Saddle Crossings

• Concept of saddle, pass, spur, ridge
• Compromise of many variables
• Anticipating/assessment of lift and sink
• VSI indications
• Appreciation of wind direction relative to terrain
• Approach 45° or less with escape route downhill, downstream
• Desirable approach left to right
• Escape option obstacle free to use minimum bank angle
• Knife edge saddle versus prolonged commitment area saddle
• Level attitude - maintain airspeed with regard to Va
• Not in climb attitude - airspeed and lookout are compromised
• Not in descent - airspeed and control limited by Va
• Anticipate turbulence
• Use of parallax to assess sink and safe height to cross i.e. more terrain visible behind as approaching saddle therefore higher than saddle; less terrain visible therefore lower and turn away early, including assessment of 500’ clearance technique
• Decision making, including:
  • planning of initial flight path to a mountain range or ridge
  • options  
  • approaches to the saddle/pass/ridge/spur
  • commitment point
  • escape routes
  • position and options after crossing
  • position reports for traffic information
  • proximity to cloud including potential for lift