Mountain Flying

Ridge and Pass Crossing

    On most mountain flights, you will need to cross at least one ridge or pass.  Experienced pilots recommend crossing a ridge or pass at the ridge elevation plus at least 1000 feet.  If the winds at mountain top level are above 20 knots, increase that to 2000 feet.  Plan to be at that altitude at least three miles before reaching the ridge and stay at that altitude until at least three miles past it.  This clearance zone will give you a reasonable safety zone to avoid the most severe turbulence and downdrafts in windy conditions.

    If conditions or airplane performance dictate, you may need to fly along the windward side of the ridge to find updrafts for gaining altitude before crossing a ridge.  You may also need to circle before reaching the ridge if climbing out of a valley airport.

    When you actually cross a ridge, you should do so at a 45 degree angle to the ridge.  This allows you to turn away from the ridge quicker if you encounter a severe downdraft or turbulence.  Once you have crossed the ridge, turn directly away from it at a 90 degree angle to get away from the most likely area of turbulence quickly.  Plan your crossing to give yourself the ability to turn toward lower terrain quickly if necessary.

Enroute Considerations

    As you fly your mountain trip, continually visualize what the weather and winds are doing so you can take best advantage of them.  For example, if flying in a valley it is usually best to fly on the side that will have updrafts, the side the wind is blowing toward.  Turbulence due to the rough terrain may make the flight uncomfortable, but may also require that you fly at maneuvering speed.  Remember that maneuvering speed decreases as the planes weight decreases.  You should know what your plane's maneuvering speed is for the weight you are flying and be able to go to it quickly if you encounter rough air.

    Pilotage and dead reckoning will be your primary type of navigation.  GPS and LORAN systems will work quite well in most areas and provide an excellent secondary system.  VORs are useable in limited areas but suffer from limited range and other problems.

Descent

    When you first arrive over a mountain airport, take a good look around before you descend to it and plan your departure departure track.  Look for escape routes and emergency landing sites in the event of an engine failure right after takeoff.  Also, study the terrain you will have to climb over as you depart.

    Plan your approach path as you start your descent.  Some mountain airports are confined in valleys that make a normal approach difficult.  Study your options before committing to a lower altitude.

Approach and Landing

    Approach and landing  should be normal at most

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