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Old 19th Feb 2019, 06:35
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Pilot DAR
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ontario, Canada
Age: 63
Posts: 5,611
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Welcome Nawafshrf,

Many hundred or multi thousand mile flights in single piston power airplanes, though entirely possible, should be considered big adventures, rather than routine, even for experienced pilots. For new PPL's such flights are a big deal. That's not to say that they cannot be done, but they're a lot of effort, and tiring. Many factors can combine to alter the planned outcome. If a flight is undertaken for routine maintenance, that's one thing, though still a big effort and expense, but if the maintenance reason is a simple snag, that minor defect, which could be okay for a hundred mile day flight may be entirely in appropriate for an extended flight.

Until you are many hundreds of hours experienced with the particular plane, you should plan to have the plane's maintenance available within an hour flight, and most preferably at the airport where it's based. That may mean flying in the mechanic, if so, that's what you should do. Here in Canada, where distances are great, it is common to take the maintenance to the plane, rather than the plane to the maintenance, it's just a part of the operating cost. Bear in mind, such cost will include the need to stock a facility with parts and special tools. Also assure the simple availability of Avgas. I have certainly flown in parts of the world where availability of Avgas was a very primary planning requirement. A saw a twin Cessna (piston) sitting at Male airport in the Maldives. I was told that the pilot flew it in without preplanning Avgas, and now the plane was stuck there until fuel could be brought in (it appeared to have been sitting for a while when I saw it). The fact that you can fly a plane to a place, does not make it the best idea without planning!

If you plan to operate a plane with less experience, particularly an advanced plane like a Bonanza, you are best to start in a mentored environment, rather than far away from other general aviation operations. So, if you're just getting started, and considering this big investment, plan a month or so in another part of the world, where you can rent and learn intensely. Choose a place which will be operationally similar to what you plan. So if your primary flying will be dessert/tropics, consider the southern United States for learning, so not only are you learning to fly, but learning the operational environment as well. Many flying environments are more north, but winter environments are not what will be common to operation in your locale, so not as important to master!
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