IFR to Hartford

We are preparing for an IFR flight to KHFD from KMIV. Denise is trying to update the Garmin. If unsuccessful, we'll fly the VOR routes. Eta 2 hrs once we launch.

As a final twist to the adventure, Teresa and Denise are facing more clouds and fog than expected and it has not seemed to burn off. The hope to fly up the Hudson and grab some photos of the Statue of Liberty and New York will have to wait for another day and another flight.

The team would prefer to fly a direct route to Brainard airport via IFR, but the GPS database apparently expired LITERALLY at the end of the air race. This would allow Teresa to simply take the plane up to an assigned altitude  through the clouds to the airport which is less work for air traffic control and the crew. But if the ladies can't download an update on the airfield, they have consulted with their favorite Hartford based pilot guru Bob Valle and instrument rating instructor , Th gang decided they can fly 'Victor' airways via IFR home if necessary. These are like  standard street 'intersections' in the sky which planes use as waypoints along a route. They are perfectly safe and a great way to get around, however there is MORE traffic around these points and they require more active navigation and care by the pilots and controllers especially in IFR conditions.