KDYR to (Jack Edwards) KJKA

[TWinter]

I'm planning a short trip from (KDYR) Dyersburg, TN to Gulf Shores (KJKA).  Even though a short XC I have not made this trip before. I'm taking the other half and the folks. I know my M20E will make it without a stop, but being this is the first longer trip for the others I want to make a nice comfort stop someplace along the way for fuel, bathroom break and leg stretch (after all it is a E..LOL).

 

My passengers are not frequent flyers so I really don't want to stress them out by stopping at a controlled field or big busy FBO. Anybody know or suggest a smaller friendly FBO that we can take a quick break. Someplace along the direct route. Flying direct KDYR to KJKA. Any good suggestions of a FBO about half way would be great. Thanks in advance, Tom

[BigTex]

If I was taking that flight, I'd stop at Meridan (KMEA). They have relatively news inexpensive fuel and has some good reviews. I know you wanted a non-controlled field but i actually find flying into a small controlled field less stressful for passengers.

[TWinter]

If I was taking that flight, I'd stop at Meridan (KMEA). They have relatively news inexpensive fuel and has some good reviews. I know you wanted a non-controlled field but i actually find flying into a small controlled field less stressful for passengers.

Cool..thanks, I'll take a look.

[BigTex]

Correction... It's KMEI, no KMEA

[flyby201]

I second Big Tex's suggestion of Meridian. I make a trip from ASG to Panama City once or twice a year and almost always stop at MEI. Cheap fuel, nice people, and they have free chili dogs, ice cream, drinks, waffles, popcorn, etc to snack on. ( there's a lot of military training in the area and they try to lure in those guys with the freebies, but they're there for everybody). Has a tower, but very easy to get in and out of. I think it would be a great place to stop with passengers new to general aviation

[TWinter]

I second Big Tex's suggestion of Meridian. I make a trip from ASG to Panama City once or twice a year and almost always stop at MEI. Cheap fuel, nice people, and they have free chili dogs, ice cream, drinks, waffles, popcorn, etc to snack on. ( there's a lot of military training in the area and they try to lure in those guys with the freebies, but they're there for everybody). Has a tower, but very easy to get in and out of. I think it would be a great place to stop with passengers new to general aviation

Let's think on this. Chili Dogs, four people stuffed inside a M20E for the remaining hour flight to Gulf Shores..Sounds explosive. LOL . Just kidding, could be a nice stop. I'll keep it in mind.   Thanks

[1964-M20E]

This is a good strategy have a planned stop in you back pocket.  I did that the first long trip I made the trip to ORL.  However, try this about 15 minutes from MEI poll your passengers and see if they can make the next hour or if they want/need a break.  They have already made 1.5 hours to MEI they just might be up to the remaining 1 hour of the trip.

[DrRobb]

When I've flown in that area, I stopped at 23M.. Just a bit south of Meridian. Uncontrolled and cheap fuel if I remember correctly.

[PMcClure]

Meridian is a nice stop. I like to take the kids there. They love the ice cream.  A little further to east you can try Shelby County. They usually have the the cheapest  fuel and are real friendly. KEET.