Mark Albery
Well Known Member
I'm hoping to do this in a couple of years time and have been gleaning information for some time.
One concern seems to be that when getting permission to fly non 'standard category' aircraft in other countries, that permission is usually day/VFR only.
Although I'd only set off in good weather on each leg, the chances of remaining in VMC for a whole atlantic crossing must be slim to say the least. It's made worse by being forced to 5500' or less because the NAT controlled airspace starts at 6000' and requires an IFR flight plan.
That would also mean poor VHF range, reduced efficiency and the inability to fly over a cloud layer.
I know several homebuilts have done the crossing. So how did they do it? Are there exceptions to the VFR limitation? Is it worth upgrading the kit to meet TC's more rigorous IFR requirements if you're forced to be VFR only?
I'd be especially glad to hear from anyone with practical experience of this.
One concern seems to be that when getting permission to fly non 'standard category' aircraft in other countries, that permission is usually day/VFR only.
Although I'd only set off in good weather on each leg, the chances of remaining in VMC for a whole atlantic crossing must be slim to say the least. It's made worse by being forced to 5500' or less because the NAT controlled airspace starts at 6000' and requires an IFR flight plan.
That would also mean poor VHF range, reduced efficiency and the inability to fly over a cloud layer.
I know several homebuilts have done the crossing. So how did they do it? Are there exceptions to the VFR limitation? Is it worth upgrading the kit to meet TC's more rigorous IFR requirements if you're forced to be VFR only?
I'd be especially glad to hear from anyone with practical experience of this.