Entry-Level Machines

We own and fly a Diamondstar DA40 from our home in Michigan to destinations all over the country. Generally my wife and I plan a two-week trip each fall and spring, often to the coasts. However, the word plan is figurative as we expect weather deviations and our routing may change at any time. We literally wake up in the morning, look at the current weather and decide our destination for the day. Typically, we will fly no more than 500 miles and land at a suitable GA airport. While I button down the airplane, my wife books a hotel, rents a car and finds out what to see and do in town from the always-friendly and helpful FBO staff.

Editorial Staff

Friday, September 22, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

One pilot shares the joy of spontaneous "ultimate road trips" across the U.S. in a small GA aircraft, embracing weather deviations and finding adventure in exploring diverse, often unplanned, destinations.
Another pilot emphasizes the importance of establishing personal maximum flight hours for Part 91 operations to prevent fatigue, especially when undertaking long trips in slow, non-pressurized aircraft, to enhance safety.
A third pilot warns against risky flight practices such as VFR-on-top or night flight in single-engine aircraft over mountains, advocating for increased conservatism to mitigate the danger of engine failure and ensure safety.

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We own and fly a Diamondstar DA40 from our home in Michigan to destinations all over the country. Generally my wife and I plan a two-week trip each fall and spring, often to the coasts. However, the word “plan” is figurative as we expect weather deviations and our routing may change at any time. We literally wake up in the morning, look at the current weather and decide our destination for the day. Typically, we will fly no more than 500 miles and land at a suitable GA airport. While I button down the airplane, my wife books a hotel, rents a car and finds out what to see and do in town from the always-friendly and helpful FBO staff.

We have a U.S. map at home with 200-plus pins in it, representing that many great places we have been, most of which we would never have otherwise visited. Every city and town has a unique charm, great music, art and restaurants. We call our journeys the “ultimate road trips.”