Basic Mountain Flying

This training program introduces students to the fundamentals of mountain flying, enhancing their experience and understanding of operating near terrain and its associated weather conditions.

The exercises do not necessitate high mountains to establish fundamental principles.

Opportunities for scenario-based decision-making and recognising threats within context should be maximised.

Whenever possible, the training should emphasise the importance of weather, particularly wind, in relation to terrain and its impact on flight conditions and flight paths.

Objectives

• To consistently identify and mentally superimpose a usable horizon on a variable background.
• To properly position an aircraft in a valley and perform level, climbing, and descending turns.
• To safely approach, cross, and position after crossing ridges, saddles, passes, or spurs.
• Experience real or simulated disorientation scenarios and learn strategies for reorientation.
• To practice emergency situations where options may be limited.

Considerations

To enhance the student's awareness of mountain flying and associated weather conditions, students should experience the following exercises:

1. In both clean and poor visibility configurations.
2. In calm and windy conditions (greater than 15 knots, at instructor discretion).
3. In clear and precipitation conditions.
4. Completing turns through 180 degrees and 360 degrees, both clockwise and anticlockwise.