Since New Mexico comprises vast stretches of desert, we carried water and blankets and requested flight following. Pilots approaching from the east will transition Albuquerque Class C airspace. Approach control can provide assistance through the area, usually routing traffic directly across the airport. Continuing westward, it is easy to navigate via Interstate 40 / Route 66 past Grants, N.M. Following the interstate keeps aircraft away from rough terrain.

Pilots who fly to Gallup from the west are well advised to follow the more common routes; i.e., Victor airways, arriving via the Winslow VOR. This preferred route stays close to major highways, for even in these days of GPS-direct routing, distances can be far between inhabited locations and the terrain between them is not very hospitable.

Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP) is stretched out along the south side of Route 66, about a mile south of Interstate 40. For VFR arrivals from either east or west, it is easy to find; simply follow the interstate and look for a runway parallel to your flight path. If you're having difficulty spotting the airport, look for Highway 666, one of the few major highways branching off towards the north, just east of the airport. GUP is an uncontrolled field, but it does have commercial turboprop traffic.

Flying in the pattern at GUP is deceiving because the terrain underneath the pattern is higher than the airport elevation of 6,469 feet; you will tend to be high when coming in for landings. Be aware that there may be substantial loss of performance due to the elevation and high temperature. A bent prop in the run-up area at the eastern end of the airport serves as a reminder to check density altitude before takeoff. A sign below the prop warns: "Don't let this happen to you."

We found ground handling and transfer to be very easy. The friendly people at Gallup Flying Service find a tie down spot, help you load your bags into their van and drive you to your hotel.    

=> history

Gallup Municipal Airport   Gallup, NM   N 35° 30.7'   W 108° 47.4'   Elevation: 6,469 ft.	Sectional Chart: Albuquerque   Pattern Altitude: 7,469 ft.
	FREQUENCIES CTAF: 122.95 ABQ FSS: 122.6
CAUTION: Rising terrain in the vicinity of airport. Be cautious of density altitude, particularly in the summer. RUNWAYS: 06/24 7,312 x 100 ft. Asph. Activate MIRL 122.95 MHz SERVICES: Gallup Flying Service. 100LL: $2.15 cash, $2.20 credit, Jet A: $1.68.     Tiedowns: $3 single, $4 twin. Hangars: $20 single, $30 twin.     Open 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. (505) 863-6606 or (505) 863-4998. PHONES: Airport Office (505) 722-4896.

Feature Article: Gallup, NM, by Gerhard Deffner

Page 1 ............... Main Page / Intro

• Page 2 ............... Flying There
  Page 3 ............... History
  Page 4 ............... What to Do
  Page 5 ............... Where to Stay
  Page 6 ............... Where to Eat
  Page 7 ............... Transportation

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