Low Clouds at Altitude

jwanwest

Friday, July 08, 2022 at 03:45 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

This flight simulator challenge involves two demanding legs over the Rocky Mountains (Kremmling to Eagle to Aspen) under marginal VFR conditions, testing advanced piloting skills.
Pilots must select appropriate aircraft for high climb gradients and meticulously follow complex procedures, including demanding Departure Procedures and unique instrument approaches into mountainous airports.
The scenario highlights specific difficulties like Eagle's "fly visual" segment from decision altitude and Aspen's notoriously steep, circling-only approach that demands precise descent planning.
The challenge emphasizes critical decision-making, thorough pre-flight briefing, and understanding aircraft limitations when flying in a high-altitude, unforgiving terrain environment.

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For this sim challenge, we’re back in the mountains because it’s just so much fun in the sim. You’ll fly two short hops over the Rocky Mountains. The trip begins at in Kremmling, Colorado (20V). Then, you’ll stop at Eagle (KEGE), on the way to the notorious LOC approach to Aspen (KASE).

You’ll need a plane that can sustain the high climb gradients these mountain departures require. Something turbocharged is a good bet, but normally aspirated engine(s) add mixture management and dwindling horsepower to the challenge. Both popular sims include a Beech Baron which works well for this scenario. If you don’t fly twins, they fly pretty much like singles until an engine fails, at which point they become one with no climb rate—don’t fail an engine.