Flew my wife-to-be on our first date to Catalina in 1975. We had Buffalo burgers at the sky restaurant which looked just like the picture in the video. We married 6 months later, had two children and nine grandchildren. The romance lasted for 46 years until she passed from cancer. Catalina was the start of a wonderful life!

My favorite destination. Sometimes I schedule a plane, grab my laptop, and pop over to eat lunch and finish up work on the patio.

This should be the standard for all aviation videos across KZfaq. Educational, adventurous, and absolutely beautiful! Incredibly well done!

FYI, most locals are taught to fly to the "isthmus" or the Two Harbors, which you point out in the video, as the primary starting point of the approach. From there, you can go direct to the airport and it establishes you on the 45 to the downwind. Your path at @11:11 shown on the map shows you almost doing that, you're slightly east of that reporting point. Great video!

Great coverage on Catalina procedures Josh. I don't know how many times I've been right downwind for runway 22, with a whole conga line of planes following the correct pattern, and hear some guy call out that he's straight in for 22. Usually someone in the pattern calls him out, but it rarely makes a difference. We all just get to extend our downwind to let him cut in. You showed how it's really done right. Thanks!

I got my Catalina Checkout with an excellent instructor, and friend, in 1993. I've made dozens of flights there, and I loved every one of them! When we flew there on the check-out flight, and we registered and paid our landing fee, my instructor told the airport manager that we were going to do some pattern practice, do some takeoffs and landings, so I would get plenty of practice with landing Catalina; we asked if we should pay in advance for each landing. The manager smiled, said "no, just pay for one; we support safety, practicing this is a good thing." He then gave me frameable "Certificate of Landing Catalina" with my name, the "N" Number of the plane, to commemorate the occasion. My friend/instructor, and I then had a great lunch and I bought a Catalina Hat as a souvenir, at the airport gift shop. Don't worry about calories when you eat at the cafe or in Avalon; Just Have Fun and Be Safe!!

I love your videos!! I am so proud of you and your wife. you are such a great example of a perfect pilot. I have been watching your videos for years have seen you grow not only as a content creator but as a person and a pilot. I am 15 years old and you have inspired me to start my training and I keep in mind all of the information you share in your videos and use you as an example all the time. love your videos, and i always learn something great from you. But I am so proud of you and your wife and thank you for putting all the effort into your content. keep up all the great work!!

I've flown to AVX a couple of times. Another tip for landing on 22 is to not approach too low or try to land too close to the end. Because the approach end of the runway drops off into a cliff, if theres a strong enough wind, there can be a downdraft, which I've heard has caught a few unlucky pilots by surprise.

3:35 Torrance’s got a great little museum, it’s a nice destination for a 1 to 2 hour flight. Do the museum, get a burger, and homeward bound again!

I've landed at Catalina a few times. The first time I went there was with an instructor and we landed on runway 22. I remember being on the base leg and looking out the window and it felt like we were way too high because we were 2000 feet above the water. We were only 400 feet higher than the runway. That was my first time landing on an airport on top of a mountain like that and I was not used to the fast rising terrain. It helps to pay extra close attention to the altimeter, and the field elevation when landing at Catalina.

One of my absolute favorites. Some good advice in other comments and I'll add some: On my first flight there I witnessed an accident where the pilot came in too fast (very common) and floated down the runway. They ended up overrunning and landing hard on the south side. If landing there, if your wheels aren't down by the first of the middle taxiways, GO AROUND. We lose about 1 a/c per year there due to landing accidents.

Excellent video. Appreciate your candor with respect to missing the small details of the airport info. Look forward to the next video.

I had a feeling it was going to be the airports hours of operation! In 2007 a buddy and I flew out to the island for the day. The shuttle bus was delayed picking us up from Avalon because wildfires had started on the road back to the airport. By the time we got to the airport, it was after normal hours of operation and the sun had set. All the planes were taking off anyway and it was a great experience. It was my leg to fly and we followed a trail of lights in the sky From AVX back to the coast and over LAX. Thanks for making this video!

