I have a Cessna T210 Centurion, a six seat turbocharged non-pressurized single engine airplane. I have removed the two back seats, so really its a four seat plane with plenty of room. It will carry 1,200 pounds of stuff half way across the country (thus the title, “West Coast Flying Adventures”), getting about 16 MPG at a lean cruise setting, moving about 200 MPH over the ground. Its a great platform for what I like to do, and there are not many planes that can carry a load as fast and efficiently as the 210 can.
I’ve gotten a LOT of stuff in there, although I’m always careful to weigh everything if its going to be a full load.
The most I’ve filled it with?
- Two guys, three bikes and full camping gear for Burning Man in the Nevada desert
- My family of four, full camping gear, traveling luggage and climbing gear for a Canada vacation
- Four guys, tools and stuff for a week long working vacation in the Navajo Indian Reservation
It does handle differently with a full load, and I have to remind myself not to panic if the plane isn’t off the ground at the normal take-off point. Most trips its just me, or myself and my business partner and maybe a couple of bikes – although I do carry a pretty good size survival kit.
West Coast Flying Adventures 
Hi, great site!
like many of your fans..another than fashions himself in your image…
I spend a lot of time on a bike and flying for a combination of business and adventure; also with my young family. We live in Carmel. We are putting in an airstrip in our cabin on the edge of the ventana wilderness with a bombing mt bike ride into some hot springs. thought you might like to connect on that. another friend, the famous Tom Ritchey (yes, of bikes) also has a strip in far northern california. Anyway, connect if you like. I’d like to keep hearing of your fun. peterson
Hi Peterson,
Look for a private email. Geesh, what is not to like about an airstrip with a mountain bike ride to some hot springs? In central California? You are pulling my leg because that can’t be. Doesn’t exist…. Does it?
Thanks for the comments – Ney
Hi Petersen,
I’m a big fan of Ney and Betsy, a pilot and road/mountain biker, though not agro. I try to combine flying with biking and hiking as often as possible. I split my time between the Bay Area and Mammoth. Would like to connect if you happen to see this. Drop me an email. Thanks!
Derek Johnson
yoweeee@yahoo.com
This is an awesome website! Googled California adventure flying and found this! Would like to connect with all the Cali pilot adventurers!
Sonia Sani
Hi Sonia,
Funny how we could miss each other on the web all these years. I just checked out some of your videos – very nice, very creative, and I know how hard that is to do. If you like, send me your address (ney@ne*.com) and I’ll send you my west coast flying adventure book – I think you’ll like it. (I’ll be gone in the backcountry for two weeks so I can’t respond until I get back in mid August). – Ney
Hi Ney!
I just bought the book (I’m sure I’m number 3,701!), dug into the blog, and made my first Classic Destination visit today (Shelter Cove)! My wife is both excited and concerned 🙂
Was wondering if you could put some photos of your 210’s instrument panel on “The Airplane” page of this site. I think I saw in another post that you’d redone your panel with Garmin displays, but was hoping to see with more clarity.
Thanks for getting me excited about flying around NorCal again!
Dan
Hi Dan,
I’m glad I could help! Shelter Cover is truly a classic, what a beautiful airstrip in a stunning setting.
When I get some time to find some panel photos I’ll put them up. I know I have some. Although you may have seen photos of my friend Mark’s panel – we took his plane to Cuba. His is all glass Garmin. Mine is an Avidyne 540 which I put in myself, much more modest.
Regards, Ney