Flying to California from Georgia.

[pierre smith]

Mornin' all. I've been toying with the idea of flying to see my parents and kids in California, during November. I have a brother in Camarillo and kids in Fremont and parents in Paradise.

How do you guys plan such a long trip? I've looked at Weathermeister and the distance is a little over 2,000 miles and 163 gallons

Is there a flight planning site that allows me to break the trip up into say, 600 mile legs and so on? I have an iPad with VFR/IFR charts and plates loaded and I can file IFR if I need to.

TIA,

[Radomir]

I used runwayfinder.com when I went out west -- I liked having the course line overlaid on the sectional chart. As for fuel stops.. distance and price of fuel came into play (airnav and 100LL.com).

I'd suggest planning two routes, just in case (northern Texas and El Paso).. Weather will most likely be a factor

[az_gila]

...the the EAA version (free to EAA members) of AeroPlanner works well -

http://www.aeroplanner.com/login/login.cfm?eaa=

Login is required.

Aerplanner will store routes - so you can start with one single leg, and then progressively break it down as you pick way points/fuel stops and navigate around those pesky R-xxxx areas....

The night before departure save each leg as a separate flight, and when you log on in the morning before take off, it will give you predicted weather and winds aloft...

[bkthomps]

if it's only 2000 miles you'd only have to plan 4 stops, should be able to do that the old fashioned way

[brian]

I haven't flown cross-country myself (yet), but I understand there are large blocks of restricted/military airspace out west that you'll have to route around.

[orchidman]

Pierre,
I have been making the trip from Oklahoma City area to Watsonville on a regular basis in my -10.
My wife doesn't like making legs much longer then 3 hours so we stop in TCC for a rest stop and SJN for fuel and lunch (each 2 hr legs). Then 2.5 hr to DAG where I will add 10 gallons if the winds are bad and 2 hr into Watsonville.
The best fuel stops along what will probably be close to your route are just west of OKC at Hinton 2O8 or Weatherford OJA where LOE is being held this weekend and then Saint Johns SJN.
To get around the Edwards area, if you are going to central CA or northern CA, I file from DAG, PMD AVE which keeps me clear of things. If you are filing IFR, around DAG you will be talking to Joshua approach and they can clear you through Edwards on weekends. I have done this several times. It's nice to cut the corner.

Also, if you are making the trip any time soon, and want to stop in SJN for fuel, call them to make sure that you can get to their fuel pumps on the days you will be there as they are re-building the ramps and it is all messed up.

For planning I have been using Weathermeister and like it. For fuel, I use Airnav and 100LL. I like 100LL as you have the option to see prices of other airports around a selected stop. The prices in 100ll are not always as up-to-date as Airnav but they can get you started.

Going cross country in the -10 is great

[caryr]

Pierre

Delta is ready when you are---------

Economics would point to the airlines.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by caryr

Pierre

Delta is ready when you are---------

Economics would point to the airlines.

Cary, I think you are missing the point. Cheaper, yes but that is about all. Between the TSA, the congestion at airports and the logistic hassles, an RV is a truly wonderful way to travel. Little airports with friendly people, the ability to change plans instantly, and a proper view of the countryside, I am a retired airline type with free passes for life and I almost always take my '8.'

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAA FAAST Team Member
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[Brantel]

Thats no fun!!!

Originally Posted by caryr

Pierre

Delta is ready when you are---------

Economics would point to the airlines.

[longranger]

Originally Posted by caryr

Pierre

Delta is ready when you are---------

Economics would point to the airlines.

Well worth the difference, IMHO! You get what you pay for.