Flying to Florida

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Togapilot

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Togapilot
I'm looking for advice on a route into DAB. I'm coming down from New England and will refuel in the Carolinas or Georgia, but don't know whether to run down off the east coast or inland of Jacksonville. Plane's a Saratoga non-turbo.

Thanks in advance.
 
when I fly to florida (LNA, FXE) from CLT I go CLT CRG FXE. it's quite common to hug the coast, but you can do whatever you want, cause, you know, 'murica.
 
I go to KRWI to refuel. Then to KFIN via SSI. That keeps my feet dry. FIN is just north of DAB. The TFR near JAX has never been an issue.
 
I like going over the top of JAX. Airport traffic is east-west so it de-conflicts nicely, and the scenery is great.
 
Togapilot said:
but don't know whether to run down off the east coast or inland of Jacksonville.
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I’d probably let the status of the Mayport MOA make that decision for me.

If you run down the Ga coast, be sure to stay clear of the prohibited area around the King’s Bay USN base. They can be touchy about pilots overflying the boomers.
 
Half Fast said:
BTW, SSI would make a great stop. Very nice airport, friendly staff, good places to eat nearby.
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It is a great stop, but gas is significantly cheaper 7.5 miles away at Golden Isles (BQK).
 
Half Fast said:
I’d probably let the status of the Mayport MOA make that decision for me.

If you run down the Ga coast, be sure to stay clear of the prohibited area around the King’s Bay USN base. They can be touchy about pilots overflying the boomers.
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I’ve found the mayport TFRs to never be a problem. They’re frequently just 2500 ft, but verify because I have see the offshore one taller.

The Kings Bay sub base has the P-50 Prohibited area around it so it isn’t just the base that gets touchy. Cool to fly past, well outside the boundary.
 
BTW I was referring to the SSI VOR as a waypoint, not as a stop.
 
I would stay within gliding distance of the shore unless you have a life raft.

Definitely get flight following.
 
I typically file to cross over Jax to keep feet dry.
 
Flying the coast will usually keep you out of the coastal rain showers. I like KSSI as a fuel stop in Georgia.
 
I would do the coast for the views, DAB is very very busy, be ready.
 
NC East of Interstate 95 offers a lot of good choices

Fuel at CPC (Whiteville) EYF (Elizabethtown) or LBT (Lumberton)
These are all three fantastic airports with great fuel prices.
EYF has a car that will take you to Melvin's for lunch...
W40 has the best fuel price if that is your thing....
KRWI (Rocky Mount) is another great stop
KJNX (Smithfield) is another...food on the field..


Feet dry
KCPC SAV SIROC T208 KDAB

Willing to fly over water...
KCPC CHS V1 TYBEE STARY V437 OMN KDAB
 
Kelvin said:
NC East of Interstate 95 offers a lot of good choices

Fuel at CPC (Whiteville) EYF (Elizabethtown) or LBT (Lumberton)
These are all three fantastic airports with great fuel prices.
EYF has a car that will take you to Melvin's for lunch...
W40 has the best fuel price if that is your thing....
KRWI (Rocky Mount) is another great stop
KJNX (Smithfield) is another...food on the field..


Feet dry
KCPC SAV SIROC T208 KDAB

Willing to fly over water...
KCPC CHS V1 TYBEE STARY V437 OMN KDAB
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
KGON - KRWI > KRWI SSI KFIN - messy stuff in the NE is NYC TRACON Computer giving 5 reroutes + Presidential TFR in Delaware. Only diversion on the second leg was for an active MOA in SC.
Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 1.47.50 PM.png
 
I usually fly down to FL a couple of times a year but I'm more familiar with the west coast. I'm flying a Lance which is almost the same aircraft you're flying. I would just go direct unless there's some specific thing on your route you're avoiding. Be on flight following if you're VFR, that area can get busy sometimes and that way if there's some issue with your route, the controllers will work you through- they're usually pretty easy to deal with. Another option you'll have if VFR is to just follow the coastline- I like to get out just over the water and keep land just off my wingtip. Beautiful views that way and the controllers are used to it. Scattered layers around 2-2500' are common. I'm not telling you to go fly under the clouds over the ocean at 1,000' where there are no obstacles/terrain but I am definitely saying it's fun.

I have not landed at DAB before but I have been to KTIX which is a bit further south several times. If you're into NASA stuff I highly recommend it- KTIX is right near their facility and there's lots to see/do there. Also if they don't have any launches/activities going you might be able to overfly the space shuttle landing facility(TTS)- low passes are allowed you just can't land. Make sure to check that the restricted area isn't active first- asking the controllers is an easy way to do that.
 
I’ve flown into both DAB and EVB. Neither is an issue although DAB is way busier. Now we have timeshares in both Daytona and New Smyrna on the beach. Personally I’d fly into EVB if I were staying in NSB: 5-10 min drive from the air port vs 30-35ish minute drive from DAB.
 
cowman said:
I have not landed at DAB before but I have been to KTIX which is a bit further south several times
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Landing is easy, trying to leave is a whole different ball game. Last time I flew in there were about 30 emery riddle planes on the taxiway ready to take off. We happened to land and luckily we were on the opposite side of the runway or else we would still be there waiting to depart
 
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