CO mountain training question

alfadog

Well-Known Member
I noticed that MidlifeFlyer is out of Centennial and that got me to thinking...

I will be flying up (commercial) to Denver a few times this winter to take my son skiing in Leadville (at least that is where we skied last year and we liked it). I was thinking about doing some training in mountain flying while I am up there. Don't know if I will do it in Leadville or the Denver area (my son lives in Golden with his mom).

Anything I need to be aware of in planning this?

Thanks
alfadog
 
you'll probably want to fly out of KBJC. Several flight schools there that can give you a mountain flying course
 
They have a C172 on the line right there in Leadville and I do believe the DPE for the area that gives mountain instruction in it. I could wrong about that, but some instructor should be able to go with you.

I'd call them. They may not do a proper "course".
 
One way or another you are heading down the right road. Get the training done right and be very conservative in your approach. We have too many each year out here that end up as statistics.

Winter time mountain flying adds various levels of risk as well, with high winds over the passes, shorter daylight, and added survival techniques/gear. You get the picture I think.

Flying in the mountains is like no other, enjoy it and be careful.
 
Anything I need to be aware of in planning this?
Knowledge is not bad thing especially if all you are looking for is a flight or so and not a full-blown mountain course. Sparky Imeson's "Mountain Flying Bible" is always a good bet but you can find intro ground school type information in various places including the AOPA site.

If you want to do it in Leadville itself, get in touch with Ursula Gilgulin
http://leadvilleairportaviation.com/index.php/pilot-educ
She's one of the best and teaches at Leadville.

From the Denver area, you have plenty of choices. I'm more familiar with Centennial. I'm personally less available than I used to be to give instruction (weekdays are impossible; weekends are difficult) but all the KAPA schools are good and, if you want to email me, I'd be glad to discuss the options there.
 
If you want to do it in Leadville itself, get in touch with Ursula Gilgulin
http://leadvilleairportaviation.com/index.php/pilot-educ
She's one of the best and teaches at Leadville.

I had come across Ursula's site a few months back while researching and flying with her was definitely something I was considering for this exercise. Your recommendation is even more reason. Thanks. That could work out well; spending four days or so in Leadville combining skiing and flying :)
 
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Oh, my input is so unnecessary.... ;)
 
I had come across Ursula's site a few months back while researching and flying with her was definitely something I was considering for this exercise. Your recommendation is even more reason. Thanks. That could work out well; spending four days or so in Leadville combining skiing and flying :)
by the way, I speak from experience, not just her reputation.

Just a few months before moving to Denver from the east coast (and not knowing at that point that I would be), I came to Colorado for a ski trip. I decided not to ski one day and arranged for my first mountain flying lesson with Ursula.
 
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