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With the social distancing going on, is anyone else taking their plane up just to fly? Normally, my pilot wife and I have a destination, even if it is just for lunch. That being said, we plan on taking the plane up in the next few days for some scenic flights and then return to our base airport. I am thinking this would be a great temporary escape from the craziness going on and social isolation we are now experiencing at home. Anyone else doing this?

We did exactly that, last Sunday - my wife and I took the plane up for a scenic flight around the valley. The controllers were all quite friendly and relaxed and seemed happy to have someone to talk to. Our local tower is open 24/7, so those guys are there whether or not anyone is actually flying. I don't feel like I'm causing anybody to do anything extra, and it sure felt good to get out and do something normal again! Didn't cross paths with anyone else, so I don't see the harm in it.

I made a quick hop over to my mechanic (located at a different airport) for an oil change. He had a skeleton crew. Normally his shop is very busy, but today is was very quiet.

Many of my flights are to Nowhere. Just did one yesterday:
Since most of it was at 6500 feet, I guess it qualifies as "Social Distancing"...

Yes. We flew out to an airport about an hour away. Had a nice picnic on some benches at the airport and flew home, with some sight seeing along the way. Never got close to another human being and ATC was apparently somewhat bored on our way back and called us to see if we were ok!

Speaking of a flight to nowhere... I am completely bored at home, so I'm headed to the airport this morning to sky-write a message of hope to the Roanoke valley. Or at least, to attempt it. Nobody will ever see it, except possibly my friends here on the forum, because I doubt many people follow random flights on FlightAware. But it will give me something fun to do today.

I was going to do this last weekend, but by the time I got to the airport, some weather was moving in. So I turned it into an experiment instead. It seems possible to make reasonable-sized letters on Flight Aware, and today is beautiful here, so I'm off to give it another try! If you are interested, and as bored as I am, take a peek at N171PS starting around 11 this morning.

Looking awesome Rick! Keep going!!

Incredible piloting!!

That is better than I print on paper!

Nice work.