I'm looking into possibility of making a transatlantic flight from US, through Canada, to the UK and back in August 2018 for the adventure. I'd like to discuss this with anyone that has actually done it. I know many ferry pilots make a living doing this, but I'm more interested in discussing with non-ferry PPLs that have done it VFR because their experiences would be more similar to my own. But, of course hearing from pros is always helpful.
Plan is to buy a 172N, maybe with 180 HP conversion, add some decent avionics, plus HF radio, add a 30+ gal back seat area aviation fuel bladder. Get all the recommended survival gear with training (raft, immersion suit...).
The likely route is CYYR - BGBW - BIKF - EGPC. I'd start in Seattle, fly cross US, probably up through Maine into Canada onto CYYR, then wait for favorable weather and winds. Reverse the trip in about 7 days.
For one thing, I'm looking for first-hand experience with the various govt agencies. I've flown into Canada several times, so am familiar with standard border crossing, but how do you apply for transatlantic? How about the Greenland, Iceland and UK agencies - what's generally involved? What involvement, over a standard crossing, if any, is the US CBP involved?
I know about the difficulty, people say, in getting aviation insurance - how did you handle this? Do some, maybe all, agencies require SAR insurance or bonds?
Any special problems in getting an aviation approved fuel bladder installed? Will an FAA form 337 get it done, or is an STC'ed bladder required? What's approx cost for the A&P hours? Can bladder be removed by owner, or by A&P only?
Since this is a one-time adventure trip, are there any opportunities to rent any of the special gear, such as fuel bladder, or raft? I've actually seen raft rentals in the back of some aviation magazines, which is why I ask.
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Bob
Plan is to buy a 172N, maybe with 180 HP conversion, add some decent avionics, plus HF radio, add a 30+ gal back seat area aviation fuel bladder. Get all the recommended survival gear with training (raft, immersion suit...).
The likely route is CYYR - BGBW - BIKF - EGPC. I'd start in Seattle, fly cross US, probably up through Maine into Canada onto CYYR, then wait for favorable weather and winds. Reverse the trip in about 7 days.
For one thing, I'm looking for first-hand experience with the various govt agencies. I've flown into Canada several times, so am familiar with standard border crossing, but how do you apply for transatlantic? How about the Greenland, Iceland and UK agencies - what's generally involved? What involvement, over a standard crossing, if any, is the US CBP involved?
I know about the difficulty, people say, in getting aviation insurance - how did you handle this? Do some, maybe all, agencies require SAR insurance or bonds?
Any special problems in getting an aviation approved fuel bladder installed? Will an FAA form 337 get it done, or is an STC'ed bladder required? What's approx cost for the A&P hours? Can bladder be removed by owner, or by A&P only?
Since this is a one-time adventure trip, are there any opportunities to rent any of the special gear, such as fuel bladder, or raft? I've actually seen raft rentals in the back of some aviation magazines, which is why I ask.
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Bob
I hope you do!
Comment