Flight planning challenge

[Keith Smith]

I'm undertaking a fairly hefty flight next week (N07-KFTW-KSAV-N07). I've done a flight similar to this before and have planned my fuel stops to include the cheapest fuel prices I can find. It looks as though the landscape has changed and I currently plan on hitting different airports than I have in the past. I'm also seeing if I can avoid filling up at FTW and SAV this time. I thought I'd throw it out to the group to see if anyone was able to find a better plan than what I have in mind at the moment.

The maximum leg length is 650nm. Assume we're leaving N07 with full fuel.

The goal is to minimize the total fuel cost. One other requirement is that I want to minimize the number of fuel stops between FTW and SAV due to time constraints that day.

I'll post what I have now as a benchmark:
N07-I42 (fuel stop) $5.25/gal
I42-KSWI (fuel stop) $4.25/gal
KSWI-KFTW (destination. NOT PICKING UP FUEL)
KFTW-KEET (fuel stop) $5.15/gal
KEET-KSAV (destination, NOT PICKING UP FUEL)
KSAV-KBNL (fuel stop) $5.25/gal
KBNL-N07

My prior plan was: N07-KOWB-KFTW-KMNE-KSAV-N07 with fuel stops at each. The new method has 2 extra fuel stops because it avoids fueling at FTW and SAV.

Here's the link for the current plan:
http://skyvector.com/?ll=35.13608224738 ... L:A.K6.N07

Distance: 2679.4nm (assuming direct on each leg, which won't quite be the case)
Total time at cruise speed: 13hr 36min (197ktas)
approx fuel burned: 140 gallons

saving $1-$2/gal on the fill ups will yield $140-$280 cost saving. My 'extra' fuel stops are occurring on days where my schedule is more flexible.

Note: 100ll.com is a great site for checking fuel prices and finding the best prices within the vicinity of an airport (that's what I used to find some of these obscure fields)

[Pieces]

The lack of sales tax on Indiana AVGAS makes a difference.

[Keith Smith]

I had forgotten about that recent change. My original fuel stop was KOWB (Owensboro, KY), but since the tax change, I guess neighboring Indiana is now the better deal.

[kullery]

Would you consider adding 250 NM to take advantage of $1.00/gal avgas during the month of October at KHYI?

http://www.avweb.com/avwebflash/news/Re ... 492-1.html

[Keith Smith]

I did consider it prior to my post, but it would add about an hour of flying on the morning of the of the FTW to SAV trip, and I'm not up for that, per the constraints listed in the original post. It's a shame it's so far out of the way! Good thinkin', though

[kullery]

If you can safely lean for a slightly longer leg (676nm), then check this out:

http://skyvector.com/?ll=33.30482259411 ... L:A.K6.N07

You get the $1.00 gas but get it before KFTW. Someday you will be able to tell your grandchildren "I remember when I was able to fill my plane for $1.00/gal"!!!

N07-KBGF (fuel stop) $4.79/Gal
KBGF -KHYI(fuel stop) $1.00/gal
KHYI-KFTW (destination. NOT PICKING UP FUEL)
KFTW-KMEI(fuel stop) $4.95/Gal
KMEI-KSAV (destination, NOT PICKING UP FUEL)
KSAV-KBNL (fuel stop) $5.25/gal
KBNL-N07

[Keith Smith]

Ken, very clever! Unfortunately, I can't lean out any more than I am...the 650nm restriction wasn't just for laughs Additionally, heading westbound there's a good chance my range my actually be reduced to the prevailing headwinds.

I suppose I could start my day an hour earlier on the day of the FTW-SAV trip and swing by KHYI...but honestly, it's a lot of flying as is, and I'm not sure I'm willing to add an hour of flying for that saving. I'm all for sliding fuel stops earlier/later to catch a good deal, but performing unnatural acts on the route...not so much. It was a very creative idea though

[Mooniac]

Keith, you just need to trade your Lancair in on a Mooney M20F with the 64 gal fuel tanks. You'll get a range of nearly 1000nm (but I've typically kept it to 850 or less) and two more seats.

[Keith Smith]

Alisha, that's so sweet of you. What would my total time and cost be for the trip?

muhahahaha.

[Mooniac]

Ok, you got me there. I can't quite match your 197ktas.