On 12 Sep 2006 17:16:19 -0700, "Dan" wrote in
. com:

However, what I worry about is my letdown to pattern
altitude at the destination airport as well as departure.

It might be prudent to check here while planning your flight:

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/AERO/dole.htm
The Airport Obstruction Chart (AOC) is a 1:12,000 scale graphic
(1:18,000 scale graphic for Denver International DEN 9077)
depicting Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77 surfaces, a
representation of objects that penetrate these surfaces, runway,
taxiway, and ramp areas, navigational aids, prominent airport
buildings, plus a selection of roads and other planimetric detail
in the airport vicinity.