Epic Journey

[sj]

In June, I am about to embark on my first epic journey in my 52' 170B and am interested in any advice I can get. I have done lots of cross countries, and even some in the 170. Just got back from a week in Texas playing in the Super Cub with a lot of other guys (the pictures are worth a thousand words http://www.supercub.org/gallery/view_al ... =Texas2003 ) but I have never made it past Wisconsin to the East.

We will depart Kansas City in mid June enrote to Portland Maine, stopping in State College PA on the way, and in Baltimore, MD on the way back. My wife is going along and this is her first REAL long trip, on her last, we lost the engine in a Piper Arrow and left it in Texas, but that is another story...

If figure that the trip will encompass almost 1/4 of the continental US as we will go through 12 if not 13 states enroute. Are there any "don't miss this" airports or stops along the way?

Thanks in advance!

sj

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

If your passing by Lock Haven, Pa June 18 thru 23 youv'e got to stop in at the annual Sentimental Journey fly-in. Since you have a Super Cub you may already be planning this. While your in New York you must fly the Hudson river exclusion passed the Statue of Liberty and Manhatten. I have over 1000 hours flying this area and can give you pointers if you'd like. email me privately. If you like really old planes like world war one stuff you must stop at Old Rhinebeck on the Hudson north of NYC abit. Can't land right there but close.
I'll be at Sentimentil Journey Thursday through Saturday morning, if you stop look for me and my maroon and silver 170. Here are the links for more info:
http://www.sentimentaljourneyfly-in.com/
http://www.oldrhinebeck.org/

[sj]

Thanks, Bruce!

I'm glad I asked!

sj

[doug8082a]

I've never made the Sentimental Journey fly-in, but I can definitely concur with Bruce's recommendation for the Hudson River Corridor and Rhinebeck. Bring lots-o-film.

If musuems are your thing, the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT has a really nice place. The catch is that you have to land at Bradley Int'l. As long as you don't mind the Class C, the FBOs there will shuttle you to the museum (it abuts the airport).

If you feel like some coastal flying there is
1. Block Island, RI (BID) is a nice relaxing stop with a 15 minute or so walk to town with good restaurants and views of the ocean.
2. Plymouth, MA (PYM) - Home to the Mayflower II replica of the pilgrim ship, Plymouth Rock, Plimouth Plantation (replica village of the pilgrims).
3. Martha's Vineyard, MA. Land at Vineyard Haven (MVY) and grab the bus or taxi into town for shopping, eating, and more ocean views OR land at Katama (Edgartown - 1B2) three intersecting grass strips with a restaurant at one end and the beach at the other (check out the photo on airnav.com).
4. Nantucket, MA (ACK) - similar to Martha's Vineyard, bus/taxi to shopping, eating, ocean.
5. Provincetown, MA (PVC) on the tip of Cape Cod. Eating, eclectic shops, whale watching tours.
6. N. Hampton, NH (7B3) - Grass strip old time airfield. Good restaurant, lots of old planes, rides in a new Standard D-25.

Enjoy the trip - I'm jealous!

[sj]

Soooo, this flying by the statue of liberty sounds very interesting, but aren't there a few TFR's in that area? I don't mind flying with approach control, but I can't say that I want an F-15 escort on this trip. I do like to keep the excitement factor up for my wife so she does not fall asleep.

I am greatly appreciating all the sugguestions, keep em' coming!

Thanks!

sj

[doug8082a]

Currently, I'm not aware of any TFRs for the Hudson River Corridor.

You fly the corridor at 900 feet or so to stay under the Newark & New York airspace and report your altitude & position Northbound or Southbound (Northbound traffic on the East side of the Hudson, Southbound traffic on the West side) on the Hudson River CTAF at various points (Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty "the Lady", Intrepid (aircraft carrier), India Point Tower (I think that's the name), George Washington Bridge). A typical transmission might be "Hudson River Traffic, Cessna 8082A, Northbound, 900 feet, Statue of Liberty, Hudson River Traffic".

Prior to 9/11 it was quite common to drop down to 400 feet and "circle the Lady", but I don't know how they feel about that these days. Check with flight service (Bridgeport, CT) prior to making the run. It's a heavily used piece of airspace (fixed wing and helo) for people transiting the area or taking aerial tours. Passed the Met Life blimp "Snoopy One" on one trip.

It may sound intimidating, but it isn't as long as you pay attention. It's a fun ride and its over before you know it.

[doug8082a]

Just checked the New York Terminal chart - that repoting point is Alpine Tower - not India Point Tower.

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Currently as of today 5/22/03 at 9:46 EST there are no TFRs in this area. check just before the flight.

Doug has the flight and radio call about right. One thing that bugs the hell out of most of us on the river is hearing "Hudson River Traffic, Hudson River Traffic, Hudson River Traffic, Hudson River Traffic, Hudson River Traffic" We all no where you are cause your on 123.05 and virtually no other traffic is on that freq. in this area. You are already telling everybody your location by saying "GWB (Goerge Washington Bridge) southbound 1000". Although traaffic has declined since 911 there can be a lot of radio calls that need to be made and heard. Be short and concise with your radio calls and have fun.

So I guess I may be seeing you at Lock Haven?

[sj]

Actually, I will be staying with my brother in State College for a night or two, and that is only 40 miles from Lock Haven. Definitely have to stop in, although it may be a driving trip for convienence.

sj

[flyguy]

THINGS CHANGE OVER NIGHT SO CHECK THIS SITE OR SOME OTHER ""CURRENT"" OFFICIAL LINK BEFORE CIRCLING ANY THING.

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/notams.html#tx

Have a great trip Steve. ole gar

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

SJ you've got to fly in to Sentimental Journey. It's easy and very low key. You just can't appreciate all the Cub Yellow from the ground. Either way it'll be worth a trip to the sacred grounds (If your a Piper Owner which SJ and I are)

I just check with my old tour company in NYC and as long as there are no restrictions (TFR) it is still common practice for aircraft to "Circle the Lady". The Helicopter Tour industry is doing it continually every day all day but they don't actually circle it but circle over the water to the south but still within 1000 feet of it.

[Bill Venohr]

Steve--sounds like a great trip. 20 years ago I was stationed on a submarine in the Groton, Ct. area and did some great flying in the area. I particularly liked flying to the islands (Block, Martha's Vineyard, etc.). South of Groton is Fischer's Island and the strip is right next to the beach--make a nice picnic. The USS Nautilus and museum is in Groton, well worth the time to see this bit of history. If you get a chance while in Baltimore get over to Annapolis--Naval Academy and lots of other history in this very quaint town. If you have the time when you leave Baltimore fly down the eastern shore (should keep you out of the DC area) and stop at Tangier Island (Pax River has some restricted airspace out there, so be careful). Tangier Island has a unique culture and scenery--you can just walk into town for lunch, etc.

Haven't seen your 170 at MKC lately--I've been flying a lot lately.

[sj]

Thanks, Bill. The 170 is now in my T hangar down there.

Missed you in Atchison on Saturday, beautiful weather... not....

sj

[Ann]

Why Portland? Friends/family?

Try a visit to the Owl's Head Transportation Museum just up the coast at Rockland, Maine. (RKD) Early era aircraft and motor vehicles.

We run the FBO at Wiscasset, Maine, between Portland and Rockland. Nice non-towered field, Boothbay Harbor area and Bath nearby. Rental cars through Enterprise (pick up at airport) and plenty of lobster!

http://www.wickedgoodaviation.com

Ann & Mike

[sj]

Yep, Family. Thanks for the info!

sj