Mission (Im)possible

“Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”

Pilots need a mission. Try this! Starting and finishing at the centre of the continent in Manitoba, Canada, you have five days and four nights to journey 3,500 miles, see Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty, travel to islands in the Atlantic and each of the Great Lakes (camping on two of them), and check out historical airfields, unique ice cream shops, and restaurants along the way. Do you accept?

Photo by Rick Hiebert

Those restricted to conventional travel options would have to decline. However, we departed on September 11, accomplished all of the above (and more), and were back home for dinner on September 15 due to the magic carpet we call general aviation.

Approximately 500 airports in the United States are served by scheduled airlines. In Canada, the number is less than half that. In both countries, however, those numbers can be multiplied by ten when including public airports available for use by any GA pilot, and you can triple that increase if you count private airstrips. By using our own airplane, we were able to fly directly to our destinations—and when we were ready to go to the next place on the list, we did so without any wasted time. No parking hassles, security lines, luggage fees, or departure lounge wait times. We were either seeing the sights or on our way to the next one.

Some highlights:

1. The Hudson River SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) was the motivation behind the trip, and it did not disappoint. As a rural pilot, the majority of my hours are in uncontrolled airspace, so New York was quite intimidating. I took the FAA Safety Team SFRA course, watched videos, loaded the route and reporting points on ForeFlight—and it worked perfectly!

Photo by Rick Hiebert

Despite a TFR over the area, the SFRA was open to low-altitude traffic. We started following the scenic Hudson River valley 35 miles before crossing the Tappan Zee Bridge (highly recommended). We then proceeded along the 30-mile SFRA route southbound at 700 feet on the west side (and circled the Statue of Liberty a couple of times) to the Verrazzano (VZ) Bridge. After passing the VZ, we reversed course to fly the east side northbound.

Photo by Rick Hiebert

The most challenging part was identifying the reporting points. Traffic was moderate—certainly much less than AirVenture or Sun ’n Fun—and at no time did we feel unsafe. When we exited, the feeling was, “That was a LOT easier than expected,” so we turned around and did it again with the cameras off, just to enjoy and appreciate the unparalleled view and revel in the unique experience. The second trip was quite easy—no more challenging than doing circuits at a typical training airport. I cannot encourage GA pilots strongly enough to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

Photo by Rick Hiebert

2. Mackinac Island. We had high expectations, and it met them all. We walked into town from the airport, rented bicycles there, and rode the 8.2 miles around the island. In my opinion, there is no better way to absorb the “clip-clop” pace and stunning views. The ice cream isn’t bad either!

Photo by Rick Hiebert

3. Great Lakes islands. Did you know there are 19 public-use airports on islands in the Great Lakes? We landed at half of them on this trip and camped on two—North Fox and North Bass. North Fox, in particular, is well worth the effort.

Photo by Rick Hiebert

Great Lakes Public Airports

A few disappointments:

1. The 3,500-foot altitude restriction over Niagara Falls results in the view being considerably less impressive than the New York skyline at 700 feet. GoPros don’t do it justice.

2. Due to time constraints, we didn’t do a night flight down the Hudson. I really wish we could have—that would have been spectacular.

3. We had to settle for a “low and over” at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, as we were unable to secure landing permission.

Unexpected bonuses:

1. The people in the United States aviation infrastructure are awesome. Every time I fly south, this opinion is reinforced, but this trip was particularly noteworthy. As usual, customs was hassle-free, and ATC was efficient, professional, and courteous. This time, however, it seemed that everyone made an extra effort to make our trip wonderful. When I called Flight Service to ask about flying the NYC SFRA during a TFR (yes, it was possible), they spent a considerable amount of time getting the answer and going over it with me. I’ve never had a “Have a great flight, Canadians!” radio call before—but I did on this trip, and it was duly noted and much appreciated.

2. On our way to Fishers Island, we made a fuel stop at Sky Acres (44N). Not only was the fuel reasonably priced, but the eclectic décor of the barn converted into a restaurant was worth the stop. Even though they were “closed,” the proprietor opened up just for us, served an excellent ice cream dish, and refused payment. Thanks for the hospitality—we wish them every well-deserved future success.

3. Water quality in the Great Lakes was excellent. There was virtually no garbage on island shores, and the clarity was simply amazing.

General aviation is the magic carpet best described by Dr. Seuss’s immortal words in his poem Oh, the Places You’ll Go. A few excerpts…

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You can steer yourself any direction you choose,
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the boy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.
You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!

Make the impossible possible with your license!

To see our magic carpet trip, check out:

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Curtis Penner

Curtis started his aviation journey at the age of 18, but had to suspend it with only 17.8 hours in his logbook when he started his farming career. Twenty seven years later, realizing that time was more valuable than money, he resumed his training, achieving a life-long goal when he got his license in a 90-day period. Since then, following a philosophy of “do it now,” he has flown as much as possible, whenever and wherever he can.Aircraft owned have included a Cessna 150H and a PA-180, and he currently flies an RV-10 and Bearhawk Patrol. In addition to time logged in these, “whenever we travel, we rent an aircraft to see the country, including flights in in Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica.” Trips in owned aircraft have been coast to coast in Canada and included southern destinations like the Bahamas, Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

Latest posts by Curtis Penner (see all)

• Mission (Im)possible - February 9, 2026
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