Bournemouth to Dublin(almost)

[Joefly93]

Hi guys,
I'm looking to hear any stories and get some advice on flying to southern Ireland VFR from the south of the UK, single engine. Curious to know what routes other pilots have taken previously, any problems they encountered and anything else they would like to add. I'm a relatively low hours PPL holder without an IMC but am trying to find some exciting and challenging places to fly to during my hours building. Ideally I'd like to fly somewhere within short travelling distance from Dublin or Dublin itself.

thanks! Joe

[Fuji Abound]

Caution would suggest Milford to roselare if coming from the south (as i do). The crossings fine but low level you can expect to be without any service part way, ok above 4,000 feet with any luck. That has always been my preferred route even in a twin and waterford is well worth a stop.

[mary meagher]

Hello Joe!

Ah, does that bring back the memories for me!.....

UK to Ireland and back in my own dear 150 hp Super Cub GOFER! I have dug up the logbook and there it is:

21 Sept. 1983. Edgehill to Huz Boz, then my friend flew the leg to Sutton Bank
22/9 Sutton Bank to Carlisle, where the local cops were notified of our intentions, but didn't seem to think it worth inspecting our aircraft....
22/9 Carlisle to Newtonard, which had suffered from the troubles only the previous week.
My friend flew the next leg, round Giant's Causeway to Sligo.
24/9 Sligo to Kerry. This is where I had a spot of bother with a crosswind blast of 25 mph, causing me to end up blocking following traffic (an Aer Lingus 737) by going tits up in a grassy bog at the edge of the runway. No damage at all at all, except to my ego.
After joining the local glider pilots for a week of soaring off Dingle beaches, test flew GOFER, and then set off for the UK with a strong following wind.
October 8, l983 Kerry to Haverfordwest. Insisted on the into wind runway this time.

My friend did the last leg, back home to Edghill, now Shenington Gliding Club, where GOFER (and I) spent the last twenty years towing up gliders.

When flying across any body of water at all at all, my rule has been FLY AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. ATC is usually OK with this, if you talk to them.
Over 12,000 not recommended, especially if you smoke....

Anyhow, stay relaxed, have two or three alternates chosen, and DON'T be in a hurry.

Have fun!

[Fionn101]

Hi Joe,

I would recommend you fly into Weston aerodrome on the outskirts of Dublin, There is a bus stop right outside the gate which will take you in to the city centre in about 20 mins.

Contact my club (FlightWise) on +353-85-140-5756 who should help with cheap parking if your visiting us , which you are aren't you !!

Any other questions post here and one of us will be back to answer,
DublinPilot is also on here and may help with the routing , I usually go direct from Weston (EIWT) to Caernarfon in Wales, and yes as high as possible over the water.

Safe Trip,
Fionn

[david viewing]

The water crossing is virtually the same distance if you fly Holyhead - Killiney (ADF just outside Dublin bay) or Strumble - Rosslare. A shorter crossing is Stranraer - Larne in the North.

The Holyhead route has the advantage of many ships on the same route, but an altitude restriction caused by the stupid L975 airway (class C, 3500') which in my experience you can't get access to VFR. On the Rosslare route you can go high, but there are far fewer ships out there.

On the Holyhead route you can get London Info on the Northern frequency of 125.475 all the way across but not on the published frequency of 124.75 because it's shadowed by Snowdon. Dublin will work you from overhead Holyhead if Valley is closed.

On the Southern route to Rosslare radio is more problematic as London won't work at the boundary but Shannon FIS on 127.5 seems to work out there.

Hope that helps.

[mary meagher]

Hey Joe, have a look at the ATC forum, where I raised the question about flight following on a trip to Ireland, there are several useful answers....

Mary

[mde]

Hi
I make the crossing to Southern Ireland about 6 times a year, if you PM me I will give you not only suggestions as to where to go but also the requirements such as special branch, customs and the difference in the Irish legai requirements plus if you own or can claim back the fuel duty of just over 37p a litre about 65.00 in my case for a one hour crossing
Great place to go flying

[dublinpilot]

Hi Joefly,

You might find this useful

Flying in Ireland (http://www.cfarrell.eu/Flying/FII/Flying_in_Ireland.htm)