300 mile cross country
Guest
Posts: n/a
300 mile cross country
Can't wait to do this. Waiting for the weather. 
Just looking for a few ideas from those that have already done this. Any suggested routes/airports? Anybody been to Isle of man? Also please let me know of any problems you encounted, any mis-haps, any stories, anything else...
I fly out of Leeds, so any feedback from pilots that fly around the north of England would be further appreciated.
Any general feedback also apprieciated.
Thank you.
Just looking for a few ideas from those that have already done this. Any suggested routes/airports? Anybody been to Isle of man? Also please let me know of any problems you encounted, any mis-haps, any stories, anything else...
I fly out of Leeds, so any feedback from pilots that fly around the north of England would be further appreciated.
Any general feedback also apprieciated.
Thank you.
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 4,779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did mine by accident - didn't actually mean to do it when I did.
I was doing my hour-building in Phoenix, and decided, since I'd never been there before, to go to Las Vegas for the night. About 3 hours each way in a PA28R. An hour into the outbound flight, I realised I needed to use the toilet. Another hour into the flight, and it became clear that I wasn't going to be able to make it all the way to Las Vegas. So I stopped at Needles, just on the California side of the California/Nevada border. My 300nm flight is Chandler, Phoenix AZ -> Needles, CA -> North Las Vegas -> Chandler.
I landed at Needles, and taxied to the ramp. The place was deserted - all it needed was some tumbleweed blowing across the runway, and it could have been out of a cheap American road movie. I walked towards some building, to be met by an elderly gentleman who walked with a limp and had several missing teeth. He seemed friendly, and obviously worked at the airfield, so I asked him to point me towards the bathroom, and a telephone (to update my flight plan). "Don't you want any fuel?" he asked. No, I had enough fuel. "Hmph. Bathroom's that way, phone's that way" he said, all the friendliness having disappeared from his voice when he realised that I wasn't going to buy any fuel from him!
The rest of the flight was relatively uneventful (but only relatively!)
FFF
-------------
I was doing my hour-building in Phoenix, and decided, since I'd never been there before, to go to Las Vegas for the night. About 3 hours each way in a PA28R. An hour into the outbound flight, I realised I needed to use the toilet. Another hour into the flight, and it became clear that I wasn't going to be able to make it all the way to Las Vegas. So I stopped at Needles, just on the California side of the California/Nevada border. My 300nm flight is Chandler, Phoenix AZ -> Needles, CA -> North Las Vegas -> Chandler.
I landed at Needles, and taxied to the ramp. The place was deserted - all it needed was some tumbleweed blowing across the runway, and it could have been out of a cheap American road movie. I walked towards some building, to be met by an elderly gentleman who walked with a limp and had several missing teeth. He seemed friendly, and obviously worked at the airfield, so I asked him to point me towards the bathroom, and a telephone (to update my flight plan). "Don't you want any fuel?" he asked. No, I had enough fuel. "Hmph. Bathroom's that way, phone's that way" he said, all the friendliness having disappeared from his voice when he realised that I wasn't going to buy any fuel from him!
The rest of the flight was relatively uneventful (but only relatively!)
FFF
-------------
TightYorksherMan
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Peak District
Age: 41
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did mine out in Florida when hour building. Just wondering did anyone have anything signed just to prove it was completed? I didnt although I had to get my instructor to verify the route as I will still student pilot even though it was after my PPL checkride.
Jinkster
Jinkster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did mine in FL too, great fun. Sorry pa28biggles as this in no way relates to your Q, but;
Jinkster, how come you were still a student after your checkride? Oh, and to answer your q, I got the FBO at the destination to put a stamp in my log book.
Jinkster, how come you were still a student after your checkride? Oh, and to answer your q, I got the FBO at the destination to put a stamp in my log book.
TightYorksherMan
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Peak District
Age: 41
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hk,
I was still a student because I was not able to send my PPL paperwork (to which I had done the checkride the week previously) to the CAA until I returned home to the UK.
Jinkster
I was still a student because I was not able to send my PPL paperwork (to which I had done the checkride the week previously) to the CAA until I returned home to the UK.
Jinkster
Guest
Posts: n/a
the 300 miler!!
