Click Here to Return to

I am a 185 hr Private Pilot. As a student, my training for cross country flights, and the flights themselves, were airport to VOR to VOR to airport, etc., curving around Class B airspace, mostly at either 3,500' or 4,500'. I trained at a towered airport, and regularly fly into Class C and TRSAs; and I have obtained authorization to fly through Class B several times.

I'm now contemplating a cross country from Trenton, NJ, to Newport, RI, direct, using GPS. It would take me almost directly over JFK and over more water that I've ever flown before. I would have to fly at 7,500' to clear the Bravo by only 500', or 9,500' to give me more of a cushion. I've never taken my partership's 172N that high before.

No single part of this flight is too intimidating for me, but taking them all in one flight gives me pause. It includes a lot of new stuff for me; flying over Bravo rather than around or through it, flying over a significant amount of water, and flying pretty high for me. The flight is about 180NM, and depending on the winds, I might use close to half of my fuel. I will work up to this cross county in steps. Any suggestions?


Sam

Sam,

Flying over Class B airspace really isn't a problem in general. You'll obviously need your transponder operational and set to ALT, but other than that it's pretty easy. And if you've flown through Class B, especially in the NY area, this won't pose any issues for you. 500 above is fine - just make sure your altimeter is set right and your transponder and altimeter/static system have been checked in the last 24 months (Yes, the altimeter/static check is only required for IFR, but I assume the bird is IFR capable). Maintain at least 300 above and there won't be a problem, even perceived, but even so keep AOPA Legal Coverage handy for any airspace issues.

Altitude, up to a certain point, is definitely your friend. You know the laws requiring oxygen and your flight at 7,500 or 9,500 isn't going to be anywhere close. My personal preference is not to fly above 11,000 for too long without oxygen just because of my physiological reaction. At 12,000 I noticed that I got a little lightheaded and lost a bit of peripheral vision. Descending to 10,000 cleared it right up. I regularly climb to 9,500 or 10,500 and remain very comfortable.

As for crossing the water, that one can make me nervous. First make sure you're comfortable with the plane (and since it's a partnership you've got a better chance than never knowing the rental). Next, that extra 2,000 feet (if you go up to 9,500) will give you probably another 4 miles of glide (check your POH). A direct route looks like it will at least keep you within gliding distance of shore if you keep your altitude.

If you've got some time to work up the confidence I'd suggest that you take the plane up to 10,000 and see how it performs. You'll obviously not have as much climb performance as you do at the airport, but I think you'll get a good idea of what to expect. TAS will be higher, IAS will be a bit lower than you're used to, stall speed will be at the same indicated speed as you're used to. Check the POH to determine your best rate of climb (Vy) at the altitude and temperature you'll be flying, and know best glide.

Have a good time, and make every flight a learning experience.

-Landis

What is a significant amount of water?

3 miles or 50 miles? I don't know the route as I'm on west coast. Will you be within gliding range of land? If not, then for how long will you be outside of gliding distance?

I've had my C172 up to 14,000 feet so they do get there. Ours is a 180 hp model.

Over water operations is nothing to take lightly. 2 years ago coming back from Oshkosh I fly past Chicago just off shore going to Gary Ind. (GYY)

We heard a MAYDAY call just a minute after departing GYY as a Sport Cub was 10 miles out coming in. Lost power and they were going in the water. I believe they ran out of fuel and one died. No matter the cause, be careful and plan accordingly. It still sends chills through me hearing the panic in his voice.

Ron

Sam,

I would like to compliment your thought process because it is staying alert to possible "chain" of event situations that will save your life.

Great advice Landis. Does the Terminal chart for NY have any VFR corridors published on the back? That could clear up any doubts you have about crossing over the airspace. Further, ask local pilots-their might be a preferred routing that the controllers. If you have questions, call Approach Control (in the AFD). In fact, make a list of questions you have always wanted to hear from their point of view and give them a call. All these things can help minimize any stress you feel about the situation. However you know the regs, O2 requirements etc, and altitude is always your friend.
Altitude is another one of those areas that is overlooked in flight training. It just isn't practical to climb that high and yet, as you are experiencing, it is something that eventually will come up when you start to explore. I would absolutely agree with Landis, if you have time, go up before hand just to see for yourself. Everyone reacts to oxygen depletion differently and just be aware that there is a little less air up. At that altitude, you probably won't notice much. If you look carefully at the POH, these planes are very capable of flying at higher altitudes. Verify limitations and performance. (Fuel procedures can sometimes be different). The question is the water and your glide distance.

All in all, complete your flight planning and see exactly what you are saving time/fuel wise by going direct. Perhaps, the time isn't worth having options along the way in case an unexpected event occurs. I would strongly consider which is more important to you and stay in a comfortable zone for your first flight.

Have a great flight!
a

Here are some sites that have survival gear.

http://www.survival-gear.com/

http://www.bestglide.com

Quality survival gear is not the easiest to come by but these sites do a decent job.

It sounds like you are interested in flying smart and flying safe ... keep it up. It only gets harder over time.

jason

_________________
"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net

Doug Ritters survival website, www.equipped.org is most excellent. he has many reports on survival related situations and how to be best prepared.

_________________
Everyone must believe in something, I believe that I will go flying.