Pilots! What was your longest cross country flight? Were there any problems?

Question

I and a friend are considering a couple of really long flights. We've been talking to a few "old timers" and we're not worried, but I thought I'd throw this out and see what I get. By the way, we're going to be using a Super Cub, so if you have much experience or advice with that aircraft, please sound off. Thanks.

Answer 1

Manassas, Virginia to DeKalb, Illinois in a Warrior or a Cherokee 235.

Answer 2

My longest cross-country flight was with my Kitfox (a taildragger similar to your Super Cub although much lighter) from Norway to Belgium. The greatest challenge was all the different airspace crossing. But it went very well considering that I had only about 200 hours as a pilot. Next september, I'll fly to France. I already look forward to it. A travel can be experienced three times: When planning it, when doing it and when remembering it. If you're interested here is a PIREP of my Belgian flight with photos:

http://home.online.no/~michel/Belgium

Answer 3

8.7 hours. Saniago, Chile to Cancun, Mexico. Had longer overwater flights but you said cross country. I've flown super cubs but not on that trip.

Answer 4

I try not to fly for more than 3 hours at a time. I like to land, stretch my legs and get some water, etc.

It's very important to stay alert, well hydrated and comfortable.

That is more important - than getting where you are going in less time.... imho.

Answer 5

Sacramento to Sioux Falls, SD.

The most important part to me was weather and allowing myself ample time to deal with it. I checked forecasts well in advance, had plenty of alternates set up, and always erred on the side of caution, allowing myself an extra few days to wait out weather if needed (although it never happened). I also left at day break each day and made my final landing by noon or 1 PM; this was plenty of flying time each day and kept me out of afternoon thunderstorms east of the Rockies.

A Super Cub should do well. I know of one guy who visits our airport regularly from Montana in his SC. Gets him over the hills and around great.

Answer 6

Watch out for headwinds. The Cub's a Great Plane, but groundspeed will suffer with much in the way of headwinds.

And have airports as alternates.  Good planning will always pay off in the end.

Otherwise, enjoy the flight.  Wish I could come along...

Answer 7

First off, I'd highly recommend reading the book "flight of passage", it's about a couple of kids (the pilot was 17 I recall) who fly a Cub across the country.  It's non-fiction and if nothing else should get you excited for flying long distances and talks about the issues that arose for them.

As for the actual flying, it all depends on where you're going and what type of new experiences you're going to have.  Example:  If you're flying from the midwest to the east coast and have done all of your flying in one of those areas, you'll find the weather and terrain to be similar.  The only thing that will be different may be airspace and any new airports.  If you are, however, planning on crossing the rockies for the first time you're going to be dealing with mountain flying-- something you may or may not be familiar with.  Anything that is 'new' to you as a pilot should either be covered by an instructor knowledgable about flying in diverse areas or you should thoroughly research (I'd still recommend paying a CFI for an hour or 2 of their time).  

You'll learn a lot and meet a lot of people.  Make sure your cub is safe (you may want to pay for a 100hr. type of inspection, depending on how often you fly this aircraft-- or a fresh annual.)... take any extra parts you can fit that are hard to get and commonly have problems (the Cubs pretty darn simple, so the only thing that comes to mind is a spare tire).  An aviation GPS is nice, but sure not a requirement.

I've flown across the U.S. numerous times and every time I learn a lot.  It's a lot of fun, but it can be stressful at times dealing with new/challanging airports/situations.  It will make you a better pilot, but make sure and get adequate training in areas that are going to be new to you.

Answer 8

Brownfield, TX to Petersburg, VA in a Pawnee (ag sprayer) to deliver for a buddy of mine.

Two days for weather and had to completely replan in Paris, TX.