How To: Mountain Flying - A (don't) Crash Course

In this video I share my personal go/no-go checklist for Mountain Flying along with a number of resources to help keep you safe in the Mountains.

Colorado Pilots Association Mountain Flying Ground School:
https://coloradopilots.org/content.as...

Winds Aloft Forecast Chart:
https://www.aviationweather.gov/windtemp

Mountain Flying tips, Mountain AWOS information, and a host of other good information:
https://www.codot.gov/programs/aerona...

Colorado Pilots Association – Mountain Flying Tab
https://coloradopilots.org/

THE DONT’S OF MOUNTAIN FLYING - SINGLE ENGINE AIRCRAFT
• Do not attempt night operations – EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
• Do not attempt IFR operations SINGLE OR LIGHT TWIN ENGINE AIRCRAFT
• Do not attempt mountain flying if the 9,000 and 12,000 foot winds are forecast to exceed 30 knots. Winds aloft may be accompanied by severe turbulence, with downdrafts exceeding the climb capability of the aircraft.
• Do not attempt a takeoff unless the loaded aircraft is at least 10% or more below the FAA certified gross weight, and the CG is within limits.
• Do not attempt a mountain flight unless the ceilings are at least 2,000 feet above the highest terrain and visibility is at least 15 miles Night and IFR operations are best left to airlines, medical evacuation and corporate crews using fully capable and equipped aircraft. All other pilots should operate in day, VFR conditions if safety is to prevail.

THE DO’S OF MOUNTAIN FLYING
• Do plan the fuel load to arrive at the destination with a minimum one hour fuel reserve. Strong crosswinds or a disabled aircraft on the runway may require a diversion to an alternate airport.
• Do plan a definite altitude to be flown on each segment of the flight. Consult the sectional chart.
• From over a plotted checkpoint, turn the aircraft to the next planned magnetic course and make a mental note of the observed features along that course. Movement from one ridge line to another may be necessary in climbing toward the pass. Some zigging and zagging across the ridge line you are following may be needed to remain in the best updraft along a ridge. Do not lose sight of the desired points along the segment being flown.
• Always file a flight plan, keep a flight log and make position reports at every opportunity. Close flight plan after arrival at the destination.
• Do have an operable ELT on board.
• Do have a suitable emergency kit to include a supply of water, signal mirror, whistle and extra clothing as appropriate.
• During the summer, terminate flying activities no later than 1:00 PM MDT.
• Do ask for advice and assistance from FBO, FAA personnel, local mountain qualified flight instructors and pilots. These individuals will be friendly and willing to help.

ITEMS FOR EXTRA ATTENTION IN MOUNTAIN FLYING FLIGHT PREPARATION
• Get a complete weather briefing, including pilot reports for your proposed route. Make note of the winds aloft, altimeter settings, surface winds and NOTAMS for all en route airports and destinations.
• Consult POH for takeoff, climb and ceiling capabilities of the aircraft being flown. When calculated climb rates are less than 200 feet/NM, do not depart.
• A high density altitude may prevent you from reaching the altitude listed in the POH as the service ceiling.

Video Content
00:00 - Intro / No-go Checklist
1:00 - No-go item #1
8:40 - No-go item #2
12:25 - No-go item #3
15:04 - Summary