Mountain Flying
Flying in the Rockies is unlike flying anywhere else. Learn it right – from instructors who fly these mountains every day.
What It Is
Mountain flying in the Rocky Mountain region involves hazards that flat-land training simply doesn't address: density altitude that can cut your aircraft's performance in half, terrain that traps unwary pilots, weather that builds in minutes, and strips that offer no go-around option if you get it wrong.
Our Mountain Flying course is a structured, safety-focused program covering the skills and judgment required to fly the Rockies confidently. It follows AOPA Mountain Flying Safety guidelines and draws on direct experience with Rocky Mountain terrain, strips, and weather patterns.
Who It's For
- Certificated pilots planning to fly in mountainous terrain
- Pilots relocating to or visiting the Rocky Mountain region
- Backcountry and off-airport flying enthusiasts
- Tailwheel students looking to combine endorsements (highly recommended)
- Any pilot who wants to expand their operational envelope safely
What You'll Learn
Ground School (half day):
- Density altitude – computing it, understanding it, flying it
- Rocky Mountain weather patterns and hazard recognition
- Terrain flying techniques: canyon, valley, and ridge operations
- One-way strip assessment and approach planning
- Backcountry strip databases and resources
- AOPA Mountain Flying Safety guidelines
- Go/no-go decision making in mountain conditions
Flight Training:
- Mountain airport operations and pattern flying at altitude
- Density altitude takeoff and landing performance planning
- Terrain avoidance maneuvering
- Short-field technique for backcountry strips
- Turnaround procedures in confined areas
- Real Rocky Mountain flying – not simulated scenarios
Prerequisites
- FAA Private Pilot Certificate (or higher)
- Current flight review (BFR)
- Current medical or BasicMed
- Tailwheel endorsement recommended (not required for all students)
Training Aircraft
Piper Pacer 20/22
Preferred for mountain flying – short-field capability, tailwheel, and rugged enough for strip operations.
How to Get Started
The Mountain Flying course typically runs 1–3 days depending on student experience and weather. We schedule sessions to take advantage of actual mountain conditions – there's no better classroom than the real thing.
We strongly recommend combining this course with the Tailwheel Endorsement. Many of the best Rocky Mountain strips are tailwheel-friendly terrain – and the skill sets reinforce each other.
Book the Course