Flight school teaches how to to navigate long distances, ensure the weather will suitable for your flight, how to divert in case of an emergency, and how to manage fatigue while flying.
However, if you are planning a multi day trip across the country there are a few other things you need to know: What FBO to use?, how to pick a suitable hotel for your over night stay, and other tips to ensure you wont have to spend a night stranded someplace. Here are some lessons I’ve learned that could save you headaches and money on your next adventure.
Planning Fuel Stops
Saving Time
The longer you spend in the air at cruising speeds, the more distance you can travel in a day. Let’s assume the following:
- Time for circuit entry: 12 minutes.
- Taxi time: 5 minutes.
- Self-Serve Fuelling: 20 minutes
- Taxi time: 5 min
- Departure/time to get back on course: 5 mintues.
A fuel stop will cost you 42 minutes. At a ground speed of 140kts, that’s 97 miles of extra distance you can cover. Airplanes that can go faster, usually have bigger fuel tanks to fill too! Personally, I like to get a little more done during a fuel stop by adding an extra 20 minutes.
Take this opportunity to hit the bathroom and grab a bite to eat, all while a full service FBO will fuel your airplane for you. This way you will have the energy and empty bladder to maximize your time in the air for the next leg.
Saving Money
Don’t be so focused on going out of your way to get cheaper fuel. Figure out what the “sweet spot” for you will be when it comes to the difference in fuel prices.
For example, my PA32 can hold 84 gallons / 317 litres of fuel. Unless there is a nearby airport along my route with $0.75 USD/g ($0.35 CAD/L) or less cheaper fuel, I wont make the diversion.
At best: filling up my tanks would be a savings of ~$65 USD/stop or $105 CAD/stop. You will never be running your tanks dry, so your savings will be even less.
For those of you flying in Canada. Watch out. Most posted prices on ForeFlight and at the pump do not include sales tax.
Finding a Place To Stay
Sometimes the cheapest hotel is not the best option. One thing you will have to consider is the cost of transportation to/from the airport and hotel. Whether it’s a taxi or an Uber, you will need to fold that cost into the cost of staying the night.
I have been bitten a few times finding a decent hotel for $80/night. But taking an Uber from the airport cost me $50/each way. That’s an extra $100 on top of your night in a “cheap” hotel.
Take advantage of the Uber Price Estimator to get a rough idea of what transportation costs will be. You can also use this tool to see if Uber is even available in the city you’re planning on spending the night.
If the hotel is close by, and it’s near the end of the night. The FBO may allow you to keep the crew car over night (or even give you a ride to the hotel!). It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Maximizing Time In The Air
Thankfully I’ve only ever had to use the “pee bottle” once. When planning a long cross country, I try not to drink anything else other than a small coffee before departing. However, if you’re comfortable, bringing your “pee bottle” of choice can save you a lot of time by not having to land just to pee. But if you do, you might as well refuel as well.
With Plane Jane’s fuel endurance of almost 6 hours in the air. It’s usually my hunger that forces me to land. I don’t drink anything while in the air. But I do usually eat items that have a high water content to stay hydrated. Carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber, and dip work well. A sandwich with protein in it to fill me up (like turkey, ham, or peanut butter).
To combat boredom while in cruise, I like to keep my self occupied. Filling out the Journey Log with details from the previous legs or listening to music usually help.
Always Have a Plan “B”
Your first airport of choice to refuel at or spend the night may not be suitable last minute. They may run out of fuel after you checked NOTAMs or the only hotel in town may have no vacancy.
If you come across an airport that is closed. Check for signs that have phone numbers to taxis or hotels near the entrance. In the above example, you see the code for the bathrooms, so you wont need to find a corner to take a leak or pop a squat.
