Has anyone flown into KAXX Angel Fire?

[Yourpilotincommand]

It seems to be quite a challenge, and I don’t have O2. Please share your experiences.  I’d like to plan a trip there in late November.

[midlifeflyer]

I was in there a few years ago. It was November, just around Thanksgiving.

Knowledge of high density altitude and mountain terrain  operations is essential. You will land with a significant crosswind. The winds are westerly. The runway is N-S. There is higher terrai on both sides, which funnels and increases those westerly winds. And, absolutely, positively, ask a local about the best procedure for takeoff. Y

I just pulled up the METAR for Angel Fire and Taos. I had a pretty good idea what I would find. They are only 20 miles apart. Nice summer day with light winds, not like the lowered Jetstream i the winter. God nutshell of what you need to know when considering the trip.

KSKX 121656Z AUTO 17007KT 10SM CLR 28/M02 A3032 RMK AO2 SLP186 T02781017
KAXX 121655Z AUTO 25016G22KT 10SM CLR 23/00 A3042 RMK AO2 T02341001
 

 

[midlifeflyer]

I just remembered. This is a video done by a local Angel Fire pilot. He did this video after a couple of then-recent accidents. It's quite good.

 

[Matt Ward]

Be sure to plan your arrival as it's going to be steep from anyway you choose to arrive.  Really study the DP too.  If you want to leave on 17 (due to winds) you're going to need a climb rate in the 800 ft/min range to be IFR safe.  Beautiful airport but every bit as challenging as TEX or ASE.  Raton and Taos are much less involved but may not be what you want.

 

[Matt Ward]

BTW, oxygen isn't going to be your issue.  It's not really that high around there and staying at 12.5 and below is not much of a problem.  The issue with the Sangre De Cristos is that the aspects are quite steep on the east and west faces.  That creates a lot of turbulence as you know.  Combine that with the narrow valleys getting in and out and you have a challenge.  If your goal is to get into the Alamosa Valley, look west for sure.

[hammdo]

If climb rate is an issue, terrain, and you're IFR with good visibility, I'd request ATC for VCOA) (Visual Climb Over Airport) to get my altitude. That is an option if the DP (Departure Procedure) or ODP (Obstacle Departure Procedure) is not doable... 

VFR you could do the same VCOA just announce it... 

Provided there is clearance from obstacles... 

-Don 

[N201MKTurbo]

I have landed there a few times. 

I have also aborted and landed in Taos.

If the winds are calm, it is a no brainer. The winds are rarely calm. If the winds are high, be very careful. I would cut it off at about 15 Kts.

[StevenL757]

2 hours ago, midlifeflyer said:

I just remembered. This is a video done by a local Angel Fire pilot. He did this video after a couple of then-recent accidents. It's quite good.

 

One of the most outstanding videos out there...very informative.  For not being an instructor, this was exceptionally well done.

Steve

[gsxrpilot]

@Matt Ward we should fly to AXX one of these days 

[Geoff]

I have been there in a 231 (with a local CFI on board).  If you are not mountain flying proficient, I highly recommend taking a course before attempting AXX or hire a LOCAL CFI to take with you.

As others have mentioned this airport has a combination of factors (high DA, mountain downwash, strong crosswinds, limited horizontal maneuverability) that significantly increase the risk.

That being said it is a fantastic experience to add to your aviation chops.  

Stay safe!

[N201MKTurbo]

I was approaching from 15500 and descending into the valley. When I got to about 2000 AGL the turbulence got so bad that I could hardly control the plane and was getting exponentially worse as I descended. That's when I turned to the west and landed at Taos.

[Matt Ward]

55 minutes ago, gsxrpilot said:

@Matt Ward we should fly to AXX one of these days 

Right now I'm eyeing Johnson Creek!

[gsxrpilot]

3 hours ago, Matt Ward said:

Right now I'm eyeing Johnson Creek!

I like that one as well. But AXX is only an hour and 15 from BJC in my 252. 

[Captain Warbucks]

Just now, gsxrpilot said:

I like that one as well. But AXX is only an hour and 15 from BJC in my 252. 

AXX is on my list as well! 

[gsxrpilot]

Just now, Captain Warbucks said:

AXX is on my list as well! 

Let's coordinate. I'll see you there 

[Captain Warbucks]

Just now, gsxrpilot said:

Let's coordinate. I'll see you there 

Sounds good! It'll be good to stretch the legs on my new J! 

[carusoam]

Learning Mooney passion first hand from GSXR....

Way to go!

Best regards,

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

24 minutes ago, Captain Warbucks said:

Sounds good! It'll be good to stretch the legs on my new J! 

Let us all know, I would waste that much gas. 

[gsxrpilot]

2 minutes ago, N201MKTurbo said:

Let us all know, I would waste that much gas. 

Excellent! And will do.

[kmyfm20s]

6 hours ago, StevenL757 said:

One of the most outstanding videos out there...very informative.  For not being an instructor, this was exceptionally well done.

Steve

I agree!

[kmyfm20s]

I could be convinced to fly out if the dates work.  Mooney summit Angel Fire?

[smwash02]

1 hour ago, gsxrpilot said:

Excellent! And will do.

I'd be interested in this as well!

[gsxrpilot]

I'm making a list. As I've been known to do 

[Stnelson903]

We fly in there 5 to 6 times a year. Been doing it for years. Read the procedures. Pay attention. Fly your plane. If you can’t keep up the climb rate, circle the field and climb.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hammdo]

This could be a fun flight. I better brush up on procedures....

-Don