Planning TCL-FNL w/ High Fuel Prices

[0TreeLemur]

Hi everyone- Tomorrow (May 13) I'm flying from TCL - FNL departing about 0830 CDT.   Fuel prices at the destination are $7.24!!!   My inner CB wants to not add fuel there. 

Forecast models are showing a line of precipitation and high surface winds ahead of a cold front in NE OK and SE KS, which is the mid-point.  One option that avoids really high fuel prices would be TCL-IDP, IDP-SFY, SFY-FNL.  But the weather probably rules out IDP.  Best to stop before reaching that windy area near the cold front.  Perhaps 1K8?

Then there's the runway lottery.  I have learned to avoid runways listed as "Fair" condition.  I'm not interested in landing my Mooney on grass.  I plan to do this VFR to avoid flying around MOAs, but will file IFR if necessary. 

My bird sits in the hangar with 45 gallons useable in the tanks.  Would rather not top off before departing because the fuel price at my home drome is $6.40.

What would you plan?

[Vance Harral]

Can't speak to your enroute plan, but on the destination side, there are several airports within a few minutes' flying distance of KFNL that have self-serve 100LL well below $7.24/gal: KLMO, KGXY, KEIK, 18V and even KBJC.  All the self-service prices tend to stay in the same range, because if any single one of them increases the price very much, everyone just goes to the other nearby choices.

KLMO is my home airport, and self-serve 100LL was just a hair under $6/gal last time I filled up.  100ll.com say it's still $5.94, though with the way fuel prices have been moving rapidly I can't promise that'll be as true tomorrow as it is today.  Anyway, all the listed airports above are pretty easy to get into and out of.  No particular reason to fill up at KFNL other than convenience.

[Pinecone]

Flying through MOAs just because you are VFR might not be a bright idea.

I used to fly in MOAs for the reasons MOAs exist.

[0TreeLemur]

Went IFR through cold MOA's.

 

[Pinecone]

I know of people who have gone VFR through HOT MOAs.  Not a great idea.

Especially ones around training bases.  Nothing like sharing airspace with a 25 hour pilot in a jet (old days).

 

[0TreeLemur]

Fuel prices are rising faster than they are being updated on FF.  Lower cost fuel is hard to find.   We did fill up for $4.79 at 7M5 (Franklin County, Arkansas).

We were treated to a fly past by a flight of two T-38's near Columbus AFB.   500' below, opposite direction, 1/2 mile away.  Photos didn't do it justice.