800 nm. X-C
07-17-2009 | 09:37 AM
#1
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Gets Weekends Off
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From: Dream within a dream
800 nm. X-C
So at the beginning of August, I'm flying a 172SP 800 nm. from KBED (Bedford, MA) to KMKE (Milwaukee, WI) to pick up a family member and take them back to the east coast. My preliminary route out is:
KBED-KBFD (break/fuel)-KGWB (break/fuel)-KGYY (no fuel, just for routing purposes)-KMKE via the VFR route along the Chicago coast to the north.
The route back to Bedford looks like this:
KMKE-KGYY (again just for routing and flying VFR down the coast)-KPCW (break/fuel)- KBGM (break/fuel)-KBED
I was hoping to hear from some pilots with more experience flying long cross-country flights in single recips like this. Any advice for preparation, planning, etc.? Things to consider and common mistakes?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
KBED-KBFD (break/fuel)-KGWB (break/fuel)-KGYY (no fuel, just for routing purposes)-KMKE via the VFR route along the Chicago coast to the north.
The route back to Bedford looks like this:
KMKE-KGYY (again just for routing and flying VFR down the coast)-KPCW (break/fuel)- KBGM (break/fuel)-KBED
I was hoping to hear from some pilots with more experience flying long cross-country flights in single recips like this. Any advice for preparation, planning, etc.? Things to consider and common mistakes?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
07-17-2009 | 10:24 AM
#2
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From: ATP, CFI etc.
You have already been trained in how to do this, so use what you already know and review what you are weak on in your PPL textbook.
Some gotchas new pilots frequently encounter are not knowing the FBO hours where they plan to buy fuel and getting grounded by that, not having adequate preparation in terms of weather, charts, airport info, etc. and depending too much on GPS for that, failing to check TFRs and other notams, and some of them lose situational awareness in terms of keeping track of where they are on a paper sectional. If it is a G1000 airplane you will have lots of data available to you, but don't be overly dependent on that. Use flight following services, get a briefing on DUATs before flying and read it, and carry some snacks. Oh, carry your camera too and shoot a few pictures.
Some gotchas new pilots frequently encounter are not knowing the FBO hours where they plan to buy fuel and getting grounded by that, not having adequate preparation in terms of weather, charts, airport info, etc. and depending too much on GPS for that, failing to check TFRs and other notams, and some of them lose situational awareness in terms of keeping track of where they are on a paper sectional. If it is a G1000 airplane you will have lots of data available to you, but don't be overly dependent on that. Use flight following services, get a briefing on DUATs before flying and read it, and carry some snacks. Oh, carry your camera too and shoot a few pictures.
07-17-2009 | 01:42 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
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From: Reserve on tha Beach
Carry a cooler with some H20 or soda. Take a sandwich or two. Airport food is $$$. Check the WX. TFR? and MOA? Try and keep flt following the whole way. 3 hr legs for your bladder.
try NavMonster - Flight Planning, Aviation Weather and Approach Plates for Pilots good for route planning VFR
try NavMonster - Flight Planning, Aviation Weather and Approach Plates for Pilots good for route planning VFR
07-17-2009 | 02:20 PM
#5
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Has the family member been in a small plane before?
Also, keep in mind that flying that long for such a long distance is tiring...Don't be afraid to stop when you get tired and sleep for a few hours or even a night...
Also, keep in mind that flying that long for such a long distance is tiring...Don't be afraid to stop when you get tired and sleep for a few hours or even a night...
07-17-2009 | 10:32 PM
#6
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From: Assumed
did 600nm from northern arizona to the bay area via the coast. did stops every 3 hours or so. took about 9 hours each way. did it in one shot, solo for a little over half way each way. id say dont rush yourself on the way out there...itll obviously take longer headed west. other than that...
* fiddle around with skyvector and airnav to pick and choose youre optimum routing (though it sounds like you got that taken care of)
* do your preflight prep like always.
* go to a dollar store and buy a water bottle.
other than that, vfr flight following never hurts.
and take pictures. it helps to attest to more than the remarks section in your logbook.
* fiddle around with skyvector and airnav to pick and choose youre optimum routing (though it sounds like you got that taken care of)
* do your preflight prep like always.
* go to a dollar store and buy a water bottle.
other than that, vfr flight following never hurts.
and take pictures. it helps to attest to more than the remarks section in your logbook.
07-17-2009 | 11:12 PM
#7
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It's really not hard. Just make sure the weather is with in your standards. If you don't have your commercial ticket yet, knock the 300NM solo x-cntry while you're at it.
Flying along the Chicago coast is stupid easy. Just stay below the class B airspace and enjoy the skyline.
Flying along the Chicago coast is stupid easy. Just stay below the class B airspace and enjoy the skyline.
07-18-2009 | 04:39 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
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If you're ever doing a long ifr x-country in a small airplane (or any airplane) for that matter, best thing not to forget is approach plates!
Flew from KCLE to Zephryhills(near tampa) in a 182 and had to stop in the carolinas for fuel. Did great preflight planning, left real early in the morning, all ready to go! Carolinas are socked in low ifr, getting ready to descend for the approach, what did i forget, oh yeah, approach plates for the carolinas!
Explaining to ATC, especially busy charlotte approach that you need some 'assistance' because your approach plates have been 'misplaced' is rather embarassing and nerve wrecking. They were not in the mood to talk me through an approach, however, it did work, and they never said, "advise when ready to copy phone number". cowabunga
Flew from KCLE to Zephryhills(near tampa) in a 182 and had to stop in the carolinas for fuel. Did great preflight planning, left real early in the morning, all ready to go! Carolinas are socked in low ifr, getting ready to descend for the approach, what did i forget, oh yeah, approach plates for the carolinas!
Explaining to ATC, especially busy charlotte approach that you need some 'assistance' because your approach plates have been 'misplaced' is rather embarassing and nerve wrecking. They were not in the mood to talk me through an approach, however, it did work, and they never said, "advise when ready to copy phone number". cowabunga
07-18-2009 | 03:50 PM
#10
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1. Large mouth gatoraid bottle. Easier to.. um.. refill (pee bottle)
2. Large Sub Sandwich. Skip the foods that will give you the runs.
3. NO COFFEE!! Water, juices, etc. (cooler if you have room)
4. Apples bananas grapes (cold grapes rock enroute)
5. Also try a Camel Pak back pack. Strap it on the seat.
6. Bagel with peanut butter.
Just a few.
(Not that I've spent 8 hours a day in a plane during the summer or anything)
2. Large Sub Sandwich. Skip the foods that will give you the runs.
3. NO COFFEE!! Water, juices, etc. (cooler if you have room)
4. Apples bananas grapes (cold grapes rock enroute)
5. Also try a Camel Pak back pack. Strap it on the seat.
6. Bagel with peanut butter.
Just a few.
(Not that I've spent 8 hours a day in a plane during the summer or anything)
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