VFR PHL to 5B6

Guy Elden Jr wrote:
Just be on your toes and don't miss a radio call from them, as
things can get _very_ hectic in short order.

Amen. About 25 years ago I missed a call or two while doing Caldwell to
KHPN. I got a tongue lashing that took a few years to forget. I blame
it partially on poor audio. I wasn't wearing a headset at the time -
they were far from in universal use.

But the NY Controllers are great. The controllers who can do the high
density stuff, seem to thrive on it. Making it all work may be the
reward. All you have to do is hold up your end of the bargain and tell
them what you want, hear what they are saying, and do what you commit to
do. Drop the ball, and it takes about 2 of those NY seconds to let you
know.

It's funny how time and experience change things. A tongue lashing from
a controller wouldn't bother me much now. Doing something stupid or
dangerous in front of other pilots would.

George Patterson wrote:
RNR wrote:

My question is this: is it unreasonable (or unsafe) to consider flying
over the New York Bravo? That would make my trip much more direct.

Quite reasonable -- I've done it a few times. Another solution is to fly up the
Hudson at 900' to just past the northern tip of Manhattan island, climb to
1,400', turn right, and fly along the northern shore of Long Island sound.
That's the way I went up the last time I flew up there.

Personally, I would approach Newark airspace at something like 2500' or more and
contact Newark ATC as soon as practical. Try to get clearance through the
class-B (can't hurt). If that's denied, I would drop down and shoot the Hudson
corridor.

The corridor is great but next to a narrow pass through the Rocky
Mountains I can't imagine a more intimidating place for a first-timer.
Even when you do it properly it's hard to believe it's really legal.
But it's also something no pilot should miss doing at least once.

-cwk.

On 27 Jul 2005 12:38:36 -0700, wrote:



George Patterson wrote:
RNR wrote:

My question is this: is it unreasonable (or unsafe) to consider flying
over the New York Bravo? That would make my trip much more direct.

Quite reasonable -- I've done it a few times. Another solution is to fly up the
Hudson at 900' to just past the northern tip of Manhattan island, climb to
1,400', turn right, and fly along the northern shore of Long Island sound.
That's the way I went up the last time I flew up there.

Personally, I would approach Newark airspace at something like 2500' or more and
contact Newark ATC as soon as practical. Try to get clearance through the
class-B (can't hurt). If that's denied, I would drop down and shoot the Hudson
corridor.

The corridor is great but next to a narrow pass through the Rocky
Mountains I can't imagine a more intimidating place for a first-timer.
Even when you do it properly it's hard to believe it's really legal.
But it's also something no pilot should miss doing at least once.

-cwk.

I've flown the corridor before and it is magnificent. You described
my feelings perfectly. I had difficulty believing that what I was
doing was actually legal. I recommend that trip to everyone. Just
study the TAC first.
Rich Russell

I have often flown that route. If you are doing it VFR, include Colts Neck
VOR in your trip and as you approach the VOR give NYApproach a call on
124.75 (I think) Ask them for 3500' through Class Bravo to Calverton. They
will likely accommodate you if they are not too busy. The view is great!
Good luck!

On Thu, 28 Jul 2005 08:00:02 -0400, "William Snow"
wrote:

I have often flown that route. If you are doing it VFR, include Colts Neck
VOR in your trip and as you approach the VOR give NYApproach a call on
124.75 (I think) Ask them for 3500' through Class Bravo to Calverton. They
will likely accommodate you if they are not too busy. The view is great!
Good luck!

Thanks, I'll try that.
Rich Russell

RNR wrote:

but I'm not too proud to admit that I'm a little
intimidated about talking to those rapid-fire New York controllers.

Get over this, and talk to them. They're people too, you know, and
typically as helpful as circumstances permit. I was once overflying
Manhattan (VFR, showing off to a "tourist") with an LGA controller working
only me.

One option for you involves staying low and flying one of the "corridors".
There's an official exclusion zone which you can take up the Hudson and
never be speaking to anyone (which I see you've flown before). That's an
option for you heading to the north.

There's an unofficial corridor at 1000 and below along the Garden State
Parkway. I've been told that this is because of traffic reporters, but I
don't know. I've used this a few times to cut through. Of course, you do
need to be speaking to them (you'll actually be speaking to EWR) for this.

You can fly north to, and then over, CDW at something like 3500 (or perhaps
above). I've done that a few times too.

Or you can sneak under the shelf south of JFK, and then overfly LI and the
LI Sound. That's not my favorite idea, however.

Watching on RADAR, I see a lot of traffic heading up the Hudson w/in the
class B. You could try to request that at some reasonable altitude, for
another option.

Or, you could just overfly while getting advisories.

It doesn't hurt to ask, and to try different options if one isn't available.
And several of these options aren't even something you'd have to request at
all. But I do recommend talking to ATC. I do that whenever I can, even if
just out for some chandelles and such. An extra pair of eyes is never a
bad thing. And the more you do this, the easier it'll get.

- Andrew

RNR wrote:

IÂ*hadÂ*difficultyÂ*believingÂ*thatÂ*whatÂ*IÂ*was
doing was actually legal.Â*Â*IÂ*recommendÂ*thatÂ*tripÂ*toÂ*everyone.

It is just that much fun. I too recommend it.

- Andrew