Re ferry tank, I was talking to a German Bonanza pilot planning the cross the north Atlantic about 10 years ago, and he decided to install tip tanks. (On paper at least) the increase in weight and parasite drag is equalled by the reduction in induced drag. I’ve not seen him since unfortunately, so can’t say any more.
I found a list of frequencies, and they are all very far apart (e.g. 30126, 5598, 8906, 13306, 17946 kHz for North Atlantic route A) – I’m guessing they look at the propagation conditions and pick a frequency that works best on the day.
In general,USB for 8Mhz and higher or LSB for 7Mhz and lower.Usual Tx power should be around 100Watts.
Out of curiosity, what HF frequencies and modes (e.g. AM, SSB (USB, LSB)) are used for aeronautical HF over the Atlantic? How much TX power are airborne HF stations typically putting out?
Good afternoon,
We are getting ready for our 2018 trip to OSH. We will be departing from LFAT on July 22nd and come back a week later.
This typically involves mostly TBMs but anyone is free to join the party. We had a Seneca with us last year and for now only TBMs this year coming from Singapore, the UK, Germany, France, Belgium and Slovakia.
We will meet other TBM owners at Oshkosh who are returning from their around the world trip and will fly back all together.
We do this trip every year so you are more than welcome to tag along in 2019 and in the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Kind regards,
David
Short Wave(HF) efficiency is:
VERY dependent on :
-Time of the day.
-Frequency selection.
-12 year solar activity.
-QSB & QRM static phenomenon.
-Length and efficiency of antenna.
LESS dependent on:
-Tx power.
-Altitude.
Mark_1 wrote:
Your route goes through both OCAs, though a short detour N of the Faroes keeps you out of Shanwick.
You avoid Shanwick by routing via RATSU (the corner of Shanwick airspace). This is South of the Faroes.
I believe Gander issues oceanic clearance only over HF to avoid cheating.
No, they issue them over VHF almost exclusively for clarity.
It is certainly true that if you want to fly via Narsarsuaq you need to fly 250 or above if you don’t have HF.
Mark_1 wrote:
I believe Gander issues oceanic clearance only over HF to avoid cheating
My last Ferry (US to Europe), I was asked 2 times on ground in Goose if I was HF equipped.
I was, and was expecting to have to reach them while on the ground, but then the Tower gave me the Oceanic clearance to BIKF via VHF.
HF is a bit of a gamble when you have it installed(antenna/tuner). Sometimes it is working like a charm, sometimes not.
Biggest issue I find is the feedback interference when transmitting out on HF.
You often have to use several tries to find a setup that works.
HAM operators are great resources when troubleshooting such issues.
The ICOM HF radios work great, and are not too expensive. I have the IC-7000, modified for Aeronautical radio.
You do need HF radio, even if you don’t use it, for flight in the Shanwick or Gander OCAs.
From the Canadian rules (CARs):
Transoceanic Flight
602.39 No pilot-in-command of a single-engined aircraft, or of a multi-engined aircraft that would be unable to maintain flight in the event of the failure of any engine, shall commence a flight that will leave Canadian Domestic Airspace and enter airspace over the high seas unless(a) the pilot-in-command holds a pilot licence endorsed with an instrument rating;
(b) the aircraft is equipped with
(i) the equipment referred to in section 605.18,
(ii) a high frequency radio capable of transmitting and receiving on a minimum of two appropriate international air-ground general purpose frequencies, and
(iii) hypothermia protection for each person on board; and
(c) the aircraft carries sufficient fuel to meet the requirements of section 602.88 and, in addition, carries contingency fuel equal to at least 10 per cent of the fuel
required pursuant to section 602.88 to complete the flight to the aerodrome of destination.
Your route goes through both OCAs, though a short detour N of the Faroes keeps you out of Shanwick.
To stay out of Gander OCA, you need to route something like Nuuk-Iqaluit.
I believe Gander issues oceanic clearance only over HF to avoid cheating.
The northern route also keeps you in VHF coverage most of the way even down at 6000’. Failing that you can often raise airliners on 121.5 to relay your message (they’ll often switch to 123.45 after you’ve made contact).
This is the relevant document. Between BGBW and CYYR HF is required unless you file and fly at or above 250. If you file 250 for the westerly direction they might let you fly at 240. I know of people who have pretended to have HF and got away with it on this route, but I also have credible account of a pilot who had to return albeit not on this route. We flew at 250.
