Ferry Aircraft Across Atlantic

[IDpilot]

I have to ferry a single engine piston across the atlantic in the near future. Does anyone have any info, or now of a website that has info about this. I'm looking for best route, supplies, etc.

Thanks

 

[501261]

Hire a professional!

Seriously, the first time over take someone that's done it a few times and let him show you the ropes.

 

[throttlejockey]

I agree! Hire someone to go with you that has done it before. Do not be a fool!

 

[H82BL8T]

Very Cold Water

IDPilot,

Back in the mid-80s, I used to intercept lots of single engine ferry flights across the Atlantic when the got near Iceland. Usually because they were off course, not in radio contact, or just a little lost. Most pilots were surprised (especially at night) when 2 F-15s showed up on their wing. Weather and winds can change quickly. Plan ahead & be careful! A few of the ferry flights ended up in the Atlantic.

 

[moving2vegas]

ferry flight

I don't know exact stastics but I've read the accident reports. An extended ferry mission (in anything other than a transport catagory plane) over open water is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Here's one of many links to ferry accidents:

http://www.ntsb.gov/NTSB/brief.asp?ev_id=20031230X02101&key=1


The report doesn't say it, but he was a very experienced ferry pilot. I don't know if they are still there, but there is an outfit in Camarillo, CA called southern cross. They offer aircraft ferry services (piloting and ferry tank install) worldwide. They are very experienced. Talk to them and you'll get an idea of what to expect. I agree with all the posts here, take an experienced ferry pilot along. The little money and time you get are not equal to an eternity at the bottom of the Atlantic.

 

[cdog]

Lots of singles are safely ferried across the Atlantic every year. With proper planning and good wx, it isn't dangerous. With GPS, it is real hard to get off track. Depending on where you are taking the airplane though, such as Africa or the M.E. it is often more economical to container it.

 

[JetSpeed219]

pardon my ignorance being a low time pilot, but exactly how do you ferry a single engine plane across the atlantic??

 

[navigator72]

Air vagabond

You ought to read the book "Air Vagabond" it is the true stories of a ferry pilot.
Also check out the site www.Earthrounders.com This is a site about people who fly around the world but you might be able to get some info from someone on the site.

Goodluck and fly safe!

 

[IDpilot]

Thanks for the info Navigator72. It's in a Cirrus SR22. There are many singles that cross the Atlantic every year. I understand that it's not the safest type of flying, I wasn't born yesterday. The flight is going to happen, I'm looking for usefull information on the topic not people who have heard stories from people who have heard stories about someone who died crossing the Atlantic. People die every day flying, it doesn't really concearn me, othwise I probably wouldn't be a professional pilot.

IDpilot

 

[typhoonpilot]

IDpilot:

Years ago there was a series of good articles on ferrying aircraft across the Atlantic in Private Pilot magazine, written by Bill Cox I believe. Don't know if that magazine is still around or if they have a website with links to old articles but it might be worth looking into. AOPA Pilot magazine may have done an article on it as well, but the Private Pilot articles, as I recall, had better information on how to do it yourself.

One tip my dad gave me from his day of flying a B-24 across the Atlantic was that if you have to ditch, try and ditch in front of a ship because it takes too long for them to turn around to come get you. Survival time in water that cold is on the order of 60 seconds.

Good luck,


Typhoonpilot

 

[Illini Pilot]

IDpilot:

Years ago there was a series of good articles on ferrying aircraft across the Atlantic in Private Pilot magazine, written by Bill Cox I believe. Don't know if that magazine is still around or if they have a website with links to old articles but it might be worth looking into. AOPA Pilot magazine may have done an article on it as well, but the Private Pilot articles, as I recall, had better information on how to do it yourself.

One tip my dad gave me from his day of flying a B-24 across the Atlantic was that if you have to ditch, try and ditch in front of a ship because it takes too long for them to turn around to come get you. Survival time in water that cold is on the order of 60 seconds.

Good luck,


Typhoonpilot

guess you gotta find a ship first though

 

[flyboy]

Gee whiz, dude, just put it on a boat.

 

[cezzna]

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

 

[IDpilot]

It's a good thing Lindbergh wasn't as big of **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** 75 years ago as some of you are today. I'm just looking for useful information. And to those of you who actually have useful information, thank you.

 

[typhoonpilot]

IDPilot:

I am tending to agree with your sentiment. I almost can't believe the timidity of some of these posts. Keep doing what you are doing, research the necessary information then prepare yourself and your plane properly and it should be a very enjoyable adventure.

Typhooonpilot

 

[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!