Technical questions about flying in the US – NOT ‘where should I go’
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Technical questions about flying in the US – NOT ‘where should I go’
Technical questions about flying in the US – NOT ‘where should I go’
OK, off to Arizona in February. Searched all the other thread and got my itinerary planned. Also had some help from other Pruners – thanks again
Now for a few technical questions:
Fuel. Why do most places in the UK fuel to the tabs and most over there top the tank off completely? Are both correct methods? The CFI at my club doesn’t like the aircraft filled past the tabs, but I suspect it’s a performance thing (short grass runways). There's a hell of a difference betwween 34 and 48 USgal (Pa28).
Fuel again. How do these self-fuelling rigs that many places seem to have work? I assume you just stick your credit card in, dispense fuel (with earth wire attached) and then depart. Is that it? It’d be quite embarrassing to have to be shown by a local, or get in trouble for blowing up the airport
Oil. I’ll be doing about 20 hours away from base. I assume I’ll have to give the engine some oil at some point but I’ve never done that before, being a club renter. So, I buy some oil of the appropriate grade, pour in the correct amount, done. Is that it? On a well maintained 180hp Lycoming, just how much oil burn is normal?
Alert Areas. I could check online for this but… Am I right in thinking that an Alert Area is of lesser relevance than a Restricted or Prohibited area? I can just fly though, but ought to be in contact with the controlling authority? Never came across this one before – I don’t think Florida has any.
Leaning for takeoff at high altitude. I THINK I’m OK with this, and I’ll be having training when I get there, but anyone have any tips so I can appear to know my stuff better? More important perhaps – leaning for landing at, say, a 6000ft field. I’d want max power for a go-around so I wouldn’t want to be fully rich, so how do I know where to set the mixture when the engine’s idle on approach and I’m descending quite rapidly?
FBO’s. It seems normal practice to borrow courtesy cars from FBO’s for short local trips. I assume there’s an insurance issue here for non US residents who don’t have a US motor policy. Anyone ever used such cars? Also, is it normal to tip linemen who fuel the a/c or FBO people who give you rides to hotels/resteraunts etc. and how much? I always feel guilty parking for free, being given a ride to the office, getting free drinks (and even cakes at one place) and not paying!
Thanks to anyone who has time to answer one or more of the above. I’m sure I’ll think of loads more questions before now and Feb.
OK, off to Arizona in February. Searched all the other thread and got my itinerary planned. Also had some help from other Pruners – thanks again
Now for a few technical questions:Fuel. Why do most places in the UK fuel to the tabs and most over there top the tank off completely? Are both correct methods? The CFI at my club doesn’t like the aircraft filled past the tabs, but I suspect it’s a performance thing (short grass runways). There's a hell of a difference betwween 34 and 48 USgal (Pa28).
Fuel again. How do these self-fuelling rigs that many places seem to have work? I assume you just stick your credit card in, dispense fuel (with earth wire attached) and then depart. Is that it? It’d be quite embarrassing to have to be shown by a local, or get in trouble for blowing up the airport
Oil. I’ll be doing about 20 hours away from base. I assume I’ll have to give the engine some oil at some point but I’ve never done that before, being a club renter. So, I buy some oil of the appropriate grade, pour in the correct amount, done. Is that it? On a well maintained 180hp Lycoming, just how much oil burn is normal?
Alert Areas. I could check online for this but… Am I right in thinking that an Alert Area is of lesser relevance than a Restricted or Prohibited area? I can just fly though, but ought to be in contact with the controlling authority? Never came across this one before – I don’t think Florida has any.
Leaning for takeoff at high altitude. I THINK I’m OK with this, and I’ll be having training when I get there, but anyone have any tips so I can appear to know my stuff better? More important perhaps – leaning for landing at, say, a 6000ft field. I’d want max power for a go-around so I wouldn’t want to be fully rich, so how do I know where to set the mixture when the engine’s idle on approach and I’m descending quite rapidly?
FBO’s. It seems normal practice to borrow courtesy cars from FBO’s for short local trips. I assume there’s an insurance issue here for non US residents who don’t have a US motor policy. Anyone ever used such cars? Also, is it normal to tip linemen who fuel the a/c or FBO people who give you rides to hotels/resteraunts etc. and how much? I always feel guilty parking for free, being given a ride to the office, getting free drinks (and even cakes at one place) and not paying!
Thanks to anyone who has time to answer one or more of the above. I’m sure I’ll think of loads more questions before now and Feb.
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Planes are rented wet i.e fuel is priced into the hourly rental. When you purchase fuel away from base, you will rarely get reimbursed the whole amount when you return. So if you are going to go on a cross country it's cheaper to "tanker" the fuel with you than buy it off base, so you fill to the top. Do what you see fit, and remember weight when at high DA. Sometimes it's better to take off below tabs, and fill up at a lower airport, use your best judgement and ALWAYS know how much fuel you have.
