Flying down the Appalachians?

[Mike Smith]

So sometime in the next couple of weeks I am off to Maryland to pick up the airplane that I am partnering in. The trip will be CBE to 1A9. Although I have most of my hours in a Warrior II, this is a 68 Cherokee 140, so a new to me airplane. Straight line route is basically down the spine of the Appalachians and I am not gonna do that in an airplane I don't know. My totally noob question is, this time of year (or anytime for that matter), is there a preference for flying east or west of them? I am gonna take it in small bites of about 2-2.5 hour legs, again, I don't know this airplane. Any other tips for this trip are welcome, this will be, by far, my longest XC.

 

[Henning]

Depends on the day and what the weather brings. Often east of them is seriously hazy with very reduced visibility even though it's still considered VFR.

 

[steingar]

The mountains aren't tall enough to pose any challenge to a Pa-28-140. The weather they make can, though, especially if you're VFR. I'd wait until high pressure dominates the East, and then do the flight.

 

[Henning]

The mountains aren't tall enough to pose any challenge to a Pa-28-140. The weather they make can, though, especially if you're VFR. I'd wait until high pressure dominates the East, and then do the flight.

I'd imagine he's more concerned with the lack of good emergency landing areas in a new to him plane rather than the altitude requirements.

 

[steingar]

I'd imagine he's more concerned with the lack of good emergency landing areas in a new to him plane rather than the altitude requirements.

There are always emergency landing areas if you fly with sufficient altitude.

 

[Mike Smith]

I'd imagine he's more concerned with the lack of good emergency landing areas in a new to him plane rather than the altitude requirements.

That is exactly right Henning. I can fly 30-40 miles to the west and come down the west side, or I can fly pretty much due south at turn just before ATL to the southwest. I understand basically how hills affect the weather, I just don't have any experience, so hats why I am asking.

 

[Fearless Tower]

There are always emergency landing areas if you fly with sufficient altitude.

There are parts of the Appalachians where that is not necessarily true.

 

[Mike Smith]

There are parts of the Appalachians where that is not necessarily true.

Regardless, I am not going to find out, I am going either east or west of them. Would I be correct in thinking that, assuming benign weather, the west side would be preferred? I have plotted it both ways and it is little difference in distance. This time of year, wouldn't the prevailing winds "typically" be SE--->>NW?

EDIT, looking at winds aloft today, it appears that the SE>NW winds turn North near the mountains. So west side would have stronger headwinds and east side would be more turbulent? Again, I know everyday is different in particular, I am speaking generally.

 

[Fearless Tower]

So sometime in the next couple of weeks I am off to Maryland to pick up the airplane that I am partnering in. The trip will be CBE to 1A9. Although I have most of my hours in a Warrior II, this is a 68 Cherokee 140, so a new to me airplane. Straight line route is basically down the spine of the Appalachians and I am not gonna do that in an airplane I don't know. My totally noob question is, this time of year (or anytime for that matter), is there a preference for flying east or west of them? I am gonna take it in small bites of about 2-2.5 hour legs, again, I don't know this airplane. Any other tips for this trip are welcome, this will be, by far, my longest XC.

There really isn't a 'preferred side' per se, but if you are concerned about weather, what I would recommend is that you pick the side that gives you the best option to go low if weather warrants it. You can have storms build up on either side and cross over. Chances are, the eastern side may give you more options simply based on the natural movement of storms and fronts toward the east. IOW, if something is building up on the west side and moving east, you can divert left and stay away from the mountains as necessary although it looks like staying on the east side is a little longer route.

If the weather supports it, my recommendation for the prettiest /most scenic flight would be to go down the east side toward ROA/BCB and then fly the New River Valley toward BKW (I flew the river in the Waco around 1500' AGL back in June and it was gorgeous). From BKW you can then stay along the west side toward Knoxsville/Chattanooga and home.

Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Fearless Tower]

Regardless, I am not going to find out, I am going either east or west of them. Would I be correct in thinking that, assuming benign weather, the west side would be preferred? I have plotted it both ways and it is little difference in distance. This time of year, wouldn't the prevailing winds "typically" be SE--->>NW?

