Flying in Colorado - A Flatlander in the Mountains
The view of the Rocky Mountains from an airplane is majestic, but flying here is a little different than in the Midwest. In this three-part video, Martin shares some of the gorgeous views from his summer 2020 trip to Colorado, and explains his strategy for getting there safely.
This first part takes us from Scottsbluff, NE (KBFF) to Rifle, CO (KRIL) for the weeklong trip to Snowmass Village, CO, not far from Aspen.
Route of flight: KBFF MBW CKW EKR KRIL, 10,500 feet MSL
0:00 Start
1:15 Why not go direct?
2:32 Breaking up the trip
3:45 Take off
4:53 Activating a VFR Flight Plan
9:03 Briefing the arrival
14:11 Landing at Rifle
15:43 Relaxing in Colorado
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#mountainflying #colorado #bonanza #aviation #flying #n70tb
Welcome to Colorado! I live just 25 miles north of Denver and my son and I fly and base our Grumman Tiger out of the Rocky Mt. Metropolitan Airport - KBJC. The two most challenging times to fly here in Colorado are in the summer and winter months. In the summer, it's high density altitudes and afternoon thunderstorms that you have to plan for and deal with... and in winter, it's high winds and icing. Best times of year to fly are early fall and mid-spring. Temps are usually cool and weather is typically nice and calm during those times. Our Tiger has a 180 HP Lycoming O-360 that is normally aspirated, which limits our ability to fly in the high country. The service ceiling is only 13,800 per the POH. We tend to fly between 7,500 and 11,500 MSL on most of our local flights and we avoid flight in the mountains unless we're in a turbo charged aircraft or something like a C-182 with more horsepower. Most low landers who come up here for the first time don't realize how the high altitudes can effect the performance of their aircraft and end up learning the hard way. Rule of thumb is always fly early in the day or in the evening and always lean for best power during the run up if you're not turbo charged. And let's also not forget to have supplemental O2 handy. We carry a pulse oximeter with us to monitor our O2 levels as a safety measure. Colorado has some spectacular views and scenery, as you already know and have experienced. Just flying up and down the Front Range is a blessing in itself. The views never get old! Glad you were able to visit. Please come again and, if you're ever planning a stop at KBJC, let us know so we can say hi.
Thank you, Gordon. I will for sure visit again. Been to BJC a couple of times, but that was several years ago - the first time it was still called JeffCo. Best, Martin
Dear Captain Martin ! ! ! GRATITUDE ! ! ! Thank You (And Your “CREW”) Very Much For Sharing This Beautiful And Relaxing Trip ! I’m Happy For This Rich Moment of Yours ! While I Watched The Video, It Reminded Me a Brilliant Brazilian Woman Pilot, ADA LEDA ROGATO, Who, In The 50's, Crossed The Andes Mountain Range and Landed at La Paz, Bolivia, (SLLP - 13.325 ft) With a Cessna 140's 90 hp; The First Pilot, Male or Female, To Cross the Amazon Jungle - The Dreaded "Green Hell" - In a Small Plane, Without Radio, In a Solo Flight, With Only a Compass, a Rule, a School Compass, a Pencil and a Eraser (1956); Among Other Outstandings Accomplishments. You've Got To Know About Her Sometime. Well, I’m Eager To See The Next Part of The Trip. Many Thanks ! Best Regards ! Ed São Paulo (SBSP) 🇧🇷
Thanks for this. Ada Leda Rogato, what an amazing pilot. I'd never heard of her before but found wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Rogato (You might need to translate).
