Susan and I responded to a request from Pilots-N-Paws for volunteer pilots to help transport rescued dogs from Madera shelter to their new foster and shelter homes around the bay area; otherwise, some were scheduled to be "put down". We were to transport our rescued dogs from Madera to Santa Rosa.
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With clear VFR weather, Susan and I headed to Madera at 5,500' to help transport rescued dogs to various shelters in the Bay Area. |
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Entered Madera pattern at left traffic runway 40; somewhat limited parking spaces with tie downs in the parking area. |
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This was my first time landing at Madera. The runways, taxiways and the ramp were in good condition. |
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Madera is a non-towered airport and was quite busy during our visit with several planes taking off and landing. Per Airnav, there are 2 FBOs with self-serve fuel onsite but we didn't use them. There fuel prices were surprisingly higher than those in some bay area airports. |
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The terminal building is also well maintained and clean. This is the lounge area inside the terminal building; good place to cool off before taking the next leg. |
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Towards the restrooms; also clean and well maintained. |
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Community bulletin boards inside the terminal building. |
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Benches outside the terminal building shaded by trees and overlooking the ramp. |
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The other side of the airport terminal with plenty of vehicle parking and well groomed landscaping. |
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Getting ready to transport our rescued dogs. |
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There were 2 other aircrafts that took part of this rescue. One was heading to San Carlos, and another going to San Jose Reid Hillview. |
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Some of the pilots and other volunteers. |
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We're told that some of these dogs, like this frightened mix lab, were about to be euthenized if they're not rescued. We end up rescuing 3 dogs. |
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The receiving party in Santa Rosa and the helpful line crew from Sonoma Jet Center FBO. |
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It was a bit bumpy during our descend to Santa Rosa that one of the dogs got "sick"; otherwise, they were very quit during the flight. |
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We parked at Sonoma Jet Center; no tie downs but the line crew readily choked the wheels once the prop stopped spinning. |
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Late lunch at the Sky Lounge Restaurant inside the Santa Rosa terminal. |