Flying into Death Valley

[jaybhansen]

Any aircraft issues flying into Furnace Creek when the temperature is 120? Since it is below sea level, the density altitude is not issue. Will the tires be OK at that temperature?

[smt6]

I’d be more worried about the FOD all over the runway and ramp. Place was a mess when I was there a few months ago. I won’t be back because of it. Good luck

[Taltruda]

Originally Posted by jaybhansen

Any aircraft issues flying into Furnace Creek when the temperature is 120? Since it is below sea level, the density altitude is not issue. Will the tires be OK at that temperature?

Yeah, the runway is in really bad shape.. you’ll want to have a spare tire if you go. Better to wait for wintertime, much more pleasant changing a tire on the runway when it’s 80 instead of 120.

[flysrv10]

It is called Death Valley for a reason. Don't go there!

[kaweeka]

It's been over a year since I've been to Furnace Creek but if it's now as bad as folks say, try Stovepipe Wells. Death Valley is an amazing and beautiful place but definitely pick your day to go there.

[JBHansen]

thanks people. the reason to go wsa to land at the lowest airport. guess I will have to pass.

[NinerBikes]

Read you POH, and Rotax engine manual... I believe there is a specification about not operating the engine in temperatures below -17F or above 120F? Check it out, please trust, but verify, first.

Also, I would absolutely run a full synthetic motor oil like Mobil 1 T4 10-w 40 racing motor oil with UNLEADED MOGAS ONLY, in those kinds of temperatures, and watch your oil temps flying out of there. I get oil consumption with high temps with the Shell recommended semi synthetic stuff, my ferry went through almost 1/2 a qt in 21 hours in late June, flying from South Carolina, through all the HOT gulf states, TX, NM, AZ and Southern CA.

Some folks from AZ probably can give good advice, post up in the model specific RV-12 section.

Better to schedule this flight in season, December through March of the year, when it's considerably cooler.

There is only regular gas at Stovepipe Wells for sale.


You could top off there if you have nothing but 100LL in the tank and at least 6 gallons of 100LL left to add up to 14 gallons of regular 87 octane fuel to, which would give you at least 92 octane fuel, above your 91 octane minimum.

Or figure out a way to fill up at Mogas stations in Beatty, NV with 91 octane, and get it back to your airplane at the airport? Maybe one of the hotels or casinos runs
courtsy pick up service from airport to casino and back? Call and find out.

[AX-O]

Originally Posted by jaybhansen

Any aircraft issues flying into Furnace Creek when the temperature is 120?

Some advice form a "local". if you are going to go, don't go with only one plane. Life is ok as long as things don't break. As soon as you have an issue, life sucks pretty quickly. It is normal for me to be working in my hangar 10-14 hours when it is 116-ish. Even when I am used to it, i struggle here and there.

Just like flying in Alaska, there are plenty of risks out here that people from outside the area don't consider/understand. Those temps are no joke.

[PhatRV]

Originally Posted by AX-O

Just like flying in Alaska, there are plenty of risks out here that people from outside the area don't consider/understand. Those temps are no joke.

Not sure about Furnace Creek but is is a long walk from the Stovepipe Well airstrip to the inn, out in the open and in soft sand. The 120degF doesn't mess round.

[SantosDumont]

From Vegas I fly over Panamint all the time. I leave when the sun comes up and try to get back after the sun goes down. I'm usually up at 10.5k+... I really wouldn't want to be on the ground there during summer.

Your plane can probably take it, but your body won't. If you do it bring water, more water than you think you'll need, and have an emergency survival plan because if you're far from the road you will bake before they find you.