You have got the fuel pump thing figured, except you put your tail reg in too. Don't be embarrased about being uneducated in these things, everybody did it for the first time once, and you will find the Yanks who fly GA are not in the habit of being a-holes. You will rarely find a nicer bunch. They will "dig" your accent and be delighted when you tell them the US is such a wonderful place to fly small airplanes - and after an hour that is exactly what you will say.
Ask the FBO when you depart for an extra quart or two of oil, and tie it somewhere in the back.
Alert areas are not an issue. Get flight following anyway.
Lean before you get to the pattern, then a bit richer. Never go full rich high up (though some would say you should if you are overheating). They will make sure you know this, but having said that most CFI's in lowland Arizona don't understand mountain flying properly. They kill students quite regularly
Don't be complacent up there. If you have never flown in the mountains before, and are seriously worried about your power when going around, you probably should not be flying there. Don't be complacent about mountain flying.
In the states, if the car is insured, so are all legal drivers (or mine always have been). Sure, give the lineboy a buck or two, he will appreciate it. If you use a courtesy car fill it up with gas. They are not generally for keeping, just for a trip into town for a burger, don't abuse the courtesy. If a lineboy drives you into town, and comes get you, give him five bucks. These guys don't earn much, and they are usually great people (as I said, like the vast majority of people in GA in the US). Remember they don't expect tips, unlike barmen and waiting staff. They generally work to earn flying hours.
You have got the fuel pump thing figured, except you put your tail reg in too. Don't be embarrased about being uneducated in these things, everybody did it for the first time once, and you will find the Yanks who fly GA are not in the habit of being a-holes. You will rarely find a nicer bunch. They will "dig" your accent and be delighted when you tell them the US is such a wonderful place to fly small airplanes - and after an hour that is exactly what you will say.
Ask the FBO when you depart for an extra quart or two of oil, and tie it somewhere in the back.
Alert areas are not an issue. Get flight following anyway.
Lean before you get to the pattern, then a bit richer. Never go full rich high up (though some would say you should if you are overheating). They will make sure you know this, but having said that most CFI's in lowland Arizona don't understand mountain flying properly. They kill students quite regularly
Don't be complacent up there. If you have never flown in the mountains before, and are seriously worried about your power when going around, you probably should not be flying there. Don't be complacent about mountain flying.In the states, if the car is insured, so are all legal drivers (or mine always have been). Sure, give the lineboy a buck or two, he will appreciate it. If you use a courtesy car fill it up with gas. They are not generally for keeping, just for a trip into town for a burger, don't abuse the courtesy. If a lineboy drives you into town, and comes get you, give him five bucks. These guys don't earn much, and they are usually great people (as I said, like the vast majority of people in GA in the US). Remember they don't expect tips, unlike barmen and waiting staff. They generally work to earn flying hours.
Last edited by slim_slag; 3rd Dec 2003 at 22:55.
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I've flown a lot in Az but don't claim to be an expert.
Fuel. The fuel man will do what you ask, but many FBO's fill to the top automatically, so be sure to get in first. In Feb you should have less problem with density altitude and they have long runways. I fly light and always fill right up.
The self fuelling rigs work fine and in my experience work with UK credit cards (but many gas station pumps don't). The instructions are displayed and there should be a manual in a cabinet nearby. But don't be afraid to ask a local for help - they'll always be freindly.
Ask your FBO for some oil to take with you. Save embarrassment. My experience of usually very tatty rental planes is that the engines are excellent.
Alert, MOA, etc. Just call the FSS on the phone or the radio and ask advice on use, frequencies, etc.. The controlling agency is listed in the margin of the chart. In my experience, when an area is active it's often a bit more than the one or two aircraft you might see in a UK danger area. Controlling agencies seem always open, unlike the UK - but that's another story.
Leaning. I think if in doubt full rich, but leaning improves takeoff or go around performance when it's hot. As a UK pilot, I've forgotton to lean on run-up and not noticed the difference at 5000' alt. I don't think you could ever get a rich cut through not leaning, but maybe someone knows better... you could certainly get plug fouling at low revs which is why they lean for taxi. They will show you a mixture position that considered good for landing, similar to the position you get at taxi. In the end, you are renting wet, and they pay for the gas.
I've often used courtesy cars, but am certain that they are not insured. I don't know any way to get cover on this either. If anyone does please advise. Drive carefully!
I don't tip FBO's and have never noticed any kind of issue. But I do sometimes tip the drivers if they are young, working through college, etc, and they always seems pleased.
Fuel. The fuel man will do what you ask, but many FBO's fill to the top automatically, so be sure to get in first. In Feb you should have less problem with density altitude and they have long runways. I fly light and always fill right up.
The self fuelling rigs work fine and in my experience work with UK credit cards (but many gas station pumps don't). The instructions are displayed and there should be a manual in a cabinet nearby. But don't be afraid to ask a local for help - they'll always be freindly.
Ask your FBO for some oil to take with you. Save embarrassment. My experience of usually very tatty rental planes is that the engines are excellent.
