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Susan and I stopped over to refuel and for an overnight rest here in Big Bear City before our next leg to San Felipe, Mexico as part of the humanitarian trip with Flying Samaritans. With an elevation of 6,752 ft., Big Bear City airport is considered a high altitude airport and mountain flying techniques apply. During this visit, we experienced light chops in the pattern and a strong upwind during approach keeping the plane high that I have to go around once before landing. The airport has all the facilities of a good stopover airport. It has a well maintained runway and ramp, an AWOS, self service fuel station, a restaurant in the terminal, a Hertz rental office, clean restroonms, a pilot lounge and helpful airport staff that answers the UNICOM and provides helpful recommendations to go around the area. The area offers a variety of outdoor mountain activities for the sorrounding desert communities from Palm Springs and Mojave, and the urban communities from the LA basin. In the winter, it has skiing, and water activities during summer in Big Bear Lake. However, after talking to the locals, last winter had minimal snow, and the water in the lake is low from drought and had somehow affected the area economy. For flight following from the northwest, use Joshua Approach at 124.55; for the southeast area towards Yucca Valley, use LA Center at 126.35. |
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Just landed Big Bear City airport after experiencing some crazy winds during approach. |
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The airport terminal has a pilot lounge, clean restrooms, a popular restaurant even for the locals, helpful office staff and a Hertz rental office. |
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Susan unloading luggages; we decided to stay overnight before proceeding to Mexico. |
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A helicopter taxiing to the fuel station. |
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Having a Hertz rental car was convenient; as my previous experience, my AAA membership gave better discount than my AOPA Gold membership. |
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At the recommendation from airport personnel, had lunch at Peppercorn Grille, and it was a good recommendation. Quick service, great food with great ambiance and reasonably priced. (Note that the date imprinted in the picture is incorrect). |
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We decided to stay at Northwoods Resort --- also at the recommendation from the airport staff. Another good recommendation. It was conveniently close to the Village for strolling, shopping and several dining choices. |
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Evening stroll at the Village; it gets cold at night. |
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Strolling along Big Bear Lake. |
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Water activities offered in Big Bear. |
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Unfortunately, the water level was low due to the drought and has affected the local economy. I didn't see a lot of activity in the lake during my stay. |
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View of Big Bear Lake after taking off from Runway 26 for left downwind departure towards Yucca Valley. |
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Departing Big Bear and approaching Yucca Valley, then turn towards Palm Springs for the next leg to San Felipe. |
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