Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

[davec]

OK, so I am looking to head out to Tucson, AZ from the Chicago area at Thanksgiving, and since we just had a COG meeting in Sedona, thought it would be a good time for suggestions. What's the best route of flight for a low timer?

I am in a non-turbo 112 with no oxygen, so obviously I am not going over the top of any large mountain ranges. Since I have no REAL mountain flying time (occasionally over the top of the Smokeys and Blue Ridge) I am trying to be conservative.

Thanks for your help,

Dave

 

[alandotson]

Re: Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

Look at KLOT --> El Paso --> KTUS . Keeps you away from mountains and resticted airspace in NM. Only adds about 45 min - 1hr over direct.

Best fuel prices are in KS, OK and N TX ...

There are 2 Commanders at Marana, KAVQ, north of TUS (Jack Peterson, Rusty Green). Ryan, KRYN, is nice airport SW of TUS.

 

[Alex]

Re: Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

On a clear day you can stay at about 8K and navigate your way through the high grounds between KLEP and KTUS, but be prepared to go to 12K just in case of low clouds. I have done that route a few times.

 

[N4843W]

Re: Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

Dave, take advantage of being out that way and take a mountain flying course. You can get them in 1 or 2 day formats in a lot of places. I took a 2-day out of Denver and it made a huge difference in comfort level. A lot of little things, which may seem like common sense if you grew up out there, like knowing how to approach ridges at an angle, learning how to visualize air flow, understanding why NOT to fly right down the middle of a tight valley, etc. etc -- any one of which could be life-savers.

 

[davec]

Re: Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

All,
Thanks for all of the info, and I was thinking about taking a lesson or two once I arrive, just hoping to arrive in one piece

Alex,
Do you typically fly along the interstate or just direct with a few deviations for height?

Thanks, Dave

 

[Alex]

Re: Trip to Tucson from Chicago Area

Dave,
Depending on the weather, I fly the interstate which actually navigates around the big rocks. Actually the airways run almost parallel to the interstate on greater part of the route.