Star Keeper
Pre-takeoff checklist
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2021
- Messages
- 124
- Display Name
Display name:
Star Keeper
My longest cross country flight to date is in the books. I stretched out of my comfort zone a bit and for the most part didn't run into too many issues. The flight was between ORL and OPF with the trip down along the coast and the trip back more direct going under the west side Orlando Class B. I set up VFR flight plans and picked up flight following from the ground on the way south. Unlike previous experiences I was handed off between each area vs dropping radar services between control centers. While traversing Palm Beach the controller called for a decent to 500. I asked if that low of an altitude was necessary and he offered me 1 mile off shore at or below 1,000 so we took in some beach scenery. Other than that it was uneventful and I worked on developing my radio listening abilities to spot my calls while still being able to hold a conversation with passengers.
OPF tower was closed when we departed so I had to pick up the flight following in the air on the way back. We ended up taking off around 6:15AM instead of staying later due to predicted wind increases as the day went on. Even at 6am winds were around 14knts but straight down the runway. Enroute we ended up with a maximum of 26 knots of tailwind which felt awesome and had a few wisps of clouds at 3500 to dodge with no real issues. The lack of perspective with regard to the clouds is amazing. You plan on flying just under that tiny cloud in front of you only to realize that its a massive cloud 10 miles in front of you.
On the way into Orlando Exec I was surprised by how much the wind died down at 250ft agl. I went from a significant crab angle to almost nothing.
Next big trip is in May to Atlanta. Either Fulton County or Peachtree Dekalb. I haven't decided yet.
OPF tower was closed when we departed so I had to pick up the flight following in the air on the way back. We ended up taking off around 6:15AM instead of staying later due to predicted wind increases as the day went on. Even at 6am winds were around 14knts but straight down the runway. Enroute we ended up with a maximum of 26 knots of tailwind which felt awesome and had a few wisps of clouds at 3500 to dodge with no real issues. The lack of perspective with regard to the clouds is amazing. You plan on flying just under that tiny cloud in front of you only to realize that its a massive cloud 10 miles in front of you.
On the way into Orlando Exec I was surprised by how much the wind died down at 250ft agl. I went from a significant crab angle to almost nothing.
Next big trip is in May to Atlanta. Either Fulton County or Peachtree Dekalb. I haven't decided yet.
