April 1, 2026 - Big Loop Breaking in the New Engine

The weather was nice today so I went flying. The process of breaking in the new engine in continues. I need to put some hours on it so I made a big loop around the northern Chesapeake Bay.

I started off by flying across the Chesapeake Bay, then heading south. I noticed quite a few oil tankers anchored out in the Bay. I'm guessing it has to do with the Straights of Hormuz closing.

For engine break-in, I'm running the engine hard at 24-squared, plus or minus. I'm also cruising around 3,000 feet or so.

Looking down at Cambridge Airport. Not a single plane on the ramp. Terminal/FBO parking lot empty too.

Looking down at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

A closer look at the Visitors Center. We went their once, with my parents.

The Little Blackwater River heads north towards Cambridge.

Looking south at the big pond and marsh.

Looking east. The Nanticoke River is visible in the distance, running left to right.

Looking northeast at the beginnings of the Chicamacomico River (I think).

Heading back north, I pass over Ridgely Airport, now called Gooden Airpark. Once it had a thriving hang glider operation, but that is long gone. I think there is still a small skydiving operation. They used to sell fuel but haven't for years. Most of the activity at this airport is pilots from other airports coming here to practice takeoff, landings and approaches.

My nephew's house is down there.

Myles Landing, a private airstrip with paved runway!

Looking down at Delaware Airport.

Looking down at Smyrna Airport (38N), a public grass strip. I used to like to go here when I flew the Citabria. Only landed here once in the RV-7.

Now approaching Summit Airport (KEVY) in Delaware.

Check out that long grass runway! It's 3,600 feet long.

I know I landed here at least once in the Citabria; never in the RV. Isn't it strange I've hardly ever landed at an airport so close -- 36 nm -- to my home base?

Looking down at Claremont Airport, Maryland, formerly known as Cecil County Airport.

Looking down at New Garden Airport, Pennsylvania.

Looking down at Harford County Airport, Maryland. Although it's not that far from Essex Skypark, I've never landed here in the RV-7 for some reason.

Fallston Airport, Maryland

Clearview Airport.

Heading east towards Baltimore from Clearview. I'm looking south at the 695 Baltimore beltway.

Passing by the Pimlico racetrack, where they hold the famous Preakness horse race. As you can see, the racetrack is currently undergoing a major $400M rebuild and modernization. (Where do they come up with that kind of money? For a racetrack in a bad part of town?) Answer: that inexhaustable source, the Maryland State Taxpayer. The Maryland General Assembly authorized about $400 million in state bonds to fund the project. The state is borrowing the money and paying it back over time—ultimately with taxpayer-backed funds: tax revenue + lottery/casino funds. Did I as a Maryland state taxpayer get a chance to vote on this? Of course not.

The old grandstand was demolished; in fact, it looks like all buildings were demolished. New grandstand and building construction has not started yet.

The Preakness Stakes will be held on May 16, 2026 but the race will take place at Laurel Park, which is halfway between Baltimore and Washington D.C, just west of Fort Meade.

The plan is for the Preakness to return to Pimlico in 2027 once the new facility is ready. Well, if the project is run like the Key Bridge, I wouldn't hold my breath on that happening.

Passing by the 1,500 foot Radio/TV tower on TV Hill. The Baltimore Zoo is just south of the towers.

Looking south at Baltimore.

Passing by Lake Montebello.

It's been awhile since I've flown over Baltimore.

Approaching the Back River at upper right.

Almost home. Flew 2.5 hours today.

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