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This was suppose to be a quick flight for lunch. The fog lifted up around 11:00 am and the sky turned CAVU(-Clear and Visibility Unlimited). Tim and I were at home thinking about lunch when we came up when an idea ---- why don't we fly somewhere for lunch? So, we drove to Napa airport, pulled out the Cessna 172 from the hanger, hopped in and took off for Petaluma, the closest airport with a restaurant. But when we arrived in Petaluma, we were disappointed to find out that Two Niner Restaurant closes on Mondays. Already hungry, I remembered that there's a restaurant in Santa Rosa, so we hopped back into the Cessna and flew to Santa Rosa. Last time I landed in Santa Rosa, it was a night flight. Thus I was not able be check out the airport and facilities. This time, we landed around 1:00pm and was guided by a line person to Sonoma Jet Center area. I noticed that there were no tie-downs in the ramp. The lineman choked our wheels; that should be okay for our short stay since the wind was calm. The airport restaurant, Sky Lounge, was not busy and we were seated immediately. In addition to the usual burgers and sandwiches in the menu, we were surprised to see sushi in the menu. The service was quick, the food tasted good, and the prices were reasonable. Sky Lounge also have an outdoor patio for those who prefer to eat outdoors facing the runway. Santa Rosa has commercial flights served by Alaska Airlines. Passengers have to go through the usual security check before boarding their planes. Good thing Tim and I don't have to go through that today. When we were ready to fly back, we just went through an access gate, hopped in the Cessna, and took off. This flight just exemplifies benefits of general aviation. |
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View of the Sonoma Jet Center ramp from inside the Cessna. The terminal building is next to the tower. |
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Tim and I in Sky Lounge. |
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Already hungry since from Petaluma, we were ready to dig in. Tim got the humongous bacon cheeseburger, and I got the other huge meatloaf sandwich. |
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Sky Lounge's outdoor patio for those who prefer to eat while listening to the roar of jets taking off, and feeling the jet exhaust. |
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Peanuts characters greeting passengers inside the terminal building. |
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A giant propeller outside the terminal building. |
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Driveway entrance to the terminal building. |
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Car rental lot in the airport served by Hertz, Avis and Enterprise. |
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This sign says it all. |
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Another special feature in Santa Rosa airport --- a "Pet Relief Area". |
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Sonoma Jet Center FBO |
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The Cessna 172 at the Sonoma Jet Center FBO ramp. |
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Flying over Sonoma valley on our way back. |
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Great day flying --- sky was clear blue, visibility was great, and the wind was smooth. You can see the other side of San Francisco bay from over Sonoma. |
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