At first, I was only going to send this to David, but I realized others
considering this might be interested in these answers.
GPS included there? Planned cruising altitude? Are you planning on flying
the Ashland trip at night at 12,500 ft or below since I assume there is no
supplimental oxygen?
GPS is included. Cruising altitude for most of the trip will probably be
6000 or 8000, with a brief stint at 10500 (VMC) or 12000 (IMC). The night
flight is entirely unlikely to get above about 3000 (it's less than 50nm).
There's no GPS in the panel if I remember correctly, but my trusty Garmin
195 will be along for the ride.
Please be careful, you might want to ask the weight of the people that
email you.
Yes, prior to guaranteeing anyone a seat, weight and balance will be
fully computed and people will be asked about their baggage weight and
dimensions as well. The airplane has MGTW of 3400 pounds and basic
empty weight of ~1750. It holds 84 gallons of fuel at 6 pounds, which
means the full-fuel weight is ~2200 pounds. This leaves 1200 pounds
to divide among up to 6 people. Admittedly, I'll use more than my
200, but we can make the trip to EUG on less than 45 gallons, so
we may only fill it to the tabs. That would free about another 120
pounds if necessary. I prefer to fly with full fuel. Extra fuel is
more options.
Can I ask if you have flown this area before? What altitude are the
obstructions enroute to Ashland at? Ive got a GPS I can loan you for that
leg. Terrain would be my only concern. For all who dont know that plan a
Cherokee 6 is a heck of a strong plane, usually used for light cargo by
many companies (newspaper bundles, bank notes etc).
Yes, I've made the trip from the bay area to the Rogue Valley several times
before in a variety of types ranging from PA28 (Archer) to M20K (Mooney 231
Turbo). Eugene and Ashland are basically in the Rogue Valley together. There
are very few obstructions between them, although there is high terrain
surrounding the valley. A little planning, a good look at the sectional, and
adherence to IFR altitudes at night should cover any concerns in this area.
Owen