What a flight that must have been across the jungle - exciting and also scary, I guess. Best regards, Martin
I can just imagine a tiny sailplane angel, perched on a shoulder, whispering to moments back in the day when you were piloting without an engine...with scenery like that. Perfect soundtrack. Great editing. I always learn something through the narration of WHY you’re doing WHAT you’re doing. CAVU ✈️😎👍
Thanks, Mike. While I did fly gliders for many years, I never did it in the mountains. The opportunity just didn't present itself back then. The views are stunning, for sure, and thermals and waves can produce great lift in the mountains. Only downside is if you run out of lift, well, finding a place to set it down safely can be tricky. (Of course, that goes for an engine failure as well.) Best, Martin
Hallo Martin! Sehr schöner Flug, da sieht es ein wenig aus, wie bei uns. Ich freue mich immer wieder auf solch schöne und interessante Videos von dir. Schöne Grüße aus LOIH 😉🛩
Oh, ja, die Alpen - in den 90er Jahren habe ich in Ulm gelebt und war im Luftsportverein in Biberach (EDMB). Von dort war man schnell in Kempten und konnte den Blick auf die wunderschönen Berge geniessen! Herzliche Grüsse aus Iowa - Martin
My first time commenting on one of your vids, Martin. I've enjoyed them all so far, but this video and the further two you have pron=misedare top of the list so far. I lived in Colorado Springs 20 plus years, visited almost all the mountain towns, but sadly, only by auto. It was just great to see the same territory I am familiar with from the air. Great video work and great flight planning and judgment. Living in the mountains for years it was always so sad to hear the sad litany. year after year of flatlander pilots, full of confidence and self-importance who splattered themselves and their families against Colorado granite. Be well, fly safe, and film lots!
Hi Dave, thanks for your comment here on KZhead. There are many beautiful places in Colorado; I remember visiting Boulder, Denver, the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Garden of Gods in Colorado Springs. I share your feelings about all the preventable accidents, where just a little more understanding and care would have prevented disaster. Very sad indeed. Take care, and please do let me know how you like Parts II and III. Regards, Martin
I absolutely loved this video! It’s not like the other GA channels out there that are focused on how hot your co-pilot is. Thank you.
Glad you like my channel, Art. Of course, I have to go on record here: my wife Beckey IS in some of my videos, and in my (biased) opinion she IS hot! 😁 Best, Martin
Another great video. Always like the commentary. Nice blue skies all the way. Looking foward to your next video
Thank you, John. Working on the next one (Aspen) as we speak. - Martin
Outstanding video Martin. I’m thankful you included the radio call to Columbus Radio. One of the things we learn or should learn in primary but I have to admit, I have never done. Simple I know, but again thanks for including. Great landing at Rifle. I was nervous for you just looking at that crosswind and then with a Citation on a eight mile final... whew!!! We have a home in Cedaredge, Co. , but I’ve yet to make that flight from the Texas panhandle. Final airport would be to either Montrose or Delta and I’ve mapped out several routes. Would probably keep it to the west of the mountains the first few times, similar to what you did. Looking forward to the next two videos. Robert Klump
Thanks, Robert. You should make this flight sometime. Just pick a clear and calm day, which will make everything easy and enjoyable. You will never forget the view you get from the cockpit! - Martin
Love this series a little different than you’re normal videos as I have zero mountain flying experience as well. Also love that you are showing what you did when you get to “Destination” as we fly to go somewhere to do something! Great job on the crosswind!!!
Thanks, Ron. I think the crosswind weakened a little bit at just the right moment for me. I'll take it! 😁 Best, Martin
Nice Vid! A couple of comments from a 50 yr Co Pilot. When approaching a AP to land include in your initial call Where you are How high you are direction your heading and approx time to landing. When landing on a strong cross wind day, plan a longer final, yours was about 15 secs. With a much longer final you can see and feel how strong the wind is via crab angle and can plan if its really bumpy and strong X
Nicely done. Thanks for taking us along . . .
My pleasure, Rick! I wish I could go back soon - the views of the mountains are addictive. Best, Martin
The level of piloting proficiency✔
Beautiful and informative Martin, thanks for investing the time to film, edit and share with us.
Glad you enjoyed it! - Martin
Martin, I hunted in Meeker for many years and skied Aspen and Vail since a kid. We were in Aspen for the eclipse in 2018 while fly fishing the Roaring Fork and Frying pan. It is a stellar area for Bonanza pilots but the serious mountain environment demands respect. Come vist us in Idaho ...we just added a C206 to the hangar for serious mountain back country strips. It is the difference of flying through the mountain passes rather than over them! Thanks for what you do!
Hi Kevin, so nice to hear from you! I would love to come visit Idaho again - my only time there so far was when Andrea and Mike kindly invited us all to their home for the pig roast a few years back. Another west coast trip is long overdue for me, and I'd love to stop by if the stars are aligned. Please give my best to Laura and Kevin jr.! - Martin
Excellent videography and editing! I've watched many of your flight experiences. As an avid 'flight simulator' you provide the adventures I can replicate on my FSX. I've skied in the area you flown to... Beautiful country with its own inherent 'risks' (DAL). Looking forward to many more 'adventures'! Viel Spass!
