Cross Tasman Trips
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 7:57 am
In January and April 2010 VH-DIV a DA40 XLS made the crossing from Sydney to New Zealand and back twice.
Each trip involved 3 legs. Camden (Sydney) to Lord Howe Island, then on to Norfolk Island. From Norfolk the first trip went direct to Auckland in Janaury and the second trip went to Keri Keri around 100nm closer to Norfolk. I did the January trip and Steve the other owner of DIV did the April trip.
I would be interested in comments from DA40 pilots on the longest leg flown without ferry tanks but with the 50 gallon tanks? I'm thinking of going back to Norfolk and then north to the South Pacific islands but without ferry tanks it will require good weather and good planning but appears doable.
The trip from Norfolk to Auckland was 589nm and took 5.6 hours (VDO) against a strong head wind most of the way. Mostly flying at 9,500 feet. Landed with 9 US gallons in the tanks.
All up it was great fun and never boring. If anyone is thinking of doing the trip I have a lot of trip notes I can forward or go to www.schofields-flying-club.com.au and view their August and October Newsletters for more info.
Cheers
Mark
Each trip involved 3 legs. Camden (Sydney) to Lord Howe Island, then on to Norfolk Island. From Norfolk the first trip went direct to Auckland in Janaury and the second trip went to Keri Keri around 100nm closer to Norfolk. I did the January trip and Steve the other owner of DIV did the April trip.
I would be interested in comments from DA40 pilots on the longest leg flown without ferry tanks but with the 50 gallon tanks? I'm thinking of going back to Norfolk and then north to the South Pacific islands but without ferry tanks it will require good weather and good planning but appears doable.
The trip from Norfolk to Auckland was 589nm and took 5.6 hours (VDO) against a strong head wind most of the way. Mostly flying at 9,500 feet. Landed with 9 US gallons in the tanks.
All up it was great fun and never boring. If anyone is thinking of doing the trip I have a lot of trip notes I can forward or go to www.schofields-flying-club.com.au and view their August and October Newsletters for more info.
Cheers
Mark