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David, I have been flying mine out of Gunnison, Colorado for the last 14 years. Gunnison is about 7,700 msl. If I go west, I need to reach 9,500 to 10,000 to clear the pass. If I go east, I need about 11,000 to get out of the valley. I don't have a problem most of the time. (I have 30 to 40 mile to get the altitude I need.) North and south are not options. By all recommendations a coupe is underpowered for this elevation. I spend a lot of time getting air currents off the mountains to gain altitude. Where most people want to stay away from the hills, I get on the upwind side and "play" glider to catch the air currents. I do most of my flying in the winter and earlier mornings. Even in the summer time, we can have frost at first light and the air is very calm so it makes great flying. The winters are great too, but you will need a pre-heater or a heated hanger (I don't like starting my at temps blow -10.) Around here the wind is as big a killer as the density altitude. A coupe can't fly out of down drafts like the more powerful planes. I have been in down drafts of more than 2,000 fpm. Come to think if it maybe that why my hair is turning white. For the most part I fly sole and if I carry a passenger, I pick my flying days very carefully. I don't fly after 10:00AM in the summer at all. If most people tell you the high-country is no place for a coupe they are right. (Mine is the only coupe I have every seen outside of a museum.) If you want a plane you can fly when you want and where you want, you will need a 172 or bigger. Here we consider a 172 a two-place plane. Myself, I wouldn't part with my coupe for love or money. Richard N99904 Richard Wilkens Director of Institutional Research Western State College 970-943-7010 ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?bz8Sid.bAhN69 Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01 ==^================================================================
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