The 300-Mile World Circuit
The 300-Mile World Circuit
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Embark on a one-of-a-kind global aviation journey designed entirely around the spirit of general aviation. The 300-Mile World Circuit is a meticulously crafted 150-leg expedition, where no single flight exceeds 300 nautical miles—keeping every leg realistic, manageable, and true to the capabilities of real-world GA aircraft.
This tour takes you across every major region of the world, from the sunlit coastlines of California and the towering peaks of the Rockies, to the tropical islands of the Caribbean, the vast jungles of South America, and the remote stretches of the Pacific. Carefully planned routes guide you through challenging mountain passes, across open oceans using strategic island hops, and into some of the most iconic and demanding airports on the planet.
Each leg is designed to offer a unique experience—whether it’s navigating busy international airspace, flying low over crystal-clear waters, or managing performance in high-altitude environments. The journey blends VFR exploration with opportunities for IFR precision, giving pilots the freedom to fly their way while still embracing real-world conditions.
The 300-Mile World Circuit isn’t just a route—it’s a full-scale aviation adventure. Every takeoff begins a new chapter, every landing marks progress, and every mile brings you closer to completing a true circumnavigation of the globe—one carefully planned leg at a time.
Leg 1: KSMO → KSBP (160 NM)
Leg 1: KSMO → KSBP (160 NM)
Depart Santa Monica just after sunrise and climb out over the dense sprawl of Los Angeles before turning northwest along the Pacific coastline. This leg is all about coastal flying—expect dramatic cliffs, rolling surf, and marine layer haze depending on conditions. As you approach San Luis Obispo, the terrain transitions into golden hills and vineyards. The approach into KSBP is scenic but requires awareness of terrain and winds funneled through the valley.
Leg 2 — KSBP → KMRY (120NM)
Leg 2 — KSBP → KMRY (120NM)
This leg hugs one of the most iconic stretches of coastline in the world: Big Sur. Fly low enough to appreciate the rugged cliffs but high enough to stay safe over rising terrain. You’ll pass remote beaches, winding highways, and steep drops into the Pacific. Monterey appears suddenly out of the coastal haze, offering a calm and controlled arrival into a historic coastal airport.
Leg 3: KMRY → KSTS (140 NM)
Leg 3: KMRY → KSTS (140 NM)
Depart Monterey Bay and continue north along the California coast before cutting inland toward Sonoma County. You’ll leave behind the ocean for rolling green hills, vineyards, and scattered towns. This is a relaxing leg with minimal terrain challenges, perfect for enjoying VFR navigation and spotting landmarks.
Leg 4: KSTS → KACV (190 NM)
Leg 4: KSTS → KACV (190 NM)
As you head farther north, the landscape becomes more rugged and forested. The terrain rises and thickens into dense redwood forests, with fewer urban areas. Coastal fog becomes more likely, adding realism and challenge. Arcata/Eureka sits near the coast and often requires careful descent planning due to weather.
Leg 5: KACV → KONP (220 NM)
Leg 5: KACV → KONP (220 NM)
Cross into Oregon as the coastline becomes wilder and more remote. Expect fewer visual landmarks besides cliffs, forests, and crashing waves. This is a longer leg with limited alternates, so fuel and weather planning matter. Newport offers a small but welcoming airport with ocean views on final.
Leg 6: KONP → KAST (90 NM)
Leg 6: KONP → KAST (90 NM)
A shorter hop along the Oregon coast, this leg is perfect for low-altitude scenic flying. As you approach Astoria, the Columbia River widens dramatically, creating a striking visual contrast between river and ocean. Winds can be tricky near the river mouth.
Leg 7: KAST → KOLM (120 NM)
Leg 7: KAST → KOLM (120 NM)
Turn inland and follow the Columbia River east briefly before heading north into Washington. The terrain becomes lush and forested, with increasing elevation changes. Olympia sits in a basin surrounded by hills, making for a satisfying descent and approach.
Leg 8: KOLM → KBLI (120 NM)
Leg 8: KOLM → KBLI (120 NM)
Fly north through Washington’s scenic lowlands and waterways. You’ll pass near Seattle’s airspace, so navigation and communication become more important. Bellingham offers views of Puget Sound and nearby mountains, especially on clear days.
Leg 9: KBLI → CYVR (40 NM)
Leg 9: KBLI → CYVR (40 NM)
A quick international hop into Canada. This short leg introduces border crossing procedures and busier controlled airspace. Vancouver International is large and active, providing a contrast to the smaller GA fields you’ve been visiting.
