Travel Journalist Needs Help

JetHikingGypsy

JetHikingGypsy

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Jun 24, 2012
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JetHikingGypsy
[FONT=&quot]I am a travel writer who is "hitching" rides on private planes across the across US in an effort to visit all 50 states. Right now, I am doing a "trial run" on a few states and then heading to Oshkosh, and after Airventure we will be shooting a television series based on my travels with an emphasis on the aviation community.

In one of the polls on the forum, the majority of you said that you would take a complete stranger if they seemed OK - which is encouraging! I promise I am a very nice person, and you can learn more about my project by going to JetHiking.com. There you will find my goals for the project, blog about the adventure, and a "press section" with clips from news stations, radio stations, and other media outlets that have been covering my journey.

Right now, I am "stuck" in Nashville and seeking a flight heading west (I'm trying to get closer to Des Moines) so I am trying to leave this week.I will be doing this all summer and fall so if you don't mind a passenger tagging along, please let me know where you are headed! Thanks in advance!

Amber Nolan
[email protected].
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Yup. If you're not a guitar picker, you're stuck in Nashville. In fact, there are quite a few pickers who are stuck there as well.

Getting to the 49th state might be a bit difficult, and the 50th could be nigh on impossible unless you can befriend somebody with a G-IV or similar.
 
Shoulda been at the airport with me Thursday, Mitt Romeny and Charles Schwab were there. I figure Mitt would have given you a lift to most states.. :)
 
I've seen your blog. You're going to find that the aviation community is pretty tight knit. I suspect that you're beginning to find out now that your plans will have to be a lot more flexible than you'd originally imagined. Still, it can be an adventure. Best of luck. There will definitely be a story or two for you out there.

My only word of warning is that just because somebody has a pilots license, doesn't mean that he knows how to fly. Every CFI out there has at least 2-3 stories about guys who needed a lot more training than the minimum required to complete their flight reviews. Be careful out there!
 
Should have some fun, I'll be back up flying in a couple months and I run across the country fairly randomly when I'm flying, so keep posted as to where you are. You'll find that if you spend a little extra time participating and learning on this board you'll find plenty of rides. I managed to get relayed across the country from LA to Atlanta in small planes when I returned from Oz a few years ago. You'll find many more people willing to give you a ride if the 'know' you even if it's just through the Internet. Pilots are always looking for an excuse to fly somewhere, but with the costs the way they are now, it has to be a good reason. I noticed on your blog you referred to 'cheap travel' lol. If a hitcher pays their 'per rata' share on most any GA flight with less than 4 people paying, it will be cheaper to buy an airline ticket.
 
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Thanks for the tips. I ended up just taking a bus to St. Louis and now I'm heading to Des Moines. Not sure yet how I'm getting there.
 
Just as an update...I'm in the New England area now. I will be in Boston next week (week of the 20th) and trying to head to VT, NH, and Maine from there..but I don't have to go in any particular direction.
 
JetHikingGypsy said:
Just as an update...I'm in the New England area now. I will be in Boston next week (week of the 20th) and trying to head to VT, NH, and Maine from there..but I don't have to go in any particular direction.
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Are you having any luck with hitching rides in private aircraft?
 
Yes, I am. I've been to 7 or 8 states already but it's not easy. I'm flexible on when and where to go...I usually just have a general direction in mind.
 
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