Tomorrow 19-MAR, I’m planning on crossing the Cascade Mountains to Sisters (6K5). Primarily just for the experience and photos.

Looking for any guidance, wisdom or suggestions? I have never done this trip in a helicopter. It’s a pretty big step for me.

Thank you!



Note: following HWY 20 after Foster Lake, returning same day

Your plan to follow 20 and go over Santiam junction is a good one, in my opinion. The wind forecast for tomorrow is as favorable as it gets. That being said, it’s still winter and there is some very inhospitable terrain on that route. Definitely carry your winter survival gear and consider flight following.

mpm wrote:Your plan to follow 20 and go over Santiam junction is a good one, in my opinion. The wind forecast for tomorrow is as favorable as it gets. That being said, it’s still winter and there is some very inhospitable terrain on that route. Definitely carry your winter survival gear and consider flight following.

Yes. The winds are looking favorable. But, in the mountains there is always dangerous micro climates from the local heating an cooling. Especially now with the Equinox. I have been thrown around from unexpected turbulence crossing ridges during a completely calm day. I’m very cautious regardless of forecasts.

My survival gear is for cold/winter/snow. Definitely extremely dangerous terrain.

Flight following with center is a very good idea. And I definitely will. RADAR is a little unpredictable for the route at my cruising altitudes. But, should have about 80% (climb and descents not in range).

A good old fashion flight plan is being filed too.

Thank you for the read and guidance!

Santiam Pass WX forecast is looking exceptionally good for low and slow aircraft tomorrow.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.4085&lon=-121.8709&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

Ready to depart at 07:00 PDT. The weather is decent but, the dew point spread is always a concern in Oregon. Always monitor dew point spread around the coast here. It can change very rapidly!


My very own infomercial for West Marine Third Reef Foul Weather gear: 2020.03.19 Pre Flight:

To describe the beauty of the Cascades is impossible. Definitely must see from a helicopter. My home movie (need to edit and upload soon) will hopefully render some of which that is not describable. UNBELIEVABLE DAY!

Until I get the video uploaded here’s pictures of the airport. Sisters (6K5) is a wonderful place with very nice people. Clean and well kept grounds, fuel and runway. Paradise to behold for a short time.





My West Marine Third Reef Foul Weather Gear can be heard “squeaking” as I walk:

Not as dramatic as being there in person but, gives a somewhat visual of this morning’s flight to Sisters.

You’re not wrong to dress for the occasion. A good friend, sometimes passenger, admonishes to imagine what you’d like to be wearing if you have to sleep in the bush tonight, and wear that in the aircraft.

He worked out of helicopters in the seismic industry for a couple decades. 3 or 4 crashes, and a few nights spent in the bush.

Pinecone wrote:You’re not wrong to dress for the occasion. A good friend, sometimes passenger, admonishes to imagine what you’d like to be wearing if you have to sleep in the bush tonight, and wear that in the aircraft.

He worked out of helicopters in the seismic industry for a couple decades. 3 or 4 crashes, and a few nights spent in the bush.

Thank you for confirming such an important subject. Good to practice and study different outdoor activities which especially require survival in extreme conditions: mountaineering, high latitude fishing, sledding/shoeing, cross country skiing etc etc. There is no cookie cutter solution in my opinion. Each flight has a different scenario and changing survival equipment daily may be needed. A never ending dependence on an endless set of circumstances. A preflight of the ship and the survival equipment is paramount.

Hopefully your pragmatic information makes all of us take note of the seriousness of dressing properly!