advice for trip to eagle, colorado

[acat]

Hi,

I have a possible trip coming up going to eagle, CO. I am midwest based and have no mountain experience. I will be flying a Cheyenne. Any suggestions or advice for safe operations in and out of this airport. Also, are reservations required for this airport year around or is that just a winter thing.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[avbug]

Eagle does not currently have reservations. Visit the STMP site for information: http://www.fly.faa.gov/estmp/index.html

Fly a normal approach, just as you always would, plan your performance, and remember that it doesn't take much wind around the mountaintops to create turbulence, rotors, and down air. Conduct your flight accordingly. Otherwise, Eagle is just another airport (with a better view).

 

[Hugh Johnson]

Day, VFR. Have fun.

 

[Lead Sled]

Eagle does not currently have reservations. Visit the STMP site for information: http://www.fly.faa.gov/estmp/index.html

Fly a normal approach, just as you always would, plan your performance, and remember that it doesn't take much wind around the mountaintops to create turbulence, rotors, and down air. Conduct your flight accordingly. Otherwise, Eagle is just another airport (with a better view).

I'll just add one more thought to what Avbug said...
Watch your speed on arrival and approach. A lot of guys have a tendency to be fast; after all, many pilots aren't use to a pattern altitude of 8,000' msl. You mid-west guys are accustomed to pattern altitudes around 3,000' msl and at 8,000' the thought of slowing down hasn't entered your mind yet. Also don't forget that your ground speed at touch down will be about 10% higher than what you normally have in the mid-west. We fly into those "ski country" airports on a very regular basis and it's surprising just how many runway overshoots occur because guys want to add an extra couple of knots here, an extra couple of knots there, and one or two for the wife and kids. (3 or 4 this year alone at Rifle.) Don't let it freak you out - use reasonable care and, as Avbug said, "it's just another airport."

 

[340drvr]

The Cheyenne is totally capable of operating "hot and high," however, if you're looking for overall ease, comfort, and enjoyment of your trip, and, if you have a choice, I'd suggest planning to arrive (and depart) in the morning. The mountain air will be smoother, cooler, no thunderstorms building, etc.
Non flight-ops related, bring a fat wallet. Last time I was there, Vail Valley Jet Center had outrageous ramp fees (excellent service, no complaints there). You might want to give them a call and get the fee vs. fuel schedule so you can plan your fuel purchase for best value.

 

[Say Again Over]

The big difference is density altitude, your aircraft may be very strong in Minnesota, especially on a cold day, in Eagle you are taking off out of a bowl, your aircraft will have less than stellar performance, keep it light and make a fuel stop is my recommendation.

 

[kf4amu]

Extremely expensive. Nice town though.

If you see Jared (aircraft refueler) tell him Fireman says hi. I stayed at his house for 3 days while we skiied at Vail over the winter.

Kobe Bryants "alleged" rape victim lived there.