Flyin an L2 to Alaska

[marshall]

Has anyone here flown an L2 to Alaska? I have been wanting to take the trip, but have been concerned about the aircrafts 2hr fuel range and goin through Canada with no radios or transponder.

[Ernest Golper]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Ok I'll bite.
So, without getting to technical with this and assuming your capable of sustaining a ground speed of 90 mph.
Then Fort St. John to Fort Nelson maybe tricky.
And from Fort Nelson to Watson Lake you will have to stop at Toad River for auto gas.
Fuel is available at Burwash Landing now so from there you will be ok to make Northway. And every thing between those points will be no problem.
I don't see how you will cross the border in todays world without both a radio and a transponder.
I did this trip in May and don't consider myself an expert but if you wish I will PM you my cell # and I will give you all the planing help I can.
Ernie G.

[N5002M]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

I'm thinking of going the other direction next summer to Wisconsin and Oshcosh. I get the radio part but is a transp[onder really necessary to fly into / thru Canada assuming your not landing at a Class C (or their equivelant) airport? Just curious.....

Chris

[Ernest Golper]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Chris.
Flying U.S. to Canada and flying Canada to the U.S. in todays controlled boarder airspace mess, ooops !!. Sorry I meant to say environment,requires that you must be on a opened flight plan and you must have a transponder code to squawk before crossing the border. Usually they require you to call on your aircraft radio 30 minutes before crossing to get this code. Do not cross the border without having first accomplished this.This is only one of the many things you will have to comply with. Good luck and personally if your planing for Oshkosh I suggest you need to start getting them little ducks all in uniform order. Awesome trip that would make. Keep me posted if you find you are willing to jump through all the oooops. I'am at the Osceola airport thats about two hr. from Oshkosh .Stop if you can.

[N5002M]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Thanks for the info Ernie.

Oseola is right on the border correct? I know where it is. My folks live in Rhinelander.

I've always wanted to do the trip once in my life. I've been to Oshkosh plenty but never by plane. My 11 year old son loves to fly and sleeping in a tent with all the other planes would be a dream for him. Frankly, I would rather be in a hotel but I'd do it for the kid. I could also fly back and forth from Rhinelander if we get sick of sleeping on the ground.

I would probably make a summer out of the flight down there and poke around visiting friends and relatives, eventually working back up to Alaska in the fall. I've got 24 gallons at say 6 an hour (actually less but!!!), so thats 4 hrs endurance at 85-90mph. I've got another prop I may have twisted to a cruise and perhaps get another 5 mph..we'll see.

Anyway, I may tap your knowledge further if this trip seems feasible. Thanks!!

Chris

[Ernest Golper]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Hi Chris.
Just looking at the green bay sectional, heck your gonna only de about 1 hr. out from Oshkosh at Rhinelander.
Man would I ever love to be 11 years old being presented the opportunity of such an adventure. Awesome absolutely it will be.
If all works out I will be under wing camping at Oshkosh this year as well and without question I would enjoy meeting up with you there or anywhere that works.
Good luck with your plans.

[N5002M]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Ernie,

That sounds great. I will stay in touch and let you know how the trip materializes. I'd like to meet you as well.

Hey, one question for you regarding Canada regs. Do they acknowledge our 'LSA' catagory and more specifically the 'no medical required' clause. I'm flying LSA and using my drivers license in leu of the medical as allowed by LSA regs. Is this a potential hassle with the Canadian air authority or whatever they call themselves?

Chris

[Ernest Golper]

Re: Flyin an L2 to Alaska

Hi once again Chris.
Well I'm not flying under the light-sport pilot license but I recall finding something on the internet that mentioned as of March of 2010 Transport Canada still has not changed there policy. So don't take this as gospel but I believe you still need to show a valid private pilots license and a current medical to Canada customs officers when crossing. Any one flying light-sports out there please feel free to confirm or correct this.