Anybody in the North East heading to TX for Xmax?

[Ted]

It looks like I'm going to be heading down to San Antonio, TX for Christmas. I then looked at the flight prices and thought "Geez, for that price I might as well fly the 172."

Of course, I can't see the club being thrilled with that idea, nor can I see my instructor signing me off for a solo cross country to Texas.

But, that got me to thinking - I wonder if anybody from here was planning on flying their plane down that direction and might have room for another passenger? Just thought I'd see, as it would be a whole lot more fun than commercial.

 

[Nav8tor]

Have you tried either of these sites?

http://www.pilotsharetheride.com

or

http://www.safetypilotclub.com

 

[Ted]

No! I will have a look. Thanks!

 

[AuntPeggy]

Hubby & I are flying from NY to Tulsa. That'd leave you 100 or more miles from your destination.

 

[Ted]

Ooh! That might work. See PM.

 

[AuntPeggy]

Ooh! That might work. See PM.

We could stop at IPT. Exact route not set yet. How does this look?

We're thinking about leaving Saturday as early as possible & returning on Wednesday as early as possible. If you want to drive up on Tuesday, I can coax one of the kids to find you a bed (or sofa) for the night. Of course, weather can change all those plans. How much do you weigh (with coat and bags)? Hubby asked me to find out if you are instrument rated, but with 25 hours, I guess you're not.

Here's a peek at our first cross-country trip. http://auntpeggy.home.att.net/CATrek/CATrek1.html We've had many more since then.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I *might* be heading down to Houston for Xmas. You're welcome to tag along if I do. Might even be able to swap with Peggy along the way.

 

[Ted]

We could stop at IPT. Exact route not set yet. How does this look?

That would be ideal. Your schedule (Saturday to Wednesday) is also what I was planning on doing if I flew commercial, so that works out great. I would just have to arrange my rental car, which is no big deal. Where in Tulsa would we be landing?

We're thinking about leaving Saturday as early as possible & returning on Wednesday as early as possible. If you want to drive up on Tuesday, I can coax one of the kids to find you a bed (or sofa) for the night.

Hmm. That I would have to figure out. Might leave that open.

Of course, weather can change all those plans. How much do you weigh (with coat and bags)?

Right, plan on the weather potentially causing delays. If nothing else, I know plenty of people along that route. The Terre Haute International Airport in Terre Haute, Indiana is my old stomping grounds.

Last I was on a scale I weigh in at about 150 lbs. Figure probably an extra 50 lbs of luggage with presents, but I may also just mail the presents.

Hubby asked me to find out if you are instrument rated, but with 25 hours, I guess you're not.

I got my ratings before I had the required hours! (or knowledge) No, sorry, I'm not instrument rated. I am more than glad to do some of the flyingbut unless one of you is a CFI... I'm also plenty content to just watch what's going on.

Here's a peek at our first cross-country trip. http://auntpeggy.home.att.net/CATrek/CATrek1.html We've had many more since then.

That looks fun! This would definitely be my longest trip to date. I spent 6.5 hours in a plane when we flew the Aztec to Maine and back (3 hours home were with me flying dual received).

 

[Ted]

I *might* be heading down to Houston for Xmas. You're welcome to tag along if I do. Might even be able to swap with Peggy along the way.

Kent, that might work even better, seeing as Houston is significantly closer than Tulsa. Only thing there is it looks like you're in Madison, WI, so getting together in the first place looks like it might pose a challenge. What's your schedule? Might work out to get part of the way with Peggy and part of the way with you. Even more fun!

 

[JasonCT]

Ted make sure you travel with a camera!

Obligatory pics and all.

 

[Ted]

Ted make sure you travel with a camera!

Obligatory pics and all.

I never go on a flight without.

 

[t0r0nad0]

Kent, you better give me a call if you come down to Houston. Though, I will be in PHX from the 22nd thru the 25th, then on to LA where I jump on a boat for a cruise till the 3rd. But, if you come down before the 22nd, let me know!

 

[colomtnflyer]

Kent- drop me a note if you are going to be in the HOU area... I may or may not be around. It's possible I will be in Colorado from the 26th - Jan2.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Kent, that might work even better, seeing as Houston is significantly closer than Tulsa. Only thing there is it looks like you're in Madison, WI, so getting together in the first place looks like it might pose a challenge. What's your schedule? Might work out to get part of the way with Peggy and part of the way with you. Even more fun!

That's what I was thinking, if the schedule works. Of course, I don't even know if I'm going down there for sure yet. PJ and Ric, I'll let ya know if I do. If I'm flying, we'll have to meet up with the Dallas crew for a $100 burger somewhere.

