KFRG → KBEDFarmingdale to Bedford

141.6 NM042° TC1h 11m @ 120ktWind: 270°/3kt

Pre-loaded with current METAR wind. Adjust values as needed.

Course Calculator

Enter true heading, TAS, and wind to get compass course and ground speed

Course & Speed

°

Wind

°
KT

Corrections

°

Intermediate Values

Course Calculation Flow

TC
042°
VAR
13.3°W
↓
MC
055°
WCA
-1°
↓
MH
054°
Dev
0°
↓
CC
054°
TC: True Course
MC: Magnetic Course
MH: Magnetic Heading(aka “True Heading”)
CC: Compass Course
VAR: Magnetic Variation
WCA: Wind Correction Angle
Dev: Compass Deviation

WCA

-1°

MH

054°

Crosswind

2 KT

from left

Tailwind

2 KT

ETAS

—

WCA ≤ 10°

Results

Ground Speed

122

KT

Compass Course

054°

= magnetic heading

Start Leg Planning

Continue with distance, fuel consumption, waypoints, and time estimates

Note: This calculator uses standard aviation wind triangle formulas. Wind direction is where the wind is coming FROM. Positive WCA means turn right, negative means turn left. ETAS (Effective True Air Speed) is shown when WCA exceeds 10° to account for the reduced effective forward speed when crabbing at large angles. For complete flight planning with fuel, time estimates, and waypoints, use the Leg Planner.

Republic (KFRG) to Hanscom (KBED) VFR Flight Calculator

Planning a VFR flight from Long Island to the Boston area? This route from Republic Airport (KFRG) to Hanscom Field (KBED) is the classic general aviation alternative to the busy JFK-Logan corridor. Both airports are GA-friendly with excellent facilities, reasonable fees, and much simpler operations than the major commercial airports. This calculator provides real-time course calculations including wind correction angle, magnetic heading, and ground speed.

Route Overview: Long Island to Boston

The direct route from KFRG to KBED covers approximately 155 nautical miles on a true course of roughly 055°. Flight time in a typical single-engine aircraft at 120 knots TAS is between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on winds. The route crosses Long Island Sound, follows the Connecticut coastline, passes through Rhode Island, and enters Massachusetts. This is a well-established VFR corridor popular with GA pilots, offering excellent visual references and multiple GA airports for diversions along the way.

Airport Information

Departure: KFRG

Name:
Republic Airport
Location:
Farmingdale, NY
Elevation:
82 ft
ATIS:
124.2

Arrival: KBED

Name:
Laurence G. Hanscom Field
Location:
Bedford, MA
Elevation:
133 ft
ATIS:
128.4

Flight Planning Considerations

This route offers a much simpler alternative to flying between the major commercial airports. Both Republic and Hanscom are busy GA fields with professional services but without the complexity of Class B operations.

  • •File a VFR flight plan with FSS for flight following and search and rescue
  • •Republic has multiple FBOs with competitive fuel prices - top off before departure
  • •Hanscom is a popular business aviation airport - expect professional ATC service
  • •Route stays mostly under or around the NYC Class B shelf - simpler than JFK departure
  • •Fuel planning: 25-30 gallons for a 172/Cherokee with standard VFR reserves
  • •Consider early morning departure to avoid afternoon sea breeze and traffic
  • •Check TFRs - stadium TFRs common near both ends (MetLife, Gillette Stadium)

Airspace and Navigation

This route is designed to minimize Class B encounters. Departing from Republic puts you under the New York Class B shelf, and Hanscom lies just outside the Boston Class B.

  • •New York Class B: Shelf over Long Island starts at 1,500-2,000 ft - stay below or request transition
  • •Bridgeport Class D (KBDR): May need to transition or fly around
  • •New Haven Class D (KHVN): Along the coast, easy to avoid if needed
  • •Providence Class C (KPVD): 5 NM radius, surface to 4,100 feet
  • •Boston Class B: Hanscom is just outside - no Class B clearance required
  • •Request flight following from New York Approach early (125.7)
  • •Boston Approach (124.4) for handoff approaching Hanscom

Suggested VFR Cruising Altitudes

Eastbound (0°-179°)

4,500 ft, 6,500 ft, 8,500 ft

Odd thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Westbound (180°-359°)

5,500 ft, 7,500 ft

Even thousands + 500 ft for VFR

Weather Considerations

The Long Island Sound and coastal New England create unique weather patterns. Marine layers and sea fog are common, especially in spring and early summer mornings. The Connecticut and Rhode Island coastline can experience localized fog even when inland areas are clear. Summer afternoons often bring sea breezes that can create bumpy conditions near the coast. Check METARs for KFRG, KBDR, KHVN, KPVD, and KBED before departure. Winter brings nor'easters and icing concerns - always get a thorough weather briefing.

Visual Landmarks and Navigation References

Long Island Sound

Major water crossing shortly after departure from KFRG. Easy to identify, provides constant position reference.

Connecticut Coastline

Follow the shoreline eastbound. Cities of Bridgeport, New Haven, and New London clearly visible.

Thames River

Distinctive river near New London/Groton. Submarine base visible. Good checkpoint before Rhode Island.

Narragansett Bay

Large bay in Rhode Island. Providence visible to the north. Easy to identify from altitude.

Route 128/I-95

Major highway loop around Boston. Hanscom is just inside the 128 belt, northwest of the city.

Minute Man National Park

Adjacent to Hanscom Field. Historic site makes for easy identification on approach.

Alternate Airports

ICAONameDistance
KOWDNorwood Memorial20 NM S of KBED
KPVDT.F. Green (Providence)50 NM SW of KBED
KBDRSikorsky MemorialMidway point
KHVNTweed-New Haven70 NM from KFRG
KGONGroton-New London85 NM from KFRG

Tips from Experienced Pilots

  • •Republic has great training environment - FBOs are used to student pilots and VFR traffic
  • •Hanscom can be busy with corporate jets - be ready for 'number 3, follow the Gulfstream'
  • •The coastline route is scenic and provides more emergency landing options than direct overwater
  • •Fuel at KFRG is often cheaper than Boston area - top off before departure
  • •KBED has good courtesy cars and crew cars available through the FBOs
  • •Monitor 121.5 throughout - busy corridor for all types of traffic
  • •Consider KOWD (Norwood) as alternate destination if Hanscom is too busy
  • •Summer weekends see increased traffic at both ends - plan accordingly

Related VFR Routes

KVNY → KSBAKPAO → KMRYKDPA → KOSH

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and reference purposes only. Always use official flight planning tools and verify all data with current charts, NOTAMs, and weather briefings before flight. Wind data shown is from the most recent METAR and may not reflect actual en-route conditions.