There could be some traffic, but for the most part the locals stay out of
the area unless they need to be there. So from what I hear it usually is not
real busy. Our sightseeing usually takes place northeast or soutwest of the
gap. And most locals will stay out of Asheville airspace unless they have to
be there. The same holds true for TRI in northeast TN. You may get some
"training" traffic and commercial at TRI but nothing to really stress out
over. I'm a rookie and never have any problems around there! And stop in
Middlesboro, KY and see the Glacier Girl !!!
Training areas for TRI are Area 1 , south of TRI to west side of Johnson
City, Area 2 north of TRI around TN/VA line at Kingsport. Area 3 east of TRI
Bristol /South Holston Lake area. If you want to fly over Bristol Motor
Raceway be aware of Practice Area 3.
Johnson City has alittle STOL port on the east side of town in sight of
the Watauga River, be aware of a little if any traffic in that area. Not
even sure that airport is even on the charts anymore!!! But it may help you
to know where it is. It is outside of TRI's Class D . So any traffic is
usually just locals going up for fun. Flew a Cub out of there a few weeks
ago, the runway is alittle rough but if you had to you can sure set down on
it....

Patrick
student SP
aircraft structural mech


"Eric Bartsch" wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks for the advice. It looks like good weather for next weekend so
hopefully I'll be able to cross at 6,500 or greater, but its good to
know that 4,500 works. Is there much traffic through that gap? It looks
like it would act as a funnel for all low altitude traffic in the area.