Instructor » Mountain Flying » Getting Started
The Definition of Mountain Flying
Any technique involving:
the manoeuvring of an aircraft
between, over or around terrain or
resultant weather
that is, or could be perceived as being,
an obstacle to the aircraft flight path
Minimum Heights for VFR Flights
Not less than;
- 500ft vertically above and
- 150m horizontally from
- any obstacle, person, vessel, vehicle or structure
Why is there Mountain Flying Training
- Mountainous terrain covers over 60% of NZ


- Terrain is a consideration in the majority of GA flights in NZ
- Terrain is a factor in aircraft accidents and incidents
- To apply some basic principles for improved awareness, decision making and safe flight.