Thank you / Danke! 😁 - Martin
Very scenic! I miss living in Colorado. Someday soon I'll go back for a long visit.
I want to go back, too. The views of the beautiful mountains are addictive! - Martin
You bet! Will be there for 2 and 3! Beautiful video as always, Martin!
Great plan. Better safe than sorry.
That's what I thought, too, Eduardo. - Martin
Martin, that was a great landing in spite of the gusty winds. You spent the night at the far west end of my home state of Nebraska. I was born and raised on the other end 40 miles south of Lincoln in the small town of Beatrice, NE. I also have relatives in Iowa at Lake City just west of Fort Dodge. I have to say, the scenery in Iowa or Nebraska is no match for what can be found in Colorado. The rafting looked like fun and that silver mine looked interesting too. Thanks for sharing that great video. I'm always looking forward to your adventures in the air.
Thank you, Preston. I agree 100% with your statement about scenery in IA/NE vs. Colorado! Best regards, Martin
Well done, Martin! I always love the way you present your thinking when it comes to each flight. Helpful to a new pilot like me. Excited for the next parts!
Glad you find it helpful, Charlie. Thanks. Regards, Martin
Thank you Martin. Your experience took me back about 40 years when I was completing insurance co. required 25 hours of dual in our "new" 1947 C-195. With my high-time tail dragger instructor and his hundreds of hours of mountain flying, off we went early one summer morning. Departing KAPA, touch and go at Eagle (EGE) and up and over to Aspen (ASE). Original plan called for a landing at Leadville (LXV) but it was getting later in the morning and density altitude was climbing faster than we could so elected to return home to Denver and try again later. Next morning, got my signed "Certificate of Pilotage at North America's highest airport." Later, to complete the 25 hours, I asked my instructor to teach me some emergency maneuvers, like "How to do a U-turn when your learn you're flying up a box canyon." That was exciting. Your videos keep this old-timer looking forward to the next one. Thank you again.
That was a good training experience. Good call to save Leadville for the (cool) morning. - Martin
Fantastic video, thank you. VFR and mornings are the rule! Can't wait for 2 & 3.
Thanks, Michael! And you will without question recognize the route I took home in Part III. 😁 Thank you again for your suggestion back then! Regards, Martin
those opening shots of the country are breathtakingly beautiful...
Thanks, Rusty. It is easy to take breathtaking footage there - you can pretty much point the camera in any direction. The flight to Aspen, which I'll show in the next part, was especially scenic. Regards, Martin
Nicely done. I appreciate the way you explained your decision-making process.
Glad it was helpful, David. - Martin
Your radio work is good. I like to think mine is as deliberate as yours. There's always a temptation to compete with ATC for the fast talking prize.
Thank you for your nice video. I like how you explain your thought process and rationale when making flying decisions. I am not a pilot (except with model RC planes), but have often thought about getting a private pilot license. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3.
Hi Dave! You RC pilots have my respect - I've tried it a couple of time but got so very confused with the airplane flying towards me... Glad you enjoyed the video, and maybe one day you'll start flying yourself in an airplane! Best regards, Martin
Thanks for the ride.
My pleasure, Jim - thanks for coming along! - Martin
Great stuff Martin! Thank you for the scenic views. Can't wait to see the rest of the series.
Thanks, Andrew! - Martin
Can't wait to fly out there myself!
Go for it - just mind the weather and density altitude! - Martin
Great photography. Good decisions on routing and preparing. Thanks for bringing us along.
Thank you. It's easy to record stunning footage out there - just point the camera pretty much anywhere, and it looks beautiful. 😁 - Martin
You always make conducted videos. Thank you.
Glad you enjoy this style, Oscar. Regards Martin
@@martinpauly You're able to project you sincerity and you honesty through this mean and has help me tremendously. I was a rusty pilot, a low time pilot, and I just recently go back to into flying again. I bought along the way a C-182P to help me in becoming a proficient pilot. I see all the adventures you have but you are very careful in your planning and safety is one of your main pilar. Thank you for your inspiration.
