flying towards west from Denver

blueskyMD

blueskyMD

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Bigfoot297
Next week I am planning a flight from my Home base at KFKL to go to Cedar City Utah - KCDC. Straight line terrain west of Denver is higher than me or my plane can deal with. so I will have to go around the terrain. I have some mountain flying experience but not a lot. The plane is Piper Lance ( NA ) I will be 200lbs under gross most of the time . This plane has lower service ceiling than most of the planes in the class. 12500 is highest I can comfortably fly considering high DAs. Any suggestions how to navigate this terrain will be appreciated.
 
Probably head north to Laramie and basically follow I80. I did that round trip from Salt Lake to Denver in a 172 but cut south a bit. I would not do that in the future because that area is so desolate.

If you decide to do that and want any specific tips about navigating the KSLC area let me know.
 
woodchucker said:
Probably head north to Laramie and basically follow I80. I did that round trip from Salt Lake to Denver in a 172 but cut south a bit. I would not do that in the future because that area is so desolate.

If you decide to do that and want any specific tips about navigating the KSLC area let me know.
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Crossing southern Wyoming following I-80 would be my suggestion, as well. Just plan on a good headwind (regardless of what direction you are flying).
 
Add me to the list of guys suggesting the route north of Denver.
 
Yeah by far safest to go IFR.

I follow roads. Laramie, I-80 to I-84 although once you get to I-84 would go a little North to North Ogden Canyon or Sardine Canyon, going through Parleys Summit, East Canyon, or Ogden Canyon has you entering into some very busy airspace where as soon as you get through the canyon, you are having to talk to ATC, and in the case of Ogden canyon, that is a high speed low altitude military corridor, where it is not uncommon to see F35's and C130's, busting the canyon low level at 200-300 knots. Once through, over to Tooele, west behind the Oquirre mountains and then down I-15 to CDC. There are faster ways to get there, but that route affords lower terrain and plenty of landing spots on or off field.
 
Yep give your destination, the Wyoming route makes sense.
 
Me five on the route north following I80
 
Rockymountain said:
Yeah by far safest to go IFR.

I follow roads. Laramie, I-80 to I-84 although once you get to I-84 would go a little North to North Ogden Canyon or Sardine Canyon, going through Parleys Summit, East Canyon, or Ogden Canyon has you entering into some very busy airspace where as soon as you get through the canyon, you are having to talk to ATC, and in the case of Ogden canyon, that is a high speed low altitude military corridor, where it is not uncommon to see F35's and C130's, busting the canyon low level at 200-300 knots. Once through, over to Tooele, west behind the Oquirre mountains and then down I-15 to CDC. There are faster ways to get there, but that route affords lower terrain and plenty of landing spots on or off field.
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If the OP is wanting to avoid the Bravo altogether it’s far easier to fly over Park City and down Provo Canyon. That dumps out right by Spanish Fork if fuel is needed and then follow I-15 to Cedar City.

Also, OP, do not attempt entering the Salt Lake area from that direction unless we are severe clear, clouds no lower than 10,000 (my recommendation). At least one pilot flew into the ground scud running, and we just lost a Robinson helicopter trying to stay at first above the clouds and then when he ran out of serviceable altitude tried to descend. The weather is almost always amazing here but if those cloud levels are not 10000 that’s a show stopper for me if I’m needing to fly through the Wasatch Mountain canyons.
 
woodchucker said:
If the OP is wanting to avoid the Bravo altogether it’s far easier to fly over Park City and down Provo Canyon. That dumps out right by Spanish Fork if fuel is needed and then follow I-15 to Cedar City.

Also, OP, do not attempt entering the Salt Lake area from that direction unless we are severe clear, clouds no lower than 10,000 (my recommendation). At least one pilot flew into the ground scud running, and we just lost a Robinson helicopter trying to stay at first above the clouds and then when he ran out of serviceable altitude tried to descend. The weather is almost always amazing here but if those cloud levels are not 10000 that’s a show stopper for me if I’m needing to fly through the Wasatch Mountain canyons.
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It will be strictly VFR flight although I have IR and plane is very capable IFR IMC in mountains is no go. Prepared to wait out
 
Just in case it’s needed, look over the ‘Southern route’. That would be down around by Raton, NM, North of ABQ then past Farmington. There may be a pass or two conditions may allow you to go through. Once past Farmington you have Ship Rock, Monument Valley & other sights to look at to CDC.
 
sourdough44 said:
Just in case it’s needed, look over the ‘Southern route’. That would be down around by Raton, NM, North of ABQ then past Farmington. There may be a pass or two conditions may allow you to go through. Once past Farmington you have Ship Rock, Monument Valley & other sights to look at to CDC.
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You are still as high, Flag Staff is 7000+ Go north of Denver to get lower passage. follow I-29 northTo meet I-80 then west to I-84 to I-15 north.
 
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