I relate a lot to Josh. It gives me a sense of peace and confidence- the way he flies and how safe and responsible he is. It all makes me want to be the same way. I can't wait to finish my PPL and take my girlfriend up to fly. And maybe even make video(s) about it. And I hope that she'll enjoy our flights the same way Josh and his wife do.

I love watching these videos! Every video I watch, I learn something new. I am almost to my private pilot checkride and enjoy learning more about what I have studied by watching and listening!

Josh, I feel like I have watched you grow up (as a pilot) since I was here very close to the beginning. Truly thrilled that you are doing so well! Stay safe! Much love from your Central Texas folks.

This was a bucket list trip for me a few years back. Did it in a 150, very much like you did thru the LAX vfr tunnel. It was my most memorable trip ever!

“Humility is a virtue” My favorite part of this whole video. Great job holding yourself accountable to even this tiny oversight! If more pilots had this responsible attitude there would be so many fewer incidents in GA. Keep on being an amazing example and advocate of safe and responsible flying 👏👏👏

Gotta say…I recently found your channel and really, really like it! So professionally done and full of great info. I’m 73, obtained my PPL-I about 38 years ago and stopped flying because of the cost. I fly now vicariously through your channel and a few others. Thank you!

Back in the mid 1960's while in training, my instructor would not go here, but there is another airport with a very sloped runway which I have flown into, Palomar, down the coast toward San Diego. Talk about an interesting approach, one should experience it. Thanks for all your work on these videos, always something for either a refresher, or new info.

30+ years ago they'd have an all you can eat bbq at the airport for 20 bucks. Best dinner ever! Been to AVX 35+ times.. miss it.

Excellent video, been watching your posts I think for almost 5 years, I fly a Bonanza but find your videos to be really useful for my flying. Thank you

My one regret from when I bought my Twin Comanche in California, was *not* flying out to Catalina before heading back east. If I ever make it back out to CA - will ABSOLUTELY be stopping there.

I have enjoyed these last two videos immensely. Very good information. Great editing too.

Sincerely enjoyed that flight, you two. Thanks.

For pilots that are going there- make sure to tour the Casino (large ballroom building, not a gambling venue) when there. Amazing place. So glad I flew out, looking forward to doing it again and going down to Avalon for the day. I was on FF going out to Catalina, which was good because they were turning jets right above us. Glad I had a copilot too! wow, caught out by the "unattended hours"! Wasn't evening golden hour past 0100 as well?

Got my ticket in the LA area I miss all the great times flying to Catalina. Thanks for the memories .

Great flight Josh and Chelsea. Such a beautiful place to fly into. Chelsea looking even more beautiful if that's possible. Thanks for sharing your life.

I flew there for a date with my wife a few years ago in a Robinson R44 from San Diego. The process/approach of getting and landing to Catalina is way easier in a helicopter, there's a grass patch off the side of the runway for helicopters and it's a super easy direct approach. Got buffalo burgers at the airport too. Commenting before finishing the video so apologies if you cover this, but the landing fees at Catalina can be filed as donations when you do taxes since it's an environmental preserve.

One thing you need to consider also is Density Altitude. It's not a huge deal there, not like let's say Big Bear. It can still catch you a little off-guard if you're a smaller plane and coming from and used to, a coastal airport.

Hi Josh! I've wanted to sign up for your VIP Cockpit Club for a long time and this series finally made me say "screw it" and sign up! Your work is amazing and I LOVE the emphasis you put on safety and ADM in your videos. Thanks for sharing and putting in all the hard work!

Very interesting and educational Josh....nothing less than I always get from y'all..... Best!