The west side will probably give you the shortest overall route, but IF there are storms building, I think the east side will give you more options. You don't want to get stuck between storm cells driving you toward the mountains unless you are prepared to climb higher and cross them (which it sounds like you would rather not - understandably).

 

[Mike Smith]

The west side will probably give you the shortest overall route, but IF there are storms building, I think the east side will give you more options. You don't want to get stuck between storm cells driving you toward the mountains unless you are prepared to climb higher and cross them (which it sounds like you would rather not - understandably).

And this was the nugget I was looking for! I want more, not less options. I can ride bumpy, I aint interested in running from storms.

 

[LDJones]

Just watch the weather and pick the side that makes the most sense on the day you're flying it. Enjoy the 140. They're great little airplanes.

 

[Bonchie]

The 140 flies basically the same. You can chop the power sooner then the tapered-wing Warrior II on final.

Otherwise, it's a nearly irrelevant transition.

 

[wsuffa]

The ride over the Shenandoah Valley is lovely most of the year. Plenty of spots to land. Gets hilly SW of Roanoke, but you can hop down to North Carolina pretty easily from ROA & have a good ride from there.

 

[Henning]

And this was the nugget I was looking for! I want more, not less options. I can ride bumpy, I aint interested in running from storms.

Either side provides good options. It's no different than any other trip like this, you create a rough plan for multiple options, then decide on the day you fly which side will provide the best option sets that day, then you watch the weather enroute and decide what the best execution is as the day develops. At this point, there is no way to tell what the best plan is. This time of year, I would likely end up on the west side and underneath the weather since below the ceilings is typically good visibility, and the east side I'd be more likely to be in conditions that although are briefed as VFR, will have me IFR and on instruments for a considerable part of the trip. But again, I wouldn't make that determination until I was about to launch.

 

[JasonM]

I have been to CBE many times for fuel and know that area very well. Keep in mind, if you go south out of CBE, it is rising terrain and once south of W99, there are not many options for places to land unless you like trees and rocks. Since it is a new airplane and things can go wrong, my suggestion would be to take a route like this to put you over more airports.

I'd leave CBE and go east hugging Interstate 68 to Interstate's 70 & 81 then down over KMRB. Head down that valley passed Shenandoah Valley KSHD. That would give you more outs if you need it.

Its also prettier on the eastern side IMO.

 

[Indiana_Pilot]

It's pretty smooth at 9.5 to 11.5 above the mountains the times I have been there.. The 140 should climb up there just fine. BLF would be a good place to stop 1/2 way. If you really don't want to fly that high over them.. then pick the best side with the cheapest fuel and best places to eat !!

 

[MikeTuggle]

Start your day as early as possible to avoid CU build up!

It may be the "Smokies" in the early morning with ground fog and swirlies but near noon, you may be climbing and avoiding.....

 

[JasonM]

Not sure if you want to make the trip so soon or if this makes any sense, but I'll be down in the Asheville NC area on Friday morning for business if you want a ride back this way that afternoon. You would have to catch a ride to NC somehow.

 

[SkyDog58]

Mike, please let me know how your trip goes. My wife and I drove a good portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive last year on a couple of trips and next year we are thinking about taking some time off and do some airport hopping down that way. That area especially the western Carolinas or eastern Tennessee is one of two areas that we are considering for our retirement home. The other area is the area around where WY, MT and ID come together though due to the winters, the Appalachian area will probably win out. Any info on good airports to stop at would be appreciated.

 

[FastEddieB]

Well, I settled in Fannin County, GA - motto: "Gateway To The Mountains". Pretty much the southern terminus of the Appalachians.

Similar offer: if anyone cares to stop in at Copperhill, TN, - my home base - we have cheap gas and if I'm in town I can run you to a restaurant or provide overnight lodging.

 

[Mike Smith]

Not sure if you want to make the trip so soon or if this makes any sense, but I'll be down in the Asheville NC area on Friday morning for business if you want a ride back this way that afternoon. You would have to catch a ride to NC somehow.

Thanks for the offer Jason, but I am flying commercial.

