Can-US XC

[FenderManDan]

CYKZ-KAPF (Naples, Florida cca 2100 km/1132 nm)

Did anybody here try to do it in C-172 or similar speed bug smasher?
What is approximate time frame given that there are no mechanical or weather delays?
How many legs and days (fuel and rest stops) did you plan?

Thanks for the info

[Deltawidget]

I Did it in a Piper a few months back, IFR. Toronto to Marathon, FL (KMTH). Air time with no wind is about 12 hours @95KTAS. Naples will be around 11.

Cleared customs in KBUF ($5 at Prior Aviation)

Each leg was about 3 hours. One fuel stop to stretch the legs, followed by a 2 hour food stop was basically what we planned. Don't drink too much water obviously.

With two pilots, you can do it in a day if you file IFR. VFR is far more work and one day would be pushing it.

Are you flying VFR or IFR?

[Aviatard]

Flitestar says something like this:

Straight line distance about 1080 nm.

CYKZ -> KBUF Buffalo 62 nm 0:32 (Clear customs)
KBUF -> KMTV Blue Ridge 383 nm 3:56
KMTV -> KFHB Fernandina 368 nm 3:59
KFHB -> KAPF Naples 268 nm 2:50

Assuming an hour stop for food and fuel, that's about 12 hours of flying and a 15 hour day. Of course your winds will vary. It's doable but you'll be tired. That's if you have the weather to go VFR.

[Colonel Sanders]

Free advice: even if the wx lets you, if you are a low-time pilot don't try to fly that in one day.

If you do, you're going to be really tired, probably arriving at night at an unfamiliar airport. I can't think of a better receipe for an accident, except if you toss some wx into the mix.

It funny how people who wouldn't think of flying after drinking one beer after lunch, will think nothing of flying tired, hungry and exhausted, decreasing their performance far more than one lousy beer.

This may sound weird, but a big help on long days in aircraft like this, is an ANR headset. Really reduces the fatigue and headache.

[PostmasterGeneral]

I've done a few of the "15 hour" XC's back when I was building time for my commercial. My advice, do it in two days. Trying to do it in one leaves you exhausted, your passengers bored, and builds a sense of "get-there-itis" if you plan to do it in two days, you'll be much better rested and able to "enjoy the ride" instead of just the destination. Plus, the more stops you make, you'll get to see some fantastic little airports and stuff.

[1000islander]

I did the Ont-Fl x-cty a few years ago and would love to do it again. My advice, [like postmaster], is make the most of it and plan some side trips...nobody says you have to fly a straight line..check out some museums [Air and Space Museum,Kermit Weeks collection, Daytona Speedway,Cape Canaveral..] attractions along the way.Have fun and take your time.