Mountain Flying Instruction, Resources and Seminars
A great online resource for Mountain Flying
I frequently get e-mails asking for recommendations on the best books, online training and videos for the topic of mountain flying. Usually, whenever I schedule a student for the training they also ask... "Should I read anything before I come?"
In terms of books, Sparky Emerson has a couple great books, excellent detail. If you read his series of books on the topic you'll be well versed. If you don't have the time available then another resource I can't promote enough is the AOPA Air Safety Foundation online Mountain Flying Course.
This online course is fantastic. What's better, it can be completed in several hours. While it does not take the place of an in depth study, this online course is an excellent way to prepare for a mountain training course or a way to refresh your knowledge prior to mountain flight.
Of course the best training is by doing, and Alpine Flight Training provides mountain flying seminars of 1 and 2 days in length to give you the practical real-world experience of flying in the mountains. Call for more information at 970-401-5105
See Also
- AOPA Air Safety Mountain Flying Course
Mountain Flying online course
Mountain Flying Adventure | AOPA Pilot April 2009
Telluride, Aspen, Leadville & Glenwood Springs Top The List. I was catching up on my reading over the weekend - you know that pile of magazines that never gets read. Much to my delight, the cover story for April 2009 AOPA Pilot is Mountain Flying Adventure - Backcountry Adventure and to Ten most Challenging Airports.
I thought this was a great piece. The second piece was the survey results from asking AOPA members about the most challenging mountain airports. The top four were here in Colorado - Telluride, Aspen, Leadville, and Glenwood Springs.
I thought summary of Telluride, Leadville, and Glenwood Springs was on the money.
I think Aspen was made out to be slightly more complicated than it really is. Outbound traffic (especially piston aircraft in the summer) will not be able to stay right until above the inbound traffic due to the high density altitude. As a result you'll normally follow the Roaring Fork river out of the Valley and watch very closely for in bound aircraft as you cross the extended center line.
Throughout the year I offer instruction for pilots that want to experience mountain flying. I combine several hours of ground instruction with a tour of Colorado's mountain airports and mountain passes. Generally, the tour will visit a variety of airports that each present different challenges. One reason I thought this AOPA article was so neat, is because as part of the training we usually visit each of these four airports.
If you would like to be introduced to mountain flying and visit some of the most challenging airports give us a call.