Mike, please let me know how your trip goes. My wife and I drove a good portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive last year on a couple of trips and next year we are thinking about taking some time off and do some airport hopping down that way. That area especially the western Carolinas or eastern Tennessee is one of two areas that we are considering for our retirement home. The other area is the area around where WY, MT and ID come together though due to the winters, the Appalachian area will probably win out. Any info on good airports to stop at would be appreciated.

You bet, I will post a full trip report!

 

[JasonM]

Thanks for the offer Jason, but I am flying commercial.

Sure thing. I know there really isn't any economical or quick way of getting to CBE. Fyi, just for fun, you should check out 2G4 before you leave the area. Its a nice airport just west of CBE near a nice lake and resort area. Good luck on the trip!

 

[Mike Smith]

Can I be real honest here.......I am just a little uncomfortable making this trip solo. I am a flatlander in all of my 60 total hours and those hills are intimidating me. Now go ahead and tell me to put on my big boy pants.

 

[Fearless Tower]

Can I be real honest here.......I am just a little uncomfortable making this trip solo. I am a flatlander in all of my 60 total hours and those hills are intimidating me. Now go ahead and tell me to put on my big boy pants.

Didn't realize you only had 60 hrs. I can see how that trip would feel intimidating. Certainly doable, but intimidating.

You said you had a partner in the airplane: are they available to make the trip with you? I'd be willing to tag along, although my schedule could be problematic if you are trying to do this in the next couple weeks.

 

[Mike Smith]

The partner has 0 hours. Its a long story, but the short version is, partner (who lives in Alabama) decided to learn to fly, bought an airplane in Maryland, asked me to be a partner. Bringing it back home so she can start training in it. Much more to the story, but that is the Cliffs notes.

 

[Velocity173]

Well, I settled in Fannin County, GA - motto: "Gateway To The Mountains". Pretty much the southern terminus of the Appalachians.

Similar offer: if anyone cares to stop in at Copperhill, TN, - my home base - we have cheap gas and if I'm in town I can run you to a restaurant or provide overnight lodging.

Don't know why they call Jasper "The First Mountain City." There's really nothing down there. The mountains really begin around Ellijay / Blue Ridge area. Copperhill being smack dab in the middle of it all.

 

[Fearless Tower]

The partner has 0 hours. Its a long story, but the short version is, partner (who lives in Alabama) decided to learn to fly, bought an airplane in Maryland, asked me to be a partner. Bringing it back home so she can start training in it. Much more to the story, but that is the Cliffs notes.

Understand. Do you have a CFI available to go with you? That would certainly be a good confidence builder. Plus you could make a stop at HSP on the way for some high DA experience.

Have you settled on a date yet? Where are you flying into (I assume you are going to fly up commercially)?

 

[l8evator]

Can I be real honest here.......I am just a little uncomfortable making this trip solo. I am a flatlander in all of my 60 total hours and those hills are intimidating me. Now go ahead and tell me to put on my big boy pants.

Think of it as a 2 to 2.5 hour cross country. Then you land, lunch, update your plan and make another 2.5 hour cross country. Go to motel. Plan next day. Second day, you make another 2.5 hour cross country. Then you land and, well I think you see the pattern here. Some would suggest three such cross countries a day but I personally find 7 plus hours a day isn't much fun and I am in favor of you having a great time seeing the country. Stay hydrated, quit before you get tired and you will see that long trips are just a collection of shorter trips.

All the best,
Scott

 

[JasonM]

Can I be real honest here.......I am just a little uncomfortable making this trip solo. I am a flatlander in all of my 60 total hours and those hills are intimidating me. Now go ahead and tell me to put on my big boy pants.

Its really not a big deal. You will be fine and if you go the route I first suggested, you will be flying over mostly flat terrain. These mountains are not like mountains in colorado. You should have taken me up on my flight today. I could have shown you the lay of the land and made you feel more comfortable. Ofcourse, it was torture flying a newer SR22T with the A/C blasting and the XM radio cranked up cruising at 180KT, so I can understand why you choose not too.

Put on those big boy pants!

 

[Mike Smith]

Understand. Do you have a CFI available to go with you? That would certainly be a good confidence builder. Plus you could make a stop at HSP on the way for some high DA experience.

