The pass just south of Tioga is beautiful, or Tioga itself.
The nice thing is that if you do have an engine problem,
Tuolomine is right down there. In fact you'd be in better
shape just there than earlier in the flight over the mountains,
or on the other routes suggested. (Landing on I-80?
Well, maybe). The first time I did it it almost literally
took my breath away as suddenly the ground disappears
from under you. I recommend 13500, which will keep
you 2000 AGL and above (though not much) the
surrounding peaks.

Obviously not to be done if there's significant wind
(I hit a rotor once, and while it was instructive I'm
not in a big hurry to do it again).

John

"Dave Jacobowitz" wrote in message
om...
I'm thinking of taking myself and three others (littlish people) to
Bishop next weekend in a Cherokee 180.

I've limited mountain flying experience, but have had an intructor
checkout for it and have read a few books on the subject.

My assessment is that the aircraft's service ceiling (13,700, I
believe) and loading (about 200 lb under gross by my first-swag
calculations) will get us over the highest terrain (looks to be less
than 11,500 if I carefuly fly the pass near KMMH) with my personal
minimum of 2000 AGL over mtns.

I won't do the trip if there appears to be significant wind blowing
across the range.

To me, this says this flight is possible. It's not all the margin in
the world, but it's adequate. I'd prefer to be higher, and maybe the
aircraft will get us there, but it seems like it'd be high enough.

I'd like to hear someone else's ideas, though. I'm in the "Killing
Zone," you know. (260 hrs, PP-ASEL, IR)

PS -- plan is to do this flight early am, arrive BIH 9-10.

thanks,
Dave Jacobowitz
jacobowitz73 -at- yahoo -dot- come