Alert, MOA, etc. Just call the FSS on the phone or the radio and ask advice on use, frequencies, etc.. The controlling agency is listed in the margin of the chart. In my experience, when an area is active it's often a bit more than the one or two aircraft you might see in a UK danger area. Controlling agencies seem always open, unlike the UK - but that's another story.
Leaning. I think if in doubt full rich, but leaning improves takeoff or go around performance when it's hot. As a UK pilot, I've forgotton to lean on run-up and not noticed the difference at 5000' alt. I don't think you could ever get a rich cut through not leaning, but maybe someone knows better... you could certainly get plug fouling at low revs which is why they lean for taxi. They will show you a mixture position that considered good for landing, similar to the position you get at taxi. In the end, you are renting wet, and they pay for the gas.
I've often used courtesy cars, but am certain that they are not insured. I don't know any way to get cover on this either. If anyone does please advise. Drive carefully!
I don't tip FBO's and have never noticed any kind of issue. But I do sometimes tip the drivers if they are young, working through college, etc, and they always seems pleased.
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I agree with all the previous comments.
Fuel - its almost always worth flying with full tanks, weight and balance permitting just because it gives you so many more options.
One point on the credit card machines is that they'll ask how much fuel you want before you put any in. Just put 48 gallons - its only used to pre-authorise the card. Sometimes there will be an "on" switch. You're better off getting FBO fuel though - you get much more local information from the staff than from the credit card machine.
Courtesy cars - I got the impression that these are sometimes provided by the airport/state rather than than the FBO and that there is some sort of insurance policy arising out of that. I thought my travel policy covered them (it covers hire car insurance) till I got home and realised it only covers rental from authorised rental companies so probably not FBOs. Its not a criminal offence to have no insurance in the USA, albeit you are taking a big risk if you don't have any.
Dont rely on there being courtesy cars - even if there are some, they are usually not available for overnight trips. Usually not a problem though as the hotels will come and pick you up.
I didn't tip linemen and they didn't seem to mind. I would offer a tip to anyone who gave me a ride though (usually hotel maintenance guys).
Fuel - its almost always worth flying with full tanks, weight and balance permitting just because it gives you so many more options.
One point on the credit card machines is that they'll ask how much fuel you want before you put any in. Just put 48 gallons - its only used to pre-authorise the card. Sometimes there will be an "on" switch. You're better off getting FBO fuel though - you get much more local information from the staff than from the credit card machine.
Courtesy cars - I got the impression that these are sometimes provided by the airport/state rather than than the FBO and that there is some sort of insurance policy arising out of that. I thought my travel policy covered them (it covers hire car insurance) till I got home and realised it only covers rental from authorised rental companies so probably not FBOs. Its not a criminal offence to have no insurance in the USA, albeit you are taking a big risk if you don't have any.
Dont rely on there being courtesy cars - even if there are some, they are usually not available for overnight trips. Usually not a problem though as the hotels will come and pick you up.
I didn't tip linemen and they didn't seem to mind. I would offer a tip to anyone who gave me a ride though (usually hotel maintenance guys).
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Aim Far
Interesting about your travel insurance - does that mean you don't need to take out the CDW PAI SLI etc when you rent a car? These more than double the rate in my experience.
At least one auto pump I can remember had a 'top up' option.
Interesting about your travel insurance - does that mean you don't need to take out the CDW PAI SLI etc when you rent a car? These more than double the rate in my experience.
At least one auto pump I can remember had a 'top up' option.
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David Viewing
Yes, thats right. It covered all the insurance the hire car people tried to sell me ie 3rd party liability, CDW, losses on the car etc. There was a section in the booklet written for the rental agencies specifying what it covered and a number for them to call if they had any questions.
It was an American Express annual policy - cost about £200 but that pays for itself in 2 or 3 weeks if you are renting a decent car. About another £50 or so on top for pilot cover. I was there for 10 weeks so it made sense.
Yes, thats right. It covered all the insurance the hire car people tried to sell me ie 3rd party liability, CDW, losses on the car etc. There was a section in the booklet written for the rental agencies specifying what it covered and a number for them to call if they had any questions.
It was an American Express annual policy - cost about £200 but that pays for itself in 2 or 3 weeks if you are renting a decent car. About another £50 or so on top for pilot cover. I was there for 10 weeks so it made sense.
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1/ Fuel. Ask the right stuff when you are being checked out from the school/FBO rental. Should be full reimbursement (?) Ask about the best places for fueling. Check your flight guide and call ahead if unsure. Make sure your credit card will work!! UK Visa may bounce? Switch ain't no backup neither!
Taking off at the tabs. Why? W&B? If not an issue (i.e. only you aboard) fill her up whenever possible. Please.