Have you settled on a date yet? Where are you flying into (I assume you are going to fly up commercially)?

I have actually been working that angle, the problem is, it is a two-three day trip and my instructor is having a hard time with his schedule. I would fly into Dulles then to Hagerstown. The two things that concern me, new to me airplane and hills. Time is not so much of an issue for me, I have time to take off from work, so I have been thinking of another option. I am thinking I could make arrangements with an instructor at CBE and spend a day with them in the airplane and get some local "this is how you do it around here" training, get up the next morning and strike out.

 

[Mike Smith]

Its really not a big deal. You will be fine and if you go the route I first suggested, you will be flying over mostly flat terrain. These mountains are not like mountains in colorado. You should have taken me up on my flight today. I could have shown you the lay of the land and made you feel more comfortable. Ofcourse, it was torture flying a newer SR22T with the A/C blasting and the XM radio cranked up cruising at 180KT, so I can understand why you choose not too.

Put on those big boy pants!

Well, I just out you on ignore!

 

[Fearless Tower]

I have actually been working that angle, the problem is, it is a two-three day trip and my instructor is having a hard time with his schedule. I would fly into Dulles then to Hagerstown. The two things that concern me, new to me airplane and hills. Time is not so much of an issue for me, I have time to take off from work, so I have been thinking of another option. I am thinking I could make arrangements with an instructor at CBE and spend a day with them in the airplane and get some local "this is how you do it around here" training, get up the next morning and strike out.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[Vaflier]

Mike, is there a fellow pilot whom you know that would fly with you on this adventure ???. While you would be fine by yourself having someone else along just makes a trip more fun and enjoyable and helps with the workload. The 140 is easy to fly and you will have no problems doing so. I have a 1969 140 and love it but they are a little slow. Carry a big mouth empty Gatorade bottle with you and you will know what its for when you need it. Snacks, bottled water, etc. ipad with Foreflight is great on a trip like this. Have fun you will learn a lot and be a better pilot when you get home. Just remember to have fun and if it not fun then its time to park it for the day.

 

[kyleb]

Just watch the weather and pick the side that makes the most sense on the day you're flying it.

This. I made a trip during the winter 10 or so years ago where everything east of the Appalachians was fogged in for 3-4 hours from Martinsburg WV to Atlanta, GA and all the way to the Atlantic. West of the Appalachians, it was completely clear. It was an amazing line of demarcation.

 

[ja_user]

Don't want to fly low over the stills anyway, that is a good way to have holes in the new plane...,

 

[Mike Smith]

Update: The trip is finally happening this weekend. My CFI, who has become a great friend had agreed to make the trip with me, but was having a hard time making it work in his schedule. We had it worked out before and hurricanes happened. Flying up commercially Saturday, spending the night in Pittsburg then flying the Cherokee home Sunday. The airplane is being flown in Maryland, so I feel better about the airworthiness of it. Haven't decided on a route yet, probably won't till Sunday and see how the weather is. Should be a nice flight. I'll post some pictures next week. Thanks to all who offered advice and encouragement. I'll write up a trip report next week also.

 

[Skip Miller]

Think of it as a 2 to 2.5 hour cross country. Then you land, lunch, update your plan and make another 2.5 hour cross country. Go to motel. Plan next day. Second day, you make another 2.5 hour cross country. Then you land and, well I think you see the pattern here. Some would suggest three such cross countries a day but I personally find 7 plus hours a day isn't much fun and I am in favor of you having a great time seeing the country. Stay hydrated, quit before you get tired and you will see that long trips are just a collection of shorter trips.

All the best,
Scott

With the few hours you have in your logbook, your flights should be short and well planned (and up-to-date). Take it slow and enjoy!

-Skip

 

[Vaflier]

Mike , we are having our first Virginia Coastal Fly-in at KMFV this Sunday between 11AM and 3PM. Feel free to drop in if you are in the area and have lunch on us , Burgers, hot dogs and Steamed Clams. Have a great trip either way .

 

[Hank S]

Have a great trip, Mike! We will be at the Loachapoka Syrup Sop with my aunt who lives in Auburn.

Fly safe!