Mountain Flying 101
Winter daydreams of taking a relaxing trip to the mountains (without even considering those pesky mosquitoes) becomes reality for many pilots during the summer.
“Know before you go” is sound advice for the novice pilot flying over or through the mountains.
You will want to conduct your excursion to those scary old precipice-formed highlands in a safe manner, so, being a conscientious pilot you are going to research the various procedures and the techniques for the operation. You will probably find some mountain flying techniques may tax a novice pilot. In trying a new technique or procedure, if you find it causes you worry or concern instead of a challenge, don’t do it. Fly your experience level.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
You might encounter the admonition, “Don’t fly in the mountains until you have a minimum of 200-hours flight time.” I’m not convinced that this is a valid value judgment. Some pilots with fewer than 200 hours have impressed me with their operating safety and pilot skills. Other pilots with more than 500 hours of flight time have scared the bejeezus out of me.
Meeting three requirements is needed to convince me that a pilot can safely operate in the mountains.
First, a pilot must have an understanding of stalls. No, we’re not talking about the recognition of and recovery from stalls. Rather, an understanding is needed where the pilot can predict what the airplane will do before the stall. For example, if the ball of the turn coordinator is to the right of the index, which way will the airplane fall at the moment of stall?
Second, the pilot must be able to maintain an exact and desired airspeed during climbs, en route and approach to landing.
The third qualifier is the pilot must be able to execute the “spot method for landing” to eliminate visual illusions and to assure the airplane will touch down at the exact spot on the runway that is desired.
The pilot who meets these requisites has the skill to safely operate in the mountains, but remember, this is only a license to learn.
What the aviation world does not need is another book on weather (but maybe a book on a specific flight operation such as “flying in ice,” or “flying in turbulence,” wouldn’t be a bad idea). Reviewing some do’s and don’ts that pertain to weather might be an appropriate place to begin your mountain flying review …
DO’S AND DON’TS
DO check all aspects of the weather.
DON’T let a passenger pressure you into initiating the flight if you are uncomfortable about the weather conditions.
DON’T rely on cloud shadows for wind direction unless flying near the base of the clouds.
DON’T execute a cross-country flight into the mountains when the wind at mountaintop level exceeds 30 knots … unless you are experienced with strong downdrafts, updrafts and moderate or greater turbulence. This does not preclude a “look-see” to check out the conditions.
DON’T become quiescent with weather reports of ceilings of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. The ceiling is reported above ground level. Often a mountain weather reporting facility will be surrounded by mountains that extend thousands of feet higher than the facility. Clouds may obscure the mountains and passes.
DO count on the valley breeze (wind blowing upstream during the morning hours due to convection) to create about a 4- to 6-knot tailwind for landing upstream in the mornings. (Mountain airstrips are usually located next to stream where the landing is made upstream because of the slope of the terrain.)
DO count on the mountain breeze (wind blowing downstream due to cooling air moving down the mountains during the late afternoon and evening hours) to create an 8- to 12-knot tailwind for takeoff downstream.
DO delay the takeoff or landing during adverse conditions that can compromise the safety of the operation.
DON’T fail to visualize the air as water. Although invisible, air will “flow” along the contour of the mountains and valleys, where, with practice, you can visualize areas of updraft, downdraft and turbulence. Ask yourself, “What would water do in this same situation?”
DON’T attempt VFR flight in mountainous terrain without the minimum visibility you have established as a personal safety standard.
DO maintain situational awareness of the weather.
DO remain alert for clues to potential hazards concerning the weather and terrain.
DO know you can make the flight safely or remain on the ground.
DO make PIREPs. There is a lack of reporting stations in the mountains and your pilot report, even during good weather, is valuable information.
DON’T continue flying if you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of the weather.
DO stay out of the mountains when the weather becomes marginal.
DO make your GO/NO-GO decision for flight based on all available weather information and the aircraft’s performance capabilities.
