Seth's 2013 Mad Missile Dash around the USA

[Seth]

Or Seth's Coast to Coast and back flight V2.0!

 

In 2010 I flew my former 1967 M20F model from Maryland out to California and back.  Now it's time for the second United States crossing, this time in my 1983 Mooney M20J Missle 300.

 

For the "Mooney's Above America" - if you are going to be anywhere near my route at the dates indicated, let me know.  The locations I plan to stop at this point are probable - the beauty of having your own decision making process to change a destination as you'd like.  If you see or note any suggestions, please give them to me, as I may very well make the change.

 

This is a basic schedule with flexible times/dates to an extent.  I'm prone to get-there-itis and have learned some lessons along the way.  If the go/no-go decision is a no, or a diversion is needed, so be it.  Therefore, this is schedule is more like "guidlines."

 

 

 

Thursday, May 16th

-Depart home base, Gaitherburg, MD (GAI) around 10:00 AM

-Lunch with colleague - Statesville, NC (SVH)

-Overnight in Atlanta - Peachtree/Dekalb (PDK) - This is where I soloed and finished my flight training.  Staying with a buddy from college.

 

Friday, May 17th

-Quick hop to RYY to meet up with colleage at 9:30, potential quick flight.  He soloed but never finished his license and this may get another pilot back into aviation.

-Lunch in Pell City, AL - St .Clair (PLR).  Another colleage who is a pilot but hasn't flown in a few years.

-Overnight in Dallas - (DAL with Landmark as the FBO - they waive ramp and parking with fuel purchase - whcih I'll need but it's expensive fuel - I'll tank what I can in - my friend lives very close to KDAL and I'm staying the night)

 

Saturday, May 18th - Long Flyng Day (depdning on headwinds, the longest flying day of the trip - 3 hour and 4 hour leg flights)

-Depart Dallas early for Roswell, NM (ROW) to visit the aliens (never been unelss someone else has a better idea)

-After lunch/visiting Roswell, head to San Diego (MYF).  Stay with my little bro.  Mooney stays at MYF

 

Sunday, May 19th - Spend time in San Diego with brother

 

Monday, May 20th and Tuesday, May 21st - Commerical fligth from SAN to DEN and back for work.  I will be availalbe potentially on Tuesday afternoon/evening.

 

Wednesday, May 22nd - Thurday, May 23rd - Conference in San Diego

 

Friday, May 24th - Fly from MYF to probably Santa Monica (SMO).  I've been there once before, and I've always wanted to go to Van Nuys.  I was not happy abou the landing fee, and I know it's been increased, but I also know the airport may be gone as soon as 2015.  It's also closer to where I'm staying.  I'm visiting my sister and her fiance, and my girlfriend is flying out the previous day from DC to visit her friend in Los Angles.  We'll enjoy LA that evening.

 

Saturday, May 25th - Fly my sister, her finance, and my girlfriend potentially (depending on many factors) to Catalina (AVX).  I was there with my sister in 2010, but the others have not been to airport in the sky.  This is stil up in the air (no pun intended) on if we're going to make the trip to Catalina.

-Drop my sister and finance off, and head to wine country - Sonoma. 

 

Saturday, May 25th - Tuesday, May 28th - Sonoma with the girlfriend.  Not quite sure which airport we'll be based at yet.  I've got a few to chose from in the earlier thread I posted (O69, 0Q9, or 0Q3) .  I'm also thinking about flying into SQL - San Carlos, just south of SFO on Saturday and renting a car for Sonoma.  I have to drive my girlfriend back to SFO (because landing there is rediculous - not spending over $100 just to drop her off for less than an hour) and the SQL guys evidnetly do a great detail job (wash/wax) and I could have them do that over the few days I'd be in wine country.  Otherwise, I'm driving down from Sonoma to drop her at SFO or Flying to SQL and putting her in a cab.

 

Tuesday, May 28th

-Drop the lady at SFO (by ground)

-Fly to PDX (maybe) to see a friend or direct to Seattle - Paine (PAE). 

 

Tuesday, May 28th, Wednesday, May 29th, Thursday, May 30th, Friday, May 31st - Spend time in Seattle with family and friends.  See Paul Allen's collection as well as Boeing Factory Tour.

 

Friday, May 31st  - 2nd longest flying day

-Depart Seattle for Minnesota - long day of flying plus losing two hours to time zones. - Need to pick a fuel stop.  Stopped at Boseman, MT, last time and also at Rapid City Falls to see Mt. Rushmore.  Not stopping at Mt. Rushmore this time.

-Arrive Minnesota/St. Paul Lake Elmo (21D) or South St. Paul / Flemming - visit with colleague for dinner

 

Saturday, June 1st - visit with buddy and client in Minneapolis (he's closer to FCM, but I'll rent a car and drive).

-Head to Chicago (MDW or Excecutive) and stay the night OR - fly home.

 

Sunday, June 2nd - Pick up my older brother in Chicago and give him a free ride back to Maryland or simply fly home to GAI Saturday late afternoon/evenning.

 

 

That's the trip!

