Hi Everyone,
I'm a new member, first post here, but I've spent hundreds of hours reading threads over the past 10 years or so. Great forum! Thanks for having me. Please note I've searched and read lots on here about mountain flying and the differences between models before posting this. Just looking for more insight.
Quick bit about me...I'm 39, student pilot and homebuilder, father of three (7, 9, 11) out here in Southern California, and I've been building a Zenith for about a year - it was actually a quick-build kit from Bonanza MetalCrafters out of the Philippines - like many quick-build RVs! Only four were built and the craftsmanship is excellent. BUT...
My plans and mission are changing, and I'm looking to relocate back to my hometown of Colorado Springs in about 3-4 years, but i'll still need to work in Los Angeles after we move, for a good 5-7 years. So of course, I'd rather fly myself back and forth whenever possible. The Zenith just won't do that efficiently.
Before anyone mentions it, yes, mountain flying courses and recurring training are on my agenda (both here and in CO), and I hope to finish my private and IFR ticket by this time next year, and spend as much time in the air as possible after that. Shooting for at least 250 hours before we move.
Here are my Questions:
1) Given that I'd like to (winds and weather permitting) fly from LA to Colorado Springs often, between the -6A,-7A, -8A, -9A, which plane is best? Looking for the best blend of safety, speed, service ceiling, maneuverability, and survivability (if I had to put it down). Several posts say that for the altitude to fly over mountains go with the -9A over the -7A, but then someone always turns around and says you'll get beat up in turbulence more with the -9 wing, so go with the -7A. And, according to the website both the -7 and the -9 have 24,500 ceilings, so...
I've also heard the -6 and -8 owners say those are great for cross country as well. All with similar performance. Makes the decision that much harder!
2) What are the best routes from L.A. to Colo Spgs?
3) I know they're not very popular, but if any of you were flying that route regularly, would you opt for a BRS?
Thanks!
I'm a new member, first post here, but I've spent hundreds of hours reading threads over the past 10 years or so. Great forum! Thanks for having me. Please note I've searched and read lots on here about mountain flying and the differences between models before posting this. Just looking for more insight.
Quick bit about me...I'm 39, student pilot and homebuilder, father of three (7, 9, 11) out here in Southern California, and I've been building a Zenith for about a year - it was actually a quick-build kit from Bonanza MetalCrafters out of the Philippines - like many quick-build RVs! Only four were built and the craftsmanship is excellent. BUT...
My plans and mission are changing, and I'm looking to relocate back to my hometown of Colorado Springs in about 3-4 years, but i'll still need to work in Los Angeles after we move, for a good 5-7 years. So of course, I'd rather fly myself back and forth whenever possible. The Zenith just won't do that efficiently.
Before anyone mentions it, yes, mountain flying courses and recurring training are on my agenda (both here and in CO), and I hope to finish my private and IFR ticket by this time next year, and spend as much time in the air as possible after that. Shooting for at least 250 hours before we move.
Here are my Questions:
1) Given that I'd like to (winds and weather permitting) fly from LA to Colorado Springs often, between the -6A,-7A, -8A, -9A, which plane is best? Looking for the best blend of safety, speed, service ceiling, maneuverability, and survivability (if I had to put it down). Several posts say that for the altitude to fly over mountains go with the -9A over the -7A, but then someone always turns around and says you'll get beat up in turbulence more with the -9 wing, so go with the -7A. And, according to the website both the -7 and the -9 have 24,500 ceilings, so...
I've also heard the -6 and -8 owners say those are great for cross country as well. All with similar performance. Makes the decision that much harder!
2) What are the best routes from L.A. to Colo Spgs?
3) I know they're not very popular, but if any of you were flying that route regularly, would you opt for a BRS?
Thanks!