swiftse3
New Member
Posts: 19
Home Airport: KERI Erie PA
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Post by swiftse3 on Mar 23, 2024 0:44:56 GMT
Is anyone planning to fly to see the eclipse on April 8? I live in Erie, PA, in the path of totality, so I am staying home. But I know my local FBO is getting a lot of inquiries from folks who plan to fly in, stay at the airport to view the eclipse, and leave soon after.
The FAA put a bulletin out trying to make sure pilots are anticipating and preparing for congestion issues and possible ATC overload.
So I am curious if anyone has plans...
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Post by Flocker on Mar 23, 2024 12:29:01 GMT
We flew to NC for the last one back in 2017. There were literally hundreds of people that flew in to RHP. We were one of the first ones to arrive which meant they parked us in the back. It took us several hours to get out after it was over. Flight following was not available due to ATC overload. I don't think I need to see it again.
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swiftse3
New Member
Posts: 19
Home Airport: KERI Erie PA
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Post by swiftse3 on Mar 23, 2024 14:02:34 GMT
That description matches my expectations.
Hotel rooms here are going for $1000/night, and local authorities are saying we could have 100,000+ visitors, causing 10 hour traffic jams after the eclipse.
The local FBO is considering roping off an area of the ramp for visitors to setup lawn chairs. And maybe a food truck.
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bigmo
Junior Member
Posts: 54
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Post by bigmo on Mar 24, 2024 17:48:58 GMT
Maybe I'm just weird...but I just wrap my head around why this is a big deal. Night is better & longer.
We're right in the path, so I MIGHT walk outside and take a looksy. Might.
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WinP
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Home Airport: KFDK
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Post by WinP on Apr 3, 2024 1:26:46 GMT
I’m planning to fly near Cleveland, KLNN. I flew to SC in 2017. Very cool to photograph. Hoping for clear skies.
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swiftse3
New Member
Posts: 19
Home Airport: KERI Erie PA
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Post by swiftse3 on Apr 3, 2024 18:20:37 GMT
@winp. FBO at KERI just let us know they are expecting to park 70 aircraft. I would expect KLNN to be pretty crowded too. KHZY is a decent alternate if there's no room at KLNN.
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WinP
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Home Airport: KFDK
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Post by WinP on Apr 6, 2024 2:22:42 GMT
I made a reservation at KLNN weeks ago.
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swiftse3
New Member
Posts: 19
Home Airport: KERI Erie PA
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Post by swiftse3 on Apr 11, 2024 1:13:43 GMT
@ WINP I hope your trip to KLNN went well. I expect you had clear skies and a good view.
KERI ended up with about 35 planes, about half the expected number. We had cloudy skies in the morning, so folks generally went further west. But our skies cleared just as the partial started, and we were completely clear for totality. I understand now why I saw so many articles that said the difference between 99% and 100% is like night and day.
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WinP
Junior Member
Posts: 89
Home Airport: KFDK
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Post by WinP on Apr 22, 2024 18:28:31 GMT
Sorry for the delay. My eclipse experience was great. The airport just East of Cleveland was clear. Very few planes, maybe 20, as I think folks diverted to New England due to forecasts. I felt bad for the airport which put on a big party. But there were plenty of locals there too. We got there way early to beat what I thought would be a lot of arrivals. Second plane there. We got out quicly, got flight following from the second ATC sector we flew through (unexpectedly easy), all good. A great day.
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swiftse3
New Member
Posts: 19
Home Airport: KERI Erie PA
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Post by swiftse3 on Apr 26, 2024 1:03:57 GMT
Great pictures!
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