I guess the statute of limitations has run out after 30 years so...

coming home from El Centro to San Diego one fine summer afternoon, I got the
roller coaster ride of all time. I usually did that stretch at 6.5K coming
home, but wasn't particularly watching the altimeter until I noticed the cars
getting AWFULLY small. Then I noticed the VSI pegged against the 2K pin up and
the altimeter looking more like the sweep second hand on a clock.

It was well past 10K when I first noticed it, so figured I had to have been in
it for 5 minutes or so. Pulled all power off and put it way up near the yellow
arc and was STILL pegged at 2K up. The wave finally let me go at 19.5K. That's
got to be a record of some sort for a 172 (1964 E model). It was one hell of a
fast ride home coming down, I'll tell you.

As to the 12,500 figure, we used to use that number all the time with two of us
going to Oshkosh with baggage. All the way from Sacramento to Scottsbluff at
11.5, and 12.5 coming home.

Jim




-"Victor" wrote in message
. com...
- How high do you normally fly a Cessna 172.
-

Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com