At a young age flying captivated the heart of Dave Harvey, a real estate developer from Mammoth Lake, California. “When I was young, I built every single plastic plane model they made.” Harvey began flight training in the navy flight club in the late ‘60s, but wasn’t able to complete his testing until 1996.
Today Harvey uses his 2006 Cessna 206 Turbo for business and pleasure. He uses his plane to survey prospect developments and makes it possible to physically visit them. “I am very fortunate to use flying for my business.”
Harvey likes to plan flying trips cross country and has traveled over the Rockies, Grand Canyon, Great Plains and the California Coast. “Everyone has an idea of something they wanted to do passionately and flying was my idea.”
What is your first memory of flying?
When I was younger, flying was so glamorous. I remember getting on this airliner and everyone was dressed to the 9’s. All the men were in the suits and ties and the women were in these gorgeous dresses and hats, I’ll never forget that.
What is your favorite memory of flying?
It was a flight down to Los Angeles from Mammoth; there was a fire out of Santa Barbara. The winds were bringing the smoke over and filling the valleys. The only land that could be seen for miles were the top ridges, everything else was covered in smoke; it was almost like a fog. The visual was absolutely amazing.
How has being a pilot helped your business?
It’s given me the ability to schedule and utilize my time a whole lot better. It allows me to be more productive in my business.
What other hobbies do you have?
Skiing, hiking, snow shoeing, mountain biking, climbing and fly-fishing.
Is there a common thread between pilots?
Most of the pilots I know carry a huge respect for the skies and weather. It’s a respect in the sense of it’s a privilege to be able to fly general aviation. Especially when you look at other countries around the world where it would never be possible or practical. I think we are very fortunate, and most pilots would agree.
Aircraft:
Cessna Stationair 206
Garmin G1000 Avionics Package
Dave's Favorites:
Canon EOS 30D
Jeppesen Flight Planning Tools
Bose X headset
Balance Bar in the glove box.
Single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft with a four-person seating capacity including a crew of one or two. It has a certificated max operating altitude of 14,000 feet, 2-blade propeller, 126 knots cruise at sea level and 518 nm range at 75 percent power.
Single-engine piston, high-wing aircraft with a four-person seating capacity including a crew of one or two. It has a certificated maximum operating altitude of 20,000 feet, a 3-blade propeller, 179 knots cruise at sea level and 615 nm range at 85 percent power.
High-wing, single-engine aircraft with seating for six. It has a certificated maximum operating altitude of 27,000 feet, a 3-blade propeller, 178 knots at 17,000 feet and 559 nm range at 75 percent power.
