How to ready for Trans-Continental X/C trip

[pvalovich]

I regularly fly between Inyokern (IYK) CA, and Rostraver (FWQ) PA, with a refueling stop at either Taos or Raton, NM. VFR flight following nearly all the way at 9.5 / 8.5K. Only serious climb is between Taos and Raton, and even that is below O2 required altitude. I go close to the Grand Canyon airport for the scenery. They'll give you flight following then give you an LA Center freq for continued flight following. Just be aware of the altitude restrictions over the Grand Canyon. If you drift north after Vegas, you'll be in contact with Joshua Approach (120.25) until clear of R-2508. Joshua will give you crossing altitudes (or deviations) for the various restricted areas.

I can get nearly 700 miles out of my -8A - which makes the endurance of the plane much greater than the endurance of my bladder. Most important cross country tool for me is a GatorAde bottle.

[David Paule]

I understand that KSMO has some pretty large landing fees these days.

Dave

[f1rocket]

I fly a lot of x-country in my -12. I always carry a Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) that is strapped to my waist (not in the flight bag). There is a lot of open country around the US and a PLB will likely get you located within 2 hours and rescued in less than 24 hours.

[BobTurner]

I'm based near SFO and have owned an O2 bottle for years. I don't always use it, just as I don't always use my ifr rating. But when you need it, it sure is nice to have it.
What's in the future? Do you forsee over the Sierra flights to Lake Tahoe, Reno? Or will you stick to the SoCal area? How old are you? I used to fly at 11,000' all day long just fine. But now, at 67, I often use O2 at those altitudes - I just feel so much better on arrival. Remember hypoxia can really sneak up on you. So ask what you plan for the future, and if it's worth the investment or not.

[Spirko]

Originally Posted by David Paule

I understand that KSMO has some pretty large landing fees these days.

Dave

$5.48 per 1,000 pounds of maximum certificated gross landing weight. Not too bad unless you're doing pattern work. Be sure and look at the bill, my first one charged me for takeoffs and landings as well as for a plane much heavier than mine. The mistakes were corrected (aside from not allowing a pilot on the Santa Monica Airport Commission.)

[skyyking]

Landed on Thursday @ KSMO. Took 1.5 day's with four Fuel stops and an overnight at Double Eagle airport near ABQ.
Please (if you can) always fly toward improving weather, for I took off from Wisconsin with a big low pressure center in southern Illinois. This gave me a great tailwind well into Kansas, but poor weather until I got into Nebraska. So have the fuel range to keep your options open.

Lastly, I was uneasy about the entire trip, for this vehicle was created with my own two hands. But I had no squawks, zero. I attribute this specifically to having good help (EAA Technical Rep) stop by on a regular basis when this slow build kit was still in pieces. To them, I give my ultimate respect and admiration for the services that they provide to builders.

[rockwoodrv9]

It's good to hear you had a good experience. Now you are up for everything! What fun.

[mikeyj350]

Glad you made it safely!

I also echo your sentiments towards the EAA tech counselors... our RV isn't flying yet but even so I can't say enough about the value of "peer reviewed" work, not to mention the confidence built from having someone who knows what they're talking about give your work the thumbs up.

Enjoy your new job on the west coast... Cheers! -Mike