Leg 10: CYVR → CYXX (30 NM)
Leg 10: CYVR → CYXX (30 NM)
A short repositioning flight into the Fraser Valley. This leg is simple but useful for transitioning out of major airport traffic. Expect farmland, rivers, and a relaxed GA environment.
Leg 11: CYXX → CYLW (160 NM)
Leg 11: CYXX → CYLW (160 NM)
Now the terrain begins to rise. Leaving the valley, you’ll climb toward the interior of British Columbia where mountains dominate the horizon. Weather can change quickly here, so stay alert. Kelowna sits beside a long lake, offering a beautiful approach.
Leg 12: CYLW → CYYF (60 NM)
Leg 12: CYLW → CYYF (60 NM)
A short but scenic hop following Okanagan Lake. This is ideal for low-level VFR flying, with water on one side and hills on the other. Penticton’s runway lies right between lake and town.
Leg 13: CYYF → CYXC (90 NM)
Leg 13: CYYF → CYXC (90 NM)
Continue east as the mountains grow more imposing. Valleys narrow and terrain awareness becomes critical. Cranbrook provides a solid base before crossing into the U.S. Rockies.
Leg 14: CYXC → KMSO (140 NM)
Leg 14: CYXC → KMSO (140 NM)
Cross the border into Montana, flying through rugged mountain passes. This leg requires careful altitude planning to safely navigate terrain. Missoula sits in a valley surrounded by peaks.
Leg 15: KMSO → KGPI (90 NM)
Leg 15: KMSO → KGPI (90 NM)
Fly north toward Glacier National Park. Expect breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and wilderness. Kalispell is a great staging point for alpine flying.
Leg 16: KGPI → KHLN (180 NM)
Leg 16: KGPI → KHLN (180 NM)
A longer leg across Montana’s mountainous terrain. You’ll transition between valleys and ridgelines, requiring constant attention to elevation and weather. Helena offers a classic mountain airport experience.
Leg 17: KHLN → KBIL (170 NM)
Leg 17: KHLN → KBIL (170 NM)
Leaving the mountains behind, the landscape opens into rolling plains. The contrast is dramatic—wide open skies and fewer obstacles. Billings is a larger airport with easy approaches.
Leg 18: KBIL → KSHR (120 NM)
Leg 18: KBIL → KSHR (120 NM)
Head south into Wyoming. Terrain begins to rise again slightly, with a mix of plains and foothills. Sheridan is quieter and more rural.
Leg 19: KSHR → KCYS (170 NM)
Leg 19: KSHR → KCYS (170 NM)
Continue southeast across Wyoming’s open landscape. Winds can be a factor here due to the lack of terrain shielding. Cheyenne sits at high elevation, so expect performance impacts.
Leg 20: KCYS → KDEN (90 NM)
Leg 20: KCYS → KDEN (90 NM)
A short leg into one of the busiest airports in the region. Transitioning from rural airspace into Denver requires planning and communication. Expect structured arrivals and possible traffic delays.
Leg 21: KDEN → KGJT (210 NM)
Leg 21: KDEN → KGJT (210 NM)
Head west back into mountainous terrain. This leg takes you across the Rockies again, offering dramatic scenery but requiring careful altitude management. Grand Junction sits in a valley surrounded by red rock formations.
Leg 22: KGJT → KASE (100 NM)
Leg 22: KGJT → KASE (100 NM)
A challenging and rewarding leg into Aspen. The approach is famous for its terrain constraints and narrow valley entry. This is a true test of GA flying skill.
Leg 23: KASE → KTEX (110 NM)
Leg 23: KASE → KTEX (110 NM)
Continue through high alpine terrain into Telluride—one of the highest commercial airports in the U.S. Expect stunning scenery and thin air affecting aircraft performance.
Leg 24: KTEX → KABQ (260 NM)
Leg 24: KTEX → KABQ (260 NM)
Descend out of the mountains into the high desert of New Mexico. The terrain opens up into wide expanses with mesas and dry riverbeds. Albuquerque is a major airport with straightforward approaches.
Leg 25: KABQ → KROW (160 NM)
Leg 25: KABQ → KROW (160 NM)
A relaxed desert leg across southeastern New Mexico. Expect flat terrain, sparse population, and excellent visibility. Roswell adds a bit of fun with its UFO lore, making it a memorable stop.
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