We went over the Grapevine at 8500' and followed the 99 Freeway north to Delano, it was clear blue skies above the haze layer, but once down below 4000', it was only 6 miles visibility, not the prettiest day for flying. Bakersfield approach handled us until switching to the CTAF, and told us there were no targets in sight over the airport.
Delano has a pilots lounge with free wi-fi, but the best part was The Aviator Casino which has the full American menu, sandwiches, steaks, breakfast etc. They have a huge $100 burger, (I got mine with caramelized onions) and the best fries ever! Either seasoned fries or garlic fries done perfectly. This place is full of contemporary aviation art, including an engine cowling as the receptionist desk. Some cool art of the owners Citation Jet is on the patio walls. This place didn't look like your typical airport cafe with old warbird photos on the walls, and planes hanging from the ceiling. They are open 24/7 too!, not like some places that close at 2pm. The staff was super nice, and the service was awesome. There are no kids allowed in the restaurant, since it's a casino.
Delano is the former home the the VOA, or Voice of America, we didn't see the old antenna farm, they either took them down, or they were lost in the haze and sun. This place is defiantly worth at stop if your in the area. Superb lunch, and we were stuffed when we waddled out to the plane, so bring an appetite! Thanks to Brian for the excellent camerawork.
Flight Planning at SkyVector.com
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