Anybody ever had a 145 hp 172 in and out of lower loon? I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be a problem if kept very light, early in the day on a cool day and only myself on board. Like to hear any experiences, good and bad.

Thanks,
45Romeo

Lower loon is short and there's a downer over the river right after you lift off. Good Luck.....If you make it let us know how it was.... PM Low & slow.... He's been there more than me. And he knows them all.

Could it be done? Probably, but I won't throw in my endorsement. It's a tough strip, and there's a lot of different factors that play in to making it work. Probably just as many factors having to do with pilot skill vs horse power and wing types.

I'd suggest riding in there with someone that's done it before.

John

I had a 1956 172 in there years ago several times.

Check with Gump I think he had his 120 in there too.

Light on fuel and the 172 did have a STOL kit which helped, but it also had a cruise prop which didn't help. The cold temp very big help

You need to pick your date and time very carefully.

You may want to take Low&slow's advice to heart.

You don't give us any Idea of your skill level so don't look for many endorsements on this one.

I concur,,, If you are just looking at the Fly Idaho picture and judging by the strip length then you are not being realistic. I debated going in there with my maule and I have 210 HP. I chose not to cause of the variables Low and Slow talks about. If you just want to fish then go to Upper Loon. Fishing there is fantastic...If you want to visit the Middle fork then I would suggest Thomas Creek where you can hike upstream for a mile and take a hot shower from the springs and you have better take off and climb possibilities. I might do Lower loon next year but I will have less than half tanks and be by myself late in the evening for takeoff and make an early morning arrival. But then I have 65 more HP than you with a plane that's just as light if not lighter.....

my dad's callair used to go in and out of there, but i wouldn't 'till a local
shows me the ropes. i've also heard of the sinker over the river, much
like sulphur...upper loon is a nice one, and i've put 172 and 182's
in and out of that one...

I've got about 1000 hrs total time and have been flying this plane in the Idaho Backcountry for about 18 years. Strips I've been on with this bird are Cabin Creek, Big Creek, Upper Loon, Thomas, Indian, Mahoney, Reed, Bernard, Johnson Creek, Deadwood, Landmark, Bruce Meadows, Warm Springs, Chamberlain, Cold Meadows, Elk City and Moose Creek. I worked at the mine at Stibnite for about 10 years and have experience flying in an out of there. (Elev 6500, 2100' strip). I've only been on Lower Loon once with Ray Arnold back in 1986. He flew myself and a buddy in there to start a backpacking trip. He did an interesting approach, as we made an approach down Loon Creek and landed downstream. Guess that gives opportunity for a go around.
Would like someone to ride with me in there, but not sure about having two on board for the departure. Guess the best bet is to buy the gas and go with someone in a 206 or 180.
Just wanted to know what others have done with the same airplane I have. I don't have a STOL kit, but I did have my prop twisted to as much as a climb prop as allowed.
Thanks,
45Romeo

I've walked it several times but never flown into it. I dont think I'd try it but...

Though I have not been in to Lower Loon, I have taken my 170 with 145 hp in to some pretty short (800 ft) landing/departure scenarios at up to 5500 ft field elevations at around 350 lb under gross with reasonable success.

I have worked up to these situations gradually and quantified the performance with respect to the variables of significance and arrived at pretty close to the plane's limit for my comfort level.

It has a Sportsman STOL kit installed, which definitely makes a difference. The prop is pitched for cruise, which definitely makes an unfavorable difference.

If I were contemplating going in there, I would go to Upper Loon or some other local strip at a similar or higher elevation on an equally hot or hotter day, pace off the length of Lower Loon and place a marker and see how much margin there is.

Of course, all other variables must be equal or less favorable in making this assessment. Taking off downhill in to a headwind in cool morning air is one of life's greatest pleasures, while departing uphill in gusty conditions with high density altitude is a fine way to end your life.

Most people consider power loading to be the most important factor for short field ops, but pilots consistently ball up 185s, Huskies and 206s. Many of these landing strips in Idaho have been used in the past by Cubs and Champs with 65 horse engines. The ability to evaluate all of the many factors as they pertain to your flight is a much better friend than a little more power in my opinion.

I went in there for the first time this last July. The strip was in great shape and I enjoyed the flight in and out of there. I didn't have much information on the strip before I went in, so I used a lot of caution. I only had a sectional and Galen's book. It worked out great for me, but only because the conditions were ideal (weather, aircraft, airstrip condition, etc.).

I didn't notice a sinker at takeoff like others have mentioned. I only noticed a pucker while established on short final, committing to land. I'm sure there could be a sinker, I just didn't feel it during my landing or takeoff. I went in there around 11:00 a.m. and departed around noon. There are two windsocks which was a good thing, but also it meant to me - a bad thing. Make sure you feel the air out before you get down in there. When I went, both socks were limp. I felt no bumps, the air was great (I fly a very light plane).

I will share that I met the new owners of the cabins just down from the airstrip. At first, I thought I might have done something wrong. The reason for this is I had barely gotten out of the plane when they came walking up (along with quite a few people that were down on the river).

The owners were very friendly and looked in their 30's. Good people as I talked with them for about an hour. They hope to offer a place for people to stay and eat when floating the river or when flying in.

I regrettably decided to leave as it was noon and I should have been done with the "sweet morning air". Worried about the takeoff, I taxied right up to the fence and spun her around. With about 8 people watching, I blasted out of there and enjoyed every second of it (after the VSI showed a solid climb :+) Definitely want to go back.

Couldn't recommend it unless you have no trouble with a strips like Wilson Bar (committed, turning final down low, seeing pine needles in your peripheral). And yes, it was short. However the grade of the strip made it less challenging (for me). Your mileage may greatly vary.

My two cents.

One of the unseen (from the air) difficulties at lower loon is the flood irrigation of the pasture. The terrain around the strip doesn't really allow all the opportunity for an angle to see the shine off of the water pooling on the strip when they do this. I have landed there using only about half the length, without using brakes, because of the 4-6" deep water filling the ruts. Not so much a problem on the landing, but it really makes you think about the take-off. By the time you get to the low part, where the water is, on take off, you are already pretty much committed and would have a poor chance of successful abort if you suddenly found yourself with too much water drag.
Loon creek is a significant drainage and the strip sits right AT the steep walled junction, creating the potential for sudden and unpredictable winds. Try to think of another short airstrip right at the mouth of a larger drainage like this.? Most are like cabin cr. and up away from the mouth, or like moose cr. are more open terrain with more runway to spare.
My 150hp Citabria w/ 2 (light) people, camping and fishing gear did fine, so I think your light 145hp straight tail 172 would do it. Lynn and Lori's old 172 has been in there. I think the limit will be more pilot familiarity, skill and decision making ability. I would give another vote for checking it out with someone else if you have ANY doubts - and maybe even if you don't.
Just some additional food for thought.
Matt

-anyone else done the downstream landing? Seems it would be fine if the winds were just right, but otherwise you'd be using a heck of a lot of brake?

Here's how I did it last Sunday.

45Romeo

Nice landing, thought you did a backflip for a second.

I'd like to see the takeoff video.

Takeoff video coming soon. I had no problem on takeoff other than the camera tipped up.