PA28 - I am in the same situation as you. PPL tied up now, night rating underway at Leeds Bradford (Multi-flight) and considering my cross country while the days are cold and clear. I have planned a provisional route from leeds bradford (southerly VFR departure) overhead Dewsbury, direct Gamston VOR then direct to Earls Cone on the South East coast. From here onto southend for aircraft refuel and pilot de-fuel then direct DET VOR and finally LYD VOR and into Lydd. I chose this route coz I did all my training at lydd and the south-east and want to take my girlfriend home for a family visit. Might even swindle some time off uni and go france for the weekend. Hmmmm Valentines day in france!!!! Two birds - one stone. Hope this helps. This route is only a provisional one but shouldn't be too far from the actual.Total distance = about 460 miles return (Just looking quickly, might be a bit less)
Hope this helps
Birdseed
Hope this helps
Birdseed
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: The Northern Wastes
Age: 45
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Only 300miles!
I must admit nobody ever checked my logbook or indeed even asked if I had flown a 300 mile x-country whilst I was doing my CPL. Is this till a requirement under the JAA?
Anyway I did a few long trips whilst hour building in florida but the best one started at Daytona beach then
up to St Augustine for fuel and fodder. From there
across past Jacksonville to a tiny airfiled next to a Maximum security prison (called John Wayne I think). More fuel uplifted then off again past Savanna and the big naval dockyards where I could clearly see some of those massive Nimitz class carriers,rejoined the coast and followed it into South Carolina to a gourgeous airport called Hilton Head. Took on yet more fuel and food whilst the window was cleaned and the aircraft towed round to the parking area.
Reluctantly set of back to Daytona beach with another fuel stop
at Fernandina Beach in Georgia before arriving back in time for some cold beers watching the sunset from the end of the pier at the beach.
the GPS logged just under 800miles round trip with just over 7hrs flying in one day and all in a C152!
Anyway I did a few long trips whilst hour building in florida but the best one started at Daytona beach then
up to St Augustine for fuel and fodder. From there
across past Jacksonville to a tiny airfiled next to a Maximum security prison (called John Wayne I think). More fuel uplifted then off again past Savanna and the big naval dockyards where I could clearly see some of those massive Nimitz class carriers,rejoined the coast and followed it into South Carolina to a gourgeous airport called Hilton Head. Took on yet more fuel and food whilst the window was cleaned and the aircraft towed round to the parking area.
Reluctantly set of back to Daytona beach with another fuel stop
at Fernandina Beach in Georgia before arriving back in time for some cold beers watching the sunset from the end of the pier at the beach.
the GPS logged just under 800miles round trip with just over 7hrs flying in one day and all in a C152!
Why do it if it's not fun?
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 4,779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jarjam,
One of the questions on the CPL application form is the date of your 300nm cross country, so I assume the CAA would open your logbook to the appropriate date and check that the flight is in there before sending your license to you?
FFF
I must admit nobody ever checked my logbook or indeed even asked if I had flown a 300 mile x-country
FFF
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi pa28biggles!
I waited ages to do my 300 miler too due to rubbish weather - when I finally got to do it, it was somewhat of an adventure!
Firstly, couldn't see first airfield due inversion layer and MATZ service told me to report field in site, so after much orbiting and frustration owing to the fact that when I saw the airfield I couldn't transmit "field in site" as other traffic was sharing their life history with the controller! Anyway finally changed frequency and called final, only to discover near touchdown that I had a huge crosswind (aircraft maximum) and touched down in such a manner that I wondered if I had left the runway intact! (In retrospect I should have gone around and trundled home to a runway into wind - but it's one of those things that you log for future use!). Before leaving I did a transit check (giving particular attention to the undercarriage which was fine!) and set off for the second field. Which I found relatively easily and once I remembered to set the QFE landed quite nicely.... that is until I taxied off the runway and heard a wonderful thumping noise... the oleo had "deflated" obviously due to the prior hard landing. After consultation I decided to fly home with a duff oleo
and after a couple of go-arounds landed safely on a low and slow approach.
So, all in all it was a successful but stressful cross country in that I got back safely but one that I would not voluntarily repeat!
Things that I learned:
Always double/triple check the weather.
Request a wind check on approach.
Don't forget standard stuff like setting the QFE for the airfield.
Know the limit of your ability (I shouldn't have flown back with no oleo).
Hope you found this helpful if not amusing!
LH.
I waited ages to do my 300 miler too due to rubbish weather - when I finally got to do it, it was somewhat of an adventure!