 

Suggestions:

-RYY - Which FBO?  I haven't reserached yet

-ROW - is Roswell as good stop?  Does anyone want to meet there on Saturday for lunch?

-MYF - Which FBO?

-Wine country - Which airport or leave the plane at SQL and rent a car, let plane get detailed, and drive into wine country

-Fuel stop from Seatlle to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

 

 

Let me know if any of these times/stops make sense for any meet ups.  Last time I racked up around 40-44 hours of flight time.  I expect to do this trip in under 29-33.  I have O2 for a tailwind push on the way back and am in a faster plane with extended tanks and an autopilot.  Last time I hand flew the whole thing.

 

 

Recap:

 

TH May 16 - GAI - SVH - PDK

F May 17 - PDK - RYY - PLR - DAL

S May 18 - DAL - ROW - MYF

 

F May 24 - MYF - SMO/VNY

S May 25 - SMO/VNY - AVX - SMO/VNY - Wine Country (O69/0Q9/0Q3 OR SQL and drive)

T May 28 - Wine Country (O69/0Q9/0Q3 OR SQL) - PDX (mabye) - PAE

 

F May 31 - PAE - REFUEL - 21D/SGS

S June 1 - 21D/SGS - MDW/PWK (or right to GAI)

S June 2 - MDW/PWK - GAI (unless I fly home the night before)

 

On the flight back from Minnesota I can also plan to stop somewhere enroute for a bit or rest and meet up with anyone.

 

I'll update this thread as part of the Mad Missile Dash.

 

-Seth

[kmyfm20s]

Cool,sounds like fun. I will keep an eye out for you at KMYF!

[Seth]

Crown Air or Gibbs at MYF?

[FlyDave]

Seth,

 

I live 1 mile SW of DVO and keep my airplane at O69. Let me know when you'll be up this way - I'd like to see your plane and maybe the four of us can go out for a drink. I'll IM you my contact info.

 

Dave

[smccray]

Sounds like a fun trip.

 

I should be around Dallas this week, but we have plans with my inlaws who are in town visiting for an event.  If you run into any problems in town send me an email- my username "at" gmail.com.  I'll be at Addison on Friday mid day.

 

If you're looking for alternatives in Dallas let me know.  If it were me I would look at stopping at KSWI and buy some $4.50 fuel instead of $7.50 fuel at KDAL.  Not sure what ramp fees are at DAL vs. Addison, but Addison isn't inconvenient, even for someone who lives near love field.  Alternatively, I'd look at Ambassador at KRBD- better fuel price and zero ramp fees, but not as convenient.

 

Scott

[Marauder]

I'm tired just reading your itinerary!

[carusoam]

Sounds like fun!

A Missle flying east. Get pictures of your record breaking ground speeds.

Good luck and Best regards,

-a-

[kmyfm20s]

Gibbs is most likely slightly less expensive but I don't know the difference in cost. Crownair is nicer and is a Mooney service center if something happens to show up on your flight. I would go with Crownair but call and check on the fees, also my hanger is across from them so I can easily keep an eye on your plane for you. Marv's pilot supply is also an easy walk if you want to pick up any gadgets.

[Dave Marten]

Seth,

 

I've flown TX-CA many times in my 231. KROW is not a good stop for you. The R-5107 Complex (White Sands) is right in your way and WILL be active. Stay south of R5107C for a more direct shot west to San Diego. Consider KDAL-EWM-K5T6-SSO-GBN-BZA-KMYF. Should take you about 3+15 at 160KGS to 5T6 and then another 3+15 to San Diego.

 

K5T6 - Francis Aviation is a fine FBO. There is also a great air museum on the field if you want to stretch your legs. http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/

 

Alternatively, you can stop at KDMN - Deming, NM. Friendly folks and good fuel price (about same as 5T6)

 

Have a good flight!

[Seth]

Sounds like a fun trip.

 

I should be around Dallas this week, but we have plans with my inlaws who are in town visiting for an event.  If you run into any problems in town send me an email- my username "at" gmail.com.  I'll be at Addison on Friday mid day.

 

If you're looking for alternatives in Dallas let me know.  If it were me I would look at stopping at KSWI and buy some $4.50 fuel instead of $7.50 fuel at KDAL.  Not sure what ramp fees are at DAL vs. Addison, but Addison isn't inconvenient, even for someone who lives near love field.  Alternatively, I'd look at Ambassador at KRBD- better fuel price and zero ramp fees, but not as convenient.

 

Scott

 

That makes a ton of sense.  Thank's Scott.  Landmark at DAL wiaves your parking and ramp fee with a 7 gallon purchase.  I can nearly top off my tanks (98 gallon capacity at $4.50 per gallon) at SWI and then head to DAL.  With a time zone change, time planning shouldn't be a factor either.

 

Thanks,

 

-Seth

[Seth]

Gibbs is most likely slightly less expensive but I don't know the difference in cost. Crownair is nicer and is a Mooney service center if something happens to show up on your flight. I would go with Crownair but call and check on the fees, also my hanger is across from them so I can easily keep an eye on your plane for you. Marv's pilot supply is also an easy walk if you want to pick up any gadgets.

