Dec. 18, 2020
It's CAVU (ceiling and visibility unlimited) on this December day, and I've never flew to Redding, why not fly to Redding just because.
There are two airports in Redding -- Benton Field (untowered) and Redding Municipal(towered). I heard of a good restaurant
at Benton Field airport, so Benton Field it is.
I took the Piper Archer II for this flight. It just completed its break-in for cylinders 1 and 2 that were just replaced. Oakland Center at 127.80
was busy and was not taking any VFR flight following request; so, I just monitored it frequency for the northbound trip at 6,500 feet.
On arrival, entered the pattern at left 45 for Rwy 33. The runways, taxiway and ramp were well marked and in good condition. Parked
right next to the FBO building. The restaurant, Air Park Cafe, was at the second floor of the FBO building overlooking the ramp.
There were plenty of parking spots with chain tie downs. Note that there's no self serve fuel station at Benton Field.
One has to request for the fuel truck at the FBO office to get fuel. Inside the FBO, Benton Air Center, has a cozy lounge, clean restroom and
cordial staffs. The only concern was I didn't notice any of the staff wearing mask; not even a plexi glass at the counter between the
FBO staff and the customer --- as I've seen from other FBO's.
The airport restaurant, Air Park Cafe, is above the FBO office overlooking the ramp. The restaurant staff were also friendly but I
also did not notice any of them wearing mask. And they serve food both inside the restaurant and the outdoor patio.
I guess Covid is not that big of a concern here; or maybe their local health guidance are not as restrictive than in Bay area. I sat at the patio,
ordered the Benton burger, while waiting for the fuel truck to refuel the Archer.
My return flight was also smooth and uneventful. I was able to get flight following from Oakland Center at 132.2 over Red Bluff, and was changed to
127.8 parallel Clear Lake area. Another great flying day.
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| View of Clear Lake; for this trip, I took off from Petaluma. |
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| Passing over Indian Valley Reservoir. |
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| This must be one of the several fault lines between Clear Lake and Lake Berryessa; it also shows burnt marks from past wildfires fires in the area. |
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| Benton Field has no self serve fuel pump; to get fuel, one has to ask for the fuel truck from the FBO office. |
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| The airport restaurant, Air Park Cafe, has an outdoor patio overlooking the ramp. A good place to hang out while waiting for the fuel truck. |
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| Flying over Black Butte Reservoir on my return flight. |
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| Just random view of Northern California plain that can only be appreciated flying general aviation. |
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| Another view of one of the fault lines near Lake Berryessa. |