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The author’s family descends the steep and narrow section of High Peaks Trail between the Scout and Hawkins peaks (elevation 2,600-2,700 feet). These “staircases” are blasted or jackham- mered into the rock and most have handrails, cables and an adjacent rock face to grasp for balance.
Looking down the exit staircase of the Bear Gulch Talus Cave. The narrow staircase carved into the cliffside is equipped with a hand- rail for its entire length, making the climb a bit less intimidating.
California remain sparsely inhabited and feel as rural and remote as some of the least populace states. For aviators, California’s diversity can be both enticing and challenging. Sporting over 500 airports, about half of which are public use, there are few areas you might wish to explore where a suitable airport cannot be found nearby.
Thus, the question becomes one of circumstance. Will you visit Pinnacles National Park because you are in the area anyway with some idle time to fill? Or will you visit simply because it is so close to many airport choices and, therefore, makes a great excuse to plan a fly out for a day or weekend excursion? Either way, you won’t be disappointed and will likely depart with thoughts of how and when you can find another reason to return to Pinnacles and soar with its condors again (metaphorically speaking, anyway). KA
Copyright 2023, Matthew McDaniel
First publication rights granted to the Village Press, for King Air magazine
All other rights reserved by copyright holder
Matthew McDaniel is a Master & Gold Seal CFII, ATP, MEI, AGI & IGI and Platinum CSIP. In 33 years of flying, he has logged over 21,000 hours total, over 5,800 hours of instruction-given and over 2,500 hours
in various King Airs and the BE-1900D. As owner of Progressive Aviation Services, LLC (www.progaviation.com), he has specialized in Technically Advanced Aircraft and Glass Cockpit instruction since 2001. Currently,
he is also a Boeing 737-Series Captain for
an international airline, holds 8 turbine aircraft type ratings, and has flown over 125 aircraft types. Matt is one of less than 15 instructors in the world to have earned the Master CFI designation for 10 consecutive two-year terms. He can be reached at: matt@ progaviation.com or 414-339-4990.
FEBRUARY 2023
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 11