Sun & Fun

[iweshuff]

I plan to fly to Sun & Fun from Dallas in April. I will be flying a LSA at 90 to 100 kts. I'm looking for advise and route suggestions.
Thanks for any help.
Wes

[DanH]

Wes,
I think you'll find the classic LSA route is "follow I-20 east, and work your way down to I-10 somewhere before Tallahassee". Lot of options along 20.

Across south Alabama, Monroeville, Evergreen, Greenville, or Bainbridge GA are good stops.

When you get just past Tallahassee, the best route is to shadow Florida Hwy 19 south across the swamps to someplace near Crystal River. Hwy 19 is much like a giant white concrete airstrip; legend says they built it that way on purpose, but who knows? Plant City or Cross City are traditional stops, and there's a Dairy Queen next to the FBO at Crystal River. From CR head for the NE corner of the Tampa Class B and then on to Lakeland.

[RV10Man]

By golly, if I didn't know better, I'd say Dan's been there.
I love it when someone gives good directions.

Marshall Alexander
RV10 N781DM
installing cabin top
& panel

[tommylewis]

Wes, the other route is to fly the coast line from Gulfport - Mobile - Pensacola - Panama City. Check the sectional and you will find a VFR corridor from Pensacola over to Panama City. You must talk to approach through that part of the route. From Panama City go to Perry Folley for cheaper self service fuel. Other stops along the way include:

Marksville, La - casino near airport for lunch
Hammond, La - usually has decent fuel prices
Gulf Shores, Fl - great seafood restaurant near airport

Last year while flying the coastline between Pensacola and Panama City at 1000 feet, because of lousy weather, we passed two champs that were at 400 feet. Once through the area where you are required to talk to approach, the champs were told that flight following was not available at 400 feet!! They certainly did not worry about hitting any towers over the beach at 400 feet.

Have fun and be flexible with your schedule.

[iweshuff]

Thanks much for the information and advice.
Wes

[N395V]

where you are required to talk to approach,

Is this an airspace/FAR/chart requirement?

I thought this was just an informal agreement between Panama city airport, local pilots, atc and local militarry ATC .