A little help please ...
Planning a trip direct to SMO from FMN, fuel stop in KIFP before going over mountains at 12,500' VFR
Cross over to KEMT drop to 3000' to stay under LAX floors on into SMO ...
Hopefully direct on RW 21
This should minimize handoffs and avoiding LAX.
Opinions?
VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
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- Colin
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Re: VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
KFMN INW KSEZ DRK EED HEC APLES MEANT KPOC ITSME DARTS KSMO
Santa Monica was where and I learned to fly and my home for twenty years. I've been at FMN a few times on my way across the country. This is the route I would take, which is a fuel stop in Sedona, an absolutely stunning airport that should not be missed. APLES to KPOC you are wiggling through a pass. Pay attention to the winds. ATC wants you north of the I-10 and the approaches into KONT (Ontario) airport.
DARTS is on the approach to 21. So when you make that turn you are lined up on final.
Santa Monica was where and I learned to fly and my home for twenty years. I've been at FMN a few times on my way across the country. This is the route I would take, which is a fuel stop in Sedona, an absolutely stunning airport that should not be missed. APLES to KPOC you are wiggling through a pass. Pay attention to the winds. ATC wants you north of the I-10 and the approaches into KONT (Ontario) airport.
DARTS is on the approach to 21. So when you make that turn you are lined up on final.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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Re: VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
Thanks Colin .. what altitude over the mountains/pass would you suggest.
Looks like 10,500 highest peak so 12,500 descending to about 3k on other side?
Also is this a VFR route or IFR or Scenic?
Looks like 10,500 highest peak so 12,500 descending to about 3k on other side?
Also is this a VFR route or IFR or Scenic?
- Colin
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Re: VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
I consider that route scenic. I believe I have flown it IFR with little change. The controllers along the route have always been really nice and helpful. The pass in the LA basin should be really obvious as you are flying toward it. The I-15 goes through it. After APLES (Apple Valley) you could put in HESPE and then RRIZE. Take out MEANT.
Over HESPE I'm at 8,500. At RRIZE you can be at 4,500. So I'm in a descent as I come through that pass.
Over HESPE I'm at 8,500. At RRIZE you can be at 4,500. So I'm in a descent as I come through that pass.
Colin Summers, PP Multi-Engine IFR, ~3,000hrs
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Re: VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
I've also flown this general path a good number of times... and I agree completely with Colin. Sedona (a MUST!)... and the APLES MEANT KPOC part is key to slide you thru the Cajon Pass without having to descend from the San Gabriels.Colin wrote: ↑Thu May 20, 2021 10:57 am KFMN INW KSEZ DRK EED HEC APLES MEANT KPOC ITSME DARTS KSMO
Santa Monica was where and I learned to fly and my home for twenty years. I've been at FMN a few times on my way across the country. This is the route I would take, which is a fuel stop in Sedona, an absolutely stunning airport that should not be missed. APLES to KPOC you are wiggling through a pass. Pay attention to the winds. ATC wants you north of the I-10 and the approaches into KONT (Ontario) airport.
DARTS is on the approach to 21. So when you make that turn you are lined up on final.
Enjoy!
Wayne
Wayne McClelland
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Photo logs of PilotsNPaws | Flying Doctors | Angel Flight | YouTube @GeezerGeekPilot
PPL/IR, 2008 Diamond Star DA40-XLS 40.922, KSBA
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Re: VFR to Santa Monica from the Farmington NM
I'll third Sedona. There is a surprisingly good restaurant on the field. In the summer though, I only fly there in the morning with calm winds.