Swissmooney Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Hi Mooniacs The plans for our trip to the USA are taking shape and I would like to ask for some advice, tipps, infos from this helpfull group concerning preferred airports and some additional infos which you think could help make this trip the adventure of a lifetime We have some specific questions concerning favorable airports at our various destinations like - Which is the best airport concerning o Services (avgas but also rental car etc) o Location in relation to our destination/tourist attraction - Any other recommendation „need to visit“ along our route - Any Mooney gatherings along the route?? - 100 hr maintenance in the Tulsa area: recommended shop?? Airplane: HB-DGL Mooney231 (see pix album) Crew: Edith, my wife is „Co-Pilot“ for the first part of the trip to NY….“multitasking-lady“…mainly responsible for „creature comfort“ and „moral support“!! PIC: european PPL/IR plus US-CPL/IR with BFR/IPC February 12 in KFXE electronic helpers: WingX & Fltplan.com /ipad Timing: departure will be July 1st till approx August 12th back in Europe Routing: Switzerland LSZR - Scotland / Wick / EGPC - Reykiavik Island: BIRK - Kulusuk Greenland: BGKK - Nuuk Greenland: BGGH - Frobisher Bay/Iqualit CDN /CYFB - Wabush CDN CYWK - Quebec CDN CYQB Entry USA approx July 13th @ Sault Ste Marie KCIU or KANJ (which one is preferable) or any other advice (eg custom! I know e-apis and decal!) Destinations/Targets in USA - Yellowstone: Cody KCOD or other recommendations - Bryce / Zion / Arches / Grand Canyon: Page KPGA?? Or….? - Tulsa KTUL (approx July 28th) (why Tulsa? Visiting old friends!): 100 hrs service! Maintenance shop?? - Washington DC: airport?? (access to downtown/mall etc!) - New York: Farmingdale KFRG or Teterboro KTEB?? Or…? - And4sure we will try to fly the Hudson incl the Lady! And from New York we’ll be flying back via the fast lane (approx Aug 6th) Goose Bay – Narssarsuaq – Reykiavik –Wick - home Total: 12‘000 NM roundtrip your help is greatly appreciated..... happy landings Heinz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Heinz-- Sounds like a grand adventure! I'm sure you will have a great time. KCOD is a great airport, and not much of a drive in to Yellowstone. Cody itself also has things to see & do. Not having turbo, I flew to Billings and followed the valley south to Cody. It's beautiful, and should remind you of home. Field elevation is 5100 msl and it's close to 8000' in length, no problem even at gross unless you try to depart in the hot part of the day. Local flightseeing is best done early [on the ground again by 1000 local]. There's a nice flight into and around the Park, but we were unable to make it due to a fire & TFR. As far as DC, you won't be able to fly very close. Ross & Seth may have good advice for that portion of your trip. There's an on-line FAA course you'll need to take [and carry the certificate of completion with you] to pass within 60 nm of the DCA VOR, and many special procedures to land within 30 nm; you will not be permitted within 10 nm, which only eliminates three (3) airports. EDIT: There were two FBO's in Cody when I went a couple years ago; we used the one on the left because their lineman was in long pants and reflective vest, with orange wands; the other one had a woman in a t-shirt, waving her hands to get my attention. Also, the field is uncontrolled, but expect airline jet traffic; we departed in front of a 737, waiting at the hold short for clearance on satellite phone. CAUTION: Visibility is superb! Expect 40-50 miles. It was difficult for me to find the field because I was looking past it based on higher humidity at home and how far out I am used to looking with respect to loss of visual acuity. Learn to look 10-15 miles past your cowling, there's no good way to practice having 50 miles visibility. The valley from Billings goes well past Cody and is probably 20-30 miles wide, with 12,000-14,000' peaks on both sides. Expect to see snow cover. Switzerland is probably similar, but with somewhat narrower valleys. Driving time, Cody - Yellowstone is about an hour to the gate, then 30 minutes or more to Yellowstone Lake; Lake to Old Faithful is about an hour. You cannot drive the park in one day unless you stay in the car. Look for traffic jams around all visible large animals [buffalo, elk, moose; you will probably not see bear unless you hike into the back country]. Watch for animals in the roadway, too. It is beautiful! The fishing is great! Bring your fly rod, waders and barbless hooks, and you will have a great time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parker_Woodruff Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I don't know too much about the destinations you'll be visiting here, but when you're in Tulsa you'll be near Don Maxwell Aviation at KGGG...highly regarded MSC, as I'm sure you've read here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooneyMitch Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Hello Heinz. Welcome to the United States. Your trip sounds very interesting and fun. Tulsa, I grew up there in the mid-50's. Have fun there. Another location you may consider is Glacier National Park in Montana. I believe it is our only National Park that has no flight restrictions overhead. If you can do this on a clear day, you will not be disappointed..............breathtaking!! Of course, the ground tour by auto over the Sun Highway through the Park is just incredible! There are two main airports in