Can I fly the NY VFR corridor w/o a XPNDR?

On Fri, 05 Nov 2004 15:58:19 -0500, Mike wrote:

When I visually identify a reporting point, it's nice to
know my scan included confirmation on the GPS moving map.
I guess I'm just confident in my pilotage skills. I know what the
Statue of Liberty, Entrepid, Empire State building, Washington bridge,
etc. look like, so a GPS wouldn't help me. As you said the more time
outside the better, so I wouldn't waste any time looking at the GPS,
and given the well known visual cues I think you'd be better off not
using one.
I sure don't want to have my head buried in the cockpit
checking the chart while flying down the most crowded VFR
corridor in America.
Agreed, and I add the GPS is just as much of a distraction as a chart
for this trip.

I also looked at some pictures on the
web so I'm better able to recognize landmarks.
Good idea.

I estimated
cruise time between points and noted that on my chart.
We both agree burying your head inside looking at a chart isn't a good
idea, and is why you stated you were using a GPS. Now it seems you'll
use your GPS, cross reference the chart, and look at your timing
device. All to track check points less than a mile apart. Sounds
like an encounter with a helicopter may be in your future.

I jotted down some emergency frequencies and drew some arrows
to the nearest airports at dfferent points along the route
in case of engine trouble.
Always a good idea to plan as many outs as possible. Instead of
having multiple emergency frequencies on hand, just put 121.5 in the
other radio, or other side of the flip flop. If something goes wrong
you hit one button and transmit. At 800 feet you won't have time to
look up a frequency and dial it in, even if it is on a piece of paper.

I drew some course lines with
magnetic heading. I studied the shape of the shoreline and
decided in advance where I'd make each turn and when I'd
climb or descend.
Good to have a plan, but be ready to be flexible. I've only had one
trip up the river go EXACTLY as planned.

Which of those preparations would you
*not* take (in addition to leaving your GPS at home)
simply because, in your humble opinion, navigation by
following the river is a snap?
As already stated, I would not use a GPS, chart times to check points,
make a list of emergency frequencies, use a timer, or plan a rigid
course of events during my time in the corridor. I wouldn't do
anything except look outside vigilantly, and check my altitude and
engine gauges from time to time.


Always do as much as you can in advance, particularly the
first time.
Agreed, although there is such a thing as over planning in some cases.
The flight you are going to take is a perfect example of one.

Use all your assets, keep situational
awareness, keep your options open. Redundancy is a good
thing.
I agree with all but the first one. And the type of redundancy I
would use is another pilot's eyes, not electronic gadgetry.


In all seriousness, if you want to have a fun, and safe trip, minimize
your expectations with regard to equipment use, and bring another
pilot who's only job is to call out traffic. If this is not possible,
try to make the flight early Sunday morning as that is the slowest
time I've seen there. If you go during the week, you will be
literally inundated with helicopter traffic buzzing all over the place
and it can get uncomfortable very quickly. While I have not made the
trip post 9/11, I have done this trip about 20 times. Every one is
different, and I've needed to, "change my shorts" on more than one
occasion since the helicopters have a much different definition of
adequate separation than most fixed wing pilots do. I can't emphasis
enough to keep use of navigation equipment to a minimum, and scanning
for traffic as a priority.

Good luck.
z