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Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Gonzalo Paez

Gonzalo Paez

New member
Supporting Member
San José, Costa Rica
Aircraft Year
1976
Aircraft Type
114
Reg Number
TI-COS
Serial Number
14128
Hello friends,

I am planning to fly to Washignton 1WA6 this July in my 114 from San Jose Costa Rica... 3,200 miles each leg, very excited starting to see all the stuff needed to make this trip.

Some challenges including paperwork, CBP matters, flying over Mexico, weather matters, flight planning, ADS-B, acommodations, ATC in USA, fuel, airspaces, etc etc...are to be overcome.

Initially thought, the flight would include the following stops, 2 legs per day.

MRPV-MRLB Liberia fuel and migration and customs

MRLB- MMTP Tapachula Mexico

MMTP-MMAA Acapulco Mexico

MMAA-MMPR Puerto Vallarta Mexico

MMPR- MMCN Ciudad Obregon Mexico

MMCN-KNYL Yuma Arizona entrance to USA

KNYL-KMHV Mojave

KMHV-KRDD Redding CA

KRDD- 1WA6 Fall City Seattle.

The plan is to make 5-5-5 going- staying- coming back- in days.

It will be my first long trip with TI-COS and the purpose to put this here is asking my friends of COG, tips and any general information that can enrich my planning. There should be some Commander Owners living close to the route and may know the differents areas.

I would appreciate any help.

Pura vida!!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Hi Gonzalo
Wow that trip is exciting. I live in both Southern California and Arizona. So I can only comment on your Yuma to Mohave leg. Please note that there is a lot of Restricted Airspace along that route, as well as high mountains (Big Bear) and rugged desert with hot temperatures especially in July (110-120F on the ground). So plan your route, altitude, useful load, and airspace with those in mind and be mindful of the density altitude. If you have time at Mohave KMHV be sure to check out the air and space museum.

I do not fly into Mexico based on the stories of bad experiences, but others do without incident. Land at larger airports and deal with reputable FBO's. Otherwise keep us posted on your progress.
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

I see your flight path takes you over Crator Lake in Oregon. That is a grate place to visit on the ground. It should be a site to see in the air.

I go to Salem, Oregon every year (KSLE). They have a great restaurant at the airport if you want to stop for a bit to eat.

Please post pictures. You will see some wonderful country.
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

barrett2 said:
Hi Gonzalo
Wow that trip is exciting. I live in both Southern California and Arizona. So I can only comment on your Yuma to Mohave leg. Please note that there is a lot of Restricted Airspace along that route, as well as high mountains (Big Bear) and rugged desert with hot temperatures especially in July (110-120F on the ground). So plan your route, altitude, useful load, and airspace with those in mind and be mindful of the density altitude. If you have time at Mohave KMHV be sure to check out the air and space museum.

I do not fly into Mexico based on the stories of bad experiences, but others do without incident. Land at larger airports and deal with reputable FBO's. Otherwise keep us posted on your progress.
Click to expand...

Hi Brett,

Thank you for your tips, indeed there are some interesting challenges on that leg from Yuma to Mojave temperatures and altitudes, basic to have in mind and it’s resulting density alt. In fact, Mojave is the higher airport I will land in the flight elevation close to 900 mts similar to my base here in Costa Rica, but the difference will be the higher temps.

I will try to stay in Mohave for a while, several nice things to look as the old airplanes cementery.

Have a nice weekend!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

mcgrathm said:
I see your flight path takes you over Crator Lake in Oregon. That is a grate place to visit on the ground. It should be a site to see in the air.

I go to Salem, Oregon every year (KSLE). They have a great restaurant at the airport if you want to stop for a bit to eat.

Please post pictures. You will see some wonderful country.
Click to expand...

Hello Michael,

thank you for your reply, I will look for both spots in Oregon. The beauty of this flight will be to see wonderful places from the air, and have nice places to eat. Pics will be posted and I am sure I will see a wonderful country!

Have a great weekend!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

There's a TI registered C182 that lives up here; I think at Fall City. The owner is quite active around here performing a lot of mountain flying. Are you aware of aircraft and owner?
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

I would love to do the opposite and go to Costa Rica :)
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

janderson said:
recent 114 owner Rik Grencik fm CA has a bed and breakfast in Costa Rica. :cool:

Judi
Click to expand...
Hell yeah...now that would be cool.
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

I'm sure bet. Gonzalo and Rik they can put something together for a small group! why not? http://www.houseofthewaves.com/
on 2nd thought looks like just ONE house w/4 person occupancy. Rik might know of other options close by, tho??

Judi
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Sounds like a great adventure. I’d think it’s much easier once you clear U.S. Customs, total freedom up to WA State & back. Yes, keep an eye on ‘Special Use Airspace’ along the way, TFRs too, which change fairly often.

Other than that, remain flexible & have fun. Flying solo or a friend or 2?
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

bradmc said:
There's a TI registered C182 that lives up here; I think at Fall City. The owner is quite active around here performing a lot of mountain flying. Are you aware of aircraft and owner?
Click to expand...

Hello Bradley yes, he is my friend Larry who posts lots of flying videos in his C182, TI ABE. I will stay with his family in Issaquah, my wife and two daughters will flight commercial also to spend some time there.

Thank you for the comment!!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

wiguy said:
Sounds like a great adventure. I’d think it’s much easier once you clear U.S. Customs, total freedom up to WA State & back. Yes, keep an eye on ‘Special Use Airspace’ along the way, TFRs too, which change fairly often.

Other than that, remain flexible & have fun. Flying solo or a friend or 2?
Click to expand...

Hello Joe thanks for the reply... I am very excited for this trip, agree with you once in the US the rest is easier except TFRs etc etc... I will follow your flexible and fun recommendation, that s what is about. No hurries also.
I will fly with a friend who is pilot as well, such a long trip needs more eyes and hands to help. Pura vida!!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

janderson said:
I'm sure bet. Gonzalo and Rik they can put something together for a small group! why not? http://www.houseofthewaves.com/
on 2nd thought looks like just ONE house w/4 person occupancy. Rik might know of other options close by, tho??

Judi
Click to expand...

Hola Judi good to write to you!!

Indeed I would help to put something for any COG group landing in Costa Rica. Customs in Liberia (MRLB) and then to MRTM Tamarindo where several beautiful beaches around with many activities that can be done. The one of your link is very nice.

Looking forward to have COGs here!! BTW Sid -I hope he is better now-, told me he was so interested to come. I wish he could sometime.

Gonzalo
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

TI-COS waiting Commanders in Tamarindo.... :)
 

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Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Hello ! After 26,5 hrs total flight time and 3,200 nm I arrived Falls City WA from San José Costa Rica in my 114. The plane great all the flight, and was wonderful to fly Central America, Mexico and some Arizona, California, Oregon and WA . No problems anywhere with anybody. Mexico great, helpful and kind people (and great food); the entry to the US July 4th. without problems, CBP person received us and did a quick and nice job. Seattle looks gorgeous!!. I will post pics later.:)
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Great that you made it. Should be a lot to see and do around Seattle. Maybe you can meet up with a nearby COG member, just to say hello if nothing else.

Have a great time.
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

If I could escape, I’d have you pick me up on the way back! I’d love to learn to fly in Central America confidently.

Pura vida, mae!
 
Re: Costa Rica to 1WA6 (WA) July

Gonzalo,
That is some cross country flight in your 114, tops any distance we have flown in our Commander. Make sure to ride the ferries so you can checkout the San Juan islands or Victoria.
Have fun and stay safe.
Bob
 
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