Routing from KSAT to KDED and back

[rainman]

I' m currently planning my first IFR trip from San Antonio to Deland Florida. My plan is to fly V198 to

KCEW (Crestview Fla) for a fuel/bladder/dinner with a friend stop, then V198-V295 to Ocala and vectors to Deland. My real question is the return trip to San Antonio. I've been told that V198 is usually for east bound routes and I will likely be routed north when westbound V222-V212.? If that's true I'll do my westbound fuel stop at Hattiesburg (KHBG). I know many of you fly back and forth often, so I'm interested in what your experience will be. Ray

[FloridaMan]

When I fly that way, i try stop at GGG for fuel, just in case my plane needs something. IFR is a good way to go for getting in and out of CEW. The airspace is complicated and make sure you don't pick the wrong airport. I looked at a plane there before I bought my Mooney last year and there were bulletins all over the lounge cautioning pilots about mis-identifying one of the military airports for KCEW. 

 

Also, if you're in actual IMC coming into KDED, be wary of pilots and student pilots flying intentional VFR in IMC. There seems to be a lot of that in the area because of the congested training space outside of Jacksonville. Monitor CTAF and make frequent calls. The controllers don't always know if it's IMC in the area so make sure you tell them too -- even if you're on an IFR flight plan, they sometimes assume it's VMC. 

[moodychief]

Meridian, MS and Defuniak Springs have the best prices on fuel. At Meridian they also have complimentary hot dogs, waffles, nachos, soft serve ice cream, fruit and a Starbucks coffee machine.

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

My yearly flights from Saint Augustine, FL to Longview, TX (most recently this weekend) have always included a stop in Meridian. Best FBO around. +1 KMEI

[rainman]

Thanks for the input. Longview is a bit farther north than San Antonio, but we'll see what shakes out. If I stop in Meridian I'll already be pretty far north. A friend and I stopped in Hattiesburg on the way west a few years ago so that may work as well. Ray

[jetdriven]

54J Defuniak Springs is definately a good stop for cheap gas. They will loan you a 1987 Crown Vic to go to the hamburger stand. This restaurant, inside and the clientele look just like that midnight restaurant scene in Urban Cowboy,  minus Wes kicking Bud's ass in the parking lot