Happy Wanderer

For anyone who's done any flying recently in the States, any pointers on the main differences between flying here and over there? I'm thinking particularly around basic flight planning, RT/ATC, VFR flying, met, FBOs, fuelling, etc. Any memorable 'pluses and minuses' would be useful (and yes, I know it's a lot cheaper . . .

I'm off to California for a month in the summer to do some hour building - not quite sure what to expect having done all my flying (pre-PPL and since) more or less on the same patch here in the UK.

Cheers,

HW

Cusco

Use the 'Search' facility on here:

You'll find a million and one different opinions.........

Safe Flying

Cusco

Happy Wanderer

. . . that's why I'm looking for facts, NOT opinions . . . .

The decision's made, I'm off to the States (so we can ignore the 'is it worth it v the UK/elsewhere' debate), I'm looking forward to it, I just want to know what to expect once I get there. The blessed search facility was instrumental in helping me decide to go there in the first place (as it was in suggesting where specifically to go). So any constructive thoughts anyone?

HW

englishal

Perhaps if you could be a little more specific about what you need to know because there are an awful lot of differences.....

cheers

Happy Wanderer

Ok. . .something to be going on with below. NB only interested in VFR flight rules (no IMC held) and where procedures differ significanly from the UK:

- booking out (ie at the departure airfield)
- obtaining met info
- common ATC departure/enroute/arrival calls
- classes of airspace
- circuit procedures
- low flying rules
- what constitutes VMC?
- ATZ existence/dimensions
- is PPR generally req'd at smaller airfields
- is anywhere completely off-limits (civil/military airspace, major int'l airports, Mexico (!))

Thanks,

HW

Blinkz

- I never had to book out of anywhere
- WX-BRIEF extremely useful, will give you all the wx u need and can do ur FPL if needed
- there different so read the FAR/AIM (LASORS equivalent)
- generally the same, altho no overheard join and different calls
- slightly different I think but nothing major
- Different again read FAR/AIM
- Not actually sure, I think there different, so read up again
- PPR generally not needed, you can fly into most strips and no landing fees
- yea some places are off limits, but if you talk to ATC they might let you cross any problem airspace.

As you can probably see your best bet is to get a copy of the FAR/AIM and read up on the important stuff. Its been a while since I flew there so am sure if I've got anything wrong others will correct me.

SoCal App

As part of you getting the FAA certificate issued, it is necessary to read up on FAR /AIM in order to get through the ground portion of the BFR that is required before being able to fly solo as PIC.
So all the above questions will be covered as part of the 'education' to get up to speed ready for the BFR. Have you started your paperwork? Got your flight school identified etc...

Also - had you got an IMC, it would not be usable in the US.
You will not be covered for flight to Mexico in a rental.

MSP Aviation

In terms of PPR, you have to look up any airfield in the AFD (Airport/Facility Directory). If it is private, you'll have to call for permission. Don't just assume that in the US you can "fly into most strips and no landing fees." You can also find airport info at http://airnav.com

Speak clearly and slowly on the radio on account of the accent, especially if you're from up Norf.

SoCal App

Actually airports which are private are marked on the map as the red circle with an "R" inside and these are non public use with an emergency value only and you will not find these in the AF/D.

BackPacker

Take a look at this thread for more information:

US verses UK

tiggermoth

circuit procedures
In the US they join the circuit 45 degrees at downwind, in the UK we generally do the overhead join.

VFR Radio
When travelling VFR away from controlled airspace you can go on a general (is it Unicom?) frequency where you can transmit your intentions to fellow pilots.

LARS
The equivalent to LARS is Flight Following - very useful and helpful service.

Happy Wanderer

Guys,

Many, many thanks (especially for the link).

More than enough for me to be going on with, so happy to close the thread.

HW