I'll call ahead - thanks for the offer of watching over the plane - also, good to know Crownair is an MSC and thus familiar with Mooneys.

 

-Seth

[Seth]

Seth,

 

I've flown TX-CA many times in my 231. KROW is not a good stop for you. The R-5107 Complex (White Sands) is right in your way and WILL be active. Stay south of R5107C for a more direct shot west to San Diego. Consider KDAL-EWM-K5T6-SSO-GBN-BZA-KMYF. Should take you about 3+15 at 160KGS to 5T6 and then another 3+15 to San Diego.

 

K5T6 - Francis Aviation is a fine FBO. There is also a great air museum on the field if you want to stretch your legs. http://www.war-eagles-air-museum.com/

 

Alternatively, you can stop at KDMN - Deming, NM. Friendly folks and good fuel price (about same as 5T6)

 

Have a good flight!

 

Dave-

 

Thank you so much for this suggestion.  ROW was a big maybe, and FT6 looks like its a great field, with better fuel prices, a better direct line, and a nice avaition museum.  I'll make that change in my trip itenerary.  The musueam has 22 of the aircraft in airworth condition.  I'm curious which of them are not flying.  Thanks again.

 

-Seth

[Seth]

Sounds like fun!

A Missle flying east. Get pictures of your record breaking ground speeds.

Good luck and Best regards,

-a-

 

Good point!   I also have supplemental O2 now so on the way back I'm going to climb up and get some tailwinds.  I will make sure to get pics of the groundspeed in the "sweet spot" of 8,000 to 12,000 feet.  I plan to cruise on the way back in the 12,000 to 17,999 range depending on winds and weather.

 

-Seth

 

-Seth

[KSMooniac]

KSWI is definitely the best fuel stop in the DFW area.  Fortunately it is right on my frequent route and I always tank-up when in the area.

Sounds like a great adventure!  I haven't taken a long trip in a couple of years now and am looking forward to a Wichita-Delaware-Maine excursion this summer.

[Smiles201]

Pass on Roswell. Try to hit the air museam in Liberal KS to see interesting early mooney (culver v), right on field, or ones in tucson or phoenix. Coolest airport is sedona az, on top of mesa, land on 3, takeoff on 21.

[rainman]

Seth, Dave's right, skip Roswell. I fly San Antonio to Albuquerque frequently so I know the airports in between....just in case.

[Seth]

Day one complete. Getting out of DC was neat, as I requested and received the Dulles East Side Transition to avoid weather in the northwest area of the SFRA.

Topped off in Statesville (SVH) where you get a discount to top off. I took 68 gallons (5.15ppg).

It was great to return to PDK where I finished off my training in 2004.

Tomorrow is a stop in Alabama and then Texas for the night.

[Marauder]

Looks like you had nice Wx there. Always loved Peachtree...

[Seth]

Made it to Dallas today later than expected after a great lunch in Pell City, Alabama.

In Sherman, TX I filled up 75 gallons at $4.50 per gallon vs $7.10 at DAL - that's some savings.

[Seth]

Correction, $7.83 at KDAL - well worth the fuel stop

[aviatoreb]

Oh boy Seth - what fun!

 

As I am sitting here at the gate in Pheonix waiting for a short flight to Salt Lake City - I am dreaming of my rocket that I left back home.  I think you got it right and I got it wrong.

 

Hey - if you end up stopping at all in Salt Lake City on that Monday run from San Diego to Denver - tell me and I will pop over to the airport and say hi!

[Seth]

Made it to San Diego. The stop in 5T6, New Mexico just past El Paso, TX was well worth it. The War Eagles museum has some great aircraft and nice layout. Great cars too.

I flew at 16,000 feet to get above the bumps today and understand why people love their turbos. The Missile did fine, but I understand the Rocket. I used my supplemental air both yesterday and today, and oxygen really does keep you refreshed. You are way less fatigued after a flight.

Erik - I'm taking commercial to Dever for work - otherwise I'd catch up with you.

No more personal flights until Friday. And I'm at Crown air at MYF.

[RocketAviator]

Sorry I was at the airport 5T6 most of the day yesterday, that is my home base.  If I had known you were going to drop by would have tried to meet up.  Hope you have a great trip.  Ever get this way again let me know.  I would like to do something like you are doing someday.... bucket list...

Lacee

[kmyfm20s]

Your plane looks safe and sound, Good looking Mooney!

[Seth]

Thank you! When leaving from MYF this late morning, I met another new Mooney 231 owner who was passing through as well. I told him about Mooney Space and hopefully he'll be in here soon.

Flight from San Diego to Los Angeles was easy. I ended up at SMO even though the city doesn't want the airport there anymore. I know landing fees were just voted doubled so without get googling it, I'm curious as to when that will take effect. I also wonder if this is the last time I'll ever land at SMO as the airport is in danger of closing due to developers wanting the land and paying off to city councel (unsubstantiated, just my opinion).

I leave tomorrow for wine country. Will leave the plane and SQL for a wash and wax and will rent a car to drive to wine country.

-Seth