MOUNTAIN FLYING - HIGH ELEVATION AIRPORT OPERATIONS GROUND SCHOOL

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 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.
 

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. 

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 180 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 should indicate such on their registration form. An available cross-country instructor will be assigned by the Program Administrator. 

• Private Pilot Certificate
• Current FAA Medical or Basic Med
• Current BFR
• Current Aircraft Liability Insurance
• Minimum of 125 hours total time
• Minimum of 3 T/O and Landings in last 90 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.

      08:30 - 09:00 Check In
      09:00 - 11:30 Ground School
      11:30 - 13:00 Lunch (on your own)
      13:00 - 17:00 Ground School

      $220 - CPA members
      $250 - non-CPA members

Check payable to Colorado Pilots Association and send them into Brian Brieske.  His mailing address is on the registration form. 

Note:   Fee for the Optional Cross-Country Flight is currently set at a flat rate of $300 and is paid directly to your flight instructor.