VFR from Tucson, AZ to Windsor, Ont. Need help.

[Rudder Bug]

Hello to all,

I will have to ferry a Taylorcraft F-21 from Tucson to Windsor shortly. I've never been there and have no clue of what to expect so far - I just got the call. If some of you have any information, hints, tips and tricks, such as the best VFR routing, good places for overnight, etc., this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

RB

[stef]

It's been about 13 years since I flew VFR in the USA, but I always found VFR flight following very helpful.

Have a good trip. Sounds like fun as long as you're not under too much time pressure and can wait for really good weather.

[chipmunk]

I ferried a Chipmunk VFR from Ottawa to Southern California last summer, and did an overnight in Tucson on the way.

Routing was
Syracuse/Erie/Franklin OH/Indy Exec/
St Louis Exec/Joplin/
Wiley Post OK/Lubbock/Pecos TX/
El Paso/Tucson

The El Paso to Tucson leg was actually not planned to do as a single leg but ended up with great winds. I stayed within gliding distance of Highway 10 and that ended up being a great routing... I'd called ahead to KDMN to see if they had oil and the folks there were really nice, so I'd expect it would be a good spot if necessary. There are other airports along that route as well, just in case (KLRU, KLSB, E95.)

As far as details about the other routes - I was initially a little concerned with terrain between Pecos and El Paso, but there are lots of roads and flat areas... I chose Pecos as an overnight only because the folks that run the airport there are awesome, they have free burritos, hangar space if necessary and will give you the old airport car. There's also some amazing Mexican restaurants (if you love horchata, go here.)

The other stops were pretty good; Franklin, OH is a little on the quiet side and I wouldn't really recommend it for an overnight but it was a good quick fuel stop. Indy Exec (TYQ) is a great overnight (they'll give you the airport car too) and so was Joplin, however that was before the big tornado this year. Call ahead for sure.

Any other questions, send me a note! Should be an awesome trip, enjoy!

[Rudder Bug]

Thanks guys!

Stef: The o'l lady is freaking out big time, thinking I won't make it back in time for Xmas (and I do Santa Claus again). Go figure, but maybe she's got good intuition. I might have to put it on a hold it until Jan 2nd. Hohoho!

Chipmunk,

Thanks very much for the info. I will look it up carefully. Expect some PM's from me soon!

RB

[Beefitarian]

If it's no bother keep it in here so I can read it. I'm quite interested even if I can't go on the trip.

[Rudder Bug]

Beef,

If I do it, I will gladly post photos, clues and stories in this thread.

RB

[sheephunter]

Rudder Bug, do you need a passenger? Sounds like a nice trip.

[tonyhunt]

Did a similar trip in the Husky.

Follow the highway instead of the airway from Tucson to San Simon, then El Paso. Don't have to get up as high. Leave early in the morning. After PIO (Pinon NM) it's all downhill.

Tucson V202 San Simon V198 El Paso V280 MMB (Mitbee) V12 ANX (Napoleon) V424 MCM V586 UIN (Quincy) V50 SPI (Spinner) V233 LFD (Litchfield) - then your prefered route around Detroit?

[Beefitarian]

Thanks Rudder bug. I was excited when you started the thread because these can be interesting discussions. I have not flown to the US in 17 years or so.

Rudder Bug, do you need a passenger? Sounds like a nice trip.

Rats, I knew I should have asked that. I'm next in line after sheephunter.

[Rudder Bug]

Good Lord; we'll need a trailer and a side car on the two-seater!

I am sorry I'm not ferrying an airliner; already got 84 requests.

Thanks for the leads!

RB

[ScudRunner]

in Tucson hit this restaurant up its the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US and A

http://www.elcharrocafe.com/

try the Carne Seca

[DanWEC]

Hey, I can't say much about enroute, but CYQG is a piece of cake. 9000' foot runway. Almost no traffic. Just contact the tower somewhere around 100nm out and they will be ready and eager for you. It's like a a huge flying club strip.
If you want info on local eats or a place to stay pm/email me and I'd be glad to help.

[Durango skywagon]

Hey RB-

Feel free to plan a stop for the night in Durango, CO at 00C. I've got a warm hangar with an apartment that you could crash in, and Durango's a cool spot to visit.

Let me know, your welcome anytime.

-Brad

[sheephunter]

OK, 84 ehh. Well, I'll take the 400 miles from Tucson - Durango

[Rudder Bug]

Brad and Sheep,

I will try to arrange my routing for it, it would be really nice to meet. You'll find my accent funny - cause it apparently is.

Brad, what's your local airport ident, just to see how it fits my route?

Looks like I'll fly down there just after Christmas, around the 27th, wx permitting.

Thanks bunches Chipmunk, I logged in and will read your blog.

RB

[Durango skywagon]

Hi RB-

The identifier is 00C, Animas Airpark, it is a few miles from the bigger municipal airport KDRO.

Its not totally on your way, and it means you'll need to cut a bit south afterward for an easy route over the rocks. But it is a cool spot, and you are welcome. I'll be working up at the ski area you could even come up and make some turns.

Check it out on the map and let me know, I'll be around that week.

-Brad

[Rudder Bug]

Hi RB-

The identifier is 00C, Animas Airpark, it is a few miles from the bigger municipal airport KDRO.

Its not totally on your way, and it means you'll need to cut a bit south afterward for an easy route over the rocks. But it is a cool spot, and you are welcome. I'll be working up at the ski area you could even come up and make some turns.

Check it out on the map and let me know, I'll be around that week.

-Brad

Brad,

I think it's well worth the dog leg, if any. I've never been through your rocks and your advice about flying your patch is solid gold to me.

I would phone you once in Tucson, what about that?

Thanks very much again.

Gilles

[Cap'n P8]

in Tucson hit this restaurant up its the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US and A

http://www.elcharrocafe.com/

try the Carne Seca

Hey .., how're things? I brought the wife with me the next time down to KTUS. She really enjoyed El Charro as well, thanks for the tip! If you get a chance next time you're down there you should try "Lil Abners" northwest of town. Very good BBQ!

[ScudRunner]

unfortunately recurrent is in Wichita this round so no carne seca for me, anyone got any suggestions for ICT?

[Airtids]

unfortunately recurrent is in Wichita this round so no carne seca for me, anyone got any suggestions for ICT?

Stayed at the Hilton, right at the airport, walk to FS. They will do a box lunch for you and deliver to the lunchroom on campus. VERY easy on the perDiems!!

Had a good meal and a few pops at Emmerson Bigguns (get it!!? ) in town, and had a fantastic meal at this great aviation themed restaurant right out by the airport (can't remember the name, but they've got the nose section from a Boxcar embedded in the building). Also, if you get a chance, try lunch at the Cessna factory cafeteria- FANTASTIC!!

Generally found I was too busy during the program, but the last night out was always fun!

Just as I get it all sussed, off to DFW for sim this year...

[Durango skywagon]

Hey RB-

Sounds like a plan. Call me at 970-946-7630 when you know your plans.

Brad

[karachifoods]

Rudder Bug, do you need a passenger? Sounds like a nice trip.

yeah i also thing so.