Mountain XC

[mhorowit]

Folks - I wrote the following, then re-read it and answered my own question: check the weather, especially the cloud base if I"m planning on flyng in the mountains. Figured there was no harm in posting it, and besides, might get some good hints.


I continue to practice for my Alliance XC. Today I discovered mountains.
OK, these aren’t MOUNTAINS, but I’ve never been in a low powered a/c on a hot day with 3500 feet ‘obstructions’.

Flew from FRR (Front Royal) to Winchester (OKV) then west to Kessel(ESL) VOR. Kessel is about 40 NM away, and a look at the Cincinnati sectional shows that I would have to go over ridges, but they didn’t look threatening (sitting in the FBO at FRR).

As I flew west the ridges appeared to be higher and more dense than shown on the sectional, so I went up to 4500 feet. In some cases I didn’t think I had the ‘oomph’ to climb and remain on course, so I found myself going 30-40^ off course to pick a lower point on the ridge. So for a guy that has always followed the line I drew on the map, this was a new experience. Next new experience was when the cumulus began to develop and I found my head scraping their undersides in order to clear a ridge. Howard had mentioned last year’s adventure attempting to find low points on the ridges, so I took his que.

I can see myself spending an inordinate amount of time/fuel searching for a path across the Appalachians, watching my flight plan go to hell in a handbasket, and then I can see myself saying “I need fuel and there is no place around”. I guess the lesson learned is to have a contingency picked out so that I can say ‘ENUF’ and still have fuel to get somewhere safe.

Certainly many of you have faced lowering clouds and rising ridges. Any hints on handling this situation? - MIke

[crispy critter]

Re: Mountain XC

Mike,land safely before the clouds meet the mountain tops .Sorry Mike,I couldn't resist being a little bit of a smart ass today.I'm in a good mood.

[jCandlish]

Re: Mountain XC

Flew LSGE -> LSGT -> LSGK -> LSGE last Monday as training for my Alpine rating. Spent most of the time well below the horizon. Its pretty much required to KNOW THE AREA. Box canyons generally don't have rivers below them. Downstream is good. Keep to the right side of the valley (or pass). It gives better traffic avoidance and more room to turn if you get boxed in.

Its totally nutz, but I hope to fly the Alps again this week.

Cheers
jCandlish
.

[mhorowit]

Re: Mountain XC

One thing I did notice. Major highways seem to go thru passes. Next week I'll try and see where Rt. 50 takes me. -= Mike

[jCandlish]

Re: Mountain XC

You know your an ex-pat when ...
... the highways go THROUGH the mountains.

http://www.gotthardtunnel.ch/technik1.htm

Cheers
jCandlish
.

[jgerard]

Re: Mountain XC

I have had my 46 bc12 up to 9500' no problem with a worn out A65 and no mix control. She would go higher but I already had the peaks cleared by 1000' and was 1/2 way across the pass by then.

http://gallery.taylorcraft.org/view_photo.php?set_albumName=N43643&id=hwy_2

Try to find some pilots that may know the best route through the hills and pick their brains. It helps to spend some time up high because the world sure moves a lot slower up there and that tends to freak out some pilots that aren't used to it. I recommend to always follow the beaten path over mountains instead of makin it up as you go. Wait until you have a real good knowledge of the area and it's weather patterns before you even attempt to scud run. And then think twice about it. If you can, try to have a second airplane with you while your crossin the mountains. Two heads are better than one!

[jCandlish]

Re: Mountain XC

God how I miss the Northwest! I'd like to have time to fly out to visit my kids in Oregon when I pick up my Tcraft late this summer. Its supposed to be finished by August.

[VictorBravo]

Re: Mountain XC

Mike, you should find a local glider pilot somewhere, and borrow his copy of "Cross Country Soaring" by Helmut Reichmann. I no longer know where my copy is, so I can't send it to you. But please trust me it is well worth reading for any Taylorcraft pilot.

The T-craft is a low performance powered glider by any measure, and it just happenes to be a better glider than any of its contemporaries (Champ, Cub, Luscombe etc). By learning glider techniques, you will be a safer, faster, and better T-craft pilot.

For instance, knowing which side of a ridge to fly on can make the difference between maintaining altitude with a normal temperature engine or sinking into the trees at full power.

One other thing, learn how to do a Hammerhead Stall in your T-craft. Learn how to do it automatically, without hesitation. Then practice some more.

Fly along at CLIMBING speed, note your altitude, then push the nose down, dive for 100 feet, pull up and do the Hammerhead, then pull out of the dive ABOVE the lowest level you dived down to on the way in. That is the way to get out of a narrow box canyon and live to tell about it.

You have to make the decision whether you have enough room to turn around in a level turn, or whether you don't have the turning radius and have to do the Hammerhead. That decision needs to be made while you still have enough altitude to dive down and begin the Hammerhead. Once you have learned this, then make a not to NEVER get into the situation where it is needed!!!

OK, OK, I'll get off the soapbox now...

[CraigH]

Re: Mountain XC

I'd highly recommend this book for anyone considering doing any mountain flying. For that matter, get it anyway - it's full of very useful information.

I purchased a copy last year before making the trip up to Leadville, CO. The book helped immensely, and is the next best thing to taking a genuine Mountain Flying course.

[Robert Lees]

Re: Mountain XC

John: I did Castellon (LECN) to Pamplona (LEPP) to San Sebastian (LESO) last week...over the foothills of the Pyrenees on 65hp (no mixture) and just under max gross weight, if you catch my drift. Up to 4500' and rough as nails in 30 kts.

I hope to post some photos of the mountains.

[CraigH]

Re: Mountain XC

Mike, Here's a few you might enjoy:

Flying over Royal Gorge just outside Canon City, CO.

[CraigH]

Re: Mountain XC

Flying over the Twin Lakes enroute to Leadville, Co from Buena Vista

[CraigH]

Re: Mountain XC

Altimiter showing 11,000 feet between Buena Vista and Leadville, CO.