cma2407

Smart decision, Avanti.

I've done that trip (blue spruce route) several times in a small corp jet, and the wx changes fast.

The worst weather imaginable in an overloaded, underpowered, single-engine recip over the N. Atlantic in winter is no way to ensure a long life.

sfergson727

Avanti, I have to agree with the others, the odds on you not making it across the Atlantic are far higher than you safely crossing it. My first job in aviation after instructing was flying cancelled checks in barons and aerostars out of Buffalo, NY for US Check. I experienced a lot of ice that winter, and can tell you that even in an aircraft with all the typical equipment, and approved for known icing will not fly with ice that builds quicker than it can be removed. You would have ZERO chance of surviving any ice encounter over the Atlantic this time of year. The C-172 WILL NOT stay in the air if you start to accumulate ice, period. Sooner or later you will be forced into the drink.

I've been flying for 21 years now with about 9000 hours, typed in 10 different jets, worked for three different major airlines, etc. The only reason I am still around to do all of this is that I learned ice and airplanes do not mix. DO NOT attempt this trip during the winter, your life is precious, don't risk it for anything, especially this.

I must have been asleep when I read this thread and posted (flying around the world [literally] westbound will do that to you), but after having slept, I see you turned down the trip. Good choice, and don't worry, the right opportunity will present itself to you when the time is right. Good luck in your career and stay safe.

Maxspeed

"Dont worry, I don't take offense to anything anyone is saying! I'm really interested to hear from all of you, especially people that have done this."


With that said......my first thought was "How long can you tread water"!

I have never done it in a single but have made the trip many times in a Citation 10.

Personally, I wouldn't do it. Especially with no autopilot.

Remember the saying that goes something like "there are bold pilots and there are old pilots. But there are no old bold pilots". Which do you want to be?


"This has been a hard decision because this strikes me as the trip of a lifetime. " The trip of a lifetime is when you get paid to fly a Citation 10 (or whatever) to Venice Italy for a 10 day company paid vacation while you wait for Mr and Mrs CEO.

ewrbasedpilot

[QUOTE=Maxspeed;525204..........The trip of a lifetime is when you get paid to fly a Citation 10 (or whatever) to Venice Italy for a 10 day company paid vacation while you wait for Mr and Mrs CEO.[/QUOTE]


They don't work for GM, Citigroup or AIG do they?????

Maxspeed

Nope...our company is making money!

Planespotta

- No autopilot
- Limited icing experience
- One engine
- Self-imposed time pressure to make the trip now

Sounds like a deadly cocktail of safety factors. I dunno . . .

EDIT: Smart choice to go later. Better to be on the ground wishing to fly than the other way around

supersix-4

I have my own ferry company, I have ferried hundreds of airplanes. I would never touch a single engine piston job crossing the pond.
One good rule that will increase your survival chances when ferrying any small single engine aircraft anywhere is : DAYTIME , VFR .

There were sooo many great posts on this topic. great reading.
Merry Christmas!

hoover

i used to fly a F-27 7-8 hrs a night 5 days a week in IFR with no autopilot. it is not that hard. i don't know why some people freak out if there is no autopilot.what are they going to do when it fails one day. too many rely on it. the 172 will carry an inch of ice. i know by experience, not on purpose though. the carb ice will get you or impact ice over the air filter. not sure how it would act 30% over gross. if i took a guess i would say it would not fly at all. i can't imangine trying to go to the bathroom in IFR in ice at night in half a survival suit by myself. what a story if you made it though. IF.

avanti

Hi everyone:

I said I would publicize the N number, and here it is! THe plane is currently in Bangor, Maine, awaiting the lucky recipient of this job.

FlightAware > Live Flight Tracker > N5103K

navigatro

Sounds like you're ready for the job.

Bathroom issues would be the least of my worries.