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  #1  
Old 04-24-2010, 05:59 PM
cbrown747 cbrown747 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: palm harbor, fl
Posts: 51
Default What altitude do most RV pilots fly?

I live in florida and was wondering what altitude other rv pilots fly at during the typical summer weather. I am referring to flying vfr. I am looking to fly above the weather at all times if possible yet I know those cumulous clouds in the summer time will not make that possible.

For those pilots who have auto pilot, how practical are they if you have to go around the typical thunderstorms we have?
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  #2  
Old 04-24-2010, 06:10 PM
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n5lp n5lp is offline
fugio ergo sum
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Carlsbad, NM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cbrown747 View Post
I live in florida and was wondering what altitude other rv pilots fly at during the typical summer weather.
From 500 AGL to 18,000 feet generally. There are lots of different conditions and terrain.

Quote:
I am referring to flying vfr. I am looking to fly above the weather at all times if possible yet I know those cumulous clouds in the summer time will not make that possible.
Flying above the weather is very often not possible in the summer or winter.

Quote:
For those pilots who have auto pilot, how practical are they if you have to go around the typical thunderstorms we have?
Pretty much all autopilots have functions where you can steer away from your original course. Autopilots are very practical and never necessary for VFR.
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  #3  
Old 04-24-2010, 06:13 PM
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L.Adamson L.Adamson is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: KSLC
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Since I'm in the mountain west, it's usually between 7,500 & 9,500 msl. Will sometimes go up to 13,500'. Past 10,000' I start thinking about oxygen, as I can get a bit tired after a flight, even if it's not above the legal 12,500' mark.
We do have a two place oxygen system, as well as an oxymeter.

L.Adamson --- RV6A
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  #4  
Old 04-24-2010, 06:54 PM
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bsacks05 bsacks05 is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Warner Robins, GA
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I fly mid-Georgia to mid-Florida often, usually 5500 to 8500 msl. Those altitudes get me above turbulence and provide for nice rides. Conditions usually change at the GA-FL border in summer causing more diversions around buildups as I move south. Morning and early afternoon flying is preferred.
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  #5  
Old 04-24-2010, 07:12 PM
terrykohler terrykohler is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,010
Default It Depends

Hi Charlie:
While much of my flying is on instrument flight plans, the reality is that about 95% is in VFR conditions. Some considerations:
How far am I going? - No sense climbing to 10,000 if the trip is less than 200 miles. However, 8-10 is usually my choice for x-country for reasons of safety (glide), weather, ride comfort, and hopefully, winds aloft.
What's the OAT? - Got a good heater but no A/C. I look for an altitude that will be "comfortable".
Where do the "bumps" stop? I prefer a smooth ride, especially with a passenger on board. In mid-summer at mid-day, that may mean above 6 or 8 thousand.
Where's the weather? - Flying above the clouds usually means above the turbulence as well.
Convective Activity - Forget it. Can't out climb a building cumulus. However, many times the cells are nothing more than widespread "towers" and can be easily navigated around. Airmass, frontal, embedded - Don't even think about it at this point in your flying career.
Autopilot - Most will tie into a GPS for course guidance or can be set to a heading. Want to change headings, just push the button.
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP
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  #6  
Old 04-24-2010, 07:36 PM
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sglynn sglynn is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Anacortes, WA
Posts: 823
Default flying altitude

Most of my flying is going for the $100 hamburger and usually within 1 hour duration, so I fly 2,000 - 3,000. No sense wasting fuel going higher.

When I go cross country (> 2 hours) I shoot for 7,000 - 8,000 because that is the optimum altitude for best speed and lowest fuel usage and it is usually the minimum enroute IFR altitude, and I usually go on an IFR plan even if severe VFR weather. My wife likes the radar service looking for other airplanes.

If I go over the mountains I go OVER , not thru. This means 9,000 or higher. I've cruised at 15,000 (PA28-236) to stay above clouds over the Cascades. Yes, I have an O2 bottle.
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  #7  
Old 04-24-2010, 07:55 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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Location: SC
Posts: 12,887
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Let's face it, most of our RV flying is within 100 miles +/-, unless your name is Rosie.

Since our planes climb so well, during the summer I try to out climb the bumps. On a 60 mile flight to our "local" BBQ joint, I have no problem going up to 5500 to get out of the bumps. On longer trips, I have been up to 12.5 but usually plan on 7.5 to 10.5.
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  #8  
Old 04-24-2010, 08:04 PM
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Ron Lee Ron Lee is offline
 
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It is rare that I fly below 10,500' MSL (airport at ~6880' MSL). Over the mountains 13,500' MSL and higher is the norm.

I went to 10,500' MSL to go from Fort Pierce Florida across the state to Crystal River.

Less VFR traffic. Smoother ride. Better fuel economy.

As far as the autopilot, try flying 11-13 hours in a day without one.
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  #9  
Old 04-24-2010, 08:27 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Location: Dayton, NV
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My default minimum altitude for cross-countries is 8,000' - a great efficiency point for the engine and airframe. If the flight is any distance at all, I'll shoot for 10K at least. With those two numbers in mind, my goal is to have a smooth, cool ride with the best ground speed and highest mpg I can get. Gee, do I want too much? So many variables, as others have stated - but balancing them all is half the fun!

For local flying here on the Texas Gulf Coast, I usually plan on 4,000' to get above the bumps - and to a good Acro altitude. And then some days I just feel like doing a "moonshot - up to 15 or 16 thousand and back down. No reason - just a nice view and cool air!

Paul
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RV-8 - N188PD - "Valkyrie"
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  #10  
Old 04-24-2010, 09:09 PM
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cbo111 cbo111 is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Bradenton, fl
Posts: 89
Default 8-10K

I like to avoid the ravens, bugs, and bumpy ride at the lower altitudes. Added plus is the extra glide distance if she flames out.
Chuck O
Tehachapi, CA
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