Yourpilotincommand Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midlifeflyer Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midlifeflyer Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Ward Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Ward Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammdo Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N201MKTurbo Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevenL757 Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsxrpilot Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 @Matt Ward we should fly to AXX one of these days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N201MKTurbo Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 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. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Ward Posted August 12, 2020 Report Share Posted August 12, 2020 55 minutes ago, gsxrpilot said: @Matt Ward we should fly to AXX one of these days Right now I'm eyeing Johnson Creek! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsxrpilot Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Warbucks Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsxrpilot Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 Just now, Captain Warbucks said: AXX is on my list as well! Let's coordinate. I'll see you there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Warbucks Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carusoam Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 Learning Mooney passion first hand from GSXR.... Way to go! Best regards, -a- 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N201MKTurbo Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsxrpilot Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 2 minutes ago, N201MKTurbo said: Let us all know, I would waste that much gas. Excellent! And will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmyfm20s Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kmyfm20s Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 I could be convinced to fly out if the dates work. Mooney summit Angel Fire? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwash02 Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 1 hour ago, gsxrpilot said: Excellent! And will do. I'd be interested in this as well! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsxrpilot Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 I'm making a list. As I've been known to do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stnelson903 Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 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 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammdo Posted August 13, 2020 Report Share Posted August 13, 2020 This could be a fun flight. I better brush up on procedures.... -Don 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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