Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site brl-tgr.ARPA
Path: utzoo!decvax!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!brl-tgr!ron
From: ron@brl-tgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: crossing the rockies
Message-ID: <11318@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 21-Jun-85 13:30:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.11318
Posted: Fri Jun 21 13:30:33 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 22-Jun-85 22:04:29 EDT
References: <195@dcdwest.UUCP> <27441@lanl.ARPA>
Distribution: na
Organization: Ballistic Research Lab
Lines: 31

> You are in luck Phil!  There are a number of routes, particularly from
> San Diego to the midwest that have very reasonable MEAs.  Comming out of
> SAN you could go directly east via PHX and never have to climb more than
> 8,000.
> 
> Remember, if you are traveling during the months of March, April and May,
> the winds can get very challenging in the afternoons. Plan on being on
> the ground by noon until you clear the rockies.  Don't tempt the spring
> storms either!
> 
> One more thing, remember that you engine is going to loose 25% to 40% of it's
> rated power at 7,500 MSL.  Make sure you understand density altitude and
> preferrably have a high altitude check out by a qualified CFI.
> 
> Ted Spitzmiller
> Los Alamos NM

Good advice.  You may want to fly up north along the front range (in
front of the mountains) once you cross them.  Under no conditions
should someone attempt to cross the Rockies near Denver at altitudes
less than 16000 MSL unless you've had an mountain flying course (including
flight time in the mountains).  I can recommend a good CFI/FBO in Denver
for this if you like.

If you do decide to fly north a bit after you cross, Flower Aviation in
Pueblo Colorado is reputed to be one of the nicest in the countries.
Goodland Kansas had good pecan pie and were selling ashtrays made of
aircraft engine pistons for five dollars (I wished I'd bought more, people
keep trying to get mine away from me).

-Ron