Crossing the escarpment

[Big-D]

Yes it is time.

I want to fly from FAAP to the lowveld. Will be a first for me - Have heard a few opinions on how to do it (Cross the escarpment)

- Some say go 11000ft
- Others say tree-top level

Opinions on crossing the escarpment please, what must I know, what were your experiences?


D

[Mike Cordeiro]

Who ever suggested to you to fly past the escarpment at tree to height is obviously cluless about microlighting.

[Bennie Vorster]

D, just fly man.

If you feel comfortable and conditions allow you to, then just fly.

What might be the correct flight level for some one else will not necessary be the same for you. Not very often you will find exactly the same conditions at the same levels and at the same times of the day, so no one can tell you what level to fly. You have to feel comfy, else go higher or lower until you find the best height for the moment and just fly.

[skybound®]

Who ever suggested to you to fly past the escarpment at tree to height is obviously cluless about microlighting.

He said passed - not over

Actually no trees on the barren pieces of the escarpment - hence cannot be done at tree tops height

[Morph]

It depends entirely on wind direction and strength. If you are flying from high ground over the escarpment and the wind is from behind you are going to get significant sink as the wind rolls over the top and down in to the valley. On the other hand if the wind is blowing towards the mountains from the low to high ground, i.e. headwind, you are going to get a moeroffa lot of lift. However before you get to the escarpment you will experience rotors from this wind if you are too low.

As a rule I allow for 1000ft separation per 10kt of wind at that altitude. Your GS(GPS) vs ASI will give you the wind strength

Also if you are approaching the escarpment from low to high, do so at a 45 deg angle to the cliff face. This will allow you to quickly turn away if you suddenly get klapped. The same is true for any form of mountain flying.

Otherwise on perfectly still days it is immense fun. Here's a pic taken by from old AUKie flying along the edge of the Outeniquas. I was less than 500 ft from the cliff face at times and because the wind ws completely still we had no problems

[Big-D]

I remember Agent telling me about crossing the escarpment - He ran to the toilet in the middle of his sentence

2 Guys told me tree-top level

- One guy who looked pretty normal
- The other guy is called Piet-Crash :D



Thanks for your response Morph - Will remember the 45 degree rule

Common guys, share your experiences of crossing the escarpment - How does it feel?


D

[KFA]

Good advice by Morph. Check the wheathersite for different wind speeds and direction at dif levels. weathersa has got a aerosport site with spotgraphs, check it out or phone met office 0822339600. At 200 ft you could have a headwind and at 8000 ft a hell of a tailwind. Remember the higher you go the less you will feel the wind effect. From about 2000ft AGL you do not get the turbulance effect of the wind over the land, just a smooth ride. While you are crossing mountains you might as well visit us at Komatipoort.

[Massimo]

Big - D what did they teach you about low level flying??
ESPECIALLY the escarpment. Its an area where there can be alot of activity going on, wind shear from below or roll over from the top. I would never want to be in that kind of situation (actually now that i recall i have been once, because i was TOO LOW ). Rather fly a little higher away from possible turbulence until past escarpment and then come back down, much safer that way IMHO. If its early morning then will definately be more still and you could enjoy a little lower, but other than that i would be high. Agree with Morph and KFA.

[DieselFan]

Ok fine, so the rule is to fly high

Generally around July/Aug what is too late in the day for that area before we have to become satellites?

Does that cell number give winds aloft for any area?

[The Agent]

There you are mate Demon has said it all.

Planning and more planning.

If you go via the Badplaas route stop over in Carolina on Fred's farm have a breakfast and go on. it makes for a good brake in the flight.

[KFA]

The cell nr is the met office direct number. You just tell the person where you are from and where you are going and ask for the wind strenght and direction at specific heights or FL. Easy as that. Or check out the spotgraph on weathersa .

[Fairy Flycatcher]

Great reply Morph and Demon...

The best weather site to use for making the decision is http://www.weathersa.co.za/glider/aero.htm

You can get the wind direction at different levels at different times. It is amazingly accurate and although not valid far in advance (tomorrow's wind today), its one of the most wonderful tools we have used for getting to the berg / over greytown / flying wild coast cliffs.

Also important to speak to the locals about which wind directions to avoid where. Maybe give Brian Young a call. He is always very helpful, but does not do internet

[Big-D]

Well thanks guys.

All goes well Dieselfan and I (perhaps Nkwasi too) take off two weeks from Friday, and meet up with Batman and Kroon gang who will already be in the lowveld (Peacock Tavern)

The trip is 180 miles (From FAAP)and my argument is that I fly at least 3 hours every Saturday anyhow so this should not be too different, a bit more planning :D

I think irrespective of conditions we we will cross high over the escarpment as it is our first time - Man, I am looking forward to it!!

D

[Hot Stuff]

Big D, as in the past it is always a pleasure flying with you, this trip is no different, can not wait to do the trip. It will truly be great if Dieselfan can come with as well. Awesooooooome

[Big-D]

Ja ol Diesel is 95% there - Maybe need a little push from you okes

Looking forward to our trip Batman!

D