2/ Oil. Arizona is a tad warm. Even in February. Expect to lose 1 quart per 1.5 hrs or less. Leave with NO LESS than 7 qts in the engine (check your POH but I think you said PA28 type? Carry a spare quart or two, and check and replenish at every fuel stop or engine shutdown. I used not to do this. Almost embarassed myself over mountains with loss of oil and oil pressure, so trust me ok. Just be sure you know what weight / type and if you have a fuel guy or gal topping up the tanks, they will also top up the oil! Just like, er, a gas station.
3/ Leaning. Checkout flight will be the perfect time to review with instructor and ensure you are getting it done correctly. You WILL need to lean, and the runup is a good time to make sure you are getting peak EGT (or RPM if no EGT gauge). Your ears and senses will also tell you if doing properly.
4/ Alert areas (MOA's etc). Check your CURRENT charts, and with FSS when obtaining a standard briefing and filing a flight plan. Also, Flight Following should be considered essential, and they will have the up to date info. Treat these areas with care, and keep your eyes peeled if cleared to enter. Lots of fast movers playing in the desert sun.....
Have fun. It rocks to fly out here!
Taking off at the tabs. Why? W&B? If not an issue (i.e. only you aboard) fill her up whenever possible. Please.
2/ Oil. Arizona is a tad warm. Even in February. Expect to lose 1 quart per 1.5 hrs or less. Leave with NO LESS than 7 qts in the engine (check your POH but I think you said PA28 type? Carry a spare quart or two, and check and replenish at every fuel stop or engine shutdown. I used not to do this. Almost embarassed myself over mountains with loss of oil and oil pressure, so trust me ok. Just be sure you know what weight / type and if you have a fuel guy or gal topping up the tanks, they will also top up the oil! Just like, er, a gas station.
3/ Leaning. Checkout flight will be the perfect time to review with instructor and ensure you are getting it done correctly. You WILL need to lean, and the runup is a good time to make sure you are getting peak EGT (or RPM if no EGT gauge). Your ears and senses will also tell you if doing properly.
4/ Alert areas (MOA's etc). Check your CURRENT charts, and with FSS when obtaining a standard briefing and filing a flight plan. Also, Flight Following should be considered essential, and they will have the up to date info. Treat these areas with care, and keep your eyes peeled if cleared to enter. Lots of fast movers playing in the desert sun.....
Have fun. It rocks to fly out here!
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Here we go off on a tangent again, I buy an annual car rental insurance policy from Strategic Claims Management Ltd. 0845 458 9677 You have to own a Nat West credit card and pay for the car rental on that same Nat West card to make it legal. I find that the cost which was £75.00 for the year is well worth while. It covers car rental everywhere in the world. I find it’s peace of mind when renting cars in the USA and taking them over the border into Mexico where it’s usual to buy insurance at the border. The tricky thing about insurance is that you have to deal with the insurers in their language and in their country. The cost is recouped i9n a few days renting cars in the USA and the bonus is the peace of mind that you will be dealing with an insurer in the UK rather than a foreign insurer if all goes pear shaped!.
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knobbygb,
It appears that you're getting some pretty good answers, but I will add, when in doubt don't hesitate to ask.
The majority of the FBO's are staffed with helpful employees who are more than willing to assist you with fueling, tie downs, or information about where to eat or stay. Not all FBO's have coursity cars, so if you need one you may want to check ahead.
As for tipping, it varies with the service but my feeling is, if you feel that the individual provided you with good service or went over and above what you think is normal then a tip is warranted. Back when I use to work on the flight line few GA pilots tipped (Corporate pilots were the big tippers). If you do tip a few dollars is not unreasonable, more if you feel that you received above normal service.
As for Restricted Areas, Military Operations Areas, Prohibitive Areas, when you recieve your pre-flight briefing from AFSS they should know when, and what altitudes will be hot for that day, when in doubt don't hesitate to ask the controlling facility which should be listed on your charts. If you get buzzed by the military it's a good sign that the area is hot, if you see one fighter, I guarantee that there will be at least three or more in the flight that you didn't see, and trust me they love to fly low and real fast (like in excess of 500 kts). Even if the area is COLD, keep your eyes on a swivel, just in case.
Don't hesitate to request VFR flight following from the controlling IFR facility, though out west you probably will deal with one of the En-Route Centers more so than one of the approach controls, service will depend on the quality of radar coverage. You will find most controllers extremely helpful, the ATC service is FREE so why not use it.
By the way when are you planning on taking your vacation?
Mike
FWA
It appears that you're getting some pretty good answers, but I will add, when in doubt don't hesitate to ask.
The majority of the FBO's are staffed with helpful employees who are more than willing to assist you with fueling, tie downs, or information about where to eat or stay. Not all FBO's have coursity cars, so if you need one you may want to check ahead.
As for tipping, it varies with the service but my feeling is, if you feel that the individual provided you with good service or went over and above what you think is normal then a tip is warranted. Back when I use to work on the flight line few GA pilots tipped (Corporate pilots were the big tippers). If you do tip a few dollars is not unreasonable, more if you feel that you received above normal service.
