Jon I own CRUZ N614SC. I have not flown it in the mountains but I regularly fly at altitudes at or above 10k without any difficulty. I have taken it up to 15,000 which is the limit established in the POH and again, it is not a problem. You do know that climb rate will dissipate based upon altitude and your gross weight so if you're "heavy" it's going to take a little while to get to altitude, but, the SC is up to the challenge. I considered the Bristell and the SD4 Viper because they both had the option for a 914. Propeller pitch, as stated above, was an issue, as was the additional weight of the 914. Because I fly primarily in the east and most of the time in Florida, altitudes above 10-12k weren't really an issue for me. I might feel differently if I were flying out west, but, if that were the case, I'd look at either something that flies a 914 or go to an experimental with a TB engine. I love the 912. It's reliable, is economical both in terms of fuel burn and maintenance and I have had no difficulties whatsoever with the engine. The SC is a delight to fly and in spite of its size, is comfortable in all phases of flight and if you slow it down a little, is reasonably comfortable in our hot and turbulent Florida summer afternoons. Again, knowing that you have a strong and reliable engine up front gives you a lot of confidence that you're never going to have to use the BRS system.
