344 Truckee Airport's Challenges and its FLY SAFE Program for Pilots – with Jeff Menasco + GA News

In this episode, Max talks with Jeff Menasco, the Director of Aviation at Truckee Tahoe Airport, who describes the unique challenges and beauty of the airfield. Situated at a high elevation of 5,901 feet, the airport experiences high-density altitudes, often exceeding 9,000 feet, which can surprise pilots unaccustomed to such conditions. The surrounding mountainous terrain further complicates approaches, creating high minimums and orthographic wind effects, particularly in the afternoons with gusts up to 35 knots. Winter weather adds another layer of complexity, with heavy snowfall requiring extensive snow removal efforts. The area's scenic appeal and proximity to the Bay Area draw significant air traffic, with 65% originating from there. Jeff highlights accident trends, noting that 24 accidents over 28 years were primarily due to high-density altitude, gusty winds, and IFR conditions with visual obscurations. The airport's FLY SAFE program incentivizes pilot proficiency through the FAA WINGS program, offering discounts for training and monthly seminars. Efforts to maintain safety include hosting flight clinics and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Noise abatement procedures are also emphasized to respect the community's tranquility, with specific protocols and quiet hours for operations. If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon. Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199 Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899 Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699 My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu Send us your feedback or comments via email If you have a question you'd like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone. News Stories CFI charged with manslaughter in PA plane crash that killed student pilot Report Projects Aviation Insurance Premiums Will Reach 20-Year High Pilatus PC-12 crash kills seven Open door distracts Cirrus pilot Fuel exhaustion fatal for two CFI forgets to stop for fuel Loft Dynamics - First VR Sim to Receive FAA Certification Wake turbulence ends training flight Low Flying Planes And Helicopters Expected Across New York Mentioned on the Show #322 N960LP TBM 960 Truckee Cr ash Video of the Week: CHP Foot chase over rooftops Helicopter makes emergency landing in Philadelphia after running low on fuel Virginia flight school closes abruptly, leaving students out thousands of dollars Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself . Yes, we'll make a couple of dollars if you do. Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android . Check out Max's Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/ Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook Follow Max on Instagram Follow Max on Twitter Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium "Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.