As for Restricted Areas, Military Operations Areas, Prohibitive Areas, when you recieve your pre-flight briefing from AFSS they should know when, and what altitudes will be hot for that day, when in doubt don't hesitate to ask the controlling facility which should be listed on your charts. If you get buzzed by the military it's a good sign that the area is hot, if you see one fighter, I guarantee that there will be at least three or more in the flight that you didn't see, and trust me they love to fly low and real fast (like in excess of 500 kts). Even if the area is COLD, keep your eyes on a swivel, just in case.
Don't hesitate to request VFR flight following from the controlling IFR facility, though out west you probably will deal with one of the En-Route Centers more so than one of the approach controls, service will depend on the quality of radar coverage. You will find most controllers extremely helpful, the ATC service is FREE so why not use it.
By the way when are you planning on taking your vacation?
Mike
FWA
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knobby
Aren't you going to tell us all where you are planning to go? I did Las Vegas to Monument Valley and back in October and had a great time. I'm sure you will too - everyone in the US makes flying in the US such fun.
Aren't you going to tell us all where you are planning to go? I did Las Vegas to Monument Valley and back in October and had a great time. I'm sure you will too - everyone in the US makes flying in the US such fun.
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Thanks everyone. Just got in from work - what a great set of replies, as usual from Prune
Mike and Phild, I'm going at the end of February with a non-pilot (but interested) friend and will be renting an Archer from Chandler for 4 or 5 days. Here's what I plan (hit BACK now if other peoples holiday plans bore you).
Day 0. Training in mounting flying, and FBO checkout/BFR (approx 4 hours). Get all those leaning issues resolved and get the instructor to talk me through using a self service fuel rig.
Day1 - Our plan is to head up from the Phoenix area towards Las Vegas for the first night, stopping off along the way as and when we feel like it, but definately at Kingman, Az - as this is where I took my first flight in the US 2 years ago and just about where I'd most like to live in the whole world. I plan to fly into Mc Carran on the first night - talk about baptism by fire
Fuel will cost a fortune, but we'll be able to get a van ride to a motel on the strip quite easily. airnav.com tells me that Executive is the FBO to use. 4hrs flying
Day 2 - very early start (put that jetlag to good use!) LAS to Furnace Creek, Ca (Death Valley, 210ft below sea level). I see this as a must to get in my logbook. After breakfast locally, a long flight east towards Page, Az, stopping somewhere in southern Utah (St George, Hurricaine, Kanab) for fuel/food because I've never been to Utah! It's that leg of the flight that takes me through/round/under all thoase restricted and alert areas and MOA's north of Las Vegas/Nellis. 5hrs flying
Day 3 - Would like to fly east to see monument valley but I don't think we'll have time really, so from Page, head south across the painted desert towards the meteor crater near Winslow then head south back to Chandler, stopping somewhere like Payson or Show Low. I know Sedona is considered a 'must' but I've been before, albeit by car so not bothered about going again, and I love the eastern Arizona mountains/forests around the Show Low/Payson/Snowflake area so will go there instead - see if anything is left after last summers wildfires 4.5hrs flying
Days 4 and 5. Days in hand, because the weather will no doubt play a part in wrecking my plans. If I have time I'm going to head down towards the Mexican border - try to find an airfield close enough to actually walk across if possible. Douglas (KDGL) looks like it actually straddles the border on the chart. I'll be stopping of at Tuscon, and trying to get the Davis Monthan overflight if that's still allowed. I'd also like to call in at some of the other places where airliners are stored (Goodyear, Marana etc.) if we get chance.
Oh, and must do the PHX VFR transition at some point - over the ends of the runways at 2000ft agl - only in the USA, eh?
Does anybody think we're trying to fit too much into the first 3 days? Chandler only allow rentals of 3 days/2 nights away from base so I'm a bit tied really, although there's not a lot they can do if I get stuck due to "freak local weather" and take 4 days
So, will anyone else, either British or local, be out there between approx 27 Feb and 5 March? I'd love to meet up for beer/food and am willing to tailor the above itinerary if necessary. Let's face it, it'll probably all go out the window after the first day anyway
Mike and Phild, I'm going at the end of February with a non-pilot (but interested) friend and will be renting an Archer from Chandler for 4 or 5 days. Here's what I plan (hit BACK now if other peoples holiday plans bore you).
Day 0. Training in mounting flying, and FBO checkout/BFR (approx 4 hours). Get all those leaning issues resolved and get the instructor to talk me through using a self service fuel rig.
