MassPilot
Cleared for Takeoff
I'm planning on flying tonight, but I'm starting to have some hesitation. My plan is to fly from 1B9 to KPSM and back. I will depart 1B9 around 1900 local and depart KPSM around 2200 local. I will try to get cleared through the Boston Class B, but my backup plan is to fly over KBED under the 3000 foot shelf.
My hesitation comes from the fact that there is no moon tonight and the forecast is calling for SCT to BKN at 25,000 feet, possibly lowering to 15,000 feet on the way home. I have 85 hours TT and I'm not instrument rated. My night experience consists of the basic PP night requirements, plus a trip to the practice area and three landings with a CFI about four weeks ago. During the PP training there was a full moon. Four weeks ago there was a crescent moon, but definitely a discernible horizon. This is the Boston metro area, so there are plenty of ground lights, but as I get closer to NH, there is less. The plane is a C172SP with steam gauges and no functional autopilot.
Here are some relevant TAF's:
[FONT=Monospace,Courier]KBOS 131504Z 1315/1418 VRB04KT P6SM SCT250 FM140400 23004KT P6SM BKN150 FM141600 24008KT P6SM FEW200
[/FONT][FONT=Monospace,Courier]KPSM 131120Z 1312/1412 VRB03KT P6SM BKN250[/FONT]
Any thoughts or tips? Is this just a bad idea? Thanks for your input
My hesitation comes from the fact that there is no moon tonight and the forecast is calling for SCT to BKN at 25,000 feet, possibly lowering to 15,000 feet on the way home. I have 85 hours TT and I'm not instrument rated. My night experience consists of the basic PP night requirements, plus a trip to the practice area and three landings with a CFI about four weeks ago. During the PP training there was a full moon. Four weeks ago there was a crescent moon, but definitely a discernible horizon. This is the Boston metro area, so there are plenty of ground lights, but as I get closer to NH, there is less. The plane is a C172SP with steam gauges and no functional autopilot.
Here are some relevant TAF's:
[FONT=Monospace,Courier]KBOS 131504Z 1315/1418 VRB04KT P6SM SCT250 FM140400 23004KT P6SM BKN150 FM141600 24008KT P6SM FEW200
[/FONT][FONT=Monospace,Courier]KPSM 131120Z 1312/1412 VRB03KT P6SM BKN250[/FONT]
Any thoughts or tips? Is this just a bad idea? Thanks for your input
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