Galt (10C)

I first found Galt on a check-ride when my examiner simulated an engine out over the field. As I peered down, I saw what looked like a sidewalk with some planes parked next to it. With some aggressive slipping, I hit the runway. Some of my students haven't been as lucky when I pull the power on them.

If you are used to jet-sized runways, Galt is a great place for some T/O and Landing practice. The small strip with trees on one side and a silo on the other shouldn't prove that difficult to a mindful pilot.

One of my favorite summertime events is the almost-annual Flyers and Tires gathering at Galt (it was canceled for 2008, due to everyone being too darn busy). Once again I found this event by accident. Out for a solo pleasure flight, I ended up near Galt and decided to try some landings in the fancy new Cirrus SR-22. I made the appropriate calls on the CTAF frequency, but no one answered as is typical. On downwind I noticed that more planes were parked than is typical. On final, I saw a fairly large crowd watching me come in for a landing. Despite my few hours in the Cirrus, I managed to get it down without making a fool of myself. I turned around at the end of the runway in the pad. As I did, another plane swooped down the runway and poured out a trail of smoke. As I waited for it to clear, it dawned on me that I had just flown in my first air show. And this is the story I tell my students about why it is important to check your Notams.