Mountain Flying in Single Engines

[minitour]

The airplane doesn't know the difference. Neither would you, if you didn't look out the window.

Do I speak out against single engine IFR? I do. One need not attempt to make a nonsensical comparison between single engine flight in instrument conditions, and flight in mountainous terrain. The two are in no way related. Engine failure in IMC and engine failure in the mountains; in the mountains you always keep a place beneath you to land (and it IS possible if you exercise...come on class, what do we exercise? A MODICUM OF COMMON SENSE!). Engine failure IMC...you guess what you might see when and if you break out.

Single engine instrument failure over the mountains...no big deal at all. Single engine instrument failure IMC...often proves fatal. And on it goes. A ridiculous comparison. All irrelevant to the topic at hand, and introduction and maintenance of irrelevance is something at which minitour excells.

hmm....so you mean the airplane does know when you're in IMC?

...even if you wouldn't look out the window?...but not when you're over the mountains...

wow...I forefit...where can I turn in my certificates?

-mini

 

[floatflyer99]

A matter of perspective

I've flown through (not over!) the Rockies in a 1946 Aeronca Chief with a 65 HP Continental with no electrical system. In fact, I've done it a couple of times each way and my partner in the airplane has done it a couple of times too.


There are two ways of looking at flying in the mountains.
1. Either you know your terrain intimately at all times (easiest if you're following valleys) and have a landing site picked out in the event of engine failure at any given time.

2. Fly direct and don't think about the terrain too much and just let it be another one of the risks you face each day (like crossing a busy road on the way to work).


If you choose #1, you will feel much better and have more fun. And you won't have to rely on huge amounts of excess power and/or redundancy of systems to bail you out. Of course, this is limited to VFR only.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

ahhh ASE and TEX.... good times!! Yeah I saw those 150's out there, I couldn't believe my eyes!!!

Good thing i was flying a BE-200 those days into ASE and TEX.

 

[canyonflyer]

Hmmm... Not many Islanders flying in the U.S. (I used to fly one). Are you based @ KMYL or somewhere in Alaska?

Speaking of KMYL; one of the most highly regarded mountain and canyon flying courses in the world is taught there each summer. Here's the link.

Yep, KMYL, we've got 2. There are also two based in KSMN right now, and another one out of Cascade. I've seen a couple busy days in the summer where 4 or 5 islander all roll into Indian Cr and unload two full float trips.

I agree that flying is about mitigating risks. I wouldn't do it if I thought I was hanging my neck out there every day. I will agree that some days you almost seem to run out of creative ways to deal with the risk, but for the most part I take mtn flying just like I would a VFR cruise over Kansas.

Gotta run, taking a 1000#s in a '6 into the backcountry in a bit. And not only I am going to fly in there, I'm going to land too...

 

[Dr Pokenhiemer]

I've flown through (not over!) the Rockies in a 1946 Aeronca Chief with a 65 HP Continental with no electrical system. In fact, I've done it a couple of times each way and my partner in the airplane has done it a couple of times too.

Now that's what flying is all about--having fun!!

 

[PDH]

I flew with an older gentleman out of Denver once. I had received my mountain checkout already and thought I was superman. I quickly learned that knowing the limits of your airplane is the key to survival in the hills. This guy could fly a 160 hp 172 like a glider. It was almost like watching a skilled surfer when he used the mountain waves and winds to his advantage. He literally flew the plane by feel. Oh yeah, and don't forget to lean and enrichen. I am still amazed at his skill. I learned then that having a powerful airplane was not necessarily a prerequisite. Experience, however, is absolutely crucial.