Airstrips 4 -
Colorado
The Leadville airport, Leadville, Colorado is the
highest altitude public airport in the U.S. at
9,927-foot elevation. Except for density altitude
concerns, it is a piece of cake operation.
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The Telluride airport, Telluride, Colorado is located
to right of the red line. It is the highest altitude commercial
airport in the U.S. at 9,062-foot elevation.
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Lined up with Rwy 09 at Telluride. The airport is on
Deep Creek Mesa, 4½ miles west of town. Note:
There is a 1,000-foot drop to San Miguel River
(on both ends). Sinking air can be a problem
during the approach for landing.
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The Telluride airport dips in middle. When the wind
allows, the preferred landing is Rwy 9, with
takeoff from Rwy 27. |
Photo by Martin Hellman
Click to enlarge
Dear Sparky,
I just came across your web page that mentions Telluride airport. I have attached a photo I took of it while on a hike from the Telluride tram which gives a feeling for its location on the mesa. You have my permission to use it without charge.
One thing you might want to look into and add to your page: The first time I planned to land at TEX, a local friend had the Unicom warn me off and ask me to land in Montrose instead, even though the winds were only 12 knots out of the SW and this necessitated his driving on a two-hour round trip. While I can handle up to 15-knot crosswind component, and this was more like 8, a southerly wind hitting the mesa can create rotors and strong associated turbulence on the runway.
I double checked with my friend and he stated the following:
Any wind from the ESE to SSW over 7 knots can cause severe rotor and shear. The SW quadrant is a little better, but any south quadrant wind requires special attention. I won't take off with any more than 7 knots out of the SE to S and I'll take off up to 10 knots out of the SW.
Since these wind speeds are so much below what most pilots would worry about, I thought it wise to mention it. My friend and I both fly motor gliders with wing loading around 10 lb/sq ft, so the caution probably applies to most small, single-engine piston planes. While "heavy metal" can handle more turbulence, the unusual nature of the problem makes a general warning seem in order.
Hoping you find this helpful.
Martin Hellman
PS The picture helps explain the problem with southerly winds affecting runways 9 and 27.
