User talk:(WT-en) Justfred/General Aviation Travel

This is the outline for an article about how to travel in small planes, as a private pilot or as a passenger.

Understand

 * Benefits for travellers


 * Cost. Standard small aircraft cost somewhere around $100 per hour to operate; the larger, faster and "nicer" the plane, the more it will cost.  These costs rise slightly with more passengers.  Most private pilots are eager to gain "flight hours" and so may be willing to carry passengers who will pay for the use of the aircraft.
 * Speed vs commercial


 * hitching rides with private pilots
 * Weight. Most small aircraft have very strict limitations on weight.  As a passenger, don't be surprised if your pilot asks you to step on a scale!  A Cessna 172 (with a standard amount of fuel), though it has four seats, will accommodate only three adults, or two adults and baggage.  There is a set of calculations for "Weight and Balance" that your pilot should perform to determine the permissable amount of passengers and baggage - this may also affect where baggage is placed.


 * regulations about paying. Most private pilots are not allowed to accept passengers "for hire".  However, they are allowed to accept reimbursement for fuel and airplane rental expenses.


 * international


 * VFR vs IFR

Get In
-solo -getting your licence

-finding a pilot (paying for fuel)

Get around

 * local airports
 * finding airports with Airnav?

See
-Photography

Do
-Upgrading your licence

Buy
-Buying a plane -Accessories; GPS

Eat
-$100 hamburger

Drink
-8 hours bottle-to-throttle

Be Safe
-General Aviation Safety -Homeland Security


 * Flying with a private pilot. Don't bother the pilot when he's flying.  Ask how many hours the pilot has.  You may feel safer if you have had instruction in flying a plane, but never interfere with the pilot.

Get Out

 * Oshkosh EAA AirVenture, last Monday in July through Sunday. A week long aviation event offering seminars, product demonstrations, aircraft tours and daily airshows. One of the largest airshows in the world.


 * Clearlake Seaplane splash-in in September