Your 5,000 Ft Mountain Flying Tips

Admit it, whether you are an amateur or a professional pilot, sometimes you find mountain flying very difficult especially when landing on a mountain high air strip and an unaccommodating terrain. But in actuality, the sight of the early morning horizon that is seen through the mountain ranges is a chance to enjoy.

It is just but reasonable though to have your legs shaking and get limped, your eye sight getting blurred and your heart pounding faster when someone talks about mountain flying particularly if you are used to the safe skies of Southern Georgia and Florida. Take a brave heart though. As experts say, the only sure way to enjoy real mountain flying is to go beyond 5,000 feet. Just by following the simple tips and safety measures mentioned below, you will be able to make a mountain flight of a lifetime. For mountain flying junkies, you know that there's more than just gaining more hours in flight. Take this time to encounter mountain flying this high and don't miss the stunning view once you are up there.

Now here are your first 5,000 feet mountain flying tips. First, always be cautious with the weather. Make sure you have a take off and landing plan in case the weather gets worse. When you do a one hundred eighty degree turn make sure to keep ample horizontal clearance to make a safe turn. Also, do not push the boundaries of your weight requirements. Just bring with you sufficient fuel allowance and leave behind unnecessary baggage that will just add weight to your aircraft. Make sure that your passengers and your baggage are properly placed according to your balance calculations.

Aside from incoming aircrafts, also keep your eye on the visibility. Weather elements like wind, fog, mist and rain may deteriorate your visibility. If any of these takes place before your take off, it is better off for you to cancel the flight. Mountain flying over canyons can also be very challenging. Familiarize your self with the mountain features and do not try to cross mountains at night. At zero visibility you could end up on a dead end canyon.

Finally, always follow your map. Mountain flying typically follows the guidelines of VFR. The safest way is to ask the preferable routes when flying through mountains. Guides used to be drawn on VFR maps, but today, due to liability issues, map makers no longer include them. And please do checkout regulations set by your VFR agency. It's better off safe than sorry.