Day1 - Our plan is to head up from the Phoenix area towards Las Vegas for the first night, stopping off along the way as and when we feel like it, but definately at Kingman, Az - as this is where I took my first flight in the US 2 years ago and just about where I'd most like to live in the whole world. I plan to fly into Mc Carran on the first night - talk about baptism by fire
Fuel will cost a fortune, but we'll be able to get a van ride to a motel on the strip quite easily. airnav.com tells me that Executive is the FBO to use. 4hrs flyingDay 2 - very early start (put that jetlag to good use!) LAS to Furnace Creek, Ca (Death Valley, 210ft below sea level). I see this as a must to get in my logbook. After breakfast locally, a long flight east towards Page, Az, stopping somewhere in southern Utah (St George, Hurricaine, Kanab) for fuel/food because I've never been to Utah! It's that leg of the flight that takes me through/round/under all thoase restricted and alert areas and MOA's north of Las Vegas/Nellis. 5hrs flying
Day 3 - Would like to fly east to see monument valley but I don't think we'll have time really, so from Page, head south across the painted desert towards the meteor crater near Winslow then head south back to Chandler, stopping somewhere like Payson or Show Low. I know Sedona is considered a 'must' but I've been before, albeit by car so not bothered about going again, and I love the eastern Arizona mountains/forests around the Show Low/Payson/Snowflake area so will go there instead - see if anything is left after last summers wildfires
4.5hrs flyingDays 4 and 5. Days in hand, because the weather will no doubt play a part in wrecking my plans. If I have time I'm going to head down towards the Mexican border - try to find an airfield close enough to actually walk across if possible. Douglas (KDGL) looks like it actually straddles the border on the chart. I'll be stopping of at Tuscon, and trying to get the Davis Monthan overflight if that's still allowed. I'd also like to call in at some of the other places where airliners are stored (Goodyear, Marana etc.) if we get chance.
Oh, and must do the PHX VFR transition at some point - over the ends of the runways at 2000ft agl - only in the USA, eh?
Does anybody think we're trying to fit too much into the first 3 days? Chandler only allow rentals of 3 days/2 nights away from base so I'm a bit tied really, although there's not a lot they can do if I get stuck due to "freak local weather" and take 4 days
So, will anyone else, either British or local, be out there between approx 27 Feb and 5 March? I'd love to meet up for beer/food and am willing to tailor the above itinerary if necessary. Let's face it, it'll probably all go out the window after the first day anyway
Flies for fun
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You will probably be directed into Signature flight services at McCarran, on all three times I have been into there, I was directed into there. Just take on the minimum fuel required for the handling charge waiver, I think it's about $25 worth. They will still charge you around 35 bucks for the overnight parking although there is a courtesy drop off to a hotel which the staff fon the desk will find for you but it's a lot cheaper usually finding a deal on the internet at your departure airfield. Avoid going into Las V during holidays, room rates go through the roof! If you are going through the Grand Canyon National Park, get a separate map specially for the National park showing the corridors and always, always, get flight following, the USA is vast and it could ruin your whole life if you got lost in the deserts and in any event, radar cover makes the whole experience more relaxing. Atc will also guide you if you are running close to any special corridors or restricted areas.
Get the cameras ready for Page, approach high and get a view over the waters and red rocks, an absolute treat near sunset, unfortunately, I visited when there was a lot of turbulence and windshear so had to forego the pictures in preference to reassuring my passenger that it wasn't our last flight!!!.
Get the cameras ready for Page, approach high and get a view over the waters and red rocks, an absolute treat near sunset, unfortunately, I visited when there was a lot of turbulence and windshear so had to forego the pictures in preference to reassuring my passenger that it wasn't our last flight!!!.
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My wifes mate lives at Chandler and flies from there. Was going to try to make it out there from LA last time I was over, but Socal were in the process of burning down, and the vis was ****e.....
Good comments from other people. My only advice would be to remember Density altitude, even in Feb, in something like an archer. My trick to asses climb performance is to put the plane into T/O config on downwind (to land), give it max power and see how well I can climb. You might also want to try full flap as well in case you want to go around. A good high altitude airport should have a runway almost as long as the airport elevation in my opinion......You may NOT want to fill up with fuel at a high altitude airport, its best to land somewhere else lower down to top up.
Leaning for T/O.....In the runup area, give it max power then lean for max RPM / EGT.
Alert Areas: Areas of high pilot training or an unusual aerial activity conducted in accordance with the FARs. You can enter and leave as you wish.
Prohibited Areas: Says it all ! National security issues, or operations dangerous to flight. Not allowed in.
Restricted Areas: Hazardous activities (Artillery, aerial gunnery, guided missiles). Clearance from controlling ATCU required to enter.
Military Operations Areas: High energy manuvers by military aircraft etc, excempt from the FARs (so expect anything). You can enter but are strongly advised to contact the controlling agency first.
As stated, get flight following from Phoenix Approach, who will then either hand you off to LA Centre or Alberquerque Center depending on your route.....
Have fun, you'll have 100km vis out there in Feb!
EA
Good comments from other people. My only advice would be to remember Density altitude, even in Feb, in something like an archer. My trick to asses climb performance is to put the plane into T/O config on downwind (to land), give it max power and see how well I can climb. You might also want to try full flap as well in case you want to go around. A good high altitude airport should have a runway almost as long as the airport elevation in my opinion......You may NOT want to fill up with fuel at a high altitude airport, its best to land somewhere else lower down to top up.
