This is how I typically plan my trip:
1. http://skyvector.com/ to check initial distance. This will tell me how many flying days should be planned.
2. http://airnav.com/plan/fuel/ Break trip down into 200 mile legs. Find 6 routes (or so). Provides rough idea of intermediate stops.
3. Check airport comments and nearby alternates. Eliminate poor reviews. Elevate those with interesting comments. I'll also check comments on AOPA. I prefer places I've never been...adds to the adventure for me.
4. I plan 600 miles a day for travel (2 fuel stops before an overnight) Consider "on airport" dinners/restaurants. Check on accommodations, for me AND Sally. (I like to actually talk to someone at the FBO if I plan to spend the night.)
a. 600 miles ~ 6 hours. That's enough time for me to be flying a small airplane each day. Add in preflight, fueling and securing the airplane it easily turns into 8 or 9 hours. If the weather is good and my energy level is good I can skip a stop. But I'm usually ready for a break after a 2 hour leg. Reference here
b. What do I talk to the FBO about? Hangar or tie down. Services available. Transportation options (crew car?). Any preferred hotel (discounts?) etc. Do they sound like good people?
5. Review for hazards (SUA, terrain, TFR, etc)
6. Break the trip into day trips.
7. Enter plan into Pilot (or Foreflight) Check NOTAMS. Adjust and finalize.
After a GO decision I enter the plan into my 696 and put my tablet in the bag. The tablet goes into the FBO with me if I need to change the plan.
Reference: Quiz
I can't let Mary read this. She has been really good about 400 mile legs. Just made the trip back from Jupiter Florida to Ocean City MD with one stop ion Charleston SC.
ReplyDeleteThe mouse has longer legs. By the time we put two adults with luggage I can only fuel for two hours (with reserve). That being said, two hours is just about right for my "comfort factor".
DeleteI should add we follow along the same process for our flight planning. The one thing I need to do is as you mentioned, check with the FBO for hotel rates.
ReplyDeleteMy other big deal is always updating the winds aloft up until launch. If I have to I'll ask for an altitude change while picking up my clearance. The Sundowner needs every bit of push she can get to bring up that cruise speed.
Good post for all of us to review the process!
Sundowner...why was I thinking Musketeer? My apologies.
DeleteYou bring up a good point about winds aloft. Extrapolate that out to weather planning. One of us should do a post on the timing and the weather products used in planning a trip.
I nominate you.