The UK CAA has published a new webpage providing guidance on mountain flying.
The guidance provides information on terrain clearances, flying abroad in mountainous areas such as the Alps, mountain weather conditions, situational awareness, physiological affects of high altitude flying and aircraft performance.
When flying in the mountainous areas such as the Alps, the CAA says: “Mountain ranges such as the Alps may be too high to cross above surrounding terrain without oxygen and a turbocharged aircraft.
“Flying below the peaks is acceptable in some circumstances, however you must plan your route carefully and it is recommended to receive training on mountain flying in the relevant areas before doing so.”
If planning a route through the Alps or areas of similar terrain, the CAA recommends that pilots:
- Check the local VFR routes and confirm the minimum recommended VFR crossing altitudes.
- Navigation information should be confirmed via review of the relevant ICAO chart for the state and guidance in the relevant AIP.
- Consult the relevant weather forecasts. Some alpine states such as Switzerland and Austria publish specific mountain route forecasts, known as ‘GAFORS’ – these can be found via the national aviation weather services and may be available via moving map software.
- Information and data from moving map devices should be checked against official sources of information.
CAA mountain flying guidance page