Leaning for T/O.....In the runup area, give it max power then lean for max RPM / EGT.
Alert Areas: Areas of high pilot training or an unusual aerial activity conducted in accordance with the FARs. You can enter and leave as you wish.
Prohibited Areas: Says it all ! National security issues, or operations dangerous to flight. Not allowed in.
Restricted Areas: Hazardous activities (Artillery, aerial gunnery, guided missiles). Clearance from controlling ATCU required to enter.
Military Operations Areas: High energy manuvers by military aircraft etc, excempt from the FARs (so expect anything). You can enter but are strongly advised to contact the controlling agency first.
As stated, get flight following from Phoenix Approach, who will then either hand you off to LA Centre or Alberquerque Center depending on your route.....
Have fun, you'll have 100km vis out there in Feb!
EA
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Thanks again. Englishal I forgot to ask about flight following. When I want a service when departing a remote airfield, I find out where to contact for flight following from the Facilities Directory entry for that field, right? Just checking, because I haven't got one yet for the SW (an AFD). By the way, your wife's mate wouldn't be female and, better still, single would she
Right last favour, honest! Does anyone who's going to the US in the next month or so fancy picking me up the up-to-date charts I'll need? I checked, and all the current ones are valid until March or April at least. Mine are 2 years old. Places on the internet want to charge upward of $40 postage, so that isn't an option. Obvioulsy I'd send you the dosh before you go along with some extra for beer
Right last favour, honest! Does anyone who's going to the US in the next month or so fancy picking me up the up-to-date charts I'll need? I checked, and all the current ones are valid until March or April at least. Mine are 2 years old. Places on the internet want to charge upward of $40 postage, so that isn't an option. Obvioulsy I'd send you the dosh before you go along with some extra for beer
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knobbygb,
Unless you want to plan ahead you can purchase your charts from the FBO. My personal preference is having both the VFR and IFR sectionals and approach plates (just in case). Check out the FAA web site for your charts at :
http://www.avn.faa.gov/index.asp?xml.../vfr/sectional
Since you have several months you can order them directly from the FAA. If you are at an airport with a tower request VFR flight following to your destination with handoffs. If you are departing from a non towered airport the controlling IFR facility should be listed in the airport directory or on the sectional chart. Again ask for VFR flight following with handoffs to your destination.
The Las Vegas Strip is awesome, but if you want to save a lot of money for lodging go to the Golden Nugget web site http://www.goldennugget.com and get an internet special room rate (usually about $49). This hotel is really nice, you don't have a zillion people roaming around so the service is top notch.
Public transportation from the Golden Nugget (Freemont Street Downtown Las Vegas) is $1 each way to the strip via the bus which is safe and efficient. Limo service from the airport to the Golden Nugget is about $12 per person (round trip).
If by chance you enjoy downhill skiing, I would highly recommend flying into Salt Lake International, for a day or two and skiing at ALTA ( http://www.alta.com ). There is no better place in the world for skiing in champaign powder (snow) conditions. If this sounds interesting I could put you in touch with a few Controllers that live out there to go skiing with. Lift tickets are about $38, and ski rental (performance packages) are about the same or less. Heck with Las Vegas, go skiing!
The Wastach Mountains are truely beyond belief, in fact weather permitting Jackson Hole Wyoming is awesome to fly into and ski at. The last time I flew into JAC I was sitting in the jump seat of on an A320 (all I can say is awesome).
Mike
NATCA FWA
Unless you want to plan ahead you can purchase your charts from the FBO. My personal preference is having both the VFR and IFR sectionals and approach plates (just in case). Check out the FAA web site for your charts at :
http://www.avn.faa.gov/index.asp?xml.../vfr/sectional
Since you have several months you can order them directly from the FAA. If you are at an airport with a tower request VFR flight following to your destination with handoffs. If you are departing from a non towered airport the controlling IFR facility should be listed in the airport directory or on the sectional chart. Again ask for VFR flight following with handoffs to your destination.
The Las Vegas Strip is awesome, but if you want to save a lot of money for lodging go to the Golden Nugget web site http://www.goldennugget.com and get an internet special room rate (usually about $49). This hotel is really nice, you don't have a zillion people roaming around so the service is top notch.
Public transportation from the Golden Nugget (Freemont Street Downtown Las Vegas) is $1 each way to the strip via the bus which is safe and efficient. Limo service from the airport to the Golden Nugget is about $12 per person (round trip).
If by chance you enjoy downhill skiing, I would highly recommend flying into Salt Lake International, for a day or two and skiing at ALTA ( http://www.alta.com ). There is no better place in the world for skiing in champaign powder (snow) conditions. If this sounds interesting I could put you in touch with a few Controllers that live out there to go skiing with. Lift tickets are about $38, and ski rental (performance packages) are about the same or less. Heck with Las Vegas, go skiing!
