HELP NEEDED! Transatlantic Ferry C172
#21
He might get by with a special flight permit subject to approval by the FAA. Normally it doesn't exceed 20%. This being said, it's suicidal to do it this time of the year. Looks like Boredwlife found this job posted. There is a reason why experienced ferry pilots are not doing it.
#22
I have flown piston aircraft (PA28, PA34, PA31 series aircraft) in icing conditions (unforcast of course) over mountainous terrain not fun. This of course occured when I was younger/stupid/invinceable I cannot imagine it over the water.
Avanti don't do it you are in over your head.
Avanti don't do it you are in over your head.
Last edited by Ski Patrol; 12-22-2008 at 08:10 AM.
#23
Avanti,
I'm sorry that you value your life so little (or are so desperate for $$$ or experience) that you would be willing to take this job.
Take a step back, take a deep breath, and get some more (expert) advice.
I would recommend calling Cessna, and they may be able to refer you to some people that could answer all of your questions.
Hopefully, once informed, you will choose to wait until the summer.
This flight is not for the inexperienced.
Good Luck and be safe.
Nav.
I'm sorry that you value your life so little (or are so desperate for $$$ or experience) that you would be willing to take this job.
Take a step back, take a deep breath, and get some more (expert) advice.
I would recommend calling Cessna, and they may be able to refer you to some people that could answer all of your questions.
Hopefully, once informed, you will choose to wait until the summer.
This flight is not for the inexperienced.
Good Luck and be safe.
Nav.
#24
I am not one to try and talk someone out of a job but you said it your self...
Do you think that maybe the reason that you got this job is you're the only one willing to do it this time of year?
Do you think that maybe the reason that you got this job is you're the only one willing to do it this time of year?
#25
plan B - ever read "fate is the hunted"? if your making this trip you will enjoy it. It's about a transatlantic flight - it was so fun for these guys that there was a book written about it.. Go for it!
Last edited by AviatorAl04; 12-22-2008 at 09:04 AM.
#26
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Posts: 647
How does someone become a ferry pilot? Simple. Fly alongside with a ferry pilot. You would be surprised at how many ferry pilots would take you onboard. You won't be paid and you will have to go through your own expenses. The accepted standard in the industry is 5 crossings before any ferry companies and insurance let you go. You fail to mention one thing. Is the trip insured? I doubt it with your level of experience and again this time of the year. Keep in mind insurance is required as soon as you step foot in Iceland or any other European countries. Fines are heavy.
You reached 1200 total time and it is really good. We all have been there but this is also the point where a lot of pilots feel like they have seen everything aviation can throw at them. The North Atlantic is not a place to learn.
Sorry to be harsh girl but you have to understand and respect the mission. Bottom line, if you are smart, pair up with a ferry pilot and do this trip several times. You will get the same joy out of it. The only difference is you will see everything through the eyes of an experienced ferry pilot who will teach you the do's and don'ts of this trip.
One last note, I am pretty sure you can do this trip with two pilots. You don't need to carry full fuel (175 gallons) with the legs you plan to fly.
You reached 1200 total time and it is really good. We all have been there but this is also the point where a lot of pilots feel like they have seen everything aviation can throw at them. The North Atlantic is not a place to learn.
Sorry to be harsh girl but you have to understand and respect the mission. Bottom line, if you are smart, pair up with a ferry pilot and do this trip several times. You will get the same joy out of it. The only difference is you will see everything through the eyes of an experienced ferry pilot who will teach you the do's and don'ts of this trip.
One last note, I am pretty sure you can do this trip with two pilots. You don't need to carry full fuel (175 gallons) with the legs you plan to fly.
#27
Read my last post not a 172 but similar in size & power. Have you ever had carb ice? If so you would know just how much available power you lose. Throw into the mix ice on the wings and prop an overloaded aircraft and you will be ditching faster than you can say sat phone.
#28
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Posts: 29
I ferried along route A both directions in a King Air 200. I would have serious reservations about the Azores this time of year given possible cross wind issues. There are some back up fields to the west of Lajes (LPLA)--Jepps offers a pretty good transatlantic kit with info on the fields.
Even though we had great winds with the eastward trip, you need to have perfect weather enroute and in the Azores. We nearly got stuck an extra day in Lajes due to a localized system of intense thunderstorms.
Personally I didn't really like ferrying something as small as a King Air across the pond, twice. There isn't enough money in the world to do it in a C172. Some of these ferry operations are suspect. Last year a 50-something year old woman disappeared off the gulf of guinea on the way to Namibia...ferrying a small single engine plane at 7000 feet, at night, over the ocean....where you have some of the worst weather in the world by the way. Apparently the person in charge of this ferry operation wanted to avoid the "hassle" of overflight clearances.
Even though we had great winds with the eastward trip, you need to have perfect weather enroute and in the Azores. We nearly got stuck an extra day in Lajes due to a localized system of intense thunderstorms.
Personally I didn't really like ferrying something as small as a King Air across the pond, twice. There isn't enough money in the world to do it in a C172. Some of these ferry operations are suspect. Last year a 50-something year old woman disappeared off the gulf of guinea on the way to Namibia...ferrying a small single engine plane at 7000 feet, at night, over the ocean....where you have some of the worst weather in the world by the way. Apparently the person in charge of this ferry operation wanted to avoid the "hassle" of overflight clearances.
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: erb
Posts: 646
please listen to my brother DAL. then please do exactly what Ultradrvr said. pretty sure Herc won't mind. if he does (and he won't) we will all find you a plan D.
#30
Ski Patrol thanks for the advice. Yeah, I do think that the only reason I was offered this is because of the time of year, and the fact that its over Christmas/ New Years.
Boredwlife, don't worry thats not what I think (that you want the job so are trying to talk me out of it). Nobody wants this job, hahaha.
By the way, besides the ocean crossing part, the next part of the route would be
The Azores,
Malaga
Malta
Bahrain or Oman
then Dehli.
Can anyone forsee any problems with this route and me being female? What about weather? Anyone flown this part of the route?
Boredwlife, don't worry thats not what I think (that you want the job so are trying to talk me out of it). Nobody wants this job, hahaha.
By the way, besides the ocean crossing part, the next part of the route would be
The Azores,
Malaga
Malta
Bahrain or Oman
then Dehli.
Can anyone forsee any problems with this route and me being female? What about weather? Anyone flown this part of the route?