A brilliant conversation with ChatGPT for proposing a flight plan:
Please propose a short flight from Martha's Vineyard airport to a nearby airport with a Cessna 172
A great short flight from Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) in a Cessna 172 would be to Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK). The flight covers about 30 nautical miles, which takes roughly 20–30 minutes depending on conditions. This route offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands, making it a scenic and enjoyable flight.
Given the relatively short distance and straightforward navigation over open water, it's a perfect trip for a short hop in a Cessna 172.
Could you give me a flight plan recommendation?
Certainly! Below is a suggested VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight plan for a Cessna 172 from Martha's Vineyard Airport (KMVY) to Nantucket Memorial Airport (KACK).
Flight Plan Overview:
- Departure: Martha's Vineyard Airport (KMVY)
- Destination: Nantucket Memorial Airport (KACK)
- Distance: ~30 NM
- Estimated Flight Time: 20–30 minutes
- Cruising Altitude: 3,000 feet (VFR recommended altitude)
- Flight Type: VFR
Flight Plan Details:
Pre-Flight:
- Weather: Check METAR/TAF for both MVY and ACK, as well as en route weather.
- Weight & Balance: Ensure your Cessna 172 is within weight and balance limits.
- Fuel: Verify adequate fuel for the flight, including reserves.
- Navigation: Set up your navigation radios and GPS if available.
Departure from KMVY:
- Runway: Depending on the wind, likely Runway 24 or 06.
- Climb Out: After takeoff, climb to a cruising altitude of 3,000 feet.
- Heading: After departure, fly a south-eastern heading towards Nantucket. The initial heading will be approximately 120°.
En Route:
- Direct Route: Fly direct from MVY to ACK.
- Landmarks: You’ll be over water most of the way, with limited landmarks. However, keep an eye out for the following:
- Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, off to your left shortly after departure.
- Tuckernuck Island before reaching Nantucket.
Arrival at KACK:
- Communication: Contact Nantucket Tower as you approach the Class D airspace.
- Descent: Begin your descent to pattern altitude (1,000 feet AGL) as you near the airport.
- Pattern Entry: Depending on the active runway, enter the appropriate traffic pattern.
- Runway: Likely Runway 24 or 06, depending on wind conditions.
Landing:
- Perform a standard landing, taxi to the ramp, and shut down.
Communication Frequencies:
- MVY ATIS: 118.12 MHz
- MVY Ground: 121.90 MHz
- MVY Tower: 119.70 MHz
- ACK ATIS: 133.45 MHz
- ACK Tower: 118.30 MHz
Considerations:
- Wind: Check the wind direction and adjust your runway choice and headings accordingly.
- Traffic: Nantucket can be busy, especially in the summer, so stay alert for other traffic.
- Alternate: If weather deteriorates or there's an issue, you could divert back to Martha's Vineyard or head to Cape Cod (Hyannis, KHYA).
This is a straightforward flight, but it offers stunning views and a good practice opportunity for navigation over water and handling short cross-country flights. Safe flying!
Can you export that flight plan as Garmin fpl file?
Sure! To create a Garmin .fpl file, I'll generate the flight plan with the necessary waypoints and export it as an .fpl file. I'll base the file on the flight plan details we discussed.
I'll get that ready for you now.
I've created the Garmin .fpl flight plan file for your route from Martha's Vineyard (KMVY) to Nantucket (KACK). The file is packaged in a .zip archive, which is often required by Garmin devices.
You can download the file using the link below:
Download MVY_to_ACK.zip
Feel free to upload it to your Garmin device, and have a great flight! If you need anything else, just let me know.
This is brilliant. Thank you
You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the flight plan helpful. Enjoy the flight, and if you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Safe skies! ✈️