SQL-MOD choices

[arb65912]

Gentlemen, would you mind to help me a bit with the flight planning from San Carlos to Modesto? I want to try it both VFR ( weather permitting) and IFR.

VFR: Sectional Chart looks great there. I just wonder how one would manage to stay away from B and C

1. I was thinking like this:
http://skyvector.com/?ll=37.53420033022 ... :A.K2.KMOD
Climbing to 5500 on the way to VPLEX, then direct MOD at 5500

2. Or:
http://skyvector.com/?ll=37.58856570354 ... :A.K2.KMOD
Fly to Train Bridge along the coast at 2500', turn toward San Antonio Reservoir climbing to 3500' and 5500' respectively ( to stay under SFA Bravo shelf), then direct MOD at 5500'

IFR: There is no FAA preferred route there, no airways going close to the direction of flight, flightaware does not show any routes, what would you file?

I thought :

Route V195 ECA 8000'

http://skyvector.com/?ll=37.77626606430 ... :A.K2.KMOD

Just wondering how would you plan than flight.

BTW , this is Keith's first solo cross country flight. Now, since ZOA is open , I will try to duplicate some of his VFR California flights.

Cheers, AJ

[Keith Smith]

I'd take door #2 except VPKGO to SUNOL, rather than the train bridge at the start. As for the reservoirs, I would plan to be off to one side (north or south) rather than directly over the top, unless you have a glass-bottom airplane

Regarding IFR, there are preferred routes that you will get assigned by ATC in real life, but they're not published for reasons that completely elude me.

Here's what you'll get out of San Carlos for IFR (enjoy!)
When the ceiling is at or above 1.1k, and the visibility is 3 miles or more:Fly runway heading until passing the diamond shaped waterway, then turn right heading 120° within 2 miles of the airport for vector to the assigned fix/route, maintain VFR at or below 1,100 until passing the OAK 165° radial, maintain 2,000 feet, and to expect assigned altitude 5 minutes after departure.

If memory serves, the standard routing for that direct would be vectors OAK V244 ECA.

[arb65912]

Thank you, Keith. Trying out today. Cheers, AJ

[arb65912]

It worked. IFR clearance readback was a hard one ( for me) but I guess I managed.

I am going to plan more of your CA VFR flights but I will also fly them as IFR ones.

It was great to hear ZOA last night. I was very tired and was not able to concentrate very well, so there was many "say again" but overall I loved the experience.

Thank you. Cheers, AJ