Beautiful flight and images, beautiful island, beautiful airport, professionalism, educative and entertaining ! Lucky you ! cheers from France. 😮👏🛩

Great video Josh! That’s one thing I love about your channel it’s fun and educational but still you keep it safe and professional! You inspire me to be the safest pilot I can be! 😅 Cheers 🥂 Caleb’s Aviation

G,day Josh and Chelsea from Sydney Australia. I'm happy that the Aviation 101 "Mags are hot again" L R Booth; liked the water analogy of Laminar airflow over terrain, if only there were obvious indicators (trees, cloud formations). That's for lighting💫🇦🇺

Great video, thank you. AVX is definitely on my bucket list of airports to fly into. This def made me more aware of paying more attention to gathering ALL information available, Cheers.

Bro, I love this video. Thanks so much for the pointers! I literally see Catalina most of the time I fly, but have never been there. Now I want to plan a flight and head out there. Great video, thanks!

Great video and some really good pointers for anyone going to the island. Thanks!

Flown my C-150 to Catalina a few times. One safety strategy to add is to keep an eye on boat traffic as you cross the ocean. There is almost always boat traffic coming or going, especially weekends. If you have to ditch in the ocean you can “buzz” a boat and ditch in front of them to increase your odds of being seen by them. Watch a couple of videos on ditching aircraft in water before flying there for good pointers and maybe reduce any anxiety on that.

Thanks, I was looking for info on the pfd's you're using. Nice flying! ---Steve

Great call out and love AVX.

Flew there a few times, took the family there on our maiden cross country flight together. Was a blast, just don’t get comfortable and do your research.

Bucket list of mine to fly into Catalina! Seems super awesome!!!

Great video with some excellent safety points. One of my favorite GA airports in Southern California.

I SO appreciate your eye and video production skills Josh, coupled, of course, with aviation skill and discipline. I can’t yet justify my own airplane and flying with a club has become more and more discouraging. Thanks for showing is how “worth it” the time and money are, for something we love.

Great presentation. For a new pilot its a pleasure and motivation to watch this

Very helpful! Planning to fly there this summer from NY.

Great job you two.

you guys are amazing I love watching these videos, living my dream up there, that place is amazing indeed

Used to fly from LGB to Catalina mostly before they started collecting a fee. Used to climb above 6000 feet so we could wade ashore if we lost power. You didn’t mention there was a helicopter frequency you should monitor in case you have to ditch. They can come and pick you up. I do miss the buffalo burgers. Oh I forgot they repaved the runway…..it really looks better than it used to. Latter in video……..Holy shit the fee is $38.00! Used to be $20.00😱.

Catalina, in all the World, no place like it! This is my favorite place to fly into. Next time you go be sure to take the Airport Loop hike. It is an amazing 2 mile hike around and below the airport. Check out the wildlife, flora, and a bit of history. You can also camp in the airport with your plane for a very moderate overnight fee. Nothing like sitting on the numbers after hours and watching the stars. Can’t say enough amazing things about this island and the wonderful people who live and work here. Keep up the great videos and hawler next time you’re in SoCal. Id love to show you the islands hidden gems.

As a pilot in SoCal we are spoiled to have this gem of a destination in our backyard. Never gets old. Thanks for the showcase!

Always educational.

Grew up in Fullerton and learned to fly at KFUL. Been to Catalina many times. Great vid!! Done both pattern approach and straight ins.

Great scuba diving there!!!!!

Awesome video!

Did that in an A36. Way fun. Watched the DC3 land and do a fast 180 at the end.

Great video . . . both educational and scenic. You both are a handsome dynamic duo. Not a pilot myself . . . but your videos make me feel like one. Thanks for the ride . . . 😊👍

This looks like such a beautiful place to fly!!!

Great video, Josh.

What a wonderful Shots you got during golden hour...., probably the best quality GA videos on the web, will definetly join your premium channel as soon as I can to enjoy tthe longer videos .., Great pilots, hope to some day get to meet you guys ...!!

Beautiful

Great video man. You inspired me to become a pilot.

