While fall is certainly not yet upon us, Labor Day does often mark the end of the summer “season” for a lot of our favorite fly-in destinations. Block Island, RI is one of those favorites for many of us in the NY/NJ area as it for our fellow pilots from all over the eastern seaboard. And the “season” does begin to slow down after the first of September meaning fewer crowds and more available airplane parking.

From our favorite departure landmark, Caldwell, Block Island (BID) is 123nm on a 093º heading which, unfortunately, tracks through the undercarriage of the New York Class B airspace. If you prefer not to attempt a Class B clearance, steer 067º from CDW to the Patterson NDB (PNJ for GPS users), then directly up the Long Island Sound on a 095º heading to BID. Of course, the most fun route is down the Hudson River corridor, over the Verazano Bridge, then down to 500’ under the JFK class B and up the shoreline of Long Island.

Runway 10/28 is 2500 feet long and 100 feet wide, so there’s plenty of room for a cross-wind recovery. There is a $10 landing fee, but there is no fuel, so plan accordingly.

We’ll meet at BID at noon and walk and/or ride to the Beachhead restaurant, one of the islanders’ favorites.

If you feel like walking, turn right out of the airport entrance onto Center Rd. Walk about 1/4 mile and turn (bear) right on Old Town Rd, Continue through the first intersection and past the town hall. Continue to follow this road at it will end at Corn Neck Rd. where the Beachhead is on the corner. If you keep going through that intersection, you’ll end up on the beach! It’s about a 20 minute walk from the airport, walking at a moderate pace.

If you prefer a ride, the folks at the front desk will call the local cab, and for about $10 per carload they’ll drop you at the Beachhead restaurant.

CTAF/UNICOM:--------------123.0
WX AWOS-3:------------------134.775 (401-466-5495)
Providence App/Dep:-----125.75

The Fly-out is not sponsored by MAPA. It is a gathering for any and all pilots who wish to join a group for lunch at an area airport location. The go/no go decision to join in is strictly up to individual pilots.

Here are a couple of sites that might be helpful to you:

http://aviationweather.gov/products/fa/

http://adds.aviationweather.gov/data/airmets/airmets_CB.gif

http://aviationweather.gov/products/cwsu/

http://aviationweather.gov/static/images/maps/vorn.gif

http://aviationweather.gov/obs/radar/radarpu.html

Want a TWEB? Call Flight Service ( FSS ) and hit #2