MOUNTAIN FLYING - HIGH ELEVATION AIRPORT OPERATIONS
GROUND SCHOOLS

Saturday, June 12 and August 7, 2010

SPONSORED BY THE COLORADO PILOTS ASSOCIATION: Flying the Colorado Rockies, with more than 50 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet, and into more than a dozen public-use airports located near the communities and recreational areas located there, can be an exhilarating experience. But it can also be a hazardous experience for those unaware of the unique weather related variables encountered in mountain flight and the effects on aircraft performance. In Colorado, accident statistics show that pilots without the skills needed for safe flight over mountainous terrain often get themselves into situations which are beyond their capability to handle. The mountain flying course is a program developed by the Colorado Pilots Association to improve that capability.

THE COURSE: The ground school course was originally developed by the Colorado Pilots Association in 1986. It is presented in Colorado at least twice each year and occasionally at out-of-state locations. It is taught by Colorado pilots who live and fly the mountains in business and recreational flying. Through the years it has evolved into one of the premier safety training courses of its kind. 

The course takes the student on a simulated flight over several mountain passes and into a number of high elevation mountain airports. Instructors take time to discuss factors affecting the safety of flight at each step on the route and make extensive use of aerial photography and a technical workbook to illustrate information needed for a safe flight. The workbook is part of the course materials provided under the registration fee for the course.

GROUND SCHOOL CONTENT: The ground school covers the basics necessary for flight in mountainous areas, including:

• Mountain weather phenomena 
• Flight planning for mountain flying 
• Density altitude 
• High altitude performance 
• Off-airport landings 
• Mountain winds 
• Mountain airport arrivals 
• Enroute navigation 
• Emergency planning 
• Proper leaning procedures 
• Mountain airport departures 

It also prepares a pilot for the optional mountain cross-country training flight in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. 
OPTIONAL MOUNTAIN CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT: The optional cross-country training flight, though not part of this ground school course, is an excellent introduction to flying in the high country. The route takes you over two mountain passes and to several mountain airports (with paved runways), providing reinforcement of what is taught in the ground school. The aircraft used (provided by the student) should have at least 160 hp. The course takes about 3 1/2 to 5 hours to fly, depending on the aircraft. Completion of both the ground school and cross-country training flight will fulfill the requirements of the FAA's "Wings" program. A "Wings" program completion with logbook entry will be accepted by the FAA in lieu of a Biennial Flight Review. Individuals wishing to participate in this portion of the program may choose a qualified mountain flying instructor from the MOUNTAIN FLYING INSTRUCTOR PILOTS list, or contact the program administrator for assistance in selecting an available instructor. 

FOR THE GROUND SCHOOL BRING:

• Your aircraft POH
• Current Denver sectional (Not a WAC, not detail enough)
• Plotter
• Lead pencil for drawing course lines
• Private pilot’s license

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT

• Private Pilot Certificate
• Current FAA Medial
• Current BFR
• Current Liability and Hull Insurance
• Minimum of 125 hours total time
• Minimum of 3 T/O and Landings in last 30 days
• Aircraft minimum of 180 HP without prior approval
• NO fixed pitch “CRUISE” props

Personal Items for the Cross-Country flight

• Set of warm clothing (including hat and gloves) in case of emergency landing
• Any FAA approved Medication (in case of any delays returning to Denver)

ENROLLMENT: Pilots wishing to attend ground school are urged to pre-register within three days of the desired class date.

GROUND SCHOOL COURSE SCHEDULE
      08:30 - 09:00 Registration
      09:00 - 11:30 Ground School
      11:30 - 13:00 Lunch (on your own)
      13:00 - 17:00 Ground School
GROUND SCHOOL COURSE FEE
      $185 - CPA members
      $200 - non-CPA members
Check payable to Colorado Pilots Association, P.O. Box 200911, Denver, Colorado   80220-0911
       Note:   Fee for the Optional Cross-Country Flight is currently set at a flat rate of $250 and is paid separately to your flight instructor.

REGISTRATION:

Mountain Flying and High Elevation Airport Operations Ground School

(check desired class date)

     ___ Boardroom, APA Tower Building: June 12, 2010
     ___ Boardroom, APA Tower Building: August 7, 2010
     ___ Interest in taking a training flight on the following day?

Name (print) ___________________________________________________________

Colorado Pilots Association member? Yes __ No __

Phone (Home) __________________________Office___________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

City __________________________ State __________ Zip ___________________

Aircraft (make and model usually flown) ________________________________

E-mail address __________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed __________________________________________________

Mail Registration and payment to: 

Colorado Pilots Association, 
P. O. Box 200911 
Denver, CO 80220-0911

Info: 303/367-0670, or
TBarbo@comcast.net

Colorado Pilots Association
PO Box 200911
Denver, CO 80220-0911
(303) 367-0670