, Cannon Creek, Aero Acres, Treasure Coast Airpark, Love Landing Airpark, Mount Royal Airpark, Lyons Landing, Chandelle Airpark, Lake Norman Airpark, Gold Hill Airpark, Miller Airpark, Hensley Airpark, and Deerfield Resort. Whew!! That was alot of flying and looking around. Most of the airparks that we visited were very nice, but just not what we were looking for.

Well, what were we looking for? We wanted an airpark that was very pretty, laid out well, and with good size properties. We were not interested in airparks that allowed trailers or mobile homes. We wanted a runway that was at least 3000 feet long, grass or paved, it did not matter. Lisa wanted to see big beautiful trees, not just an airpark cut into a cow pasture. I wanted to see some airport activity, people there. We were looking for the cost to not be astronomical. The home owners association fees needed to be fair and the association itself was not comprised of the senior citizens on patrol, if you know what I mean.

After, flying for 2 full days, we came across Deerfield Resort (TN44) , located 35 miles north of Knoxville, TN. This place was gorgeous! Did I say gorgeous, I meant GORGEOUS!! Trees everywhere, winding roads laced throughout the 1400 acre properties. Once out of the plane, we then saw even more of the splendor. The list of amenities was tremendous. There is an 18 hole golf course with club house, tennis courts, community smimming pool, kids play area, marina with a floating tiki bar where a boater can enjoy a sandwich and a drink. There are 2 restaurants inside the community as well. There are water view properties, with beautiful views of Norris Lake (one of the cleanest lakes in the country), golf view properties, and waterfront properties. The runway is 3100 feet long and can handle even jet traffic. This place was magnificent!

Lisa and I purchased 5 properties while we were there (we couldn't make up our minds). We have now decided to keep one of the properties and sell the remaining 4. All of our properties are water view with gorgeous views of Norris Lake. The prices for these properties will even more baffle your mind. Any other airpark that we went to that had even an inkling of what Deerfield has, had very hefty price tags on the properties. Our lots are priced at $55k each. Sounds incredible....it really is!! Here are some pics of the properties.













If you are interested in knowing more about these properties, please visit www.deerfieldresort.org or feel free to email me, and I will be happy to talk to you more.


























Safe flying!

Captain Buzz



RV4 Takes on a Pitts in a Dogfight

As you might know by now, I owned an RV4 for several years. I rebuilt the plane from almost the ground up. I have pictures on this site of the finished product. I very much enjoyed the occasional loop or roll, and often had alot of fun flying formation with my father's RV6, also pictured here on this site. In fact, my father and I flew formation from San Diego, CA to Palm Beach, FL. For those that are wondering how long that took, 15 hours of formation flight. And it was fun all the way!

Here is a nice treat that I found of an RV4 in formation and dogfighting with a Pitts. Hope you enjoy! (click here)

Hey Earl, Watch This!!

If you ever have been to St. Maarten in the caribbean, then you have invaribly seen the landings that take place just above the onlookers heads. It is always a treat to stand there as a 747 lands just 10 feet over your head. Makes you feel like a real daredevil, living life on the edge. Take a look at these daredevils as they watch a 747 take off from behind. (Click Here) Maybe they will think twice about standing behind a 747 with 4 engines putting out 72,000 pounds of thrust each. Or, maybe not.