You read the title right, folks!

Air Safety just acquired two Cessna 152 training planes. For those who aren't familiar, these planes have a 110hp engine, two seats, max weight of about 1600lbs., and cruise around 100mph. They're pretty little, but fun as heck!
Cessna152.jpg

Problem is, one is in Rhode Island and the other is in Indiana. So they just asked me and another pilot to hop a Southwest flight to Providence and retrieve the new aircraft! We're heading out June 20th and starting the trek to Indianapolis on the 21st to snag the second airplane. Once we have both planes we'll fly to Amarillo, Texas to show them to the man who financed them, then continue back to Glendale, Arizona. Grand total is 2000 nautical miles (2300 statute miles), and it will take us at least three days.

The best part is it'* all free! Free plane ticket to Rhode Island, free flight time on the way back, fuel is being paid for, hotel rooms are being paid for... my meals might even be compensated! This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime! I'll see most of the USA from the sky just puttering along at 100mph. What more can a pilot ask for?

Final route of flight has not been decided, but I'll post details when I know more. I'm bouncing off the walls with excitement... this is gonna be good

now that would be cool as hell

and you're getting paid to do this? most people would pay to do this.

you lucked out today...

So the plans were changed... the aircraft in Rhode Island is not airworthy at this point in time, so I'll only be heading to Indianapolis to get the aircraft there. Kinda sucks, but at least I still get to go somewhere.

Tentative plans are to leave Indy on Sunday morning and head south. We'll probably make fuel stops in Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and possibly Louisiana with an overnight in Texas. We plan to cut across Texas and hit El Paso, then follow the border all the way back to Tucson and head north toward Phoenix. We can't get into Phoenix from the north because the weather is so hot we wouldn't be able to climb above the mountains! Performance in a Cessna 152 during the summer with two people aboard is horrendous... we won't ever be much more than 4000-5000ft. above sea level (meaning even closer than that to the ground depending on terrain elevation).

Here'* a general overview of our planned route:
UMP-PHX.jpg

More info to come! I'll be sure to take tons of pictures

Awesome!! Hope you have a great time!

Check your density altitude when departing ELP. Did you ever get your Instrument Rating?

Yes, I'm instrument rated but the 152 doesn't have an IFR package, so we'll be strictly VFR. Should be a great sightseeing trip! However, the midwest looks like it might have some crappy weather during the next few weeks so it will be interesting figuring out a way to get across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. We're electing to head south through El Paso rather than north precisely because of density altitude... if we headed toward Winslow, AZ and tried to go south over the mountains around Phoenix, I don't think we'd make it in the 152. We'll be taking off at max gross every time, and I don't think it can take us to 8000 MSL to clear the terrain. I'd rather take my chances around El Paso and Tucson at 5000-6000 MSL

I can't remember the last time I was in a C-152. It has been a long time ago. Used to instruct in it but I let my CFI expire a few years ago. Just retired this past March after flying 22 years for an airline. Been flying around the country the past few months just for kicks enjoying tthe sites. I have MS Flight Simulator on my PC and ust it quite often. I guess I will have alot of spare time now on my hands now so I guess it'* time to reinstate the BC nightshift.

Make sure you take lots of pics Ben!

Wouldn't you want to fly around them tornado states if bad weathers' in the forecast?
Be Safe!