flying around Mt Mitchell NC

[lr172]

I am flying to Rutherford (KFQD - due east of Ashville) on Friday. Have no real idea what the winds will be like yet. Saw warnings about turbulence over mt mitchell. Unknown if I will need to shoot an approach. flying direct to SUG from chicago then dest looks like a good route with lower tops, if VFR, but unknown where ATC will vector me if I need an approach. Is this turbulence a real concern? If so, I can pick a route that will avoid it, taking me to an IAF based upon the winds that day.

Appreciate any input from the locals.

 

[WB-avl]

I am flying to Rutherford (KFQD - due east of Ashville) on Friday. Have no real idea what the winds will be like yet. Saw warnings about turbulence over mt mitchell. Unknown if I will need to shoot an approach. flying direct to SUG from chicago then dest looks like a good route with lower tops, if VFR, but unknown where ATC will vector me if I need an approach. Is this turbulence a real concern? If so, I can pick a route that will avoid it, taking me to an IAF based upon the winds that day.

Appreciate any input from the locals.

I sometimes fly from AVL to FQD to do landing practice.

It can get bumpy when flying low over the terrain between AVL and Lake Lure but other than that I have not had any issues with turbulence.

FQD has a nice runway but my experience is limited to touch and goes there.

 

[FORANE]

I'm based just North of there in Tennessee at 0A9. The wind will dictate. Generally it is ok on the upwind side of the Appalachian mountains and more challenging on the leeward side. Yes, it can get rough on high wind days typically Southeast of Mt Mitchell. If the wind is high and you're VFR I would consider following I-26 over the hill from Johnson City TN to Asheville NC. That likely keeps you upwind of Mt Mitchell and gives you better options if you have engine trouble. Either way I like to cross at least 8k but 10k or higher is better.