Aspen Operations

[BoilerUP]

Both of my comments about your posts were referencing NOT using an APG.

I gotcha...misunderstood what you were saying.

I can't advise making your first couple trips to/from ASE in IFR which would negate the need for an APG.

As I've said I've never been to ASE but I've gotta agree with that!

 

[semperfido]

JS,
A lot of good stuff posted here. I also slow down and configure early on the approach. There is nothing worse than being high and fast and behind the 8-ball going into ASE. So, we are slowed and in landing config at Red Table. And be aware of any possible tailwind on landing. We don't circle or land at night. I don't like to tanker too much fuel in there either. We usually don't stay, We hop back over to Denver and Hangar the Acft at Front Range Airport or maybe Colorado Springs. We go to ASE on a regular basis and no one likes it. Just wait til you get clued in on the reservation system over the Holidays- great fun on the puter.

 

[guido411]

JS,
I also slow down and configure early on the approach. There is nothing worse than being high and fast and behind the 8-ball going into ASE. So, we are slowed and in landing config at Red Table.

Can't believe this didn't get mentioned yet but a DEFINITE truth.

 

[jet2work]

My first approach and landing at KASE started with a TCAS TA for the opposite direction Citation that tower cleared for takeoff while we were on short final, followed by a Terrain, Terrain EGPWS warning after we scooted to the left of the centerline to avoid being hit by the departing traffic.

All in a days work, but if you have the ability to squelch those warnings from the cockpit speaker (so you just hear them over the headset) it will make your passengers feel alot better about the flight. Of course, if you don't like flying into KASE, then leaving the speaker on could be your ticket to not having to go back.

 

[stingray]

I ve been flying in and out of there for 8yrs.

One way in and one way out 99.9% percent of the time

One thing, this is a daytime only airport. Don't be a GIII hero. You will see the dent they made on the hill that is short final about a 100ft or less to the right

I agree get the plane configured and slowed sooner then normal.

Be vary aware of your Single engine performance. especialy on second segment climb. be able to make it to the min altitude so if you have to make a turn around you will have the terrain clearance to do it safely and land if you have to. There are other options, but those are bit of a local knowlege or by gaining expierence going in and out of Aspen. Flying on a single engine in the valleys because you can't get high enough because of lack of planning, is cause for severe pucker factor.

If you have to shoot an approach for real in there you my not realy want to be waiting for the MAP to go missed possibly do it sooner. The Missed approach procedure requires you to do a hard tight right turn of about 150 to 160degrees "I dont recall the exact number" "I dont have the plate in front of me". and pickup a localizer. "Maybe give youselfs Higher miniums". There is no room for taking your time on the miss here. You get vary close to the mountains when doing this approach and even closer on the missed approach. If you are at MAP altitude and having to do the missed in the Sh*t. This is cause for another pucker moment in my opinion. Make dam sure you know what this missed approach procedure is Ahead of time

I've flown 3 differnt airplanes in there without problems CE500Ultra, 560XL, currently the CE750. You need to be thinking ahead when going in and out of here.

Take Care, Fly Safe

IF you haven't answered it yet. What type of equipment will you guys be flying into here?

 

[con-pilot]

So, we are slowed and in landing config at Red Table.

Yes, absolutely! I can't believe I left that out. At Red Table you must be at Ref and landing configuration. That means full or landing flaps. This is of course in IMC. However, for first time users I would highly recommend that you shoot the approach in VMC so you can visualize what the approach looks like and what you will have to do in IMC.

Most jet aircraft cannot make a successful landing straight in from the MAP if that is were you break out unless you dang near do aerobatic maneuvers to lose altitude. Do it in VMC first and you will know what I am talking about.

Now, in icing conditions, I also recommend that you get into landing configuration about five or ten miles prior to Red Table. The reason is that you will have to go to flight idle after Red Table to make the step downs and keep your speed anywhere reasonable to land. So have all of the anti-icing surfaces heated up before you start the descent into Aspen.

Also I highly recommend for pilots in jet aircraft that are unfamiliar with Aspen and having to shoot the Red Table VOR/DME approach, if you do not have visual conditions to continue the approach at the Allex intersection, miss the approach and divert. Remember, that approach is a circling approach, not a straight in approach.

I was in Aspen the night the G-III crashed, I don't want to hear about another accident like that one. There needs not to be another one. When in doubt in Aspen, go away and live another day.