One After Another

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 01:22 PM ET

Verified

Relevant Discussion: AIM 4-3-26, 7-1-1, 7-1-11, 7-1-17, 7-1-29, 7-1-30, FAA-H-8083-16, 8083-25, AC 150/5220-16, order 8260.19F 8-6-6 Nathan Rambo

Key Takeaways:

Flight planning for seemingly short distances can be complex, requiring extensive pre-trip preparation to navigate around multiple Class B airspaces (e.g., Detroit, Cleveland) using specialized charts and anticipating potential ATC reroutes.
Transiting international airspace, such as Canadian Flight Information Regions (FIRs), introduces additional considerations like differing ADS-B requirements, ATC boundary understanding, and carrying passports for potential diversions.
Pilots must plan for contingencies like ADS-B inoperative/unequipped scenarios and understand special use airspaces (e.g., Canadian Class F advisory areas) to ensure safety and compliance throughout the journey.

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A long-awaited family reunion is finally happening in Buffalo, New York, just over two-hours’ flight time from your home in Elkhart, Indiana. Two hours, that is, going direct, 331 miles, KEKM-KBUF. You’ve never flown to Buffalo, but you already know direct won’t be possible thanks to some busy airspace up ahead. So you’ve set aside a good hour the day before the trip to figure out the best route to file, unaware that the flight planning will require all of that hour, and more.

Navigating Bravos

Any route flying is still faster than the seven-hour drive, and your Cessna 210 can easily accommodate three passengers and a lot of small bags. First airspace obstacle is Detroit Metro Wayne County. You’re ADS-B Out compliant, so it’s okay to enter (provided you comply with the other requirements in
§91.131, Operations in Class B airspace).