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Today we’re off in Levi’s C182 for lunch in Catalina, with a Bravo clearance for an LAX VFR transition. Navigation for the Coastal Route is straightforward and we can expect some good fun on the landing at Catalina. Pure enjoyment . Wayne, GeezerGeek Pilot

That looked great. Nice job.

I always steer right for Two Harbors, that low point where the north and south islands meet. Then I turn there to enter the 45. That seems to give me more time to descend and slow down, and keeps my downwind a little shorter. I don't like being out over the water as I am changing the engine settings and throttling back. I figure that's JUST when it will quit on me someday. (Chances are you could glide to Two Harbors. There's a dirt strip on the north side of town.)

Colin, you're absolutely correct... we entered the 45 too close in to the downwind, and of course way high... then logically extended the downwind, but overcorrected and ended up initially a bit low on final (revealed in the thumbnail view). So all in all had we followed your suggestion of coming in on a long long 45 and gotten to TPA by downwind... we would have been much better off. Thx! Wayne

Very cool, can't wait to do that flight one day!

I have flown that flight dozens of times and it was not until the tenth time that I started to figure out the mistake I was making. Going to Two Harbors first gives you more time when there is traffic as well, and it means you can come in higher from the water crossing and descend as you make that turn. It's also a reporting point that the local pilots are aware of so when you say, "4,500 feet over Two Harbors" they know where to look.