Firstly, couldn't see first airfield due inversion layer and MATZ service told me to report field in site, so after much orbiting and frustration owing to the fact that when I saw the airfield I couldn't transmit "field in site" as other traffic was sharing their life history with the controller! Anyway finally changed frequency and called final, only to discover near touchdown that I had a huge crosswind (aircraft maximum) and touched down in such a manner that I wondered if I had left the runway intact! (In retrospect I should have gone around and trundled home to a runway into wind - but it's one of those things that you log for future use!). Before leaving I did a transit check (giving particular attention to the undercarriage which was fine!) and set off for the second field. Which I found relatively easily and once I remembered to set the QFE landed quite nicely.... that is until I taxied off the runway and heard a wonderful thumping noise... the oleo had "deflated" obviously due to the prior hard landing. After consultation I decided to fly home with a duff oleo
and after a couple of go-arounds landed safely on a low and slow approach.So, all in all it was a successful but stressful cross country in that I got back safely but one that I would not voluntarily repeat!
Things that I learned:
Always double/triple check the weather.
Request a wind check on approach.
Don't forget standard stuff like setting the QFE for the airfield.
Know the limit of your ability (I shouldn't have flown back with no oleo).
Hope you found this helpful if not amusing!
LH.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Saaaaaaffffhampton
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
300 miler!!!
Did mine in FL too, i did not have it signed off though, i landed at at least 3 airports that had control towers and kept logs so they could check.
My route was Titusville, key west, naples, just for fun then went to lakeland then back down to venice to sharkys for some food then back to Titusville.
Next day i went titusville,venice (for breakfast), ceder key,cross city,ormand beach, titusville
Flyingforfun, you must have had the same people or relatives in needles as cross city, scared the hell outta me!!!!
My route was Titusville, key west, naples, just for fun then went to lakeland then back down to venice to sharkys for some food then back to Titusville.
Next day i went titusville,venice (for breakfast), ceder key,cross city,ormand beach, titusville
Flyingforfun, you must have had the same people or relatives in needles as cross city, scared the hell outta me!!!!
PPRuNe Knight in Shining Armour
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Everywhere in the UK, but not home!
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mine was Trollhättan (near Gothenburg, Sweden), Malmö Sturup,
Berlin Schönefeld, Munich Oberschleissheim, and then back again (but not all in one day).
Tight cheeks whilst crossing the Baltic at 1500' due to low cloud though!!!
Berlin Schönefeld, Munich Oberschleissheim, and then back again (but not all in one day).
Tight cheeks whilst crossing the Baltic at 1500' due to low cloud though!!!
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: BFS
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did mine in Africa, Jo'burg to the coast with stop for fuel. 600nm I think.
From Leeds I would go North, say leeds-oban-inverness. Or even Leeds-perth-wick. You'll see some cracking scenery, meet great people and drink a lot of beer at your destination!!
SK
From Leeds I would go North, say leeds-oban-inverness. Or even Leeds-perth-wick. You'll see some cracking scenery, meet great people and drink a lot of beer at your destination!!
SK
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Hill Street Blues
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did mine both at Night in Florida.
One out of Naples then Venice, Winter Haven (for fuel) Accross to Sebastian Down to Vero Beech and Stuart, over to Okeechobee (Fuel again) and back to Naples via Immokalee. 357Nm and 5:42 Hrs.
The Second was:
Naples up to Venice accross to Arcadia, up to Winter Haven (fuel), Inverness, Crystal River Back to winter Haven (fuel) down to Immokalee and Back to Naples. 407Nm and 6:06Hrs
No one signed my logbook although the flight school have stamped it.
They were great times, cannot wait to go back in less than a fortnight.
FF
One out of Naples then Venice, Winter Haven (for fuel) Accross to Sebastian Down to Vero Beech and Stuart, over to Okeechobee (Fuel again) and back to Naples via Immokalee. 357Nm and 5:42 Hrs.
The Second was:
Naples up to Venice accross to Arcadia, up to Winter Haven (fuel), Inverness, Crystal River Back to winter Haven (fuel) down to Immokalee and Back to Naples. 407Nm and 6:06Hrs
No one signed my logbook although the flight school have stamped it.
They were great times, cannot wait to go back in less than a fortnight.
FF
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: UAE
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That sound great and ill be doing mine in Canada next month, but, the original question still needs the answer:
Cheers
YYZ
Do you have to get your log book stamped or anything, or do you just fill your book out as usual?
YYZ
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No you don't have to have your logbook signed or stamped - well, the CAA accepted mine without any signatures or stamps.
In the remarks column, I entered the mileages and bracketed together the three lines:-
A to B 100nm )
B to C 110nm ) CPL QXC 320nm
C to A 110nm )
In the remarks column, I entered the mileages and bracketed together the three lines:-
A to B 100nm )
B to C 110nm ) CPL QXC 320nm
C to A 110nm )