YUMA-- anyone??

[mhamilton31]

I'm looking to fly to Yuma, Arizona (KNYL) from Bay City, TX (KBYY) sometime here mid September. I reckon the heat won't let up much between now and then and I'm considering buying a supplemental O2 system to allow flying at higher elevations (prob from Sporty's, 4-man cannula system). Any experience with the O2 system from Sporty's? Also, any experience flying the southern corridor around El Paso to Yuma would be much appreciated...

 

VFR, M20F, 3-passengers, Prob stop in Pecos, Tx for fuel stop. Leave early am...

[Bolter]

Regardless of the system, I recommend the Mountain High O2D2 controller.  This meters out the oxygen very efficiently, letting the bottle last a long time.  

https://www.mhoxygen.com/product-category/portable-pulse-demand/o2d2/

It may not pay for itself directly in the refill costs, but the time and hassle saved by not having to refill nearly as often is well worth it.  You do not need their system to use the O2D2, but might as well make it one stop shopping and get a 4P kit.  I got the 02D2-682-2P-F kit plus some extra items in 2017.  I have filled it twice, once was the first fill, then a proactive free refill at OSH in 2018.  Mostly flying just 2 people in the 12k range.  YMMV.

At KNYL, the FBO is Millionair and run by a Mooney friendly guy with callsign "curly".  They host our formation clinic each year and are exceptional people.  

 

[smwash02]

@Bolter said much of what I was going to say. Here is the MH cylinder duration chart that will help you do the math of if you'll have enough based on people and bottle size.

Your trip looks like a lot of fun! I flew my C that way coming back from Oceanside landing in Carlsbad for fuel. In the wintertime with just us (280 lbs of people), full fuel, and a 60 lbs of luggage it took some time to get into the high teens. You'll be heavier and may want to do some tests to see how long it takes you to get up to O2 altitudes while keeping things cool. Also don't forget to get a pulse oximeter or 2.

Skimming the route, 7-8k might be the highest point. 10-12k might be as high as you need to go, should the O2 hurdle prove to be too much.

[EricJ]

There's nothing along that route that will require O2 altitudes, so it's not at all necessary if you want to avoid having to take it.

The main thing will be the restricted areas around Yuma.  There's really only one way in from the east.

 

[mhamilton31]

8 minutes ago, EricJ said:

There's nothing along that route that will require O2 altitudes, so it's not at all necessary if you want to avoid having to take it.

The main thing will be the restricted areas around Yuma.  There's really only one way in from the east.

 

I was thinking more of personal comfort/temps at higher elevations. I have yet had the need for supplemental O2 so i was/am considering the 4-man SkyOx system from Sportys for $715. Its more than half the price of the O2D2

[EricJ]

Just now, mhamilton31 said:

I was thinking more of personal comfort/temps at higher elevations. I have yet had the need for supplemental O2 so i was/am considering the 4-man SkyOx system from Sportys for $715. Its more than half the price of the O2D2

Around here once you're above about 5000 MSL the temps are fine, even on the hottest days.

[mhamilton31]

Apparently I submitted my reply before finishing typing.

Just now, mhamilton31 said:

I was thinking more of personal comfort/temps at higher elevations. I have yet had the need for supplemental O2 so i was/am considering the 4-man SkyOx system from Sportys for $715. Its more than half the price of the O2D2

I submitted before finishing typing.....

It less than half the price of the O2D2 system. If i only use it 1-2 times a year, I'm not sure i have the need for the better O2D2 system??

[mhamilton31]

Just now, EricJ said:

Around here once you're above about 5000 MSL the temps are fine, even on the hottest days.

That's good to know. I flew from Bay City, Tx to Searcy, AR last month and i didn't like the ambient temps till around 9500'...(at least until i got north of Houston)

[kortopates]

37 minutes ago, mhamilton31 said:

That's good to know. I flew from Bay City, Tx to Searcy, AR last month and i didn't like the ambient temps till around 9500'...(at least until i got north of Houston)

Although the temps get okay soonest, I've had to climb to as much as 14-16k to get out of the summer time thermal chop which also cost you a few knots. Higher is typically much much more comfortable - if you can do it. 

[kmyfm20s]

If you don’t mind flying in the evening. Take off at sun down from El Paso and keep I-40 west in gliding distance. Very pleasant flight! 

[mhamilton31]

40 minutes ago, kmyfm20s said:

If you don’t mind flying in the evening. Take off at sun down from El Paso and keep I-40 west in gliding distance. Very pleasant flight! 

That sounds nice! Maybe spend half a day in El Paso before we continue on..This will be the first time for me to go beyond Fredericksburg from home.(going west that is)

[mhamilton31]

2 hours ago, Bolter said:

Regardless of the system, I recommend the Mountain High O2D2 controller.  This meters out the oxygen very efficiently, letting the bottle last a long time.  

https://www.mhoxygen.com/product-category/portable-pulse-demand/o2d2/

It may not pay for itself directly in the refill costs, but the time and hassle saved by not having to refill nearly as often is well worth it.  You do not need their system to use the O2D2, but might as well make it one stop shopping and get a 4P kit.  I got the 02D2-682-2P-F kit plus some extra items in 2017.  I have filled it twice, once was the first fill, then a proactive free refill at OSH in 2018.  Mostly flying just 2 people in the 12k range.  YMMV.

At KNYL, the FBO is Millionair and run by a Mooney friendly guy with callsign "curly".  They host our formation clinic each year and are exceptional people.  

 

Is "Curly" on MS??

[Bolter]

17 minutes ago, mhamilton31 said:

Is "Curly" on MS??

I don't think so.  Not even sure of his real name.  

[gsxrpilot]

Yep, it's an easy flight and an easy route. Early morning or after dark is best. I've done it several times at night. It's easy to stay within easy gliding range of the freeway, which has straight stretches that are dozens of miles long. At night it will be cool, smooth, and no need for the O2.

[McMooney]

4 hours ago, mhamilton31 said:

I'm looking to fly to Yuma, Arizona (KNYL) from Bay City, TX (KBYY) sometime here mid September. I reckon the heat won't let up much between now and then and I'm considering buying a supplemental O2 system to allow flying at higher elevations (prob from Sporty's, 4-man cannula system). Any experience with the O2 system from Sporty's? Also, any experience flying the southern corridor around El Paso to Yuma would be much appreciated...

 

VFR, M20F, 3-passengers, Prob stop in Pecos, Tx for fuel stop. Leave early am...

Awesome trip, but slow, there is always a headwind.   

Note about Pecos, there is Hell and then there is PECOS.  place was so hot my tires melted to the pavement while i was rolling out.  seriously, i landed about 4 and said the hell with it, waited till the sun went down before i took off for Phoenix.

 

Oxygen, good call.  even if not required, it'll keep you fresher.

Be prepared, there are long sections where there will be NO communications, either you wont be high enough or more likely, there's just no one out near you.

[kmyfm20s]

2 hours ago, mhamilton31 said:

That sounds nice! Maybe spend half a day in El Paso before we continue on..This will be the first time for me to go beyond Fredericksburg from home.(going west that is)

Grab some Mexican food and go over to the Lucchese factory and buy some boots!