Flight planning

[Scott]

Flight planning in Northwestern Ontario rarely involves choosing airports, simply because there are a very limited number of airports, and fewer with fuel and services.

Once I head south into MN however the number of airport choices increases to the point where I begin to wonder what I might be missing if I choose one over another for a destination or fuel stop.

flight planning apps have fuel prices so that makes a difference, and basic info on services is available, but how do you guys choose stopovers and fuel stops?

we'll assume we're avoiding airspace and prefering airports welcoming to Taylorcraft type aircraft, and an absence of local knowledge.

[SomethingScrewy]

When I planned the cross country flight to ferry my Taylorcraft from Virginia to Florida this year, my general preference for airports were those with:

#1 - Available Fuel (mandatory - price was not really a factor)
#2 - Multiple Runways (for flexibility regardless of wind direction)
#3 - Proximity to a Town with Accommodations (makes the decision to stop and wait easy)
#4 - Other Reachable Airports in the Vicinity (in case diversion is necessary)
#5 - Mechanic Services on the Field (in case something breaks)

The CFI who accompanied me, who is very experienced flying vintage aircraft cross-country, suggested a few adjustments based on his experience with weather patterns that time of year.

We made a few diversions along the way for various reasons, but the trip went great!

[astjp2]

Your range is also a factor, and winds, as in how far can I reliably fly, am I going east or west...so that determines if I can go 2 hours or 4

[Hank Jarrett]

Don't forget that fuel range is only one consideration. Bladder range is just as important! Also nice to post where and when you are going someplace. Sometimes one of the Tribe lives close and a slight diversion could get you some really nice socialization with a fellow Taylorcrafter!

Hank

[Peterroy]

Hear, hear on Hank's caution to have fellow Taylorcrafters nearby.

Two years ago when Rob, Mike, Jim, and Mark made their southwest tour, their flight plan called for landing at my airport and RON in Mesquite, Nevada. Seeing that the winds were coming up in my neck of the woods, they called to see what I thought. While I had no doubt these guys could handle the reported 30 kt steady (gusting to 40) winds, I suggested they land in St. George instead and I would pick them up and bring them back to Mesquite Reason: if your plane leaves the runway in Mesquite, you will probably not be using that airplane again. If you leave the runway in St. George, there is plenty of room to work with.

They (less Rob Lees) landed in St. George. I picked them up. We went back to Mesquite and shared some dinner, drinks and good conversation. They avoided the hassle and expense of renting a car. I got to make some new friends and when we went back to St. George for the departure, I got to see three cool T-Craft leave in grand style.

[Scott]

Yeh it's the local type knowledge that's difficult to determine. Given you've flight planned with all the key ingredients covered.... Fuel, service, accommodation, runways, bathroom breaks...... How can I ensure I'm not missing out on visiting an airport of enthusiasts, truly welcoming of GA activity or perhaps even a going concern ie ga activity not to be missed...

these things don't exist in my part of the world but there's an active ga fraternity in the US still and I'd like to meet and patronize those folks if I can find them.

tentatively... Very tentatively, planning to fly from yqt to Lakeland for Sun n Fun in March. Many pee-breaks and many possible airports to stop at on the way.

[3Dreaming]

KOLY is Taylorcraft friendly.

[Hank Jarrett]

If you fly down the East coast KSFQ is also friendly to our types with good prices on clean auto fuel and some great things to do and see here. Virginia Beach is home to the Military Aviation Museum and great beaches as well as being close to First Flight airport on the NC coast. If flying into KSFQ the only thing to remember is it is a VERY active Parachute area with sport jumpers as well as military. Just use the correct patterns and you are well clear and don't overfly the airport while jumpers are active. They announce when jumpers are up and away for each jump so it is really not a problem. Neat experiance to watch the special forces guys jump with the dogs! Those dogs REALLY LIKE jumping!

[Robert Lees]

KOLY is Taylorcraft friendly.

If you can get there...Mike & I would have got home in dark o'clock, so we turned around only 30 minutes out from OLY, or so!

Next time, eh?

[Robert Lees]

Hear, hear on Hank's caution to have fellow Taylorcrafters nearby.

Two years ago when Rob, Mike, Jim, and Mark made their southwest tour, their flight plan called for landing at my airport and RON in Mesquite, Nevada. Seeing that the winds were coming up in my neck of the woods, they called to see what I thought. While I had no doubt these guys could handle the reported 30 kt steady (gusting to 40) winds, I suggested they land in St. George instead and I would pick them up and bring them back to Mesquite Reason: if your plane leaves the runway in Mesquite, you will probably not be using that airplane again. If you leave the runway in St. George, there is plenty of room to work with.

They (less Rob Lees) landed in St. George. I picked them up. We went back to Mesquite and shared some dinner, drinks and good conversation. They avoided the hassle and expense of renting a car. I got to make some new friends and when we went back to St. George for the departure, I got to see three cool T-Craft leave in grand style.

What Peterroy didn't add is that I turned up in Mesquite, three days later (after a small delay in Moab, Utah) and his same hospitality was made welcome to me.

We are a small fraternity/ sorority, and we welcome eachother.
Rob