Oh wow, a VFR flight plan. I have yet to do one. Flying into the mountains makes sense filing VFR flight plan.
VFR flight plans... not something we need much in the Midwest, Dan, but in the mountains I find they have a real purpose. I hope you and your family had a nice Thanksgiving, Dan. See you soon! - Martin
I really enjoy your videos. The information and the overall look of the videos. Keep them coming.
Thank you - I will do my best! - Martin
I fly out of KGXY and have flown the areas you were in many times. It’s sure beautiful, but you do have to be careful, as you were. I really enjoy watching all of your videos.
You are right, Dusty. Flying in the mountains requires more attention than flying in the Midwest. Easy enough on a calm, sunny day with good visibility; however, do this at night or on a hazy day and things will be different. Regards, Martin
Yes, GPS direct can be very dangerous in the mountains. Low power airplane flight in the mountains is mostly maneuvering flight where horizontal space limitations are often greater than vertical space limitations. However, in the Colorado rockies, down drainage egress is always available when we plan well and stay alert to terrain. On long runways we can manage total energy by using free ground effect energy to accelerate more quickly to cruise airspeed and then cruise climb with the outcome of the maneuver never in doubt. This becomes critical at high DA where ground effect energy and down drainage egress energy are a large percentage of total energy. Wind, well managed, can be our friend. If we climb in updrafts and dive a bit to get through downdrafts quickly, we will have a net gain in ground speed and altitude gain over time. In the high desert and mountains, attempting to maintain altitude (climb in down air and dive in up air) can be dangerous. The down air, which compresses near the surface, does not slam airplanes into the ground...they stall/fall from trying to out climb 2-3 thousand feet per minute downdrafts. Early or late, in the cool part of the day is good DA management. If your Bonanza has a carburetor, leaning before takeoff will get you 300 extra rpm at Rifle, even early in the day. Ground effect energy will get you to cruise airspeed quickly providing a lot of zoom reserve energy if needed. Down drainage egress, 26, in addition to the slope is really the only safe way to go. Prevailing wind from a westerly direction should also favor that way, but down slope and down drainage is more important. Great photography and interesting video. Thank you.
Another outstanding video Martin - my T182T and I are based out of Northern Colorado (KFNL) - I'm hoping to do a mountain flying course in the near future.
Thank you, Michael. I, too, would like to learn some real mountain flying at some point. - Martin
Great flight and video Martin! Thanks much for taking us along!
My pleasure! - Martin
Awesome video Martin. Cathy is wanting to possibly try and go snow skiing at Copper Mountain in late February or early March. I was looking at going into Eagle or maybe even braving Leadville by flying up the valley from the Pueblo area. Like your routing much better. Our other option was to stop at Centennial and just drive in from there. That wind report of 170 30-32kts would have really made me rethink my plan. Your landing looked great.
Beautiful video Martin. One of your best so far. Great narration, scenery and music. Looking forward to the next parts. Thank you.
Thank you, Bill. I wish I could fly and record in that kind of scenery more often. Regards, Martin
Beautifully done! Especially enjoyed the planning and reasoning for choosing your specific route. Can’t wait for parts 2 & 3!
Thank you, Christian. I should have parts II and III wrapped up before the end of the year. - Martin
Great job Martin, can’t wait for more of this trip!
Happy to hear, Dennis. I should have parts II and III wrapped up before the end of the year. Best, Martin
Fantastic episode and great editing, Martin! Really enjoying the narrating and decision making and to see so much amazing views all the way! :-)
Thanks, Cindy - happy to share the adventure and views with all of you! - Martin
@@martinpauly Really appreciate all your work and insights, Martin! I shared your channel recently and think I got you some new subs :-) Blue skies from your fellow flatlander!
@@dutchygirl Thank you, Cindy!
Beautiful Martin. That looked like a nice landing in Rifle with a jet behind you on final. Heavy crosswinds at an unfamiliar airport always seem to tighten the grip a little.
I think the crosswind weakened a little bit at just the right moment, Dominic. Also, JUST a crosswind doesn't scare me - we get plenty of that here in the Midwest - but with gusty wind with mountains all around could create some surprises. Regards, Martin
Glad you got out here this summer to enjoy the outdoors! ~ Jeremiah
It was fun, and the area is gorgeous. Looking forward to coming back sometime after the Coronavirus madness is behind us. Are you by chance the Jeremiah I used to work with? If so, please say hi to Katie! - Martin
@@martinpauly She says hi, we're happy to hear from you!
