VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Regional Forums > California
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-18-2020, 03:04 PM
roadrunner20's Avatar
roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
Default Flying in to Lake Tahoe Airport - KTVL

I'd like to get some local opinions on flying in to KTVL. I'll be flying out there in a couple weeks.

Any winds to be of any concern coming from outside the bowl?

I plan on the approach from the east with a straight in for 18.
Looks like preferred 18 inbound / 36 on departure.
__________________
Danny "RoadRunner" Landry
Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-18-2020, 03:47 PM
rcsilvmac rcsilvmac is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NorCal
Posts: 35
Default

I normally fly in from the west and have a hard time picking up the weather until I am within 5 mi due to the hills but it might be better from the East. The winds should determine your runway (as I am sure you know). The FBO there will contact you when you land to get your intentions.
__________________
2020 Dues paid
RV-6A
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-18-2020, 04:23 PM
Greg Arehart's Avatar
Greg Arehart Greg Arehart is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Delta, CO/Atlin, BC
Posts: 2,391
Default

Dan,

Generally an RV can handle either runway but typical arrival is on 18 and departure on 36 unless winds dictate otherwise. Coming from the east, be sure to monitor Minden frequency, as there are a lot of gliders in the area.

Cheers,
Greg
__________________
Greg Arehart
RV-9B (Big tires) Tipup @AJZ or CYSQ
N 7965A
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-18-2020, 04:24 PM
roadrunner20's Avatar
roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rcsilvmac View Post
I normally fly in from the west and have a hard time picking up the weather until I am within 5 mi due to the hills but it might be better from the East. The winds should determine your runway (as I am sure you know). The FBO there will contact you when you land to get your intentions.
Thanks. I?ll be flying up from mammoth on the eastern side of the Sierras. I was looking for any known areas for down drafts or shear coming in. I know enough about mountain waves to be on alert & staying away from high winds.
I suppose coming in from the west, you just drop it in?
__________________
Danny "RoadRunner" Landry
Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-18-2020, 04:27 PM
roadrunner20's Avatar
roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Arehart View Post
Dan,

Generally an RV can handle either runway but typical arrival is on 18 and departure on 36 unless winds dictate otherwise. Coming from the east, be sure to monitor Minden frequency, as there are a lot of gliders in the area.

Cheers,
Greg
Thanks Greg. We haven?t chatted since I changed over to the tail wheel years ago. I?ll finally get my chance to do some backcountry on my way home to Florida via Johnson creek.
__________________
Danny "RoadRunner" Landry
Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-18-2020, 08:27 PM
RV3Bob RV3Bob is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Los Altos, Ca.
Posts: 42
Default

Mornings are the best time for flying in to Tahoe. Density altitude is real there especially if it is hot. Wind can get nasty in the afternoon also

Bob Grigsby
Building RV3B
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-18-2020, 10:58 PM
krwalsh krwalsh is online now
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 351
Default KTVL

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadrunner20 View Post
I'd like to get some local opinions on flying in to KTVL. I'll be flying out there in a couple weeks.

Any winds to be of any concern coming from outside the bowl?

I plan on the approach from the east with a straight in for 18.
Looks like preferred 18 inbound / 36 on departure.
Wherever you cross the mountains, be sure to give lots of clearance for the wind coming over the ridges. Earlier in the mornings are better. If the winds are reported at more than 15 or 20 over the ridges I stay very far away... From Mammoth you'd probably be coming up the East side, so give them lots of berth, maybe 10 miles, and make the cut over right around Minden. Watch out for gliders.

But the nice thing is that KTVL is almost always 18 for landing, so just get yourself over the lake, then descend down and straight in. The airport is in a pretty clear area at the South tip of the lake, and you can see it for miles from across the lake.

