Anyone flown into Ashville, NC (KAVL)?
- Thread starter naunga
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NJA_Capt
Well-Known Member
It's been a while since I was there. Even longer since it was in a single Cessna.
I would suggest taking an experienced mountain flying pilot with you. I don't recommend mountain flying to new PPL holders (or long time PPLs). Especially in the winter.
And before you left coast guys chime in......I know, our mountains are only 4-6000'.
But the same gotchas are there. No valleys to land in either. Yer either in'm, or ya'ain't.
I would suggest taking an experienced mountain flying pilot with you. I don't recommend mountain flying to new PPL holders (or long time PPLs). Especially in the winter.
And before you left coast guys chime in......I know, our mountains are only 4-6000'.
But the same gotchas are there. No valleys to land in either. Yer either in'm, or ya'ain't.
PhilosopherPilot
Well-Known Member
Yes, I got my private at 22W, just a few miles to the Southwest. As with all mountain airports, be careful about flying there when there are strong winds aloft, especially from the West.
The airport is in the Broad River valley, so there are not any mountains directly interfering with the approach, but there are some large hills on the South side of the airport, and some smokestacks on the extended left downwind to 16.
You may want to go there VFR before you attempt any actual IFR there, due to the nearby mountains. I've never gone IFR there, but I imagine it could get interesting!
If you are up for a challenge, try going into 22W. Runway 27 will test your short field capabilities... Fly straight at the mountain on left downwind to 27 until the last second, then turn a quick base, and fly a steep final.
They use left traffic for both runways, despite the large hill/mountain on the left downwind to runway 9. Just sort of keep it close to the runway (for 9), and then widen out once you pass the hill. Call the airport for any advice. 828-877-5801
Good luck!
G
The airport is in the Broad River valley, so there are not any mountains directly interfering with the approach, but there are some large hills on the South side of the airport, and some smokestacks on the extended left downwind to 16.
You may want to go there VFR before you attempt any actual IFR there, due to the nearby mountains. I've never gone IFR there, but I imagine it could get interesting!
If you are up for a challenge, try going into 22W. Runway 27 will test your short field capabilities... Fly straight at the mountain on left downwind to 27 until the last second, then turn a quick base, and fly a steep final.
They use left traffic for both runways, despite the large hill/mountain on the left downwind to runway 9. Just sort of keep it close to the runway (for 9), and then widen out once you pass the hill. Call the airport for any advice. 828-877-5801
Good luck!
G
PhilosopherPilot
Well-Known Member
NJA makes a good point... If you have no mountain experience, take someone along who does! I was assuming you are from the area, and perhaps have some mountain time. I'll be home from Dec. 22 to Dec. 29 should you want to fly there with someone familliar with the area.
As a disclaimer about 22W, don't try to land there if you have zero mountain time. It can be tricky! (Much trickier than AVL!)
G
As a disclaimer about 22W, don't try to land there if you have zero mountain time. It can be tricky! (Much trickier than AVL!)
G
mtsu_av8er
Well-Known Member
I've been up there quite a few times myself. Usually just as a fuel stop, but I've a good friend there, too. Neat little airport, AND THOSE MOLEHILLS AREN'T SO BAD AT ALL.....
FL270
New Member
I've been in and out of there at 200-1/2 in a 182 and it isn't a big deal. The airport is in a valley but the runway is parallel to the valley so the rocks are off to the side for the most part rather than under the approaches. Pay close attention to your altitudes and maintain situational awareness ... good advice all the time but certainly in mountainous terrain.
TallBoy85
Well-Known Member
I'm glad it's always 200 - 1/2 in ole KAVL. I shot my first to mins approach in there in the CRJ just after I got out here. Nice place...the layover is decent too.
And mountains? I have yet to see mountains on the east coast during an approach except while going into Charleston, WV...and those just kinda act as a funnel.
Now...you want to play the mountains game...lets talk Telluride, Aspen, Flagstaff, Salt Lake...etc. Basically the mountains out here are something to give me green speckles on the Terrain Radar...
Friendly place though this Ashville...
And mountains? I have yet to see mountains on the east coast during an approach except while going into Charleston, WV...and those just kinda act as a funnel.
Now...you want to play the mountains game...lets talk Telluride, Aspen, Flagstaff, Salt Lake...etc. Basically the mountains out here are something to give me green speckles on the Terrain Radar...
Friendly place though this Ashville...
GregCollins2
Well-Known Member
Into AVL many times, no big deal at all, especially VFR. Fly over the city and check out the Biltmore from the air on the approach to the airport, amazingly beautiful.
