tc1234c
Well Known Member
Three months ago Vlad asked about the procedure to fly to the Dry Tortugas National Park. It seems that no one has done it in their own airplane (at least not posting) and not quite sure about how to do it. Together we have been planning the trip for a while. Finally, he showed up at my place the day after Thanksgiving. On Saturday morning he called up FSS (1-800-WX BRIEF) and filed a DVFR flight plan. Basically, the plan begins at Marathon Key (KMTH) and ends at Marathon Key. The route of flight is EYW then Dry Tortugas and return. ADIZ penetration at EYW radial 270 and 16 nm at 1430Z. We were given a squawk code of 1212.
We jumped into his RV9A and departed Spruce Creek (7FL6) at 7:30am (1130Z) and heading south. At 9:30 am (1220Z) we were over Marathon Key at 4,500'. Vlad called up Miami Radio on 122.6 and opened our defense VFR flight plan. After the flight plan has been opened, he called Miami Center on 133.5 for flight following. We were given a different Squawk code. After that we just continue our flight due west until we saw Dry Tortugas. After two passes around the islands we headed back. As soon as we cross the ADIZ Miami Center called and gave us Marathon Key altimeter setting. We were pleasantly surprised as how easy it was and how helpful ATC were.
We just want to share with you our experience and for those who dare to venture over water and cross ADIZ here is an example to follow. For the rest, let us share with you some of our photos.
At the time of this writing Vlad is on his way back to New Jersey. He will add his comments after he gets home.
We jumped into his RV9A and departed Spruce Creek (7FL6) at 7:30am (1130Z) and heading south. At 9:30 am (1220Z) we were over Marathon Key at 4,500'. Vlad called up Miami Radio on 122.6 and opened our defense VFR flight plan. After the flight plan has been opened, he called Miami Center on 133.5 for flight following. We were given a different Squawk code. After that we just continue our flight due west until we saw Dry Tortugas. After two passes around the islands we headed back. As soon as we cross the ADIZ Miami Center called and gave us Marathon Key altimeter setting. We were pleasantly surprised as how easy it was and how helpful ATC were.
We just want to share with you our experience and for those who dare to venture over water and cross ADIZ here is an example to follow. For the rest, let us share with you some of our photos.
At the time of this writing Vlad is on his way back to New Jersey. He will add his comments after he gets home.