I flew from northwest Indiana to TUS a week ago Sunday. I had vicious headwinds the entire trip. I found I could make better time, and have a better ride if I requested a block altitude of 12,000 to 13,000 going out, and 13,000 to 14,000 coming back. This let me sort of ride with the waves instead of fighting to maintain a specific altitude. Going over the high ridges was an experience for this flat-lander. At that time I was on a specific altitude, and just on the lee side of the ridge I had max climb power in, with my ground speed down to 89 knots (I usually flight plan 180 knots) and was able to climb about 100 fpm. Just as I cleared the ridge, it was like I was shot out of a cannon and was going up at 1500 fpm, while trying to get the power back and nose down. That's when I requested the block altitude and started going with the flow, so to speak. I had purchased a pulse oximeter from the source referenced on this site, and was very glad I did. I found I could turn the O2 level way down, use much less oxygen, and still maintain a saturated O2 level of 94 to 97. Be prepared for a slam dunk descent into TUS (compared to what you see out here in the flat land). I was at 12,000, cleared to 9000, then before I got to 11,000, they cleard me to 7000, etc. I ended up with the speed brakes out coming down at 1000 to 1500 fpm. Nothing you can't handle, just be prepared. All in all, it was a great trip, even though the return was delayed while mother nature pelted Tulsa with 2" hail, etc.
Jim
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