Airplanes can be a valuable tool for archaeologists. An airplane gives you a view from above sites -- both sites under excavation and sites that are yet undiscovered. Foundations, walls and other structures often leave raised areas in the earth, even though they may be impossible to see when standing in the middle of the site. In Fort Ross, California, about 60 miles north of San Francisco Bay, there is a very good example of this with a site that is clearly visible from the air but is totally invisible from anywhere on the ground. Other sites throughout the world have been discovered when a crop duster, sport pilot, or military pilot spotted a raised line or lines on the ground.

The best time to see sites from the air is early or late in the day, when the sun is low in the sky. We'll be flying in the morning, when the air is calmest. Our pilot is Lars Sather, a former Marine fighter pilot who now flies for Southwest Airlines during the week. His aircraft is a Cessna 210 Turbo Centurion. We'll meet on campus the first Saturday of October, at 8am, to board a bus for a ride to Marion Carl Airfield, south of San Luis Obispo. This session is completely optional for all students. If you choose to go, the cost is $20, and your flight will last about 30 minutes. I'll go along on all flights to serve as the tour guide, and we'll fly with two students at a time. After everyone has had their flight, we'll have lunch at the airport cafe and board the bus to return to campus. Lunch is included in the $20 fee. I'll have donuts and coffee waiting for us at the airfield when we arrive.

I hope you'll be able to come for the tour. This is the highlight of the semester for many students. There are several interesting sites in the area that we will visit during our flights. Don't forget!