First time "Real" cross country

[sdfcvoh]

So.... I've got a lead on a 172 near the east coast that needs flown near the west coast, and the owner happens to be someone I know. I got the call last week.

Anyway, this is really a dumb post: I know what I'm looking for in the plane, I've asked the right questions, and I'm going to (duh!) make sure everything in the maint logs click. I'm confident in making sure that the plane is safe, and without a doubt I know how to plan the x-country. But, all that said....

I'd love some pointers. I've never flown across the country. I've never taken a small aircraft for 4+ days (this will be day VFR) for this long of a flight.

Without pointing out the obvious... I want to insure my own butt on this trip. I'd love to get some pointers from anyone who'd like to chip in on the little stuff you'd be looking for before and during the flight (again without pointing out the obvious).

Jeez. I feel like such a freakin' amateur posting this - but I am - really - 250+ hours just makes me a neutron bomb waiting to explode. I've just gotten my csel, I know the deal, but I want to be safe. This is the first time I'll ever haul a small one across the whole country...

okay - thanks for reading!

[germb747]

I think you'll have the time of your life! Have fun and be especially cautious as every region of the country has it's can of worms, and you'll be in unfamiliar territory. If you can bring someone along to help you pass the time and be an extra set of eyes, you'll be less lonely. Let us know how it goes!

[38bat]

Want some company?

[LoadMasterC141]

I have not been following your flight training thread. Do you have your IFR license? It is likely going to be alot longer than 4+ days if you can only fly that thing VFR.

[sdfcvoh]

Originally Posted by LoadMasterC141

I have not been following your flight training thread. Do you have your IFR license? It is likely going to be alot longer than 4+ days if you can only fly that thing VFR.

I do have my instrument, but the plane isn't IFR certified. So it might end up being a week. I'm heading south with it, so luckily I don't have to cross the rockies. I am psyched about the flight, though. Can't wait!

[LoadMasterC141]

What is it missing for IFR certification?
What does a plane have to have to be IFR "Certified"?

I am being a bit facetious here because certified connotates that a plane must endure some sort of, well, certification process.

[BenWlson]

If you're going to use http://www.airnav.com to search for the cheapest fuel at smaller, remote airports, call the FBO first to verify availability. With fuel prices as high as they are, the smaller FBO's get a lot of business when they've got the cheapest gas in the area, and I've seen them sell out.

[Stone Cold]

Is this a bought airplane being ferried? No matter what, talk to the mechanics...if it's a new airplane, talk to the guys who did the pre-buy. If it's a normal one owned by the individual, then find the normal mechanics. MAKE SURE YOU TALK TO A MECHANIC WHO HAS LOOKED AT THE PLANE.

I took a PA-28-235 from RI to CA and the only reason I did was because the on-field mechanics did the pre-buy on it, so I knew everything about that airplane that I could. As as sidenote, the "rich guy", a student pilot, bought the plane sight unseen on E-Bay. Go figure. That was the longest dual cross country ever. I don't recommend doing it this way, as the guy had no clue how to fly, and tried killing me a few times. That's too long of a flight to keep your guard up the entire time.

As far as the flight itself, I did it exactly like I would an IFR flight (following Victor airways, and letting ATC know I was doing this at VFR altitudes), with flight following the entire way. My advantage was the airplane was IFR certified...I just had a student with me so we went VFR 99% of the time).

A once in a lifetime experience...enjoy the flight.

[HOTDOG]

Originally Posted by sdfcvoh

So.... I've got a lead on a 172 near the east coast that needs flown near the west coast, and the owner happens to be someone I know. I got the call last week.

Anyway, this is really a dumb post: I know what I'm looking for in the plane, I've asked the right questions, and I'm going to (duh!) make sure everything in the maint logs click. I'm confident in making sure that the plane is safe, and without a doubt I know how to plan the x-country. But, all that said....

I'd love some pointers. I've never flown across the country. I've never taken a small aircraft for 4+ days (this will be day VFR) for this long of a flight.

Without pointing out the obvious... I want to insure my own butt on this trip. I'd love to get some pointers from anyone who'd like to chip in on the little stuff you'd be looking for before and during the flight (again without pointing out the obvious).

Jeez. I feel like such a freakin' amateur posting this - but I am - really - 250+ hours just makes me a neutron bomb waiting to explode. I've just gotten my csel, I know the deal, but I want to be safe. This is the first time I'll ever haul a small one across the whole country...

okay - thanks for reading!

That sounds really fun...let us know how it went down.