mroczny
12th Feb 2012, 13:43
Hi,
I would like to invest 5-6 days to make a Mountain Flying course in the USA. I have made some mountain flying last summer and I know I do have to improve my skills. In internet I have found this offer: Rockies IFR Training Adventure Flight (http://www.ifrwest.com/rockies.html)
Does anybody have any experience with this programm or could name any alternatives?
Sincerely
zondaracer
12th Feb 2012, 18:41
That looks like a good program that they have set up but I have no experience with them.
As an alternative, look at journeys aviation
Journeys Aviation (http://www.journeysaviation.com/)
340drvr
13th Feb 2012, 11:52
You may already know this, but be aware that there are basically two kinds of "mountain flying" courses. One is of the mountain checkout/high-elevation type, which may be offered by most flight schools anywhere in or near the Rocky Mountains. These courses probably use whatever trainer they have available (172, Cherokee, whatever) to provide students with the knowledge and skills to safely operate in and around the local mountainous areas. These programs run a wide spectrum, from maybe a couple hours to an extensive multi-day affair (such as listed above.)
The other kind of program might be thought of as an actual "bush flying" experience, using off-pavement capable aircraft (Super Cub, Husky, etc.), and actually landing at some of the wilderness strips, most are in the states of Idaho and Montana (there are others, as well).
I mention this just so you know what type of course you may be looking at. Here's a couple of the "bush" variety, I do not have personal experience, but they have a good reputation:
Mountain Canyon Flying Seminars, Mountain Flying, Canyon Flying, Backcountry Flying, Adventure Flying, Advanced Flight Instruction, Aviaiton Safety Training, Idaho Wilderness, Utah Canyonlands, Flyouts, McCall Mountain Canyon Flying Seminars (http://www.mountaincanyonflying.com/)
and
Welcome To Teton Aviation Center (http://www.tetonaviation.com/)
If not already familiar, I'd suggest Sparky Imeson's Mountain Flying Bible, full of useful information, and nearly "required" reading for pilots around the mountain west, here's the link Contact Us (http://www.mountainflying.com/). Sadly, Mr. Imeson perished in a crash in 2009.
Hope this helps, good luck, and enjoy your visit!
mroczny
13th Feb 2012, 12:53
I have sen a request to Journey, let us see what they answer.
Canyon Flying Seminars seems to be availaible only in summer, the other school offers +/1 1 day training.
Thanks for the support
Pawel
231flyer
14th Feb 2012, 16:21
Lots of options given your timeframe. I would recommend taking the online AOPA mountain flying course regardless. AOPA and EAA have references for established courses. I am partial to a one-on-one course offered in Vail, Colorado. Very nice lady instructed me and took me around the Colorado Rockies including landings at the highest airport in North America (Leadville @ 9927 ft). The emphasis was on practical experience since my ground school was adequately covered with the AOPA course. The course can be tailored to your needs including time and terrain.