The Wastach Mountains are truely beyond belief, in fact weather permitting Jackson Hole Wyoming is awesome to fly into and ski at. The last time I flew into JAC I was sitting in the jump seat of on an A320 (all I can say is awesome).
Mike
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Give North Las Vegas airport a thought. Tie down is $5 per night for a single, and fuel is not $3.75 per gallon. When I looked into McCarran, tie down was around $60 per night?????
The North Las Vegas mob are great - and will give you a lift into town (tip). Just be careful of runway incursions, as I have read NLV is pretty bad....if you go there.
The North Las Vegas mob are great - and will give you a lift into town (tip). Just be careful of runway incursions, as I have read NLV is pretty bad....if you go there.
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Expect to lose 1 quart per 1.5 hrs or less. Leave with NO LESS than 7 qts in the engine (check your POH but I think you said PA28 type?
If you start off with 7 quarts in a PA28 it's quite normal to lose a quart in the first hour or so.
There is no "airport" within walking distance of the Mexican border in AZ, and nothing worth the walk if there was.
Not having car insurance is indeed a criminal offence in the US, it all depends on the state. In Arizona, the State car computer is automatically updated by the insurance company when insurance is bought or expires. If you don't have insurance they will suspend the car registration. If you get stopped by a cop with a suspended registration they can take the licence plates. If they take the licence plates the next thing they will do is take the car. Don't worry about it, and besides courtesy cars are not so common nowadays. If you want to get somewhere they probably have a shuttle where you are going, so call them and they will come and get you. The trick is finding the payphone
When you get weather and file your flight plan, ask FSS for the frequency of the controlling ATC facility for VFR flight following. The FBO will know it too. Quite often in that part of the world you will need to climb quite high to get radar identified, they will hear you before they see you. You get top quality service from US ATC and you should use them.
Forgot to say, if you call for a shuttle to collect you it will be free - but be nice and tip the driver a buck or two. Most likely the place you are calling will have an free 800 number too, look it up before you go.
If you start off with 7 quarts in a PA28 it's quite normal to lose a quart in the first hour or so.
There is no "airport" within walking distance of the Mexican border in AZ, and nothing worth the walk if there was.
Not having car insurance is indeed a criminal offence in the US, it all depends on the state. In Arizona, the State car computer is automatically updated by the insurance company when insurance is bought or expires. If you don't have insurance they will suspend the car registration. If you get stopped by a cop with a suspended registration they can take the licence plates. If they take the licence plates the next thing they will do is take the car. Don't worry about it, and besides courtesy cars are not so common nowadays. If you want to get somewhere they probably have a shuttle where you are going, so call them and they will come and get you. The trick is finding the payphone
When you get weather and file your flight plan, ask FSS for the frequency of the controlling ATC facility for VFR flight following. The FBO will know it too. Quite often in that part of the world you will need to climb quite high to get radar identified, they will hear you before they see you. You get top quality service from US ATC and you should use them.
Forgot to say, if you call for a shuttle to collect you it will be free - but be nice and tip the driver a buck or two. Most likely the place you are calling will have an free 800 number too, look it up before you go.
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Couldn't agree more with what everyone else is saying above. Had a few problems with self fuelling myself. Usually due to me forgetting to turn pump on!! Then there are the odd ocassions when the receipt printer doesn't work and you have to chase the FBO for a copy so you can be refunded.
Check out Air Nav for cheap fuel locations if you want to save some money. Generally the cheapest fuel is at the smaller fields. I have done a reasonable amount of hour building in the US so don't find it a drag going out of my way as it is all part of the experience.
Finally, can't recommend North Las Vegas enough. Free shuttle bus as mentioned above (think before about 8pm though) and cheap. Midweek was the cheapest I found at the casinos. I think we got a room for around 80 bucks at the Luxor on something like a Wed night back in Sept. All booked via the internet whilst I was out there.
Have fun.
Check out Air Nav for cheap fuel locations if you want to save some money. Generally the cheapest fuel is at the smaller fields. I have done a reasonable amount of hour building in the US so don't find it a drag going out of my way as it is all part of the experience.
Finally, can't recommend North Las Vegas enough. Free shuttle bus as mentioned above (think before about 8pm though) and cheap. Midweek was the cheapest I found at the casinos. I think we got a room for around 80 bucks at the Luxor on something like a Wed night back in Sept. All booked via the internet whilst I was out there.
Have fun.
Why do it if it's not fun?
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I agree with all the comments re North Las Vegas. Very friendly field, transport into town, everything you could want.
However.....
If I were to do it again, I'd go into McCarran. Just once. Just to say I've done it. After that once, sure, go to North Las Vegas if you want to visit the area again - it's cheaper and more friendly.
Just my opinion.
FFF
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However.....
If I were to do it again, I'd go into McCarran. Just once. Just to say I've done it. After that once, sure, go to North Las Vegas if you want to visit the area again - it's cheaper and more friendly.
Just my opinion.
FFF
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