Flight Training - July 2022 - 43

The most favored airports and FBOs
by experienced cross-country pilots have
a courtesy car, sometimes called a crew
car. This is a vehicle available for use-for
free-for pilots so they can drive into
town for food or lodging. Now, crew cars
vary quite a bit. I once drove a truck that
was so rusted out that I could see the road
through the floor. I've also driven the
FBO owner's sweet " old " Caddie-turnedcrew-car
when he upgraded to the latest
model. And, like most well-traveled
pilots, I've driven more different types of
retired police cruisers than I have aircraft
types in my logbook-and I have more
than average number of those, too. But no
matter what it is, I love the crew car, and
I will fly out of my way to score one. This
courtesy ground transportation is also
an important consideration for any meal
stop at an airport that doesn't have an
on-field eatery.
Failing a crew car, larger FBOs generally
keep rental cars on site. Sometimes
you can score a good deal, but in general,
expect to pay quite a bit more for a
rental out of a GA airport than you might
alSR20
SPECIFIC CIRRUS AIRCRAFT SR20 G6
FOR YOUR PPL, IR, CPL
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be used to paying when flying commercially into large airports. Another
option to investigate is whether any of the local hotels have a shuttle that
serves the airport. But one word of warning: Many that do don't operate
on aviation time. The pickup will be fine, but when you are ready for
your dawn preflight you may find the shuttle driver doesn't start his day
for another three or four hours. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft
are a good alternative, although they may be sparse at remote airports
as well.
Speaking of hotels, the airport-to-hotel distance needs to be considered,
and maybe also the availability of hotels that you have reward points with.
GO FLY
So there you have it. In flight training you learned the mechanics of crosscounty
planning, heavy on navigational efficiency and risk management.
Those are still important (especially the risk management piece), but
human factors drive real-world travel once you have your certificate. Think
about your comfort, and the comfort of your passengers. Consider the kinds
of landings you like and the kind of airspace you are happy in. Make sure
you can get fuel-for both your airplane and your crew-when you need it,
and that the price is right. Decide what kind of services you want for you
and your airplane, and decide how much you are willing to pay for them.
And be sure to " flight plan " for when the propeller stops spinning-the
all-important ground transportation on the other end of your journey. FT
WILLIAM E. DUBOIS is an aviation writer, world speed record holder, and two-time
National Champion air racer. He is accredited as a master ground instructor by both
NAFI and Master Instructors.
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Flight Training - July 2022

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