Kallispel, MT. GPI which is the larger airport, and S27 which is the smaller City airport to the South of the city. For me, S27 is much more fun and accessible than the larger airport. Best to you on your great adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Becca Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Quote: Swissmooney Hi Mooniacs The plans for our trip to the USA are taking shape and I would like to ask for some advice, tipps, infos from this helpfull group concerning preferred airports and some additional infos which you think could help make this trip the adventure of a lifetime We have some specific questions concerning favorable airports at our various destinations like - Which is the best airport concerning o Services (avgas but also rental car etc) o Location in relation to our destination/tourist attraction - Any other recommendation „need to visit“ along our route - Any Mooney gatherings along the route?? - 100 hr maintenance in the Tulsa area: recommended shop?? Airplane: HB-DGL Mooney231 (see pix album) Crew: Edith, my wife is „Co-Pilot“ for the first part of the trip to NY….“multitasking-lady“…mainly responsible for „creature comfort“ and „moral support“!! PIC: european PPL/IR plus US-CPL/IR with BFR/IPC February 12 in KFXE electronic helpers: WingX & Fltplan.com /ipad Timing: departure will be July 1st till approx August 12th back in Europe Routing: Switzerland LSZR - Scotland / Wick / EGPC - Reykiavik Island: BIRK - Kulusuk Greenland: BGKK - Nuuk Greenland: BGGH - Frobisher Bay/Iqualit CDN /CYFB - Wabush CDN CYWK - Quebec CDN CYQB Entry USA approx July 13th @ Sault Ste Marie KCIU or KANJ (which one is preferable) or any other advice (eg custom! I know e-apis and decal!) Destinations/Targets in USA - Yellowstone: Cody KCOD or other recommendations - Bryce / Zion / Arches / Grand Canyon: Page KPGA?? Or….? - Tulsa KTUL (approx July 28th) (why Tulsa? Visiting old friends!): 100 hrs service! Maintenance shop?? - Washington DC: airport?? (access to downtown/mall etc!) - New York: Farmingdale KFRG or Teterboro KTEB?? Or…? - And4sure we will try to fly the Hudson incl the Lady! And from New York we’ll be flying back via the fast lane (approx Aug 6th) Goose Bay – Narssarsuaq – Reykiavik –Wick - home Total: 12‘000 NM roundtrip your help is greatly appreciated..... happy landings Heinz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryP1007 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 One suggestion as you head south out of Canada is to stop at KBHB, Bar Harbor, Maine......a beautiful spot, great airport, and well worth a day strolling the streets of a true new england gem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooneyMitch Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Hi again Heinz. Wow, I should have mentioned this to you in my last post. Consider AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI as a destination! Looks like it's in your time frame. That, for sure, will not be disappointing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMuncy Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 When you get to Tulsa, consider RVS, (Jones Riverside). It is more GA friendly than TUL. Christianson FBO. They can get you a rental car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immelman Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Heinz, What a wonderful itinerary! I have used West Yellowstone (KWYS) airport to visit Yellowstone park. Ground services and rental car were excellent. I suggest reserving a car ahead of time at that location in the summer months. The airport has a wonderful on-field campground if you wish, provided by the state aeronautics division.... complete with bicycles, hot shower, firewood. We had the place to ourselves when we stayed two years ago. Bryce Canyon airport (KBCE) is also a good choice for ground services. We stopped there and decided to drive to Zion national park, which is arguably more impressive than Bryce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrench Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I'd use KANJ it's almost right in town where KCIU is about a 25min drive away from Sault Saint Marie if you plan on anything other than a fuel stop. Also customs is on call from the International Bridge 24/7 a few minutes away from KANJ. I just called customs at SSM and confirmed the below information. Many people like to visit the Soo Locks right in town also. Safe trip and CAVU flying to you. Information Below supplied by AC-U-KWIK http://www.acukwik.com/Customs.aspx?icao=kanj Pilot requesting service should call Customs prior to departing Canada. 1 hour advance notice required. On-call from International Bridge. MP/F:10. Phone 906-632-2631 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjsny78 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I am based at Farmingdale (KFRG) just outside of New York City. It’s about an hour ride on the train and you will be in downtown Manhattan. It’s very convenient. I would love to meet up with you and give whatever assistance I can. Teterboro on the other hand is extremely expensive. