VFR to Iceland
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: UK
Does anyone have a list of places that do sea survival courses. Somewhere in Scotland would be good. I had shot of the helicopter dunker at RNAS Yeovilton that was quite interesting but it has been seven years and I wouldn't mind having another go somewhere.
Thanks,
Quarto
Thanks,
Quarto
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands
Grahama,
I concur with "Pace" on this one.
I've flown this route ferrying a twin (+tanks) and its a lot of water to cross and weather changes fast.
Some years ago a Dutch lady flew her Grumman AA5 to Iceland. She would not be persuded otherwise. First year she made it, second year the headwinds were a shade stronger and she ran out of fuel and crashed into the water a few miles short. She was in a dry suit and swam to shore. Her co-pilot narrowly made it.
If you decide to go for it, measure the Robin's fuel burn and oil requirements. Add extra headwind component. Diversion is Faroe, however Faroe can suffer fog, etc. Make sure you can get in there on instruments. Also carry the instrument charts for Iceland.
For survival you have got to get into the dingy with the EPIRB+gps. Remember its outside heli range, so survival is up to you. Expect at least 24 hrs for a ship rescue.
For single engine low speed aircraft your'll be pushing your luck.
Why not try the fjords of Norway?
flyme
I concur with "Pace" on this one.
I've flown this route ferrying a twin (+tanks) and its a lot of water to cross and weather changes fast.
Some years ago a Dutch lady flew her Grumman AA5 to Iceland. She would not be persuded otherwise. First year she made it, second year the headwinds were a shade stronger and she ran out of fuel and crashed into the water a few miles short. She was in a dry suit and swam to shore. Her co-pilot narrowly made it.
If you decide to go for it, measure the Robin's fuel burn and oil requirements. Add extra headwind component. Diversion is Faroe, however Faroe can suffer fog, etc. Make sure you can get in there on instruments. Also carry the instrument charts for Iceland.
For survival you have got to get into the dingy with the EPIRB+gps. Remember its outside heli range, so survival is up to you. Expect at least 24 hrs for a ship rescue.
For single engine low speed aircraft your'll be pushing your luck.
Why not try the fjords of Norway?
flyme
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: The Front of Beyond
graham,
A read of Nigel's blog of his trip in his TB20 to the US via Iceland a few years ago is a worthwhile read.
Added 30/6/2008
Apologies to Nigel (aka 2Donkeys) for getting his name wrong in my original posting, and thanks to Rustle for pointing out my error.
Brooklands
A read of Nigel's blog of his trip in his TB20 to the US via Iceland a few years ago is a worthwhile read.
Added 30/6/2008
Apologies to Nigel (aka 2Donkeys) for getting his name wrong in my original posting, and thanks to Rustle for pointing out my error.
Brooklands
Last edited by Brooklands; 30th June 2008 at 13:01. Reason: correct name
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: UK - EGLF is closest.
I flew VFR from Hofn (SE Iceland) to Wick in a Cirrus SR20 almost entirely at 1500 ft a couple of years ago. So it is quite possible.
Snags ? Helps if you have an autopilot or you will really have to avoid getting distracted from basics. Poor comms unless you can get some kind soul at the high flight levels to relay. Iceland ATC was reluctant at first until I suggested I would report at the normal reporting points applicable to IFR flight. GPS essential therefore.
By the way, Hofn is now no longer an airport of entry/departure for Iceland. Nearest equivalent is Egillstadir (BIEG). Further from UK of course. Suggest land in normal office hours or you will be gouged for a lot of Icelandic kronur for customs attendance - US$ 220 if I remember correctly.
Never been to Vagar but it has a fearsome reputation. Check weather very carefully indeed because alternates are practically non-existent.
SI
Snags ? Helps if you have an autopilot or you will really have to avoid getting distracted from basics. Poor comms unless you can get some kind soul at the high flight levels to relay. Iceland ATC was reluctant at first until I suggested I would report at the normal reporting points applicable to IFR flight. GPS essential therefore.
By the way, Hofn is now no longer an airport of entry/departure for Iceland. Nearest equivalent is Egillstadir (BIEG). Further from UK of course. Suggest land in normal office hours or you will be gouged for a lot of Icelandic kronur for customs attendance - US$ 220 if I remember correctly.
Never been to Vagar but it has a fearsome reputation. Check weather very carefully indeed because alternates are practically non-existent.
SI
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 0
Likes: 0
From: Surrey, UK.
A read of Tomithy's blog of his trip in his TB20 to the US via Iceland a few years ago is a worthwhile read.
Brooklands
Brooklands
), it was Nigel.Timothy's blog is HERE and is also well worth a read...
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,517
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island
Note::::
This is only my personal opinion, but having flown that route at low level in a twin engine airplane I would not fly it single engine even if you gave me the airplane when the trip was over.
That of course is only my feelings on this subject, I would rather be a live chicken than a dead duck.
This is only my personal opinion, but having flown that route at low level in a twin engine airplane I would not fly it single engine even if you gave me the airplane when the trip was over.
That of course is only my feelings on this subject, I would rather be a live chicken than a dead duck.
Dancing with the devil, going with the flow... it's all a game to me.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 0
From: England
I too am with Chuck on this one.
The enjoyment behind these sorts of flying 'adventures' eludes me completely as the risks involved are far higher than that which I personally would deem acceptable. Given the posters licence and (lack of) ratings, combined with the single engined aspect, this proposed flight plan has disaster written all over it.
Why bother?
VFE.
The enjoyment behind these sorts of flying 'adventures' eludes me completely as the risks involved are far higher than that which I personally would deem acceptable. Given the posters licence and (lack of) ratings, combined with the single engined aspect, this proposed flight plan has disaster written all over it.
Why bother?
VFE.
