I am a PPL SEL (VFR), but have not flown for years. I have been visiting Hawaii for many years and have been seriously thinking about moving to Oahu or Big Island in the next year or so and getting back into flying. I have primarily flown a Archers and Arrows in the SF Bay Area. Does anyone think that the Archer will be too underpowered for flying in the Hawaii heat – climb, roll etc I have pulled all my old manuals out to look at the charts, but I would rather hear from someone who knows first hand. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.
Hi Brian,
Many Hawaii pilots fly the Archer and related ships. Your concern about density altitude is well taken, but most airfields are at sea level and even at a density altitude of ~ 2500 ft your T/O and landing performance is still acceptable given the field lengths, trade wind patterns, and absence of obstacles in the departure path for most airports (this of course, changes case-by case!). You will find that most FBO’s have C172s and comparable Piper models for rent.
Hello,
I am a PPL SEL (VFR), but have not flown for years. I have been visiting Hawaii for many years and have been seriously thinking about moving to Oahu or Big Island in the next year or so and getting back into flying. I have primarily flown a Archers and Arrows in the SF Bay Area. Does anyone think that the Archer will be too underpowered for flying in the Hawaii heat – climb, roll etc I have pulled all my old manuals out to look at the charts, but I would rather hear from someone who knows first hand. Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it.
Hi Brian,
Many Hawaii pilots fly the Archer and related ships. Your concern about density altitude is well taken, but most airfields are at sea level and even at a density altitude of ~ 2500 ft your T/O and landing performance is still acceptable given the field lengths, trade wind patterns, and absence of obstacles in the departure path for most airports (this of course, changes case-by case!). You will find that most FBO’s have C172s and comparable Piper models for rent.
Aloha