Well heading out to Texas (fredericksburg) to do some flying and was wondering if anyone had ideas of interesting destinations within 2 hours of T82? Any comments on route to Albuquerque avoiding any crazy terrain? The Green mountains of Vermont are the only mountains I am familiar with and those out west seem to start at the MSL of the tops of the ones in Vermont.
Chuck, while I had planned to fly from ABQ (home base is at KAEG) to Fredericksburg for the Fly-In, I wasn't able to make it. The route I had planned was KAEG BEANN CNX CME T82. This was to avoid the restricted space around White Sands (which you MUST do), as well as all MOAs. The terrain on this route should be no problem for you. Flying into Albuquerque (either at KABQ or at my home base of KAEG) from the east you need to deal with the Sandia Mountains. For the route I usually take heading out east (which is north of BEANN & where I-40 cuts through the Sandias), I cross the mountain VFR at 9,500. The terrain elevation at BEANN is 8,350. You could also go from CNX to BUDPY, and not have to cross the mountain at all.
Flying around ABQ, it is altogether possible to fly around the Sandia Mountains, and not have to worry about going over them. Depending upon what you want to do while flying out of ABQ, there's not much "crazy terrain" to worry about, just be aware of the elevation and 49J's capabilities. Just recognize that ABQ is at 5,355, KAEG is at 5,837. My 112, N1094J, is a HotShot, so that makes a big difference for me. If you take off early in the morning that will help a bunch. As I write this (4:00 p.m.) the temp at KAEG is 61F, with density altitude of 7,550 (thanks Foreflight!).
If you want to talk more about this, don't hesitate calling me - sent you a message so might want to check.
