Plane down on Vail Pass

Morgans wrote:


While downdrafts due to thermals are a possibility, I can't imagine anyone
flying close enough to a ridge to not be able to get away from it's
"clutches", and flying into a ridge because of them.

That's entirely possible. Most flatlanders, when presented a valley to
fly in, fly right down the middle. You're supposed to fly on the
downwind side of a valley. The wind goes into the valley and rides up
the downwind side. If you fly near the rocks then you can get that lift
too.


Flying early is
important for comfort,

But mostly for safety.

Newps wrote:
Flying early is important for comfort,

But mostly for safety.

As does flying ABOVE the tree line/ridge instead of level with it

Ron Lee

"Ron Lee" wrote in message
...
Newps wrote:
Flying early is important for comfort,

But mostly for safety.

As does flying ABOVE the tree line/ridge instead of level with it

Ron Lee


The winds above the ridgeline are predicable.

Mike
MU-2

Newps wrote:
That's entirely possible. Most flatlanders, when presented a valley to
fly in, fly right down the middle. You're supposed to fly on the
downwind side of a valley. The wind goes into the valley and rides up
the downwind side. If you fly near the rocks then you can get that lift
too.


Flying early is

important for comfort,


But mostly for safety.

I the Alps we usually fly on the right side of the valley, to avoid
conflict with other traffic, unless there is strong downdraft of course.

And we cross the ridge at 45 degrees, for a quick turn around if needed.