Nice and beautiful...! love it.
Glad to hear! - Martin
hello Martin, I loved every part of this video. my problem was which part i like more. I cannot wait for the next episode. Thanks and stay safe.
Thank you, Wael. Happy to hear I created something you enjoyed. Hopefully you'll like parts 2 and 3 as well! Regards, Martin
Great flight and great BMW!
Thanks! - Martin
11:45 - the big spot on the center, is a superfund uranium mill tailings disposal cell. 12:24- off the wing tip : Rifle Gap Reservoir. The canyon where the artist Christo hung the famous huge orange curtain.
Good to know - thank you for sharing, George! - Martin
Die Preise sind ja mal übel - dabei wollte ich mir Aspen wirklich gerne mal ansehen. Danke für das schöne Video ;)
Aspen ist sehr schön und eine Reise wert - man kann sich die Stadt ja auch ansehen, ohne dort etwas zu kaufen. Gruss, Martin
Awesome!
Thanks, Ron! - Martin
Martin, thank you from your old home country. It must be a lot of effort editing these videos, I appreciate it a lot. Good learning material for my future coast-to-coast when these crazy times are over and we can travel again.
It IS a lot of effort, but it's something I enjoy doing. Herzliche Grüsse! - Martin
Amazing video! Thanks
Thanks, Shane! - Martin
Nice and well explained flight.
Thank you, Antonio. - Martin
Beautiful scenery and background music. Great narration!
Thank you, Tim. - Martin
awesome photography
Thank you, Hamish. - Martin
Thanks for documenting this trip. That was a great landing at Rifle.
Thanks, Steve. I think the crosswind weakened a bit at just the right time to help. - Martin
Right! I’m off to fly KBFF to KRIL in a Bonanza in MSFS2020! 👍🏻❤️🇦🇺
Alright - add some light-to-moderate turbulence for the second half, and it's like you're flying with us back in June! 👍 - Martin
Another excellent video. Your preflight planning is a very good example for fellow pilots. Look forward to the second leg.
Thank you, Ken. - Martin
That was an awesome landing and a great ending to fantastic video!!! The planning explanations are very helpful...
Thank you, happy to hear! - Martin
Great video Martin! Looking forward to parts 2 and 3
Glad you liked it! - Martin
Pleasant place, pleasant piloting, nice calm video! Great job, Martin!
Glad you enjoyed it! - Martin
Thanks for (as always)enjoyable videos Martin.
Glad you enjoyed it, Rolf! - Martin
great landing!
Thanks, Robert! - Martin
Thanks for a very well made video story of your summer adventure!
My pleasure, Olav - glad you enjoyed it! - Martin
Great!!
Outstanding Martin! That area is on my flying bucket list. If I don’t get a chance, it was nice riding along with you!
Go for it, George. Pick a nice, calm day, and be mindful of density altitude - then it's a piece of cake! - Martin
I guess im randomly asking but does any of you know of a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me.
@Dean Korbin instablaster :)
@Abdullah Kaison i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and Im trying it out atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will reply here later with my results.
@Abdullah Kaison it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my ass!
nice! Looked like a serious X-wind. Nice job!
Martin, I wish you could have come here to Colorado Springs! Lots of things to see in the Pikes Peak region. Maybe next time you venture out of the "flat lands" you could stop by for coffee or lunch.
Hi Jim, I really do want to come back to Colorado, not just the mountains but also some of the cities. I remember the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs from a visit several years back. Once the Coronavirus madness is behind us, there's a long list of places for me to visit! 😁 - Martin
Absolutely beautiful ✈️👍
Thank you, John! - Martin
Great trip! Next time you will have to work in a landing at Glenwood Springs- KGWS. Fun approach! I am sure you saw it from the air to/from Aspen.
I drove by Glenwood springs a few times on this trip and could see the airport from the road. Neat area, though I doubt it's the perfect airport for my runway-hungry and normally-aspirated Bonanza. - Martin
Really enjoyed this video, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next two episodes. Looks like you had some great fun!
