How does a light aircraft get across such a vast ocean… is it even possible to fly it?

What happens when an aircraft needs to get from one side of the Atlantic to the other?

Many aircraft types are manufactured in both Europe and the United States. Should one be purchased on the other side of an ocean, it will need to be what is called ‘ferried.’

Light aircraft do not typically possess the range to fly across oceans in one tank of fuel. At Echelon Air, we manage a lot of these Transatlantic ferries utilising what is coined as the ‘Blue Spruce Route.’ This route encompasses the use of Canada, Greenland, Iceland and Scotland (and vice-versa) for fuel stops. This route was very popular in WW2 with American crews flying aircraft to their forward bases in the UK from their factories stateside.

Transatlantic ferries are inherently risky, due to the presence of such vast oceans and lack of terra-firma underneath you. Intense pre-flight planning is required to successfully attempt and undertake one. The views presented to you when flying over Greenland and Iceland more than make up for it.

Since the launch of the SR G7 series at the beginning of this year (2024), we have managed a number of these transits successfully.

Does your aircraft need ferrying?

Do get in touch, and allow us to make it as seamless as possible.