Wrong Way Corrigan + Colorado Front Range=Death

Three people dead. Out of state pilot flying a Bonanza from Boulder, CO to Southern California. Tried going West via Corona/Rollins Pass. Bad decision.

Local pilots learn there are passes that should only be attempted Eastbound and passes that should only be attempted Westbound. Visitors need only to ask at any local airport.

You cross a pass at an angle, not straight on, so you can turn ninety degrees to head for lower elevations.

Think your super whizbang 400 can climb? I knew an airline First Officer flying his personal AT-6 who tried Devils Thumb East to West. Lacked 300 feet.

Ah, what is the use. The smart pilots already know this stuff and the arrogant ones won't be bothered.

Do They Think?

Saw a truck driver today walking down the shoulder with a fuel can about a half mile from his rig and mile from an exit with a truck stop. The truck was hauling a bulldozer. Wonder what the bulldozer uses for fuel? Ever see a big rig without ten to twenty feet of spare air line? Think a couple of gallons of that red dyed untaxed off road only diesel might work as well as the ten gallons he planned to haul back from the truck stop? Naw, that can't be right.

Reminds me of a "very important individual" years ago paying someone to put tire chains on the rear wheels of his 1967 Cadillac FWD Eldorado. When I had the terminity to ask why, his reply, "Young man, THIS is a CADILLAC", certainly put me in my place.