what else should I know as essential knowledge?
Best thing is to fly with someone experienced until you are comfortable. The overriding rule in the mountains is to leave your options open, and not let yourself get trapped into a dangerous situation. Here are a few tips:
- In valleys, fly to one side so that you have plenty of room to turn round.
- Be aware of the tendency to descend when turning towards a valley, and to climb when turning towards a hill. The latter can kill you easily.
- When crossing a ridge or a pass, cross at an angle (normally 45 degrees) so that you can easily turn back if the conditions on the other side aren't good.
- If there's wind, fly on the side of a valley where the wind is blowing up the slope.
- Cables will kill you. Know where they are, and lookout all the time.
- Know how much space you need to do a 180 degree turn (it's less than you think). Think of the effect of wind on such a turn - another reason for flying on the correct side of a valley.
- Be decisive. Turn back early if you aren't comfortable, or if you have any doubt about your position.
- Think about the effect of wind on ridges and passes - as well as turbulence and up/down drafts, there can be venturi effects which cause dramatic change in windspeed in a short distance.
- Don't forget the "usual" stuff - fuel, T's and P's, etc.
- Enjoy it!