First LONG flight in a small plane

BillErvin said:
Lean your mixture a bit prior to takeoff , every time before takeoff
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In case you haven't....

Density Altitude leaning for takeoff: During Run-up rotate the Mixture out. You will see the RPMs max out, and then begin to drop off. Make a mental note of the max RPM. Once it begins to drop, rotate mixture back in until you reach the maximum RPM you saw moments earlier. Now, give the mix two full rotations in (720˚). You have now leaned for max RPM density altitude, AND enrichened the fuel to be gentle on the engine during full takeoff power.
 
have fun, and.....

expect to spend whatever you are thinking..... x 2

however long you are planning...........x 2

but number one..........have fun; and drink a couple of beers while you're at it:beer:
 
I think we are going to try for Havasu instead of Needles, seems like a much nicer airport. In case weather becomes a problem we are going to head in a different direction, As for DA I've gotten my Mountain Flying cert and have used it so I'm familiar with high alt, short runway, hot day situations. The best solution I find to those problems is......have a slushy and wait for it to cool down. We are planning 1-2 days to get there, and 2 days to get back. Considering the distance and choice of alternate routes if weather becomes an issue it shouldn't be a problem. Both of us have work Tuesday. But of course missing work takes priority over trying to pick our way through thunderstorms. As for the camera, I will be taking LOTS of pictures, and of course you will all get to see them.
 
It's a fun trip--bring a good camera

I've flown the whole length of that exact route several times and long portions of that route many other times and in different seasons. A good friend lived in Havasu so I became quite familiar with the aprts in that area. I too suggest KHII.

Around NW to W of LAS you might find a line of TS. They pop up quick and last anywhere from an hour to all day and into the wee hours. East of the Colorado River things tend to smooth out. Leaving KHII deviate to the north towards FLG if you run into any wx or are worried about buildups. Saint John is south but also a good fuel stop.

From GUP to SAF you'll be getting a workout from the daytime heating. Plan on an alternate aprt as you get close to the mtns NNW of Albuquerque. You may not be get around or through the wx in that area. (east of Navajo Lake to SAF)

My highest density take off was Taos in a 120 lbs undergross PA-28-160. Fld elev is almost 7,200 and I used 5,000 of the 5,800 RWY because it was 85*F at 0517 giving a DA of quite near 13,000 (IIRC). Yes, at 5 AM!

I'm a belt and suspenders kind of guy. The G-1000 might have all the bells and whistles but I would run the calcs for DA on paper anyway. You did say it's your 1st long cross....

Yes, stay hydrated. The combo of alt, very low humidity, and flying log legs will sneak up on you. You be fatigued and sleepy and drying out although you may not know it. Many sips are better than a few large gulps.

I sound like your father:dunno:

Call your mother.:D
 
jrh said:
The second tip...bring a roll of toilet paper. You may or may not find a use for it along the way. But if you need it, you'll be extremely glad you have it. Trust me.
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No kidding! I had to sacrifice a brand new pair of socks at an airport that shall remain nameless in FL. I can only imagine what the person who found them was thinking. (sorry)
 
Re: It's a fun trip--bring a good camera

RICHARD5 said:
My highest density take off was Taos in a 120 lbs undergross PA-28-160. Fld elev is almost 7,200 and I used 5,000 of the 5,800 RWY because it was 85*F at 0517 giving a DA of quite near 13,000 (IIRC). Yes, at 5 AM!
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I lived in NM and flew my PA28-235 all over the state. This is the way it is in July-August-September. Play with the calculations from the POH of the plane you're flying, use the above scenario. A 235 will climb out of most anything, but I still paid attention to my DA Charts.

My rule of thumb for High altitude airports... If I'm not off the ground by midfield start thinking about aborting if not off by the second third of the runway ABORT.
 
Calling my mother is item #12 on the After Landing/ Parking checklist. Just after (Mixture............Cut-Off). Thanks for all the help so far folks, I can't wait for tomorrow morning when it's time to leave. It will be the first time I've seen the sunrise from the air. It's gonna be fun.
 
Re: It's a fun trip--bring a good camera

BillErvin said:
I lived in NM and flew my PA28-235 all over the state. This is the way it is in July-August-September. Play with the calculations from the POH of the plane you're flying, use the above scenario. A 235 will climb out of most anything, but I still paid attention to my DA Charts.

My rule of thumb for High altitude airports... If I'm not off the ground by midfield start thinking about aborting if not off by the second third of the runway ABORT.
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It wasn't even close to being my first high DA takeoff but it still stands as my highest.

I had run the calcs three different times and came up with the same answer. So I calculated where on the rwy length I should be at 75% of my rotation speed. That would allow a heads up that I was cutting it too close. I also beat into my head what I would do if the engine sputtered or made less than full RPMs. No way was I gonna' go into that big ditch known as the Rio Grande.

I was very happy that I rotated exactly as calculated. In other words, my plane made book performance. :) I like challenging my abilities and my equipment. That includes managing the associated risks.
 
jonny said:
No kidding! I had to sacrifice a brand new pair of socks at an airport that shall remain nameless in FL. I can only imagine what the person who found them was thinking. (sorry)
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TMI. Those weren't your socks were they? Don't you carry expired app plates? :insane:
 
Well, It's almost time. 9 hours till we leave the ground on our way south. The flight bags are packed, batteries are charged, Snacks are stowed, Hell I even put my tray table and seat back into its upright and locked positions just in case it makes me feel like I'm not forgetting everything. Pictures upon my return. Track us if you can! And thanks to fltplan.com you can. Tail #2357J. See you in the sky. :rawk:
 
jonny said:
No kidding! I had to sacrifice a brand new pair of socks at an airport that shall remain nameless in FL. I can only imagine what the person who found them was thinking. (sorry)
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Any chance your initials are J.B ?
 
hahaha wow it's a small world.

I'll never forget when you said, "dude we need to land right now!''

How you been?

I feel bad for whoever found that sock.
 
Haha, I'm good. Thanks for that by the way, it IS in fact a small world. I just got hired at seaport as a captain, start class on the 28th. Good times.
 
Good to hear. Do they have a lav in those pc12's ???
For you sake, I hope so!

Seriously though, It's good to hear things are going well.
Good luck on the new gig, thats a nice ride.
 
Man I hope so. It was the fried lobster sandwich down in Key West that did it :insane: Life is good, and God bless the poor soul who found my socks. I'm just glad I was wearing shoes and not flip flops on that day!

To the OP, enjoy the trip. File and fly IFR as much as you can, especially out of uncontrolled fields, and have fun!
 
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