how high?

[jim cooper]

Back when I started to fly,(50's) one would take off and sometimes cruise along at 800 to 1000 feet,(agl) sometimes lower, maybe ALOT lower. Today with all the towers and regulations its not wise to do this type flying. I flew today and kept it at about 1500'. Mainly over open spaces. (The eastern shore of maryland is mainly farm land.) I am curious as to what altitude others fly when out for a cruise. I rarely go over 3000' agl ( only when I cross the Chesapeake Bay),and usually am at 15-1800 feet. I'd appreciate your input. JC

[mohawktipi]

Re: how high?

If just out for a cruise, 1000 to 1500 AGL. More than 50 miles, 2500 to 3500 MSL or 1500 to 2000 AGL. Don't have a lot of open area so I keep enough altitude to make a safe landing if needed. I've had two engine failures in the last 3 years and never damaged an airplane.

[timberhouse]

Re: how high?

When I'm out just cruising around I will usually 3500 feet agl just to give me time to plan a landing in case of engine problems.

[Eric Tyson]

Re: how high?

Over town I run 1500 to 1800ft
Out of town when playing 500ft
Going long distance/ through mountain passes or crossing water 7,500 to 9,000ft-weather permitting

Alaska has great flying.

Eric

[Taylor Maid]

Re: how high?

If I am on a long cruise, such as Michigan to Florida, I find the optimum smooth altitude for the winds. Normal playing is ground effect to 500 feet ....highest has been 8000'...ish.

[jim cooper]

Re: how high?

Tom: What caused the failures? I'm always aware of this while I'm flying. Can you share what happened? Thanks. JC

[mohawktipi]

Re: how high?

Tom: What caused the failures? I'm always aware of this while I'm flying. Can you share what happened? Thanks. JC

The first was a broken fuel line. No warning just quit. The second was a spun bearing. Oil pressure began to drop and temp went way up. I immediately headed for the nearest airport. I was five miles out when the engine began to run rough. Maintained altitude until a got within one mile of airport. Engine seized and I made a straight-in, downwind landing.