Thanks for the trip to the Airport in the Sky, ie Catalina. You flew over 2 golf courses before crossing to the island. The first was Los Verdes and is public. The second was Trump National. If you golf, challenge yourself it is a beautiful course. When you turned to final and first showed the runway, emotions flowed as memories were awakened. Torrance was My home field long long ago. Excellent video. Maybe consider making travel videos to pay your way.

Hello from Antiquers. Good to see you two still having fun together! Never flew west of Wichita, in a light plane. Did it a lot at my airline, though. Sold my plane last week. This old guy is quitting flying after 56 years🥴. Best regards, Dave (Eric and Val’s friend).

Wonderful place. A bit of a bucket list landing spot. There is an RNAV and a GPS approach IIRC but both were suboptimal. For me a VFR airport. When I flew it I skirted the LA Class B west of Long Beach as I recall. When in route over the ocean I planned to be within gliding distance of ships if out of range of land.

I've flown to AVX many times and hiked the Trans Catalina Trail in the green of spring. Whether you fly or walk to the Airport in the Sky, a bison burger is the cherry on top!

I flew there many times in the '90s. Because it's up-sloping for the first half of 22, your flare actually needs to climb a little. And watch out for downdrafts at the threshhold that drop down the cliff. But it's the closest a C-172 will get to landing on a carrier :D

I once flew to Catalina from LAX - on my Sub Logic Flight Simulator II on my C64 - it was mesmerizing

Every time I see your yellow kitty in the opening it reminds of my Freckles, who I lost about a year ago to kitty cancer. He was your kitties twin, only 12 years old. Freckles was the manager of my small home guitar shop. He cleaned up every night. Anything left on a work bench got a 1 pawed swipe to the floor, and a tung licking for me. He slept on my arm every night, and always woke me when the sun came up and he was ready for breakfast! That Buffalo burger made me hungry Thanks guys!! --gary PS; The Buffalo Bills are my football team, I live 80 mi from the stadium. Bet those Buffalo Burgers would be a hit here!!

great video...

Catalina is such a fun place to take friends. Never fails to elicit wonder no matter how many times you fly in there. Reminder they prefer you coming from the Two harbors to link up on the 45 ⁰ entry for either runway. Don't be the straight in guy! What I wouldn't give to have seen the DC-3s and PBY-Catalinas landing at the island. Wife and I have a multi-day trip planned soon so we can stay in Avalon and enjoy it a bit longer, once this May gray / June gloom goes away!

One of my favorite destinations, but you need to be prepared for the tricky runway and the long over-water flight. SoCal has this and Big Bear, two wonderful airports, but you need to be on your game at both or they’ll easily make for a bad day. Nice to see you setting a great example and doing it right, the 10 min early arrival aside. ;)

Hi Josh, excellent preparations, always admire your consideration to advise other aivations pilots , student pilots to recognize the dangers for not making a perfect preparation for a safe flight to unfamiliar destinations.

I used to dive off Catalina. There are a lot of Great White Sharks, along with Thrasher Sharks, in the water.

Very informative video. I used to fly charters to Catalina years ago and later flew the mail to the island a few times a week. A great destination but like you said more than once, "do your research". Learn about the procedures there and follow them.

Man, I miss Catalina. We used to go out there every summer on my Uncle's boat. Huntington Harbor, CA straight there, fishing all the way. The docks there were so deep and crystal clear. Manta rays would come through sometimes and would play with you. He owned a theater or some kind of opera house out there, it was a huge round building anyway. I was just a kid I don't remember all the details - just have a ton of great memories playing with my brother, being on the boat, catcing fish and cooking them right there on the boat just butter, lemon, salt and pepper. I miss Uncle Norm and those times. Hope you're still sailing around up there man. 07 :)

Great Video. enjoyed the angles and the editing. How do you obtain the GoPro Max yo stay connected to a charger ?

