CC268
Final Approach
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2015
- Messages
- 5,532
- Display Name
Display name:
CC268
With a field elevation of 9934', it was interesting to say the least. And I did it in July! I got a certificate for landing at the highest airport in North America. A tough old lady working there named Ursula refused to sell me fuel. She cussed me 9 ways to Sunday for landing there. I was visiting a friend in Breckenridge and stayed a week. I left very early in the morning while the temperatures were still low -- had to scrape frost off of the wings. Ursula told me more than once before I left, "remember, when you take off, just stay in ground effect - don't try to climb, don't try to climb!". The airport is on a plateau, and the ground just falls away to the north. I departed, remained in ground effect, and let the ground fall away as she recommended. I then gently turned west and then to the south over a river valley below. I followed that valley down to Buena Vista airport (elev 7950') and topped off my tanks for the trip home.
In retrospect, I'd be very wary about doing that again in a 140. Beware of high elevations and hot days. Always consider density altitude, and lean for max rpm prior to takeoff if necessary. And pay attention to that stall warning light. I saw that light more times than I'd like to admit when departing on hot summer days.
Good luck with the new bird and above all have fun with it!!
Thanks for the great advice! I am going to be very cautious with the performance of this airplane!