So it looks like I'll be relocating from coastal NC to northern California (Grass Valley/Nevada City) later this summer. I'm excited at the prospect for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is being situated in prime backcountry flying (& backcountry skiing) territory.

I know there have been similar discussions on routes across the mtns recently, but I am curious about northern routes that would dump me across the sierras in the greater Sacramento area. Is it possible/advisable to follow I-80 from Wy all the way across?

Zane, isn't the Reno area your old stomping ground?

I should add that my plane has the stock 165 Franklin, so I can get to altitude but it won't happen quickly. Obviously I have not broken out the charts yet, just looking to see if anyone has any initial thoughts or experiences to relate. As I gel the plan I'll post my intended route for future reference.

I also have to find a new home for the Stinson. Is anyone based at Nevada County Airpark or familiar with it? Know of any hangars available there or other options in the area?

Cheers, Vick

My experience ends at the eastern Utah line, but in a underpowered plane, crossing Nevada can be sort of interesting. Following I-80 is definitely the lowest altitude option. You can cut some corners here and there to save time, but that route is definitely the most forgiving. Crossing the Sierra's at Truckee is a pretty good option, as it gives you several airports (Reno, Truckee, Blue Canyon) to divert to if needed. The terrain is a bit lower and more forgiving further north, though more remote.

Nevada can actually be a bit of a challenge. I'm looking at flying across central Nevada next week... Between Auburn and Moab there are no fewer than nine 10k+ mountain ranges to cross, and one of the fuel stops is at 6259 feet. Nevada has a fair number of airports, but not much fuel, requiring at least one three hour leg. A good haul for an overloaded Cessna 140 with a 3:32 fuel endurance.

Speaking of fuel, many airports in Nevada and Utah do not have card-lock fuel. Someone has to be at the airport to pump it, and "calling someone out" often doesn't work. On Sunday you might as well not fly...

At the altitudes I can fly at, big chunks of Nevada and Utah do not have radio reception, and VOR's are useless. On the plus side, Nevada is as interesting to fly over as it is boring to drive over. Some of the open pit mines are mind boggling in scale.

Can't help you much with a hanger. I don't know what it's like in GV, but in Auburn the waiting list to build is over twenty years. I'm sure if you're willing to pay enough someone will let you move in...

Good luck!

If you have any interest in history, From Kansas City area, you can follow the Oregon/California trail and cross the continental divide at about 8000 msl at South Pass just south of Lander Wyoming Some great stops along the way and actually see the ruts made by the wagons 150 years ago ...in places. About 10 years ago, I wrote a pilot's guide to the trails that has the route mapped with waypoints ( lat/lon) along the route...where to look for ruts, nice stops for the might, museums and visitor centers....it will take you from KC to Donner Pass or Portland....
If you or anyone else is interested, send me an address to [email protected] and I'll send you a complimentary copy....I'll have some at JC over Father's Day too.....