Need advice from Seattle flyers

[RobertE]

I'm going to make a short flight next weekend from Boeing field to Orcas Island (KORS). A direct flight puts me under Seattle's Bravo for about 20 miles, then requires a climb to 5K to avoid both a restricted zone, a couple of MOAs and Whidbey NAS, perhaps into the clouds that I bet are fairly common this time of year. Seems like a ridiculous amount of work for a 30 minute flight.

Can I expect or request some other route that will keep me below the weather but allow me to dodge the complexity?

[DS1980]

Why not fly the airplane the way you want? Sounds like 30 minutes of stick and rudder/instrument practice. Go for it.

[BigTex]

Just pick up flight following and head out over the sound to port Townsend. Then head north up cattle pass into the San Juan's. Those MOAs are almost never hot and if they are ATC will let you know. Kenmore Air flys Beavers out of lake Union (just north of Boeing Field) and they almost never get above a couple of thousand feet. The route I recommended is basically what they do when heading to the San Juan's. The only pucker factor comes with crossing the 26 mile strait.

[Bob - S50]

Concur with BigTex that the MOA's are almost never hot.  Also, Whidbey is always willing to work with you, just give them a call.  Also agree, that if you made it into BFI, just let ground know you will be wanting flight following.  They should put you in touch with Seattle who can put you in touch with Whidbey.

 

Take a look at the BFI "Fly Quiet" procedures so you'll know what to expect:

 

http://www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/kcdot/Airport/ForPilots/FlyQuiet.aspx

 

Pssst.  Don't tell anybody else on the forum about this, but the weather is usually nice this time of year.

 

Have fun and enjoy the view!

 

Bob

[OR75]

Will be curious to hear about your trip to ORS

I am planning an orcas watching trip in the San Juan sound, but not sure yet what the logistics will be ( accommodation and convenient places for whale watching)

I have a post on the topic in the travel section.

[Randy_B]

+1 on Big Tex's suggestion.  And if you have time stop in Port Townsend (0S9) for pie at the Spruce Goose Café.  Their $100 hamburgers are good as well. 

[RobertE]

Will be curious to hear about your trip to ORS

OK

[N201MKTurbo]

My friend Fred and his wife Cathrin have a house on the bay on Orcas island. If you see them say Hi.

They keep telling me to come up there. I had the Mooney in Portland yesterday. I should have headed north, but now I'm in Vegas.

[OR75]

My friend Fred and his wife Cathrin have a house on the bay on Orcas island. If you see them say Hi.

They keep telling me to come up there. I had the Mooney in Portland yesterday. I should have headed north, but now I'm in Vegas.

Looking for fresh air in Vegas ?

[OR75]

If i was to fly the BFI to ORS , i would head toward Skaggit (BVS) then ORS and plan to stay outside C

however, within radio reach of Whidbey ATC , ask for the short cut direct to ORS. That will keep you over land for most of the time.

Not being able the land at the NAS does not mean you cannot go through that airspace.

[N201MKTurbo]

Looking for fresh air in Vegas ?

No, just a last minute trip. It was on the way for me the wife jumped on Southwest and we will travel back together in the Mooney.

It had been about 8 years sense I've been here. That is about the right interval.

[FlyTester]

Pssst.  Don't tell anybody else on the forum about this, but the weather is usually nice this time of year.

 

 

Most of the world seems unaware that Seattle only has "Seattle Weather" from November through March.   

[Bob - S50]

Most of the world seems unaware that Seattle only has "Seattle Weather" from November through March.   

Hey, don't tell tell them that!!   It rains every day in Seattle !!!  And its so far North that we get a ton of snow too !

 

Bob