Ray Andraka wrote:



Any advice from veterans of this area would be appreciated!

If you file 9000' you are going to get the over-water route via MANTA
intersection, which is about 30 miles offshore. File at either 5000 or
7000' for V16 JFK V229 BDR V475. That's what you'll get if you want to
go over NY city IFR.

Returning, you'll only get V16 at 6000', which takes you across LI sound
near the RI-CT border, then down LI over JFK and across the Raritan Bay.

Your only other choices are either the over-water route, or the long way
around via Lake Henry VOR.

I should add that I fly fairly frequently between PVD and Maryland. If
you file something else, you'll get the above routing if you filed 5000
to 7000 feet. If you file lower, you'll get Lancaster - LHY (I forget
the airway number, V93?), V58 HFD. If you file higher, you'll get the
over-water routing via MANTA.

NY departure will often move you up to 7000 if you are at 5 or down to 5
if you are at 7, usually via McGuire approach. They will usually give
you direct Madison when you are near the dogleg in V229. You will not
normally get V16 going North after JFK.

Coming southbound, you will only get 6000' on V16. If you ask for
another altitude, they'll tell you it's 6000 or you take the long way
around, period. Doesn't matter even if you are picking up ice (they may
let you up to 8000 for a bit, but will tell you that they need you back
down at 6 after deer park, and that if you need to stay at 8 they'll
need to send you around the long way, BTDT)

NY departure is usually pretty busy during day and evening hours, but it
isn't bad as long as you are paying attention. IIRC, McGuire will give
you to NY Approach on 124.75 right around DIXIE intersection, then
you'll get 135.9 near the JFK VOR, and then 133.1 as you approach the
dogleg in V229. McGuire Approach can be a real "treat" to work with.
Keep on your toes with them. You'll be talking to McGuire from just
before you get to the Coyle VOR until just past DIXIE.