Originally Posted by
Sam Rutherford
Blimey, you lot make it sound like a Trans-Atlantic!
If you're at about 5000' and crossing the shortest distance, odds are you're never out of gliding range of land anyway (you don't mention if you're flying a glider or a brick).
- Call (or email if they answer by email!) the airfield you want to go to, chat to the person who answers the phone, follow their instructions.
- File flight plan.
- Go.
Have fun!
Agree with most of this but there must be plenty of days that you cannot get anywhere near 5000ft crossing from around Dover to Cap Gris Nez. On these days, and on the days when you opt not to go by the shortest route, I think you need at least a life-jacket over a survival suit. What is wrong with taking these simple precautions when you might make a perfect landing on water but then drown or freeze to death? You know it makes sense!
PS And I know the engine does not know it is over water.