Mountain Flying Ground School

Colorado Pilots Association — Mountain Flying Program

Since 1986 FAA WINGS Credit FAASTeam Program All Skill Levels

About the Program

The Colorado Pilots Association Mountain Flying Ground School has been training pilots for safe mountain operations since 1986. Led by experienced mountain flying instructors, this comprehensive one-day program covers the knowledge, techniques, and judgment you need to fly confidently in Colorado's challenging terrain.

This course qualifies for FAA WINGS credit under the FAASTeam Program and is designed for pilots of all experience levels β€” from those contemplating their first trip to the mountains to seasoned pilots who want to sharpen their skills and update their knowledge.

No mountain time required. Whether you've never crossed the Front Range or you've been flying mountain routes for years, this ground school will give you the framework, checklists, and confidence to do it safely.

Topics Covered

Mountain weather & orographic lift
Density altitude β€” recognition & mitigation
Mountain wave, rotors & turbulence
Route planning & pass selection
Aircraft performance in thin air
Emergency procedures & off-airport landings
Oxygen systems & hypoxia awareness
Navigation without GPS on the slopes
Colorado-specific airspace & airports
Survival gear & survival planning
Mountain airport operations (KASE, KEGE, KSBS)
Go / no-go decision making
Pilot physiology at altitude
Case studies β€” real CO accidents

Daily Schedule

Time Activity
8:30 AM Registration, coffee & introductions
9:00 AM Mountain meteorology & weather theory
10:15 AM Density altitude, performance & aircraft limitations
11:00 AM Route planning, passes & abort criteria
12:00 PM Lunch Break (included)
1:00 PM Emergency procedures & off-airport ops
2:00 PM Case studies & accident analysis
3:00 PM Survival planning, oxygen & physiology
4:00 PM Navigation, airspace & Colorado airports
4:45 PM Q&A, wrap-up & WINGS credit issuance
5:00 PM Class Dismissed

Pricing

Non-Member
$280
Includes lunch & all course materials
Optional XC Flight
$350
Paid directly to instructor — see below

Not yet a CPA member? Join Colorado Pilots Association and save $30 while supporting aviation in Colorado.

Optional Cross-Country Training Flight

Fly the Mountains with an Expert

Take your ground school knowledge airborne. The optional cross-country training flight is a hands-on flight with a CPA-qualified mountain instructor, covering terrain, passes, and real-world decision-making over Colorado's Rocky Mountains.

  • Flight is conducted the day after ground school, or on a separately scheduled date
  • Available to your aircraft or an instructor's aircraft (contact for details)
  • Flight fee: $350 β€” paid directly to the instructor, not through CPA
  • Limited slots available β€” indicate your interest at registration
Mountain Flying Instructors Mountain Pass Map Pass Camera Status

Upcoming Ground School Dates

Saturday, June 27, 2026 Past
Mountain Flying Ground School
Time: 08:30 – 17:00
Location: Wright Brothers Room, Administration Building, 7565 S Peoria St, Englewood, CO 80112
Airport: KAPA - Centennial Airport
Pricing: $250 member / $280 non-member
This course has taken place
Registration closed
Saturday, August 15, 2026 Past
Mountain Flying Ground School
Time: 08:30 – 17:00
Location: Wright Brothers Room, Administration Building, 7565 S Peoria St, Englewood, CO 80112
Airport: KAPA - Centennial Airport
Pricing: $250 member / $280 non-member
This course has taken place
Registration closed
Saturday, September 19, 2026 Past
Mountain Flying Ground School
Time: 08:30 – 17:00
Location: Wright Brothers Room, Administration Building, 7565 S Peoria St, Englewood, CO 80112
Airport: KAPA - Centennial Airport
Pricing: $250 member / $280 non-member
This course has taken place
Registration closed

Want next year’s dates?

Ground school dates are set a season ahead. Leave your email and we will let you know as soon as the next ones are announced β€” nothing else, and you can ask to come off at any time.

Questions about the Mountain Flying Ground School?
Contact the Mountain Flying Chair directly through our secure form.
Contact Mountain Flying Chair
Corporate Sponsor
RealClean Aircraft
RealClean Aircraft
All Classifieds Post an Ad