Also, be aware that with the shelter at home order, Mammoth in particular is really not welcoming right now. "We're asking anyone who is not a primary resident of Mammoth Lakes or providing essential services to our residents NOT to visit Mammoth Lakes for the time being.":
https://www.visitmammoth.com/covid-resources

South Lake Tahoe is "encouraging visitors who are considering vacationing there to put those plans on hold":
https://www.cityofslt.us/1075/COVID-19

South Lake Tahoe has $1000 fines in place for people the rent short-term rentals (AirBnB) (both the owner and renter.)

Best of luck with your planned trip. I've flown over Tahoe quite a few times, landed at KTVL & Truckee, and it is strikingly beautiful every time.
__________________
Kevin R. Walsh
Cozy Mk-IV
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-18-2020, 11:08 PM
roadrunner20's Avatar
roadrunner20 roadrunner20 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bay Pines, FL (based @ KCLW)
Posts: 1,955
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by krwalsh View Post
Wherever you cross the mountains, be sure to give lots of clearance for the wind coming over the ridges. Earlier in the mornings are better. If the winds are reported at more than 15 or 20 over the ridges I stay very far away... From Mammoth you'd probably be coming up the East side, so give them lots of berth, maybe 10 miles, and make the cut over right around Minden. Watch out for gliders.

But the nice thing is that KTVL is almost always 18 for landing, so just get yourself over the lake, then descend down and straight in. The airport is in a pretty clear area at the South tip of the lake, and you can see it for miles from across the lake.

Also, be aware that with the shelter at home order, Mammoth in particular is really not welcoming right now. "We're asking anyone who is not a primary resident of Mammoth Lakes or providing essential services to our residents NOT to visit Mammoth Lakes for the time being.":
https://www.visitmammoth.com/covid-resources

South Lake Tahoe is "encouraging visitors who are considering vacationing there to put those plans on hold":
https://www.cityofslt.us/1075/COVID-19

South Lake Tahoe has $1000 fines in place for people the rent short-term rentals (AirBnB) (both the owner and renter.)

Best of luck with your planned trip. I've flown over Tahoe quite a few times, landed at KTVL & Truckee, and it is strikingly beautiful every time.
Thanks Kevin for the info. I don't plan on staying in Mammoth or Lake Tahoe. I'll just be continuing my PCT Hike to Canada from where I left off last year. My permit has me starting there. Just taking my gear & getting back on trail.
__________________
Danny "RoadRunner" Landry
Morphed RV7(formally 7A), N20DL, PnP Pilot
1190+ hours
2019 Donation Paid
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-18-2020, 11:40 PM
krwalsh krwalsh is online now
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 351
Default PCT

Quote:
Originally Posted by roadrunner20 View Post
Thanks Kevin for the info. I don't plan on staying in Mammoth or Lake Tahoe. I'll just be continuing my PCT Hike to Canada from where I left off last year. My permit has me starting there. Just taking my gear & getting back on trail.
Sweet! Boy, hiking the PCT is on my list for sure. I've done pieces of it just hiking the Sierras. The John Muir Trail out of Mammoth is incredible, stopping at Thousand Islands Lake. My kids are too young for that right now (10 and 6) but in a few years I'd certainly drop my plans for the summer and see how far we could make it. Best of luck with that trip!
__________________
Kevin R. Walsh
Cozy Mk-IV
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-18-2020, 11:44 PM
BobTurner BobTurner is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 6,797
Default

If wind/traffic require you to land north or depart south, downwind is east for both runways. The terrain below the downwind leg is noticeably higher than the runway. This may require you flying a bit further south prior to turning base, or delaying cross wind slightly if departing rw 18. An RV should have no problem departing rw 18 (lean as appropriate for density altitude) but if for some reason there is insufficient climb rate, there is a golf course south and slightly west of the airport, that affords a place to circle and climb. On departure from rw36, a slight left turn (obvious) will keep you over the lowest terrain, and also clear of houses, all the way to the shoreline.
+1. I’ve camped at thousand islands lake, and it is a beautiful spot.

Last edited by BobTurner : 05-18-2020 at 11:46 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:46 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.