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OR75 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I suggest you fly to Sedona, AZ (KSEZ) when you are in the Grand Canyon area. I also suggest you look at www.airnav.com for pireps, fuel prices and info on all airports. Bon voyage ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetdriven Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Heinz: I will talk to my old friend Dan Howard about getting your Mooney serviced while at RVS airport, if you choose to go there. They won't mess you around. I also highly recomment EAA Airventure at OSH if possible. Probably more airplanes parked there at one time than the total of all planes in Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OR75 Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Heinz How does it work on the maintenance side ??? I believe only US certified mechanics can work on N- registered aircrafts (unless it is a certified repair station or a MSC as these work sort of on behalf of the manufacturer). How does it work for HB- registered aircrafts ? I am curious to know. If it works like for N aircrafts, you may have to go to an MSC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaV8or Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Quote: Mitch Hi again Heinz. Wow, I should have mentioned this to you in my last post. Consider AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI as a destination! Looks like it's in your time frame. That, for sure, will not be disappointing!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmigOne Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 * Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmigOne Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Hello Heinz, Great trip you are planning and will be glad to help on the DC leg. My Mooney is hangared in Culpeper, Virginia, about 70 miles south of DC but I live in Vienna, Va about 20 miles SW of DC. DC is easy accesible my subway, about 1/2 hour ride. You could fly to Culpeper and I'd be glad to pick you up and bring you to a hotel near the Vienna or any other nearby subway station. There are plenty of hotels in the area. This assumes that you have already gone thru customs and immigration (probably at Bangor). By the way in case Oshkosh is in your flight plans I am going as well to the fly-in and maybe able to get you accomodations there since my group has not yet used all of its allotment. I can't confirm this now. Like others have commented the DC area airspace is complicated, National Airport is closed to most general aviation flights, Dulles and Baltimore are available if you'd prefer to go this route. Avgas in these airports can be between $3-5/gal higher than the smaller airports that surround DC plus all kinds of parking and handling fees. On the other hand you are probably used to these prices in Europe. Since you'll be on an IFR plan you'll be vectored through the Special FLight Rules Areas and therefore a lot easier but you still will have to learn about it. Instructions and an easy test (you are allowed to answer each question until you get it right!!) are available in the AOPA website. If you rather stay north of DC, I would suggest to land at Frederick in Maryland, a nice airport (AOPA headquarters is located there) about 50 miles from DC with plenty of parking space and which will keep you totally out of the SFRA but the test must be completed anyways because the airport is within the 60 or so miles from the center of DC. I would be glad to pick you up out there as well. Feel free to contact me directly. Regards, Jose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissmooney Posted April 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Hey you are just an incredible group...!!! many thanks for the wealth of information and we'll take the eastertime to sift thru all the proposals to finesse our plan... MANY MANY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE AND INFOS Hank: many thanks for your insights Parker woodruff and jetdriven and OR75 for the info concerning maintenance: I will check on the legal side! Mitch: for the advice re Kalispell (I visited it many moons ago and it is definitely on the wishlist again) and I lived in Tulsa 1980-1984 working for HILTI! Becca: for Sedona and DC Area and I sure do hope, that you enjoyed switzerland a bit?! Don Muncy: thank you very much for the offer concerning maintenance RVS...I will definitely consider it and will get in touch with you pm (during my stay in Tulsa I flew out of RVS with Arlan Nutt's FBO and Deanna Robertson and George Delap's Geronimo) Immelmann: for the Info concerning Yellowstone and Bryce...looking very much forward to! flyingwrench: for the confirmation of KANJ and the info CBP pisny78: thank you very much for your generous offer and I will contact you via pm DaV8or: yes Oshkosh is always on my mind....have seen it several times but never with own plane...but the itinerary is a bit off...however I will reconsider it...now that you mentionned it!! AmigOne: thanks for the generous offer and advice and I will certainly contact you by pm Thanks again for the input Kind regards, happy landigs and happy easter Heinz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonMuncy Posted April 5, 2012 Report Share Posted April 5, 2012 Heinz, Recheck the responses you received. I reccommended RVS, but have no real knowledge about maintenance there. I live in Dallas, but if you get down this far,look me up. Don Muncy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaV8or Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 Quote: Swissmooney DaV8or: yes Oshkosh is always on my mind....have seen it several times but never with own plane...but the itinerary is a bit off...however I will reconsider it...now that you mentionned it!! Heinz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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