Flying to Mt Hotham in a 172
Has anyone flown a 172 ( 160 HP) into Hotham ( 4460 ft AMSL) . The POH numbers tell me it shouldn't be a problem,..but have never done it before.
The Hotham pilot guide advises a 4.8% climb gradient is needed to clear the ridge off RW29. This works out to be about 350 ft / min climb at 70kts. I plan
to lean to max RPM at full power on Take Off. We will be well under max wt, with 2 POB ( 900 kg vs 1043 MTOW) . Everything tells me it will be fine...but. still a little nervous.
Any tips from the pros? Its an older N model aircraft so would not be surprised if performance is a little under the book values.
Also interested in any advice on the route ( in and out ) to take from Melbourne area.
Cheers
Terry