Mountain flying knowledge required?

Toño wrote:
Peter R. wrote:
My plan is to fly the majority of it
under IFR flight rules and at altitudes in the mid-to-upper teens (westerly
wind-depending).

Excuse me for asking but... If you intend to fly at those altitudes why
would you be concerned about mountain flying? I mean, are there going
to be any lee side rotors that high? Mountain waves are not really a
factor, are they? Density altitude, temp/dewpoint spread, short field
landings, soft field landings, valley winds, etc. are not really a
factor at that altitude.

And what happens if the engine conks out? Where do you land? How do
you land?

And reading the Imeson book is NOT sufficient.

About the only things that might be a factor would be icing (unlikely at
that altitude because temp is too cold) or a thunderstorm, which is of
concern for every flight.

And when that happens, all of a sudden you need to worry about
mountain waves, density altitude, valley winds, etc. Calculate
glide distance from 16K and tell me where & how you're going to
land.

I have always considered mountain flying to be flying *in* the mountains
and the things that concern a mountain pilot to be at or below the
peaks. Is this incorrect?

yes.

But back to the original poster. You have the right idea. Take
the ABQ (or AEG)-TAFOY-TAD-anyplace north. Watch out for the MOAs
they're usually hot. You'll have a great view of Pikes Peak on your
left.

Then, if you have time and are interested, take a mountain flying
lesson and you'll go on the west side of PP and fly into Leadville.

And lean.