Mountain Flying in Single Engines

[DX Rick]

Any advice?

 

[midlifeflyer]

Don't (not in a twin either) unless you know what your are doing.

Get a mountain flying course so you have a clue. The Colorado Pilots Association have sessions coming up in June and August.

With the right knowledge and training, it's a blast!

 

[dardar]

doesn't matter whether it be single or mulit. just depends on the plane.

caravan? pilatus? go for it. just make sure the thing has some horsepower.

 

[FL420]

doesn't matter whether it be single or mulit. just depends on the plane.

caravan? pilatus? go for it. just make sure the thing has some horsepower.

The above advice can get you killed. I have been in situations where a thrust/weight ratio of close to 1.0 in a jet fighter still required accurate decision-making.

Try these and then follow Mark's advice.

Click on the Mountain Flying link
http://www.weekendcfii.com/index.html

AOPA’s online mountain flying course
http://flash.aopa.org/asf/mountainFlying/flash.cfm

 

[DX Rick]

C-182 with a STOL kit....not that matters much.

 

[CX880]

Don't fly over them. I fly over mountains around here because you just can't avoid them for certain flights. I am very nervous during every single mile flown over the mountains. I'd rather fly over water. Reason is because if you have an engine failure over the mountains your ******************** out of luck, water you might have a chance. I can't even imagine what it's like if it's marginal VFR let alone IFR conditions when flying over the mountains. Be careful with twins because even if you have one engine operating with the other failed there is a certain altitude limit which you can operate with only a single engine. The twin guys might be able to further explaing that limit.

 

[NW_Pilot]

I have many hours in the mountains here in the Pacific NW I learned mountain flying during my private. Watch the winds over 10 knots on the ground and dont have over 250HP may be best to stay on the ground. Do all your flying before 10-11am also!!

 

[Dr Pokenhiemer]

1. Know your aircraft and it's service ceiling limitations.

2. Know where your winds are coming from. This way you'll know where the updraft and downdrafts will occur, as well as the rotor and hydraulics. Imagine how water flows in a mountain stream--the water swirls when it goes around a rock. That's how the air is in the mountains.

3. If flying around the Rockies, read up about Mountain Waves. You can run into these MILES downwind from the mountains (20 miles or more).

4. Always plan on the unthinkable. Tall mountains can be cold at night even in the summer. Carry a small survival pack with you. Maybe a sleeping bag, matches, a few bottles of water and some snacks. Chances are that if something happens and you get on the ground safely, you will be found within 12 hours (IF you file a flight plan or let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back. Don't deviate from your plan without letting someone know.

5. Depending on the area, I may even carry a weapon for protection from the animals.

6. Consider flying with someone with mountain flying experience until you feel comfortable. They can answer area specific questions for you.

7. MOST IMPORTANTLY: DON'T GET YOURSELF INTO A SITUATION YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF!!! Mountains can be fun to fly around. They can also be deceptive as to the size and distance from them. Avoid flying into a deadend and not having room to make a turn and get out. Watch your rate of climb when approaching a ridgetop and have an escape route.....refer back to #2.

Have fun!

 

[flyingnome]

as summer approaches be checking density altitude and be absolutly sure of the performance specs on your airplane. I know where I am in Flagstaff, AZ the density altitudes are already reaching 9500 feet and it hasnt even reached 80 degrees outside yet... oh yeah field elevation here is 7011 feet and I get the joy of teaching in 160hp 172's... blistering performance let me tell you...

 

[siucavflight]

It is not so bad in an F-16