Island Flying

In the far reaches of the Upper Midwest, an island vacation can mean youre heading north. Way north. Yes, there are islands in Wisconsin and Michigan, even some with sandy beaches. The sunsets are amazing. But dont expect any palm trees, and bring your rain gear. Like most islands, youll arrive by ferry or by air, but this isnt a boating magazine.Beaver Island, Michigan, the largest blob in a small archipelago, is 13 miles long and six miles wide. Its only 40 nm from the more-famous Mackinac Island. Youll want to spend some extra time planning the possible arrival routes-all of them-with the island sitting smack in the middle of upper Lake Michigan. Ignoring the water hazard, this scenic tour of northern Lake Michigan makes the perfect summertime trip. Just know that lake fog and cool, stratus-cloud days with rain are common up there even in the warmest months, so be prepared to file.

Elaine Kauh

Thursday, July 02, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Flying to Upper Midwest islands like Beaver Island involves unique challenges, including long over-water approaches, potential for adverse weather (fog, cold), and limited IFR runway options.
Thorough pre-flight planning is crucial, requiring pilots to meticulously study approach routes, aircraft glide capabilities (flying at higher altitudes to increase safety margins), and a realistic assessment of personal comfort with water crossings.
For flights involving significant over-water segments, pilots should carry essential emergency equipment such as life jackets, rafts, and personal locator beacons to mitigate risks in case of engine failure.

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In the far reaches of the Upper Midwest, an island vacation can mean you’re heading north. Way north. Yes, there are islands in Wisconsin and Michigan, even some with sandy beaches. The sunsets are amazing. But don’t expect any palm trees, and bring your rain gear. Like most islands, you’ll arrive by ferry or by air, but this isn’t a boating magazine.

Beaver Island, Michigan, the largest blob in a small archipelago, is 13 miles long and six miles wide. It’s only 40 nm from the more-famous Mackinac Island. You’ll want to spend some extra time planning the possible arrival routes—all of them—with the island sitting smack in the middle of upper Lake Michigan. Ignoring the water hazard, this scenic tour of northern Lake Michigan makes the perfect summertime trip. Just know that lake fog and cool, stratus-cloud days with rain are common up there even in the warmest months, so be prepared to file.