Irish Sea to Ireland

[Okavango]

I'm looking at taking a 152 over to Ireland. Coming back form Northern Ireland to Stranraer doesn't concern me too much, but what are people's thoughts on Caernarfon to Dublin? About 60NM of water there - what sort of liferaft can you get in a 152?

[maxdrypower]

A small one mate , but you need at least enough for the occupants . you also need to consider life vests and possibly flares and an all important SARBE of some sorts .
Now you will get all manner of advice on here about what the rules say etc etc and what you need and dont need. At then end of the day think about the engine failing at the 30mile point and use that scenario to plan your contingencies .
60 miles is a long time over water some do it with no qualms others will say hell no dont go there ,there be dragons !
Manage the risk and plan accordingly .
You could also shorten the distance by hdg North from caernarfon and coasting out at holyhead a quick estimate would give you ten miles less over water and doesntmake the leg that much longer , valley are very good and wont have an issue letting ya through.

[Pull what]

Include a sea state check in your WX

[potkettleblack]

Check the ferry timetables. In the event that you have to ditch they might be able to come to your aid.

[fisbangwollop]

Just go NI to Stranraer...that way you will have the pleasure of talking to me.....:p:p:p:p:p

[gg190]

I live on the Isle of Man and regularly make 60 mile crossings over the Irish Sea in a PA28.

Would never go without life jackets and a life raft. Also make sure you file a flight plan, and try to talk to a radar unit during the crossing, as far as I'm aware the Irish Sea has very good radar coverage, this means that if the worst happens somebody at least knows where you are.

Also double check the basics, fuel and oil.

I know there are some people who refuse to do water crossings in a single, but when you live on an island, your not really given a choice! Yes it's risk, but I'd imagine your still more likely to be killed driving to the airport than from ditching in the sea.

[sammypilot]

Plenty of sound advice here but nobody has mentioned the dangerous "shoals" of paperwork which are involved in getting to the Republic these days. If you are transitting through Caernarfon then the local Special Branch will need to see a General Aviation form, possibly with 24 hours notice. In the Republic, Weston is your best bet. They will also need 24 hours notice and there is another form that has to be completed in advance for the Irish security service. (The last part is on the Weston website.)

Having said that, from the tip of Aglesey to the River Liffey entrance isn't that far and the ATC at Dublin will normally route you via the KLY NDB to Pigeon House Chimneys, straight up the River Liffey and turn left for Weston. Much easier than it sounds and there is a modicum of satisfaction when after a few minutes out of sight of land the Irish Coast looms up