off topic, if you knew how, would you fly a single engine plane?

3 times a week? especially going over the ocean at 7000-9000 feet? at what point would you consider any danger doing so? no jokes please.

No. But then again it depends on what kind of plane it is. Its range, fuel capacity, cruising speed, passengers, avionics, auto pilot or not and what not. There are people who do fly into the EAA in Oshkosh, WI every year from around the world in single engine planes, mostly experimentals too but they take a more land based route. Everytime i think single engine i either think Cesna 172 or F-16's. What kind of plane are you questioning? harrY

Aliya was my favorite star! waz

Ok, i just saw the 'no jokes pls'.. Seriously, I lived in lagos nigeria for 13yrs and the last three I had to take a plane once a week back and forth to different cities within the country.. Planes varied in size and type.. The most frightening is they were at least 20 to 30yrs old and mostly rejects of east european countries (even the labels were in russian or the like..).. I 'suffered' two forced landing, a cancelled take-off on a runway, an engine failure *out of two*, and many cancellations of flights due to 'malfunctions'.. I remember once i was boarding a plane from ground and the engine gave out the biggest puff of white smoke and an explosive sound.. I returned home that day, ppl still boarded! I guess i've taken some 200 flights during those years.. It's all about luck and fate?! Wael

Statistically you need to worry more about a twin that can not fly on a single engine. All your modern twins are required to be able to fly on one engine or they will not be certified in the US. Not so some of the older ones. How big is the ocean?? What kind of plane. What is the WX? What about alternates??? Need more INFO, Please.

I consider hot air balloon the safest way for trans-atlantic trips... no such thing as a thread with no jokes

I have flown a single engine (Citabria) over water from the mainland to Catalina Island on numerous occasions. Altitude is nice so that if the engine quits you have time to squawk "7700" on your transponder and get on the radio and tell someone of your predicament. I carry a "Spare Air" on overwater trips along with flotation gear. Since the Citabria is fixed gear, there's a good chance you'll go upside down once in the water. Either way, you pretty much have to let the cabin fill before getting out because you can't exit due to the inrushing water. The Spare Air gives me a couple cubic feet of breathable air to hold me until the water stops rushing in. Haven't had to use it yet.....

Flying safely is all about becoming and staying a safe pilot. The tragedies like John Kennedy Jr. were preventable and I believe every private pilot immediately knew why he died in his airplane. Flying at night over the ocean leads to spatial disorientation. He was killed by his "gotta get there-itus" which is a leading cause of accidents. Consider getting your ticket if you live in an area where VFR (visual flight rules) prevail. You must fly 10 hours every month to remain sharp. You must have a way to get home when the weather prevents you from flying. In the USA the history of the aircraft you are flying is readily available. Maintain your aircraft as if your life depended upon it. Sell your Porsche, you're gonna need the money to spend on your aircraft habit.

Yep. Kennedy's situation was complicated by not only night over water but flight into deteriorating weather conditions. Night over water on a bright night with a defined horizon is manageable VFR, but when things get murky school's out. His first mistake was taking off given the deteriorating weather at his destination and along the route. Strike two was not making a prompt 180 when things got worse and getting the mainland lights/horizon back on the nose. Strike three was not recognizing the aircraft had apparently entered a spiral (from the n-taps of the flight) and rolling wings level before pulling. The last strike was in the water.

VFR into Instrument meteorological Conditions, a sure way to get yourself killed. don't think you are invincable! Going to Catalina airport at approx 7500 ft will be ok, at midpoint you will be able to glide back to mainland with a few feet to spare. Engine out glide in a Cessna is about 9:1. Great ratio. Just don't climb until you have cleared the class Bravo over Torrance. Being dangerous, I don't think so as long as solid ground is in sight. The only thing I would worry about is other traffic (aircraft). Keep your head out the cockpit as much as possible, even if your not a pilot and extra pair of eyes are a great help. Steve Private Pilot Airplane Single and Multi-engine Land & Sea

Like the old indian chief said...... "Me know how, just need chance" Sold our C210 about ten years ago.

This is excellent perspective from AOPA (Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association) web site: "The fact remains that the GA accident rate is 60% lower than it was in 1970," continued Landsberg. "The numbers also should serve as a reminder that good decision making and maintaining adequate piloting skills is the best strategy for safe flights." Words to live by. Randy

Love that Velocity kit but has anyone done one with a turbine??

Members are allowed to request "no jokes please" Non-members takes their chances