PA28180

Hello all, about a 200 hour private pilot and getting close to finishing IFR soon and I'm looking for some advice about a flight I may be taking on. My family is going to be taking a vacation in the Mountains in the Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee area. The flight would entail us flying from Florida to the 1A3 airport. With all my training in Florida I have virtually no experience in mountain flying but have read some books on the subject. The other option was the 24A airport but I immediately through that idea out as being beyond my skill level. Anyway, if I were to approach the 1A3 airport from the south it doesn't appear to have too much challenging terrain in the area and I think it is definitely within my skill range along with the performance of the aircraft. I'm just looking to get an opinion on if this airport is something that would require dedicated mountain training? Also what would be some things to keep in mind if I decided to take on the flight? Thanks for any knowledge you guys have to offer.

rickair7777

When we talk about mountain flying, we usually mean the high ranges in the western US, many of which top 14K. A light GA plane can be redlined but still flying backwards in 100kt+ winds and downdrafts over mountain ranges.

In the east, you're dealing with much lower peaks, so the high winds and extreme, dynamic weather found in the west is less of a concern.

You could still have density altitude issues at a high airports in the summer, and would want to carefully consider that when planning destinations.

1A3 is pretty low in the grand scheme of things, but it may have issues with surrounding terrain to consider.

The biggest environmental issue for you is the same one you have in FL...convective activity.

But in any case it's always good to fly with someone who has local experience when going into a new environment for the first time. If you can't arrange a training flight in the area, at least meet with a CFI who's flown there before.

cardiomd

As rickair said, very little issues regarding "mountain flying" in the area of country you are headed. Talk to your CFI or locals for specific concerns.

Keep in mind most people here fly turbines in the flight levels, not stick and rudder pipers/cessnas. A question like yours might be better served at a place like here:

http://forums.aopa.org/

Yoda2

If you haven't already, I would recommend reading Sparky Imeson. Additionally you don't need tall mountains to get in trouble. There are plenty of hazards to be found in any mountainous terrain. There are many issues and conditions to consider and to be encountered beyond the obvious density altitude stuff. All sorts of things a city pilot or lowlander might not readily think of such as one way runways, box canyons, power lines, dangers of crossing ridges at or near 90 degrees, The presence of lenticular clouds, Not being aware of the strength and direction of wind, Etc. Even a wind that would be considered negligible at many airports, can cause some interesting and even dangerous issues when combined with certain types of mountainous terrain. (And don't get distracted by your PAX) Not meant to scare, just prepare! Have fun and always leave yourself a way out.

PA28180

What you guys are saying is kinda what I thought about the whole situation. Basically do my research before flying anywhere unplanned and talk to some locals to find any surprising terrain/procedures. I know its nothing too extreme but just wanted to stay safe. Thanks for the help

cardiomd

There are a whole host of web resources too:

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_poli...ain_flying.pdf

Do's and Don'ts

Pay attention to the little things while going over hills / small mountains. You'll feel the airspeed changes and the wave phenomena. I'd recommend doing things VFR first before IFR trips too until you get your rating and lots of hours under your belt. Good luck.