At first, I was only going to send this to David, but I realized others considering this might be interested in these answers.
GPS included there? Planned cruising altitude? Are you planning on flying the Ashland trip at night at 12,500 ft or below since I assume there is no supplimental oxygen?
GPS is included. Cruising altitude for most of the trip will probably be 6000 or 8000, with a brief stint at 10500 (VMC) or 12000 (IMC). The night flight is entirely unlikely to get above about 3000 (it's less than 50nm). There's no GPS in the panel if I remember correctly, but my trusty Garmin 195 will be along for the ride.
Please be careful, you might want to ask the weight of the people that email you.
Yes, prior to guaranteeing anyone a seat, weight and balance will be fully computed and people will be asked about their baggage weight and dimensions as well. The airplane has MGTW of 3400 pounds and basic empty weight of ~1750. It holds 84 gallons of fuel at 6 pounds, which means the full-fuel weight is ~2200 pounds. This leaves 1200 pounds to divide among up to 6 people. Admittedly, I'll use more than my 200, but we can make the trip to EUG on less than 45 gallons, so we may only fill it to the tabs. That would free about another 120 pounds if necessary. I prefer to fly with full fuel. Extra fuel is more options.
Can I ask if you have flown this area before? What altitude are the obstructions enroute to Ashland at? Ive got a GPS I can loan you for that leg. Terrain would be my only concern. For all who dont know that plan a Cherokee 6 is a heck of a strong plane, usually used for light cargo by many companies (newspaper bundles, bank notes etc).
Yes, I've made the trip from the bay area to the Rogue Valley several times before in a variety of types ranging from PA28 (Archer) to M20K (Mooney 231 Turbo). Eugene and Ashland are basically in the Rogue Valley together. There are very few obstructions between them, although there is high terrain surrounding the valley. A little planning, a good look at the sectional, and adherence to IFR altitudes at night should cover any concerns in this area. Owen
At 1:58 PM -0400 4/2/99, Owen DeLong wrote:
However, I think some people on the list may be interested...
I am flying a Cherokee Six (6 person single engine aircraft) to the May NANOG. Currently, two seats are occupied. I'm looking for additional people who would be interested in flying up with me. I plan to leave San Jose Sunday morning (5/23) around 9:00 to get to Eugene around Noon. I have four seats available. Plan is to share rental costs on the airplane, divided equally amongst myself and the passengers. The airplane rents for $112/hour and I estimate we will log around 7-8 hours on it. That's about $900 worst case. If we get 6 people in the plane, that works out to about $150 each. Fuel is included in the rental rate.
I'm also planning to organize a side-trip to Ashland on Sunday night. There is an 8:00 PM performance of Othello in the Agnes Bowmer theater which is part of the Oregon Shakespeare festival. There are currently three seats occupied for that side trip, but the first three people who sign up for the bay area run have priority on the remaining three seats for the side-trip.
I am a Private Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land. I have an Instrument Rating. I have over 600 hours of flight experience, including more than 200 hours in actual instrument conditions. I have never been involved in an incident or accident. I have convinced four people who were afraid of flying even on commercial airliners to fly with me. One of them is working on his private pilot certificate. The other three fly every chance they get. If you have been in a small plane, then you know how much fun this can be. If you have not, this is a great opportunity to see aviation from a whole new perspective. Everyone in this plane can see out the front windows and hear everything that's happening with air traffic control.
The flight from the bay area to Eugene is a beautiful flight with spectacular scenery along the way, including Mt. Shasta. We'll probably pass by Mt. Shasta about 500-1000' below the peak. The view is spectacular. If people are interested, we will even be able to circle the mountain.
If you are interested, please e-mail me. I will reserve space in the order in which I receive email replies.
Pilot: Owen DeLong Airplane: N33076 Piper Cherokee Six (300 HP)
Disclaimer: As with any air travel, this flight would be subject to delays or cancellation due to mechanical or weather problems. This aircraft does not have the same weather capabilities as a commercial airliner, so there is a slightly higher chance of the flight being delayed or diverted due to weather. However, in late May, the odds of unfavorable weather are very very small.
Owen
Thank you, David Diaz Chief Technical Officer Netrail, Inc
email: davediaz@netrail.net pager: 888-576-1018 office: 888-NETRAIL Fax: 404 522-2191
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