 

[Ted]

That's what I was thinking, if the schedule works. Of course, I don't even know if I'm going down there for sure yet. PJ and Ric, I'll let ya know if I do. If I'm flying, we'll have to meet up with the Dallas crew for a $100 burger somewhere.

Well, if this does work out, that would be excellent. It seems like either way I'll be pretty well set. When do you figure you'll know if you're heading down?

 

[SCCutler]

That's what I was thinking, if the schedule works. Of course, I don't even know if I'm going down there for sure yet. PJ and Ric, I'll let ya know if I do. If I'm flying, we'll have to meet up with the Dallas crew for a $100 burger somewhere.

Sounds more bueno to me. FYI, we'll be leaving Christmas day, return 29th.

 

[AuntPeggy]

That would be ideal. Your schedule (Saturday to Wednesday) is also what I was planning on doing if I flew commercial, so that works out great. I would just have to arrange my rental car, which is no big deal. Where in Tulsa would we be landing?

We fly into RVS, which is across the river from my son's house. He leaves a pickup truck at the FBO for us.

Right, plan on the weather potentially causing delays. If nothing else, I know plenty of people along that route. The Terre Haute International Airport in Terre Haute, Indiana is my old stomping grounds.

Last I was on a scale I weigh in at about 150 lbs. Figure probably an extra 50 lbs of luggage with presents, but I may also just mail the presents.

That will work. If necessary, we'll put the heaviest items on the floor in back since we have a 120lb. limit for the cargo area. But weight has never been a real problem even at Christmas.

That looks fun! This would definitely be my longest trip to date. I spent 6.5 hours in a plane when we flew the Aztec to Maine and back (3 hours home were with me flying dual received).

The flight to Tulsa from IPT will be about 10 hours. The return trip will be slightly less. If the weather is good, you'll get a chance to fly.

 

[Ted]

All sounding excellent.

As another option, if you wanted to get a head start and divide up the flying time some, you'd also be welcome to fly to IPT the night before (or spend the night on the way back) and stay at my house. I've got plenty of room and you could tie the plane down by my flying club. Just another thought if it helps any.

 

[AuntPeggy]

All sounding excellent.

As another option, if you wanted to get a head start and divide up the flying time some, you'd also be welcome to fly to IPT the night before (or spend the night on the way back) and stay at my house. I've got plenty of room and you could tie the plane down by my flying club. Just another thought if it helps any.

Absolutely, yes. We would love to stay with you on Friday night to get a jump on the trip. On the return, there won't be much leeway for stopping, but we certainly want to visit you (and Lycoming) in the future.

Hubby gave me some comments:

Note to Ted:

1. I am not a CFI, but I have played one. You will not be able to log PIC time but, weather permitting, you can get some cross country experience and I can get some teaching experience.

2. I assume you have your own headset. Will you be bringing your own charts? We don't have cell phones. Pack minimum clothes in a soft bag that can be squished into interesting shapes. Remember that all fluids must fit within a one-quart bag (humor). Keep in mind that the back seat of a 172 gets very cold in winter.

3. Plan the trip as if you were going to fly it solo. We may not use it, but it's good practice. There will be a test.

Generally, in cruise we run 2400 RPM for a burn of 7.6 gph and true airspeed of 105k, tanks hold 38g.

Do weight and balance for a standard 172M except that useful load is 950lb dry. We both weigh 185lb, computer is 3lb (front seat), flight bag 5lb (back seat), tools, etc. 15lb and 6lb of clothing (cargo hold). We will also be hauling presents of unknown weight.

Since we don't rent we are concerned with fuel prices and, since many of our flights are not during "business" hours, we look for self-serve. We prefer meals at diners on the field.

4. If you haven't used FSS for a long flight, you should practice getting a briefing so you will be able to judge the safety of an all-day flight.

5. We have a GNS 530. If you are not familiar with it, Garmin has a free simulator download. You should know how it works, at least as far as using the radio and entering a flight plan.

6. We use NavAir on a tablet PC for approach plates and weather. There is a free download you can play with at www.airgator.com. Pilot-not-flying is always in charge of weather and, if needed, briefing the approach. We don't carry paper approach plates any longer. If the weather is bad enough to file IFR, I will be PIC and Peggy will be PNF, but you never know.

7. Standard weather warning: We will make every effort to get to Tulsa but we cannot fly in icing conditions, especially this close to gross. The only thing we can promise is adventure.

D-

 

[Ted]

Absolutely, yes. We would love to stay with you on Friday night to get a jump on the trip. On the return, there won't be much leeway for stopping, but we certainly want to visit you (and Lycoming) in the future.

Alright, so we can plan on Friday you arriving. So long as I know an approximate arrival time I can make sure to be at the airport to pick you up.

Hubby gave me some comments:

Answering:

1) Excellent!

