Mountain Flying Operations

The importance of proper training, procedures and pre-flight planning when flying in mountainous regions cannot be over emphasized.

In the Pacific area, the combined effect of the great mountain system and the adjacent Pacific Ocean lead to extremely changeable weather conditions and a variety of weather patterns. Some of the factors to be taken into consideration regarding the effect on aircraft performance when operating under these conditions include the following:

  • Elevation of the airport or aerodrome
  • Temperature and pressure
  • Turbulence and wind effect
  • Determination of safe takeoff procedures to ensure clearance over obstacles and intervening high ground

In the western mountainous region VFR routes may be marked by diamonds on visual navigation charts. The routes are marked for convenience to assist pilots with pre-flight planning. The diamond marks do not imply any special level of facilities and services along the route. Pilots are cautioned that the use of the marked routes does not absolve them from proper pre-flight planning or the exercising of good airmanship practices during the proposed flight. Alternative unmarked routes are always available, the choice of a suitable route for the intended flight and conditions remains the sole responsibility of the pilot-in-command.

VFR routes in mountainous routes make by solid blue diamonds

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