Mountain Flying

Fly the Colorado Rockies safely

Colorado's mountains are beautiful but demanding. Below: the recommended path to flying them, the tools to check before you go, and where to learn more.

Ground School Check before you go

Next ground school

The next course dates are not set yet.

Hear when they are

The path to flying the mountains

Five steps, in order. Ground school plus a cross-country flight fulfills FAA WINGS program requirements.

Ground school

CPA mountain flying ground school, taught by experienced Colorado mountain pilots since 1986.

Study the weather

Colorado weather patterns, mountain wave, thunderstorms and icing.

Check density altitude

Density altitude for any Colorado airport, for your performance planning.

Fly with an instructor

CFIs in Colorado who specialize in mountain flying instruction.

Check the passes

Webcams and conditions for the passes on your route, the day you fly.

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Before you go

The tools to check on the day of a mountain flight, with the density altitude from step 3.

Pass Camera Status

Live FAA webcams, AWOS frequencies and conditions for Colorado's major mountain passes.

Interactive Pass Map

Colorado mountain passes on the map, with elevation profiles and route information.

GPS Pass Waypoints

FAA-charted VFR GPS waypoints for Colorado mountain pass crossings.

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Learn more

Lessons from members, and sites other mountain pilots use.

What I Learned About Mountain Flying

Members' own lessons from flying the Rockies.

Outside sites

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