GA cross-country pilot seeking advice

[S5pilot]

(While reading this, please remember Im a GA pilot with a GA aircraft, and not commercial)

I've been planning in the back of my head a little cross country trip to the Maritimes and Newfoundland sometime this winter. I've been to both during the summer and really enjoyed, so I thought about giving it a go in the winter.

Im thinking about doing a through-Maine to New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and into Newfoundland trip, with a return about the same way.

For any pilots operating in those regions, or anyone who's flown the Maritimes in winter, what can I expect? Whats the weather like, what are the runways like (ie: plowing), is Newfoundland any harder to get into in winter than it is in summer? Any extra advice?

Thanks a bunch,
S5pilot

[Guido]

I can offer only a question - I've never flown out that way in the winter.

Is this single engine? And how high can you fly across that bit between Cape Breton and Newfoundland...? that's an awful lot of cold water down there...

[S5pilot]

Yea, its a single engine. I know. Flying over water, especially in winter is a two-part crazy one-part stupid. Or maybe the other way around. Weather depending, I fly as high as I can, until I hit service ceiling around 13K Its a 57nm stretch of water. And I've the glide ratio of an aerodynamic rock. Theres no way I can remain in gliding distance the entire way.

[Invertago]

Ensure you have a winter kit installed or with you to install. Expenses will be way more in winter (hangers, de-ice etc, weather delays = more hotel stays) Dress warm in case you get stuck outside somewhere. Know your weather and check it throughly always. Call ahead to small airports / operators at small airports to check rwy plowing in advance. Even if it is plowed consider a field inspection prior to landing because drifts can form with in minutes after a plow has gone by. During flight, listen to all available atis enroute to keep tabs on weather around you and rwy conditions at potential alternate airports. Keep more then just the VFR mins fuel reserves because you may arrive to a runway that is covered in snow drifts and the next clear one may be an hour away. As for NFLD, can't give much input to that provience, but keep in mind if you go south, you may have to remove the winter kit / gear then reinstall it for when you head into colder areas. If you have wing covers you may save some hanger costs. Watch out for icing and consider taking the icing course online at http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/courses.html

Other handy gear would be a small electric heater and long extension cord, you can preheat your engine (slow process) at a small airport. If you go in a warm hanger to deice, a old towel can help wipe the wings dry so the water doesn't refreeze when you leave the hanger. Thats all I can think of at the moment, if you stick to larger airports it can be easier as FBO's can help you a lot.

[classified]

you may also want to consider going up the Quebec shore to Blanc-Sablon and crossing over to St. Anthony since the distance over water is much shorter. You also have airports in Blanc Sablon and St. Anthony with fuel and services. The small runways in NL are cleared by the NL gov't dept. of highways and are usually cleared pretty reasonably, however if it does snow they are not priority the highways get done first. Any other questions you can pm me if you wish...Good Luck and be safe

[Luscombe]

I agree. If you really want to go to Newf this time of year, I think I would opt for the Blanc-Sablon to St Anthony. Both are great airports, friendly folks etc... and it makes the idea of open water single-engine flying a whole lot easier.

Our region does get a lot of bad press on the weather channel at this time of year (for good reason). If you plan on making it a 1 week trip, take 3 weeks off work. I say this because you might find yourself stuck due to a Nor' Easter coming by and making life real interesting.

Atlantic Canada is a great spot to fly around any time of the year, just make sure that you are prepared to spend more time than originally planned, and more money than originally planned as well. Most of all, have fun.

[S5pilot]

Thanks for the advice and the icing link. I'll consider going up the Quebec coast this time. I had considered it previously but opted not to because of the extra flying time. True St-Andrews is a pain, I had to land there and fuel up from jerry cans I store on board.

I didnt know who took care of clearing the airstrips in NLF, all I know is that google maps (in satellite view) showed plowed runways heh. If I make the trip, Im hoping to stop in at Gander for the majority of the time, and make trips to Fogo island. It truely was an awesome sight last summer *tear* I miss it.

[Sparrow FOOF]

You may want to check out the local area weather manuals on Nav Canadas site.

http://www.navcanada.ca/NavCanada.asp?L ... efault.xml

There may be some interesting reading there for you.

Good Luck!