Find The Airport

So you think that "Finding Waldo" in one of those cartoon drawings is difficult? Try finding an airport you've never been to in the haze. It can be very challenging.

This photo was taken about 7 miles from the airport. This high altitude airport is nestled in a valley between two mountains. It has snowed recently which actually makes it easier to find a cleared runway.

QUESTION: In the image below can you see the airport? This should be easy since the air is clear... can you see it? Click on the photo to take a closer look:




HINT: Airports are generally located in "clearings," or are sometimes located on the outskirts of town.

Being that we are landing at a mountain airport we must be cautious in our approach. The air is thinner and our decent could be too rapid if we don't keep our airspeed up. Normal approach speed in the Turbo Arrow III is 80 knots on final, but at these altitudes we'll need to come in at 85 knots. Also depending on the winds you may want to only use 15 degrees of flaps instead of a full 25 degrees. Did I mention winds? This particular airport is famous for its clear weather wind-shears. In fact, on one windy approach I landed at 95 knots with no flaps. Suffice to say, you should learn to land at high-altitude airports with an experienced instructor.

ANSWER: Do you give up? Do you have the answer? Well, click here to see if you were right.