Mountain Flying Course?

"Andrew Sarangan" wrote in message
om...
(Blanche Cohen) wrote in message
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Rule of thumb for mountain flying is to be *at least* 10% under
the max weight. For my cherokee (that tops out at 2400) that
means absolutely no more than 2160. As a rule, during the summer
I try to keep it under 2100 (thank you, density altitude)

No one will fault you for keeping 10% under gross, but I don't think
that is really necessary. Most runways in the mountains are plenty
long for a 172 or cherokee. If you look up the performance data and
add 20% for pilot and aircraft performance, there will not be many
runways that are shorter. After all, if a runway is too small for a
172, how many other aircraft can really use that runway?

We're not talking about unobstructed runways but those that are carved out
of the trees. If you only have a 172 or cherokee you need to be at least 10%
under gross. You may get it off the ground but if you can't be guaranteed
500 fpm climb you have no business trying a takeoff until it gets cooler or
you get lighter.