Thank you, Keith! I better get to work on Parts II and III! 😁 - Martin
@@martinpauly No pressure - tomorrow would be fast enough! LOL!
These videos are great! Thank you for bringing me along for the ride. You was almost in my neck of the woods in Cincinnati.
Happy to hear you are enjoying the videos, Kevin! - Martin
Wow, the terrain sure is FLAT around the Scott's Bluff airport! What a contrast it is with what you're headed toward.
You are right, Bill. Nebraska isn't the most scenic state to fly over... Regards, Martin
...thanks for sharing, Martin...
My pleasure! - Martin
I live near Scottsbluff! It's not so flat around here. You just have to look around!
You are right, Lance. That corner of the state is relatively scenic. - Martin
Did a mountain flying trip to Colorado in 2015. Didn’t land at rifle or aspen. Flew from Mc Elroy to Glenwood Springs, then on to Gunnison. Density altitude is truly king. Landed at Leadville as well. All told, six airports with six different challenges.
Beautiful area, and Leadville remains on my bucket list! - Martin
Great blend of flying and touring adventure; Love a great flying adventure series :-)
Glad to hear, Issac! - Martin
Another nice video....thanks again! I learned to fly in Boulder and Fort Collins...you learn about density altitude. You won’t find C150s used for flight instruction at Sardy!
I can imagine that, David. A Cessna 150 isn't exactly a stellar performer at sea level. - Martin
Awesome job Martin. I’m out of KBJC and have dipped my toe into the mountains a time or two. Flying instrument approaches in the mountains is quite fun to do (under VFR conditions of course). Holler the time you’re out. :)
Thanks, Brian. I've been to KBJC a couple of times, back when it was still called JeffCo. Long overdue to visit the area again - hopefully next year travel will be more normal again. Regards, Martin
@@martinpauly yeah. You can tell most of the older pilots flying in there because they make their call as Jeffco...Er.... Metro tower. I’m buying the beer. :)
Great video! Colorado looks very pretty to fly over, keep up the good work!
Thanks, Brian! - Martin
That direct crosswind might have had me a little spooked!
Not exactly the easiest conditions, but the Bonanza is a fairly easy airplane to land in a crosswind. The wind also seemed to have weakened a little bit at the time of my landing. It really wasn't a big deal. Regards, Martin
Awesome Martin! I think with your new powerful engine the flight would of been possible to go Aspen. But excellent decision making by going to RIL. 🙌 with normal aspirated engine we are very limited unfortunately :(
Looking back, I agree Aspen is possible from a performance standpoint. It is still a trickier airport from a weather standpoint, due to the terrain. - Martin
@@martinpauly you’re right 100%. Last year I went to Southlake Tahoe with DA of 10.7k for take off with a Mooney J 200hp @ 75% max gross weight. It was scary 😬 especially I didn’t have a lot of Mountain flying experience. Jason Miller @ The Finer Points has a good course. Few friends took it, and they loved it and gained a lot of experience! Hopefully that’s on my bucket list for 2021 😎
Hey Martin, Great Flight, as I said before in Sept I bought N710GG, and Id love to fly those areas some ==potentially on the way to Osh Kosh from the east coast!!
Go for it! From the east coast, I would spend day 1 flying most of the distance, say to Nebraska (similar to what I did) and then get an early start on day 2. On the way back, you can probably do it all in one day. Regards, Martin
@@martinpauly Thanks for the Information bro...too cool loved the flight and the roaring rapids..lol
You forgot to pick me up!!!!!!! Guess I need to move back to ECI!!!!
Another great flight, thanks, Martin! Was that no flaps, and I'd guess you built in the gust factor for approach?
Hi Christine, glad you enjoyed the flight. I did have full flaps out for the landing. Regards, Martin
Looks like a really fun trip, Martin. Beckey couldn't come?
Probably see more from you then I did back in 2000 at 34000 ft in a 737
Yes, Samantha - the ride in our small airplanes isn't always the most comfortable, but the views can be stunning! 👍 Regards, Martin
You're landing was alright? I'd say it was just fine, and didn't miss a beat. I noticed a slight bump to the side, but let's see: You had a 14 - 25kt crosswind, a 3 to 4kt headwind, or 0, or a 3 to 4kt tailwind (depending on the wind at the moment: 180˚, 170˚, or 160˚, respectively), a Citation breathing down your neck on a straight-in to land, a Challenger chomping at the bit to take off... Yeah, professional & cool as always Martin. : ) It's been 6 - 7 months since I've watched one of your vids! Hope you & the fam are doing well. Looked like a great trip!! (I've been wanting to fly into Aspen for years.
