The 2024 Eclipse was one of the most popular historical events this year. The next total eclipse will not come until 2045. Amazingly, more often than we know, more eclipses occur around the world, but they are not visible in the United States (mostly occurring somewhere in the ocean). This eclipse was special because it went straight through the middle of America and blocked 93% of the sun for a little more than four minutes. If that's not enough to make you crazy, some hotels in Missouri (small towns) were charging $1,000 a night, for one hotel room! Despite all the chaos, the best seats in town were at the airport. KBKL "Lakefront Airport" boasts beautiful unobstructed views of the Cleveland Ohio skyline.

People traveled from near and far to view the eclipse. The Signature FBO at BKL was handing out eclipse viewing glasses. On the outside of the FBO, many people laid out on the grass to hold their viewing spots on the lawn. Signature also offered chilidogs, Moon Pies, and refreshments for the pilots who came to the event. The food was excellent!

The eclipse was approaching fast, the last few planes came rolling into the FBO. Many anxious faces were looming as the sky changed colors, from blue to gray. We spoke with the Cleveland News chopper pilot Derek, who told us he would be heading up with his reporter to monitor the traffic leaving the baseball game. As the news chopper took off, many pilots ran out from their planes to the lawn to witness the changing sky.

The eclipse took the sky. Outside air temperatures dropped about 10 degrees Fahrenheit almost instantly. Fireworks were blasting from all around. Screams, shouts, and horns were honking from every direction. It was almost reminiscent of a New Year's Eve party. But after about 30 seconds, everything went silent. The few aircraft buzzing around were the only sounds you could hear.

As the eclipse continued. Four minutes felt like an eternity of night time! Jim, a pilot visiting from West Virginia said "this was so cool, I couldn't believe it! It was like night time with a full moon." The sun finally started peeking out. Then, all of a sudden, it was daylight again. Everyone carried on with their pre-eclipse behaviors (eating hot dogs, talking, phone calls, and walking around.)

Back in full daylight. Pilots began walking out to their planes. The airport was filled with airplane engines cranking, props spinning, and lights flashing. As the minutes went by, the taxiways were filled up with departing planes. Getting ready to head out, an entire flight school from North Carolina had flown up here in Cessna 172's to view the eclipse. Ground control had about 12 airplanes on the taxiways at any given time, waiting to take the southbound departure. More airplanes (jets, props, and turboprops) came on line, ready to taxi, and it was quite the show! Everyone departed safely and cleared out. The day continued as a regular day at the Cleveland Lakefront Airport. Until next time, fly safe and remember "life is worth flying for."