The Ultimate Challenge for Pilots
Flying in the mountains is one of the most rewarding, but also most demanding disciplines in aviation. It requires precise aircraft control, a deep understanding of alpine weather phenomena, and exact knowledge of aircraft performance.
Our Mountain Flying Training specifically prepares you for these unique challenges. We not only provide the theoretical foundations but also offer hands-on training to safely master your aircraft at high altitudes and in complex terrain.
Safety First
The mountains forgive no mistakes. Thorough training is essential to minimize risks such as rapidly changing weather, strong winds, and performance loss at altitude.
Challenging Winds
Density Altitude & Performance
Complex Navigation
Short Runways
World-Class Training Airfields
We train at the most legendary and demanding alpine airports to optimally prepare you for the realities of mountain flying.
Courchevel (LFLJ)
The legendary altiport in the French Alps – one of the world's most challenging runways with an extreme slope and spectacular location.
Special Challenges
- Extremely short runway
- 18.5% slope
- No go-around possibility
- Complex approach procedures
Samedan/St. Moritz (LSZS)
Europe's highest airport with demanding approach procedures through the Engadin valley and special requirements for performance calculation.
Special Challenges
- Highest airport in Europe
- Density altitude up to 3,500 m
- Complex valley approaches
- Variable weather conditions
Innsbruck (LOWI)
The alpine commercial airport with its famous LOC/DME approach through the Inn valley – a challenge even for experienced pilots.
Special Challenges
- Complex LOC/DME approach
- Narrow valley navigation
- Turbulent wind conditions
- Strict noise abatement rules
Megève (LFHM)
Another French altiport with a short runway and impressive mountain scenery – ideal for short-landing practice.
Special Challenges
- Short runway
- Mountainous surroundings
- VFR operations only
- Demanding approach planning
Europe's Mountain Aerodromes
An overview of the most important paved altiports and unpaved altisurfaces in the Alps that can be visited during our training.
Paved (Asphalt)
| Airport | ICAO | Elevation | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courchevel Altiport | LFLJ | 6.588 ft | 537 m |
| Alpe d'Huez – Henri Giraud | LFHU | 6.037 ft | 448 m |
| Méribel Altiport | LFKX | 5.633 ft | 406 m |
| Megève Altiport | LFHM | 4.830 ft | 548 m |
| Samedan / Engadin Airport | LSZS | 5.600 ft | 1.800 m |
| Innsbruck Airport | LOWI | 1.907 ft | 2.000 m |
| Sion Airport | LSGS | 1.582 ft | 2.000 m |
| Bolzano Airport (Dolomiti) | LIPB | 787 ft | 1.432 m |
| Aosta Valley Airport | LIMW | 1.796 ft | 1.499 m |
| Lugano Airport (Agno) | LSZA | 915 ft | 1.415 m |
Unpaved (Grass/Gravel)
| Altisurface | ICAO | Elevation | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Roch Mayères | LF7430 | 6.000 ft | 330 m |
| Val Thorens | LF7327 | 7.430 ft | 370 m |
| Tignes – Le Palet | LF7333 | 7.087 ft | 310 m |
| La Tovière | LF7325 | 8.200 ft | 330 m |
| Saint Jean d'Arves | LF7331 | 5.950 ft | 330 m |
| Isola 2000 | LF0621 | 7.044 ft | 250 m |
| Col de Bacchus | LF2623 | 3.200 ft | 350 m |
| Saint Étienne en Dévoluy | LF0538 | 6.201 ft | 445 m |
| Faucon | LF2621 | 2.800 ft | 400 m |
| Monestier de Clermont | LF3851 | 1.850 ft | 350 m |
Note: Many of these fields require a Mountain Qualification or a local endorsement.
Our Training Modules
Our Mountain Flying Training covers all aspects of safe mountain flying – from theory to practical instruction at the most demanding airfields.
Alpine Meteorology
Understand the special weather conditions in the mountains: Foehn wind, lee waves, thermal updrafts and downdrafts, cloud formation on mountain slopes, and interpreting alpine weather reports.
Mountain Navigation
Route planning in the mountains, minimum flight altitudes, alternate routes, emergency landing fields, and the special requirements for navigation in valleys and over passes.
Performance Calculation
Density altitude, performance calculations for takeoff and landing at high altitudes, weight and balance calculations considering reduced engine power.
Practical Mountain Flying
Practical flights in the Alps with instruction at altiports, valley flights, pass crossings, and training of emergency procedures in the mountains.
Your Path to Mountain Flying
From theoretical foundations to the practical exam – we guide you step by step on your way to becoming a safe mountain pilot.
Alpine Theory
Comprehensive theoretical preparation with a focus on alpine meteorology, mountain flight aerodynamics, and performance calculations.
First Mountain Flights
Introductory flights into the Alps with an experienced instructor. Getting to know the special conditions and techniques.
Altiport Training
Practical instruction at demanding alpine airports such as Courchevel, Megève, or Samedan.
Exam & Certification
Final assessment of your skills and, if required, preparation for the official Mountain Rating.
Why Aviators Fit?
Benefit from our experience and our individual approach to your Mountain Flying Training.
Experienced Alpine Flight Experts
Our instructors have hundreds of hours of experience in alpine flying and know the specifics of each airfield.
Mountain Rating Preparation
We specifically prepare you for the Mountain Rating – or provide you with the expertise even without a formal qualification.
Flexible Training Design
From a one-day briefing to a multi-day intensive course – we adapt the training to your needs.
Small Groups
Maximum attention through individual support – we train in small groups or one-on-one.
Experienced Mountain Flight Instructors
Our team has extensive experience in alpine flying. With hundreds of hours at altiports like Courchevel, Megève, and Samedan, we know the specifics of each airfield and can optimally prepare you for the challenges of mountain flying.
We emphasize practical training that not only prepares you for the exam but also gives you the confidence to fly safely and professionally in the Alps.
Prerequisites & Training
Your Path to the Mountain Rating
The requirements according to EASA FCL.815 for your mountain flight qualification.
Entry Requirements
- Valid PPL(A) or higher license
- At least 100 hours of flight experience as PIC
- Valid Class I or Class II Medical Certificate
Legal basis: EASA Part-FCL, FCL.815
Training Scope
Theory
Mountain-specific theory training
Flight Training
6 landings on at least 2 mountain runways
Skill Test
Practical exam with an EASA examiner
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most important questions about Mountain Flying Training.