Crossing the Rockies, eastbound

GreatLakesFlying

GreatLakesFlying

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Chicago, IL
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Leo
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Hi everyone.

I am looking at a flight from Grand Junction, CO (KGJT) to Sidney, NE (KSNY), in an Arrow III (normally aspirated engine). Any direct route will require that we overfly some serious elevations and I'd rather avoid that. The alternative is to take I70 eastbound to Rifle, thence north to Meeker and further up until intercepting I-80, round Medicine Bow, and off to the plaines. The terrain under this route is between 6500 and 7500. This leaves me room to fly at 9500 comfortably and minimize (if not eliminate) the need for O2 -- we'll have it on board in case, though.

The route I've worked out on Foreflight is below. (For locals, this follows I70 e/b, CO 13 n/b, then Moffat county road 7 n/b, and Moffat county road 57 n/b).

It will be VFR/FF until we'll clear the Rockies. I'd welcome suggestions, cautions, and other advise. Thanks in advance.

(Map added at @ArrowFlyer86 suggestion).

KGJT 39.11195/-108.33206 SQUAT 39.46906/-108.02444 39.57659/-107.8133 39.65302/-107.88059 39.70507/-107.93758 39.95291/-107.96814 40.14214/-107.96883 40.2224/-108.05603 40.27723/-108.09714 40.30689/-108.12075 40.319484/-108.126316 40.51693/-108.08556 41.92885/-107.88849 FIKLA 41.8552422/-106.6209412 41.9043212/-106.4369202 41.9094315/-106.2982178 MBW 41.9406/-105.56385 41.92323/-105.38086 KEAN KSNY
1785378379087.png
 
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Can you include a map from ForeFlight of that route plotted out? You'll probably get better answers if you do. Easier than having everyone else plug in the coords to see it.
 
if flight below 10k is a requirement, your route is suitable if not uber conservative. But hey, it's a hobby after all, who cares if it takes all day!

Me, at my level of comfort and your equipment (which is pretty much what I used to own incidentally), I'd alternate between 9.5 and 11.5 eastbound depending on the legs that require it, and fly it this way:
1785380082602.png

The only non-conservative part of my route is the crossing at steamboat, but even at 11.5 it should be no problem, assuming you're flying that 200hp lawnmower solo. Just take off super early AM and beat the heat. Once on the other side, beeline it to the CO/WY state line and cut the Medicine Bow mtns in half by following the CO/WY state line all the way to your destination. It's not terrible, just don't try it in the PM or with a bunch of people on board.

I'll be up in that neck of the woods next month doing some pre-retirement explorations in the WY side with the fam (cheyenne/Laramie, as we're too poor for CO Front Range housing). Have a safe flight!
 
I crossed further south. Page AZ to La Veta Pass. There is an AWOS in the pass to report the weather. Remember the AWOS elevation, because any ceiling heights are reported based on the elevation of the AWOS station. Plenty of room to get through with a normally aspirated T-41B. From there to Pueblo and flat land.
 
Have you looked at the Colorado Pilots Association's "Commonly Flown Mountain Passes?"

BTW, Looking very briefly, I think your route world work. Personally, I'd fly something a bit shorter KGJT KEGE, pass over Williams Fork Reservoir (SE of 20V), fly over Rollins Pass (VPROL), up toward KLMO, and then direct to Sidney. But, then again, I taught this stuff so I was pretty comfortable with it. Except that I was going to/from KAPA so popped out at BJC rather than LMO.

1785438998567.png
 
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I've flown La Veta pass many times with a 160 HP Piper Warrior. No problems but always checked winds at La Veta before attempting. Only once did I have to delay a day due to the winds.
 
Your route is just fine. Those of us who live here are used to the hills, understand the weather and issues with the geography. But for someone who’s unfamiliar, and this may be your first time out here, please take the conservative route. Even in a 200 hp arrow (I fly a Cherokee 180) density altitude can kill you and I’m being very pragmatic.

Rule of thumb is 2000 ft above the altitude of the pass. The road thru LaVeta is 9500 MSL. Which means being at 11.5 over La Veta or 13.5 thru Rollins/Corona. And you will have mountain peaks higher than you on either side thru the passes. But these are very wide passes.
 
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