We needed to get out of the house for a couple of hours, we drove out to Mr. Washington's estate, and back up the Parkway to watch the planes taking off and landing at National Airport. Technically it is Reagan National Airport. I found it strange when I moved here to find an airport named after the guy who fired the air traffic controllers. National airport is in a unique location, 1/2 mile from the Pentagon and a minute away from the Capital for planes taking off and landing. For decades there was an argument about keeping it open, likely still is. A lot of Congress people like having an airport a ten minute drive (without traffic) from their offices. Several times Congress tried to pass laws saying the airport could not be closed without an act of Congress, and Presidents either threatened to veto the bill, or actually vetoed it. Reagan signed it into law, that is why the airport is named after him. It is an amazingly convenient location. I pass through the subway station at the airport everyday as part of my daily commute. I love airports. My father was a pilot, I grew up around airplanes and in and out of small airports. He had a commercial pilots license, and never flew for money. It was a hobby. He would fly people as a favor, but not for money. If you paid the cost of the airplane, we would fly you to the moon, but didn't want to be paid for his time. Every man needs a hobby.
Did you purchase any yummy beverages at Mt. Vernon? Looks like you had a fun day!
ReplyDeleteThe yummy's at Mt Vernon are very limited in supply, you have to go the day the product is released. We had a nice drive.
ReplyDeletethat airport should be closed to all jets; it's only useful for small planes due to the constrictions. and I REFUSE to call it anything other than NATIONAL AIRPORT.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you like flying! When Bill and I lived in Philly, sometimes we would go out to Philly International and watch the planes take off and land. I've always liked that too. Never gets old.
Ron