Ferry Aircraft Across Atlantic

[buckdanny]

IDpilot, check your PM...

 

[sky37d]

a person i know does it twice a year, in his plane. AOPA has a good section on it, and SPORTY'S has DVD or video on it.

 

[Rick1128]

Having done the North Atlantic several times in GA aircraft. It really is not a big deal. You want excitement, go work for Southern Cross. YOur first trip is most likely a 172 to Australia. 30 hours from SFO to Honolulu, single pilot/single engine. Now that is sporting.

The biggest things for the North Atlantic is Weather, Weather and the Weather. It changes rapidly. Some of your fule stops have very high weather minimums. You will have to have an HF radio. You can go the ferry kit model, or the ferry pilot's special, which is a Yeaseu HF Ham radio. You will need a GPS, And I would carry a handheld as a backup. A satellite phone is also a good extra to have. Get a trip kit early and study the front tabs of the binder. There is a great deal of excellent information there.

Don't be in a hurry. Wait until conditions are right. I would also plan on leaving my enroute stops early enough so that I will arrive at my destination for the day with lots of day light left.

Other than that enjoy the trip.

 

[huncowboy]

My gounrd CFI for multi just showed me a few mpegs and pictures. They flew a C206 from France to somewhere in the USA. 40+ hours. Lots of prep and he had a blast.

 

[bocefus]

North Atlantic Ferry

I have made a couple of these trips, as posted earlier, weather is everything. You must also be very proficient in NDB procedures, these are the only approaches available along your route. HF radio is no longer required, Sat phone is acceptable and a whole lot better. They are now much more affordable to rent for the trip. You will need a Immersion suit, survival gear, life raft, etc. The Canadian CAA used to have a mandatory inspection prior to departing, they looked at the airplane, your flight planning, reserves, equipment, etc. This is no longer mandatory but they do spot checks on occasion. Insurance is the show stopper for most people, I doubt that you will find a company to cover you on a solo crossing for the first time. The stats are 1 in 200 don't make it and a lot of those were experienced, high time pilots. When you get to Greenland the walls of the Ops shack is plastered with crashed airplanes, but most are never found. Your destination in Europe or wherever your final is will determine whether you take the Most Northern, Middle, or Southern route. The Northern route is for those aircraft with the least amount of range. Check your PM, I could rant forever on this. Good Luck!

 

[IDpilot]

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[NW_Pilot]

In my opinion you have little to gain and much to lose. It's not worth it unless you're an adrenaline junkie.

The problem with us adrenaline junkie's is we build a tollerance to our adrenaline....


Hello, My name is Steven I am an adrenaline addict!

 

[QueensPilot]

ID Pilot:
You may want to PM a guy who is occasionally on these boards - screename is Nikoz1200. I think he did 40 crossings in 2 years. If possible, PM me with what info you get, because I would love to eventually ferry as well. But def PM Nikoz1200, I did and he gave me some basic info.