Flying over the Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

We are lucky to be flying in mid December here in Northeast this year, without a need to shovel the plane out of snow, and without a need to fly over the runway to inspect for black ice before landing.  Its inevitable that the crappy freezing weather, and piles of snow will keep the most aviators inside, wishing for an early spring.  

Today the weather was great for flying, with density altitude at -1100 (yes minus) feet.  This means that the air is thicker than it is at sea level at room temperature, and standard pressure.  Thicker air means better plane performance.  This morning when I got to Lawrence airport, the temperature was much below 40 degrees (F).  Wife chickened out, so once again I flew with Scott.

I planned for a flight to Newport, RI, with an intention to fly a thousand feet above the famous mansions.

Plane engines need to be heated up when temperature is below 40 degrees. There is a scientific explanation for that (or at least that is what the club requires).  You drag a propane tank heater to the plane, light it up, and direct the warm air from it to the engine.  Its an excellent device to warm up the hands as well.  Took off at 1100 EDT.

Here we are close to Newport, approaching from the North, about 10 miles from the airport.

It was a short 45 minute flight from Lawrence/Lowell. We were with the Providence approach before we 

knew it.  This is the Newport bridge heading into the city.  On car, you always get stuck here in traffic. Not today!

While setting up the approach to land on runway 34, I saw this interesting building (which I thought to be a prison).  Later I looked it up on Google, and found that this is a park.  Its Fort Adams, a popular summer concert arena. 

Here is a close up shot of Fort Adams. http://www.riparks.com/fortadams.htm

I  landed at Newport, added some fuel, then took off to check out the mansions.  I let Scott fly the plane, and let him circle around Newport, while I took some shots.  We are getting close to the mansions.

Here is a view of the Newport coast line with a few mansions, but Scott is going to get closer.  A view at 1500 feet.

Getting closer.

A much closer view.  I remember this mansion from when I visited it last year.

Another view.

Third view.

Just before heading back out to Lawrence, I saw this mansion that my friend Salman got us into, through his connections :)  And this is how it looks on the ground: