On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 21:53:25 -0000, "Chris"
wrote:

I have the chance to fly from Madison, Wi (MSN) to Providence, Ri (PVD) in
July and was wondering about the most favoured route. I will be flying IFR

Sounds like a fun trip.

1) Do many of you guys fly across Lake M? This would only be 90nm coast to
coast and can be no worse than crossing the English Channel from Southampton
to Jersey in a Pa17

I live in Chicago and never fly across the lake in a single. If
something goes wrong, options are too limited for my liking. Even if
the ditching goes well, hypothermia is a major concern (yes, even in
summer). In the winter, you will perish unless you are wearing a
survival suit.

Fortunately for us near Chicago - you really don't save that much time
crossing the lake. From Madison, the picture is a little worse, but in
proportion to the trip size, not bad... I ran the numbers for your
trip, assuming a 120kt cruise and no-winds.

Across Lake Michigan & Erie (Direct) 799nm, 6:36
Around the lake(s) (JOTv, CGTv, DJBv). 867nm, 7:13

So no-winds, it is about 40 minutes faster to cut the lakes.

2) Overflying Canada is no problem I take it other than an ATC spell with
Toronto Center?

You need to be on a flightplan to cross the border. The IFR
flightplan will cover that.

3) Fuel stops at RNP and Hamilton (H30).

On the way out, you will probably only need 1 fuel stop. Fly up high
and enjoy the ride. Even going around the lakes, it is feasible for
this to be a 6:00 flight with a good tailwind. Of course on the way
home, you will need 2 fuel stops.

I would use airnav.com to plan the flight for the cheapest fuel.

-Nathan