Good to hear from you - yes, it's been quite a while! We are doing OK. It's not fun to be home so much - my wife and I are both working from home, and our youngest is doing her senior year in high school from home, too. So I really cherish the few airplane trips I've been able to go on in the last 12 months. Colorado was definitely a highlight, and I can't wait for the weather to warm up and for places to open up again. As usual in the winter time (I *hate* the cold), I spend a lot of time in my basement office trying to learn something new. Lately that has been camera tracking, and you can see what I have learned (and what is still to be learned) in my latest video called "City Lights". How is life for you, other than not flying? Take care! - Martin
@@martinpauly I'm doing well, thank you (& so is my family), but I always seem to have too much to do! LOL I was thinking how fortunate *you* were, to be able to do the CO trip! I happen to be an avid skier, and was planning on going to Aspen & Jackson Hole (I bought a Pass last year that lets me ski here in the Sierras, other States, & overseas), but of course, they closed everything! (Didn't give us a refund either...) The funny part is, I hate the cold too!! LOL (Believe me. I don't like it below 80˚, except I love to ski!) Now I refer to myself as a "tropics boy"
@@Cousin. I did not know there was a gras strip in Venice, but I guess grass strips are a lot more common in Europe than here in the US. I'd love to see what you did with the video; if there's a way you can share it privately, you can contact me vie mail at AT DOT aero (trying to confuse the bots here). I still hope to meet you in person one of these days; are you planning to go to any of the big fly-ins this year (assuming they happen)? Too bad the skiing didn't work out; hopefully by the time we get into the next winter season, the world is more normal again. And you are right, I will have to think about a warmer place when I retire. This weekend we'll have a HIGH below zero Fahrenheit, it's not funny... Take care, my friend. Have a good night! - Martin
@@martinpauly LOL! I like that: "It's not funny..." Yeah, I have some friends I just spoke with tonight, who are in TX, and freezing! First let me apologize for the tardy reply, and thank you for your quick one. Well, I'm an AOPA life-member (though I haven't been flying!), so I've been bugging them re: starting their Fly-ins back up. So far nada... (Our town here won't even do our Annual Town Picnic...) They are going to have 2 one day limited events. One is somewhere in the SW, but I don't know where yet. Sun 'n Fun & Oshkosh look like they'll be on though. FL is doubtful, but if I can get a ride with a friend of mine, I'll try to make it to AirVenture. (Will you be Biking this year instead?) Thank you for the e-mail address, that will be a lot easier, re: video stuff. : ) So I saw "City Lights" , and you can see my comment there (along with another Comment on your 2021 vid), but I can speak with you further about the vid, on e-mail. OK, I did make my edited version of Pierre's video Public. It's on my "Channel", but here's the link: kzhead.info/sun/obSEp8-wooStZ3A/bejne.html Hopefully you'll remember his video, after I've taken so long to get back to you! ; ) A couple of things: Again, I only had his YT vid to work with, but wanted to keep things in the same basic chronological order he had, while having it fit to the music, and removing some graphics. Since he had that footage at the end , in Venice, I decided to add some "fun stuff", and there's a little joke there, as two of the extras in this one shot, look EXACTLY like Pierre and Harald from behind! (Harald is the pilot/owner of the other VL3 you're seeing in the flying footage.) I did it originally just for fun, and hoping Pierre would get a kick out of it. (Sounds like he did. : ) There are a lot of things I did that are pretty noticeable, but probably a 100 that are pretty subtle. If you're curious about what I did, how I did it, and why, I'm more than happy to impart that to you. Otherwise, I don't want to bore you... Yes! Lido is a great little strip. I've been wanting to fly in there for sometime! (Apparently, so had Pierre.) You can just take a launch across the Channel to San Marcos Sq., and don't have to wind your way all the way through Venice (from the train station) to get there. Yes, I think there are a lot of little grass strips in Europe, which is another reason the VL3 is nice, but it may be because we just have SO MANY airports here in the U.S. (As you know.) Because of that, I think there are a lot of grass strips here that people aren't aware of, or next to a paved runway. Talk to you soon, and it would be great to finally meet! (I could send a photo on e-mail, so at least you know I'm real. : ) Ciao, -Cuz
@@Cousin. That was a nice edit of the Venice video. I like the music (Earth, Wind & Fire), and I recognized the footage from Casino Royal - lucky that the extras matched the pilots so well. I would love to hear about some of the finer tweaks you made, if you have time to point me at them. I'm planning to attend both Sun 'n Fun (I'm in desperate need of some warm weather) and AirVenture this year. We'll see if the events really take place; everyone has had a lot of time to think about it, and hopefully the current downward trends in the numbers in most places are a good sign. We'll see. First round is on me if we run into each other there. I will miss the bike ride (RAGBRAI), which is again the same week. - Martin
Martin, very enjoyable as always. Q: I'm guessing your takeoff performance at that altitude was degraded by about 15-20%, is that about right? And, did you have the option of getting flight following, but chose to file a flight plan instead? In an emergency wouldn't flight following offer an even faster search and rescue? Appreciate your thoughts on this.