2) I do have my own headset, yes. I only have a New York and Detroit sectional, seeing as I haven't yet had cause to fly out of that range. I will try to see if I can get the rest so I can do a proper flight plan and following along.

3) I'll get on it!

4) I've only used FSS once, and that was for a short flight.

5) This will be my first experience with a GNS530, I will check out the Garmin site. Oddly, I have brief experience with a G1000 (go figure).

6) I'll go play with NavAir

7) Certainly I understand that things may get bad enough that the trip gets cancelled or stopped somewhere along the way. For what it's worth, I do know people in various places along the way who wouldn't mind a short notice visit.

I'm excited!

 

[AuntPeggy]

You can use AirNav to plan the route to some extent. http://www.airnav.com/plan/fuel/ Notice they rank airports by the amount charged for 100LL. You can also check the airports and FBOs on their site to see if they have food and lodging nearby and whether the fuel is self-serve. You can get completing fuel prices from http://www.100ll.com/ by Anywhere Map.

Also, notice you can get an airport diagram to plot the taxiway route to points of interest from either site and also from AOPA.

 

[astanley]

While I'm not going on this trip, and have only been following along, this is why PoA rocks!

Good on 'ya Aunt Peggy, and Ted, make PoA proud with your flight planning...

Cheers,

-Andrew

 

[flyingcheesehead]

Update: Christmas is going to be in TX for sure.

What's not for sure: Whether I'm flying or driving. Driving, I'll get paid $800 or so. Flying will cost $2000 or so. So, I'm hoping to drive but if they can't get me there I'll fly. Downside: This means I won't really know until fairly late in the game whether I'm flying or not. Either way, my window will be fairly short, as I don't have the seniority to get the whole Xmas-New Years week off.

Either way, I'd love to have a PoA fly-in somewhere in TX, maybe on the 26th?

 

[Ted]

Kent, keep us posted. Late in the game isn't a big deal, at least not from my perspective.

I agree, a PoA fly-in/drive-in would be neat, if it could be arranged.

 

[AuntPeggy]

The oil is changed today, so we don't have to worry about that. Radios functioned perfectly. The air was so cold, the plane didn't want to come down. Just wanted to fly and fly.

 

[SCCutler]

The oil is changed today, so we don't have to worry about that. Radios functioned perfectly. The air was so cold, the plane didn't want to come down. Just wanted to fly and fly.

Happy airplanes are like that; you must treat her well!

 

[Ted]

I'm sorry to have this happen, but I'm going to have to cancel coming along on the trip. My fiancee and I broke up today, after a very unhappy year and a half. I had thought it would last past Christmas and the New Year, but we had a long and nice talk this afternoon, and I left with my ring.

Needless to say I'm not happy about this, but there's no point in me going down to Tulsa/Texas to spend it with my (now) ex-fiancee and her (probably ****ed off at me) family.

Peggy, you and hubby are still more than welcome to spend Friday night here if you would like. Just let me know if you still want to. You're also plenty welcome to stop by anytime and I'll give you a tour of the Lycoming factory. I'll be heading to New York to spend Christmas with my friends (mom's in Belgium for Christmas, and I don't want to go to Virginia to see my relatives), so I'll just leave Saturday after dropping you two off at the airport if you want to do that, otherwise I'll leave Friday after work. It's not putting me out at all - I'll just need to know.

Odd weekend it's been. But thank you for all your efforts, and the fact that you would have been willing to fly me down. Hopefully on another, happier occasion we can go for a flight like that.

 

[sba55]

Either way, I'd love to have a PoA fly-in somewhere in TX, maybe on the 26th?

I'd be all for that. Would fly down from California if that actually happened....only problem is that it seems like most folks will be gone on the 26th...

Ted. I'm terribly sorry to hear about what happened! Feel better!

-Felix

 

[Ted]

Ted. I'm terribly sorry to hear about what happened! Feel better!

Thanks, Felix. It was a long time coming. I'm sorry it came to this (after all, at one point in my life I was ready to spend the rest of my life with this girl) but it was the right deicision.

Besides, after I sell the ring and truck I gave her, I'll have enough for a nice down payment on an airplane!

 

[AuntPeggy]

I'm sorry to have this happen, but I'm going to have to cancel coming along on the trip. My fiancee and I broke up today, after a very unhappy year and a half. I had thought it would last past Christmas and the New Year, but we had a long and nice talk this afternoon, and I left with my ring.

Sorry to hear of the break up. I wish you the best. Maybe you'll find someone else who makes you as happy as Hubby has made me.

Hubby is asleep, so I cannot answer whether he'd like to stop there on Friday. It sounds like a great idea, but would put you out.

 

[AWACSEng]

Well, at least now you don't have to buy a twin just to haul the ball and chain around. It sucks, but you'll be ok.

