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Take Your Time

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Careful flight planning for a scenic mountain trip in a small, normally aspirated aircraft necessitated choosing a lower-altitude southern route with a fuel stop to navigate high terrain and manage performance.
  • Detailed pre-flight and in-flight checks revealed potential performance limitations for the high-altitude missed approach of the RNAV 15 approach into Page, Arizona, given the aircraft's POH data at warmer temperatures.
  • The pilot opted for the less common VOR-B approach, as its lower-altitude missed approach procedure, staying over the airport, was determined to be a safer and more achievable alternative given the aircraft's capabilities and conditions.
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Scenic trips over the mountains out west often require creative flight planning. The smaller the aircraft, the more “scenic” the trip. That’s the whole point, so not worrying about how long it takes to make the final destination goes a long way to lighten the risk burden. Then, go in good weather to enjoy the scenery and the lack of clouds, storms, ice, and turbulence. But a flight like this can still be a handful, starting with the preparation.

Swing South

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