Route Advice through AZ & NM

Dbro172 · #1 01-04-2015, 01:45 PM

Planning a trip from San Diego to Minnesota at the end of the month and looking for some advice. I'm doing a southerly route and not quite sure the best way between say, Phoenix and Clovis. Right now I'm thinking stop for fuel at Casa Grande and first overnite in Deming. I have no experience in cross countries of this magnitude and would like to avoid high terrain, knarly weather and long legs.

Perhaps:

Or:

Then after Deming, should I shoot the gap up through Truth or consequences (looks like could get some weather up in there) or round it out to the East through El Paso?

Thanks for the advice!

Larco · #2 01-04-2015, 02:17 PM

There are so many choices. The way you have picked is fine maybe a little further. We have gone to the midwest many times from KDVT and like either the route to KABQ then turn the corner up to the MN or IA area. Personally if early and good weather we go over the lower part of the rockies coming out by La Veta 07V. The terrain going through the KABQ area is probably not much different than Going further south but a comfort level is yours to chose. It will also make a huge difference where in MN you are going? You will probably get lots of help picking a route. :-)
Have a great trip, Larry

jbDC9 · #3 01-04-2015, 02:32 PM

First, what'cha flying, RV-9 or C-172? If it's your RV-9, no need for fuel in Casa Grande with an overnight in Deming; you can non-stop to Deming in 3+ hrs, gas up, then press on eastbound! After DMN, head east towards Wink, TX, then point northeast to Minnesota, or head north to Socorro then turn towards the NE. Either way works fine...

Not sure if 3:15 or so is too long of a leg, but with an overnight in Deming the RV has barely had a chance to get warmed up!

Dbro172 · #4 01-04-2015, 02:35 PM

RV-9A (50 TT) - Probably end up in Alexandria, MN first, and your right, there are many ways to to run North, probably dependent on weather. I love flying in the Midwest; airports are everywhere! I'm just trying to convince myself of a good route from San Diego, to the other side of the Rockys. Have Oxygen on board, but don't really want to dwell that high for too long.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbDC9

Not sure if 3:15 or so is too long of a leg, but with an overnight in Deming the RV has barely had a chance to get warmed up!

yeah, I'm thinking about that. That could burn upwards of 30 of my 36 gallons though... I'd hate to overnight that soon if things are goin well.

RV7Guy · #5 01-04-2015, 02:51 PM

I have family in South Dakota and flew there often from the Phoenix area. First, San Diego to Casa Grande is only about 1:40. No need to stop that soon.

This is the northern route but avoids the Rockies. If the weather is good, go San Diego to St. Johns for cheap fuel. Then Dalhart, TX for fuel and a stop. To Dalhart is about 5:30 from San Diego. Go to Baileys Flying Service for fuel. Cheaper and nice people. You could stay there and they will probably loan you a vehicle. Call ahead.

You are now about 4:30-5 hours from Minneapolis area. Maybe less. When I fly to South Dakota (Eastern) I can do the trip with one stop in Dalhart. Total trip time is less than 8 hours.

The Southern route is okay but adds miles and time to the trip. Weather is the determining factor especially this time of the year.

Good luck.

az_gila · #6 01-04-2015, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV7Guy

...
This is the northern route but avoids the Rockies. If the weather is good, go San Diego to St. Johns for cheap fuel. Then Dalhart, TX for fuel and a stop. To Dalhart is about 5:30 from San Diego. Go to Baileys Flying Service for fuel. Cheaper and nice people. You could stay there and they will probably loan you a vehicle. Call ahead.

......
Good luck.

A friend who flies that way frequently changed his stop from Dalhart to Dumas (DUX) 28 mls East.

They have cheaper fuel and are better attended for a courtesy car...

Dbro172 · #7 01-04-2015, 03:41 PM

Is this what you guys mean? What's weather like over ABQ end of January?

Larco · #8 01-04-2015, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbro172

Is this what you guys mean? What's weather like over ABQ end of January?

Looks good if you are happy with it. Weather is always a c*** shoot but the 10 day forecasts will give you a heads up. You can always change the route toward better weather if needed. Just stay within your personal comfort zone and have a nice trip. Larry

jbDC9 · #9 01-04-2015, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbro172

That could burn upwards of 30 of my 36 gallons though...

Oops, I was thinking the -9 had 42 gallons like my -8... 6 gallons fewer can change things a bit.

crabandy · #10 01-04-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbro172

Is this what you guys mean? What's weather like over ABQ end of January?

I too chose a similar route for a flight to KCRQ last summer. I was somewhat performance limited in a T-tail Lance and opted for RWY lengths close to 7000, I was really wishing I was in my RV! 12,500 was all the Lance would give me in the summer and it was sufficient over the mountains, taller stuff was just to the north of this route. We stopped at KCAO (dinosaur tracks at the lake) and KAEG on the way out and KSOW and KTCC on our way to a wedding in KOKC. Either way you go it'll be a great trip!