John, if you are referring to engine performance (HP) for our take-off at Scottsbluff, that's more like a 25-30% reduction based on an approximate density altitude of 5,000 feet. Flight following is great when you have radar coverage and radio reception - two things which we take for granted in the Midwest, but which are not guaranteed in the mountains. Regards, Martin
G, day from Sydney, Australia. That was a scenic flight out to Aspen Colorado. NMBZ * any comments on the new Beechcraft bonanza engine? * as for the mining geology of the stone; all gems are determined by the various heat and pressure of the original stone (e.g Quartz, topaz, Emerald, Sapphires). I have only basic knowledge to identify building foundations. 🌏🇦🇺
From where you were on base, and not knowing what airport the Citation was straight in for on an 8 mile final for 26, I would've verified his arrival airport, and if it was Rifle I might've thought about making sure were coordinated in spacing.
The Citation was on final for Rifle, same runway I was landing. I could see his position, speed and altitude on my traffic display. There was not even a hint of an issue.
@@martinpauly That's what I thought. I just didn't hear his airport on the radio. I assumed it was Rifle as his runway was 26, and 8 miles is surely plenty of space with you being on base. I think I'm just hyper aware now with the C-150 & twin that collided recently on final, with the twin going too fast on a long straight-in & not seeing the Cessna.
@@crooked-halo Yeah, I was wondering if the recent midair with that crazy-fast Twin Cessna prompted your comment.
Nothing like an airplane in the mountains for proper therapy. Get Sparky Imeson’s “Mountain Flying Bible”. Good info. Thanks in part to Covid I did four trips to Idaho’s backcountry this summer. If you ever go, I can send you various airport info in ForeFlight’s Scratchpad for quick reference in flight.
I have Sparky's book, but that kind of flying is a couple of steps ahead of what I am comfortable with at this point in time. - Martin
@@martinpauly Good rules of thumb, especially weather, that would apply to your level of enjoyment.
Enjoy your videos Martin and looking forward tot he rest of the trip.
Alhamdulillah ❤
NANA ❤
Martin, you indicated that activating your flight plan thru ForeFlight did not work for you this time. If you get a moment, can you email or message me with details.
Message sent through BeechTalk PM, John. Regards, Martin
Could you give us your flight plan into rifle?
If you check the description of the video on KZhead, you'll find that the flight plan into Rifle is already there.
I’ve got it - thx- I’m from iowa and would like to recreate the flight in my 182s- great video!
@@MrBenkix I hope you'll enjoy your flight and stay in Colorado as much as I did. Also check out Part III of this series, where (on the way home) I took a much more scenic route. With good weather and calm winds, I'd prefer that route over what I used here to get to Rifle. - Martin
@@martinpauly I really do not have anyone to advise me on mountain flying so I doubt I can take the scenic route- I’ve watch most of your videos. You are a good pilot and great style! Ken
I can see it all now: Martin will retire to CO, buy a kerosene burner, and fly the flight levels!
CO is nice, Mike, but ultimately I see myself in a place where the locals do not know what an ice scraper is. 😁 - Martin