Flying in and out of Orange

[Guest russ.mullins]

Gday All, Im a complete newby so please excuse me for asking a question about something I should be expected to know. Im planning to fly to Orange (the town, not the fruit!). Seeing as Orange is way up in the mountains and I havent been there before, can anyone provide me with some local knowledge that might be useful. Im flying in a Morgan Cheetah which is a new plane to me (so is flying fo that matter), and Im interested to hear any stories about just how much effect the altitude has on performance and whether there are any local tips to share. I'd hate to arrive and find out that it's not possible to get back out again. Thanks

 

 

[Guest TOSGcentral]

Hi Russ,

 

 

I cannot tell you much but at least can give you a reply.

 

 

I have very little experience at Orange only having done a small amount of test flying there. With a high lift wing like the Vision 600 has I did not notice any particularly outstanding change in aircraft behaviour or performance and appeared to use the normal take off and landing lengths for a Thruster.

 

 

The airfield has four good runway directions and there is anyway a lot of space on both runways so I doubt you would be caught short for room v’s altitude with a Cheetah.

 

 

The main influence I found with the airfield elevation was absorbing radio calls with position reports of around the 4000’ mark and remembering that these aircraft were actually at circuit height.

 

 

The main significance of the elevation is consequent weather. Bear in mind that it is typical to get low cloud early morning at normal elevation airfields so at a place that high the cloud is on the deck. It may take a long time to lift to a reasonable operational height and thus delay your departure.

 

 

As a general comment (but based on just a handful of winter visits) it was as cold as a witch’s tit and blowing a gale but Wade Mahlo’s outfit (Wade Air) will do a good cup of coffee and provide some cheer.

 

 

The airport is a fair way out of town but has a small terminal so I guess there would be hire cars, taxis and maybe even a bus service.

 

 

Hope that is of some help.

 

 

[slartibartfast]

Hey Russ. Congrats on the Cheetah acquisition. Orange is only 3115' ASL. I regularly take off in 500 metres max at Adaminaby in my Cheetah, even 2 up in summer. YADY is 3400'.

 

Orange has a 1600 metre strip. You could take off backwards and still get airborne.

 

The Cheetah will also cruise at 10,000' without losing much, and still be able to climb.

 

As Tony says, the weather is the biggest factor. I haven't dropped in to Orange, so can't tell you anything more Orange specific (Orange aid?).

 

Cheers,

 

Ross

 

 

[Skyhog]

Orange was part of my RAAus X country flight test.Runway 11 is a bit uphill.Don't forget your ASIC card.There is a 5062ft mountain about 5-6nm to the west.I've seen cloud on the ground at the airfield and it snows there a few times each winter.Cadia gold mine is not far to the southwest,you're not meant to fly over it a less than 5000ft from memory.Hope this helps.

 

 

[Guest russ.mullins]

thanks

 

Hey thanks for the info, you guys on this forum are awesome.. Its starting to look like my plans to take my wife to Orange for a dirty weekend are starting to turn pear shaped (unlike her figure!!!). The weather forecast for this weekend is a bit dodgy. Im not a very experienced flyer and Im not very adventurous either. The combination of landing at altitude and risking crap weather are playing heavily on my mind.. However, if the weather report is Ok on saturday morning I reckon its gunna have to be chock away cause flying a cheetah is the best fun Ive had sitting down, and then theres the added incentive to have even more fun that night lying down (or kneeling)(or sitting)(or not!@)

 

 

[slartibartfast]

Keep it clean Russ

 

Yeah - this doesn't look like the weekend to do it.

 

Garry said he gave you my number. Feel free to call if you think I can help with anything.

 

Glad you're enjoying the Cheetah. Did you buy the new white one or Garry's original red and white one? They both went recently and I forgot which went where.

 

 

[Guest russ.mullins]

Gday Startilbart

 

I bought the white one. Its slowly turning red white and blue, but not yet ready for photo quality..

 

Im still living in hope that the forecast for tomorrow will improve, it looks like getting home sunday will be no dramas, but that's not much good if I get stuck in a tree on the way tomorrow