Logistics
Pre-flight considerations
Weather
Weather is the biggest risk that might cause us to cancel a flight. Though I can't control or predict the weather, I try my best to follow the forecast and communicate my best assessment of whether it's safe to fly. We might be taxiing to the runway when a special weather update is announced that causes us to cancel at the very last minute, so please be understanding if it doesn't work out.
When considering the weather, you have to look at both the big picture and all the small details. It might be clear to the north and really cloudy to the south, so if we had plans to go to Martha's Vineyard perhaps Portland, Maine is a better choice.
Pilot health
If I get sick, I will not be a very safe or effective pilot so we will have to cancel as well.
Plane availability
We can reserve planes same day, but it is much more reliable to book in advance. A plane has to be unreserved and recently maintained--if it's close to 100 hours of engine time we might not be able to fly.
Reservations need to be about 1 hour longer than we plan to have the plane. So for a short 1 hour flight, we'd do 2 hours.
Getting to the airport
I have a car and can drive us to the airport. For maps navigation, search for Hanscom Civil Air Terminal Parking. If we are meeting at the airport, there should be plenty of available parking. Just make sure not to park in the employee section.
Sample itineraries
Short sightseeing flight
3 hour commitment
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30am | Somerville, MA | Drive to the airport |
| 8:00am | Bedford, MA | Arrive at airport, check in, preflight inspection |
| 8:30am | Bedford, MA | Wings up, go fly! |
| 9:30am | Bedford, MA | Land at airport, taxi back to parking |
| 9:45am | Bedford, MA | Return plane, drive home |
| 10:15am | Somerville, MA | End trip |
Evening day trip to Portland
5-7 hour commitment
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30pm | Somerville, MA | Drive to the airport |
| 3:00pm | Bedford, MA | Arrive at airport, check in, preflight inspection |
| 3:30pm | Bedford, MA | Wings up |
| 4:30pm | Portland, ME | Arrive at Portland International, park airplane, check in |
| 5:00pm | Portland, ME | Taxi to downtown, explore Portland |
| 8:00pm | Portland, ME | Latest possible return to Portland airport |
| 8:30pm | Portland, ME | Wings up |
| 9:30pm | Bedford, MA | Arrive at home airport |
| 9:45pm | Bedford, MA | Return plane, drive home |
| 10:15pm | Somerville, MA | End trip |