"Casey Wilson" N2310D @ gmail.com wrote in message
news:iqbbe.6406$Nc.4745@trnddc08...

"Morgans" wrote in message
news


There is some disagreement with this, and here is a clip:
Normally the rotor clouds is centered beneath the lenticular cloud. Most
often it extends anywhere from ground level to mountaintop level, but is
frequently observed up to 35,000 feet. Destructive turbulence from the
rotor
rarely exists more than 2,000-3,000 feet above mountaintop level.

http://www.mountainflying.com/mountain_wave2.htm

My point is, just because you clear the ridge, there are still dangers
that
can ruin your day, if the winds are right. Further down in the article,
this author talks about rotors that do not have a visible cloud.

If the wind is blowing strong, close to perpendicular to the ridge, best
wait until early the next day, and see if the winds are calmed down.

Hey, I just read, and remember. I have no idea if what everyone says is
true. I would rather be safe, than sorry. YMMV
--
Jim in NC

Hmmmm, I've been through the rotor a few times -- while yanking and
banking on the end of a 200' length of towrope behind a tow-plane. The
first time is the worst. After that you remember to breathe and you don't
suck quite as hard on the seat cushion.
When you're headed for the primary wave developed on the east slope of
the Sierra, the rotor is unavoidable. Some folks, with more skill than I
possess, ride thermals up into the secondary wave and, when high enough
slide over to the primary.
I guess I never thought of the rotor as destructive. Maybe I shouldn't
do that again.


If you are talking about flying at Minden, you can often get into the
primary wave without going throught the rotor by flying west. You will be
in low level turbulence but it won't be too bad. When you are so close to
the mountains that you say: "no way I'm going any closer" and start to turn
away (about a mile) you will often start to pick up lift at 5500-6000' stay
close to the mountains and you can get over the rotor by keeping west of it.
This only works when the wind is really screaming, (80kts+ at the ridges)
and the rotor cloud is almost over the airport. I once climbed to FL290 in
the MU-2 in perhaps four minutes. The IVSI goes to 6000fpm and it was
pegged the whole time. It is also worth knowing that both instrument
approaches and the instrument departure proceedure go through the rotor when
wave conditions are strong.

Mike
MU-2