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This was my first mountain flying. So I brought along Ali, our club CFI, who graciously acted as co-pilot. Flight to TVL was straight forward --- from Napa to Placerville at 5,500, then gradual climb following Hwy.50 (and the "crevice" -- yup, you'll know what I'm talking about from the air) up to 10,500 to clear the "ridge", then there's TVL. We overflew the airport towards the casinos for descend to TPA. As we taxied, we were guided by Mountain West FBO line guys to transient parking. Inside the FBO office was a nice pilot lounge with wide screen TV, coffee and pastries, restrooms, and flight planning terminals. Staff seemed friendly and helpful. For the return flight, Ali had me lean during run-up and left the mixture leaned for take-off. For mountain flying practice, Ali suggested I execute a short-field take-off procedure even though we were light (we didn't buy gas and DA was the same as actual elevation) and TVL has long runways. We then took off towards the lake, did some circling climb to 11,500 to clear the ridge, then start a slow descend towards Placerville. Nice smooth flight; good flight following reception even at the mountains. |
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South Lake Tahoe: Above Hwy.50 towards the casino's to start our descend to TPA. |
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Inside Chase Bar and Grill above the South Lake Tahoe Terminal. For awhile, we were the only customers. Service, food and price were reasonable. It also has a nice view to the runway. |
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N20858 at the TVL ramp. |
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Performing pre-flight for the return trip. |
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Snowy South Lake Tahoe shoreline as we start our climb for our return flight. |
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This time I flew in by myself on business. This trip has proven GA as an excellent business tool. Otherwise, I would be driving up to four hours each way and arrive tired. The main runway was under renovation during this visit. The parallel taxiway was instead used as temporary runways. It was well marked and in good condition. As usual, Mountain West FBO provided a good service. Not only did the line person guided me to parking, he also pulled in my rental car next to the plane. After I secured the plane, I was off to my business appointment in no time. I used Enterprise for my car rental and they worked with the FBO on picking up and dropping the vehicles. On my return that afternoon, DA has gone up to 7,800 --- and it was not even that warm. |
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South Lake Tahoe Terminal Building. |
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Inside the South Lake Tahoe Terminal. |
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Chase Bar and Grill was open but I was the only customer there for awhile. During the runway construction, the windows at Chase were partially covered blocking the view to the runway. |
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Mountain West FBO Building |
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Folsom Lake: A waypoint on the way to South Lake Tahoe. |
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Me with the trusty C172 getting ready for my return flight. |
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The old South Lake Tahoe Control Tower |
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