This wasn’t yesterday because the Catalina airport was IFR. The June Gloom (marine layer) has pretty much shut down the whole LA valley including Avalon. But I love the video! I would have loved to have gotten a picture with you! Maybe in the future announce where you will be so fans can catch up. Carl is cool. He does a great job! Join the Catalina conservancy for $100 a year and the landing fee is waived for a year. Ask Carl about it when you land.

Hey Josh, I love the video and love how much you strive for perfection in your flights. Nice catch on the AF-D hours. I am really not trying to be a stickler, but I wanted to mention something that I noticed around your 4:15 mark there was a possibility for a mistake. When reading the field elevation, it was assumed that the traffic pattern was 1,000' above the field elevation. It is important to read that AF-D or Foreflight on all airports before assuming the natural 1,000' foot extra pattern altitude. For instance, one of the class D airports near me is KCWF (Lake Charles, LA Chennault Int). It has an extra 400 feet added to the pattern to keep minimum clearance near obstacle radio towers. So field elevation is 17' but the pattern is 1,500' for all aircraft. I would hate for someone to watch and assume they could just add from field elevation. Please don't take this as I am being a know it all. I really appreciate your continued work for not only a fun flight, but also the safest flight. Love the videos.

Beautiful place, I fly in New England and hope to make it to Catalina one day.

You may want some light drysuits in the plane because that water can be cold enough that you only last an hour or two. It's only a 48km span so you can fly around 10k feet and have altitude to glide to the shortest shore but still. Drysuit seems prudent. And getting an LSA instead of a cessna can cut your costs down by a factor 5 like I have mentioned. I was offered a Carbon Design FM250 Vampire factory new for 83700€, analog gauges but a Garmin G3x is only around 3k for LSAs afaik. And LSAs can be IFR equipped. It came with a parachute as well.

Beautiful place to fly to. I’ve been flying there since 2003. Gotta love those bison burgers and fresh cookies.

Your videos are always so beautiful! Great job! We say you last year at Oshkosh. You had a line of folks wanting to say hello... Anyway, a friend of mine and his wife went to Catalina and camped there! I didn't think they would let you do that, but I guess I was wrong. Personally, I don't think I'd want to land there if it was windy at all.

Always wanted to fly Catalina ,been on the East Coast and renting planes quickly I have learn that it also requires an Endorsement before allow to solo fly with passengers

I doubt ya'll are still here in SoCal but if you are you might want to look at Halter Ranch. I'd fly up there with you but I'll have to leave earlier than you as my little Colt cruises at 90kts. It also has an interesting runway.

BTW extra credit for the kitten in the introduction. Many people still don't appreciate what excellent pilots cats are.

We like to head to the Catalina Wine Mixer! Boatsnhoes! Hahaha couldn’t help it Wondering vid Josh!

It's a challenging airport for sure...

Why are you not uploading the video on the landing at Halter Ranch in Paso

Im sitting here in Central Europe and now know exactly what I need to know if I ever take a Cessna for a 4.000NM trip to Catalina!

Great video, thank you. I am a big fan of Santa Catalina and the "Airport in the Sky" Question: The muffler on the 172, is that required, or are you just a good neighbor? Again, as a native of the area, thanks for the video.

It’s funny that you find Airport fees unusual. In Australia, we pay landing fees, movement fees or/and parking fees pretty much almost everywhere.

electric device right next to magnetic compass is allowable?

My flight school was KTOA. Thus, Catalina was in our practice area. However I absolutely refused to land at Catalina. There is something that scares the heck out of me about the cliffs on both sides of that airport. Oh, and btw, we never wore life vest.

Never been there. Shot the approach there once in a Cheyenne 400 and missed, then flew back to KSNA

Hi Josh, What camcorder are you using?

I would monitor either 121.5 or 127.4 in case of emergency.

In the mid 70's, I flew into Catalina several times. Then some years later, the airport was closed. When did it reopen?

I'm always amazed by your videos and even more about your choice of music in the background. Would you like to tell us who is the artist?