 

[Ted]

Sorry to hear of the break up. I wish you the best. Maybe you'll find someone else who makes you as happy as Hubby has made me.

Indeed, that is the hope. Either way, I'm 23. I figure I've got some time left.

Hubby is asleep, so I cannot answer whether he'd like to stop there on Friday. It sounds like a great idea, but would put you out.

I bought my house with more bedrooms than I need so people can visit. It really isn't a problem a all. Besides, I'm not in any rush to get to New York for Christmas.

Oh, and I still want a twin. Now it's just more affordable!

 

[Missa]

but would put you out.

It wouldn't put him out & I'd stick around Williamsport Fri night too and have dinner. It's much better to meet new freind/have dinner with far away freinds then it is to drive out of town a night early!

Also, Ted.. if you can't find other friends in NYC to spend x-mas with you are alway welcome to spend a nutsoid x-mas with Shane & I.

Missa

 

[Ted]

It wouldn't put him out

How generous of you to volunteer my hospitality!

She is correct, though. Two of my bedrooms remain unused about 95% of the time. I really only use maybe half of the house regularly. I bought it with intentions that at present won't happen for a lot longer than originally expected.

I'd stick around Williamsport Fri night too and have dinner. It's much better to meet new freind/have dinner with far away freinds then it is to drive out of town a night early!

Agreed. We could all get together for an enjoyable dinner. I, for one, would certainly have fun. Besides, if I left Friday night I still wouldn't get to New York until late and would just call it an early evening. If I leave Saturday morning after dropping you two off at the airport (I'm sure you'll want to get an early start anyway), I'll get there about the right time to find some of my friends and have a good time. Really, don't feel like you're putting me out any. I bought the house so I could have visitors.

We also have a few other pilot folk around here who may want to join if we go out for dinner. No matter what, it will be an enjoyable evening all around if you two decide to stay.

I'm sure you're traveling with your tie-down straps, but make sure you have them and we can get you tied down outside the club hangar overnight. Saves you the cost of the FBO.

Also, Ted.. if you can't find other friends in NYC to spend x-mas with you are alway welcome to spend a nutsoid x-mas with Shane & I.

Thanks, that does mean a lot to me. I've already gotten several invitations from a few folks in New York (news travels fast...), so I think I'll just head there and mooch off of all of them. This will include seeing some friends I haven't seen in a long while, so I'm confident it will be a fun time.

 

[t0r0nad0]

Ted, I'm really sorry to hear about you and your fiancee. But, it does sound like it was the right thing and it happened at the right time (meaning, before you two actually tied the knot). At 23, you've got plenty of time to find the right person to spend your life with.

 

[AuntPeggy]

We're going to plan on stopping to visit with you on that Friday. We'd love to have dinner and shoot the breeze. Usually if we leave on Friday, Hubby picks me up around 3:00 or 4:00 and we shoot for a 5:00 or 6:00 departure time. Adding an hour and a half for the flight, that would be 6:30 or 7:30 at Williamsport.

We always carry tie-down ropes, but we'll be sure to have them handy.

Turns out we will carrying a chain-saw with us to Tulsa and who knows what else.

Take care.

 

[Ted]

Excellent! I look forward to meeting you two. Missa and I will see who else we can round up for dinner.

6:30-7:30 arrival is fine. I normally leave work at around 4, so really anytime after that is fine. My cell phone is 812-243-2585. If you could call me before you take off, then that will give me enough notice to make sure I'm at the airport on time.

The FBO here is "DeGol," if you want to fill up after you land as opposed to before you take off. After you fill up (or if you want to come straight to the club hangar), just tell them you want to taxi to Textron. I will wait for you there.

 

[Ken Ibold]

Indeed, that is the hope. Either way, I'm 23. I figure I've got some time left.

Ted, I sympathize with your "loss," but I have to say that at 23 you got no business getting married anyway. Go figure out who YOU are first, and then find someone who goes along with that. At your age you should be shopping, not buying (so to speak). I thought of getting married at 23, and to think now about being married to said person gives me the willies. In my late 20s it clicked with me who I was and what I wanted out of life. THEN I was ready to make that commitment.

 

[wsuffa]

Ted, I sympathize with your "loss," but I have to say that at 23 you got no business getting married anyway. Go figure out who YOU are first, and then find someone who goes along with that. At your age you should be shopping, not buying (so to speak). I thought of getting married at 23, and to think now about being married to said person gives me the willies. In my late 20s it clicked with me who I was and what I wanted out of life. THEN I was ready to make that commitment.

Some of us refer to our first marriage as the "practice marriage"....

Practice enough times, you usually get it right....

 

[astanley]

Some of us refer to our first marriage as the "practice marriage"....

Practice enough times, you usually get it right....

I gotta stop hanging out with you guys... you scare me

Cheers,

-Andrew