Mountain Flight Training. CO & NM Where to get it.

[chrisk]

I was planning on taking a mountain flight training course with the New Mexico Pilots Association later this month, but the class was canceled. 

 

So, where does one go in NM or CO for mountain flight training?  Are there any courses coming up?  Any recommendations from past experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[KSMooniac]

Colorado Pilots Association does a few classes a year, but it might be too late this season.  Usually a weekend class with ground school on Sat, flying on Sunday in your plane.  Well worth the effort.

[Geoff]

I Head a Good experience in Santa Fe. Forget the name of the school. Flying IMC in the mountains in winter is definitely somthing to be respected.

[rainman]

There was a course scheduled in Durango a couple of weeks ago, check with the FBO, perhaps they can get you pointed in the right direction.

[midlifeflyer]

I can't speak about New Mexico but can give you some ideas about Colorado.

 

The Colorado Pilot Association's (CPA) award-winning course is usually given June and August. It was June and September this year http://coloradopilots.org/mtnfly_class.asp

 

Sometimes the local flight schools will do classes, but that generally in the spring at the beginning of the flying season  rather than the fall. Same for some of the type clubs. Maybe sacrilege, but I think the Bonanza Society does one every year or 2.

 

If you're interested in private instruction, a safe bet is one of the CPA instructors http://coloradopilots.org/mtn_instructors.asp?menuID=91~91 although there are pretty good mountain instructors at most of the Front Range flight schools.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I moved to North Carolina in December after 20 years in Colorado and taught mountain flying there (among other things) so I know a god number of these folks personally.

[KSMooniac]

Cleon Biter is one of the CPA instructors and a former Mooney owner as well.  I believe he is still active.

[Bob]

I had ground school with Cleon Biter, but then got weathered out for too many days and had to leave the area.  But, I will travel from Chicago to fly the mountains with him!  He also knows the Mooney very well!  Located in Longmont, CO.

[midlifeflyer]

Cleon would be a great choice.

[Jeff_S]

+1 on Cleon. I flew with him on a trip to Colorado a few years ago. We did some ground school by phone the night before, then I flew up to Longmont and met him. Unfortunately we picked the day the monsoon started to arrive in the area, so our trip to Glenwood Springs and Leadville was cut short and we decided just to hop over to Steamboat Springs instead. But it was good experience using thermals to climb up over the ridge lines, landing and departing at such high DAs and knowing what to consider as you fly in the area.

[iwilighting]

I took my IFR training with with Flight Methods?? I believe in Alamosa, CO, but they also do mt training as well, very good people and the instructor is also a FAA examiner..good luck.

Dan L.

292LG

[chrisk]

I ended up scheduling with Marc Coan in Santa Fe NM for this weekend coming up.  One of the things swung my decision was that he previously owned a Mooney 231, and that is what I will be flying.    We should be visiting at least KLAM, KSKX, and KAXX.  I'm sure others too.  Maybe KTEX, but that is a bit further for training.

 

I'll report back with my experience.

[midlifeflyer]

I ended up scheduling with Marc Coan in Santa Fe NM for this weekend coming up. One of the things swung my decision was that he previously owned a Mooney 231, and that is what I will be flying. We should be visiting at least KLAM, KSKX, and KAXX. I'm sure others too. Maybe KTEX, but that is a bit further for training.

I'll report back with my experience.

KTEX would have been fun but you should get plenty of challenge from KAAX. runway oriented N-S. Always a crosswind, usually substantial. Look at the sectional and you'll see why.

[Apollo]

A trip to KAXX is always my 'I almost died' story.

 

I tell it to every pilot I meet. When you land at Angel Fire, you'll notice ZERO single engine airplanes are there.

[chrisk]

A trip to KAXX is always my 'I almost died' story.

 

I tell it to every pilot I meet. When you land at Angel Fire, you'll notice ZERO single engine airplanes are there.

I'd love to hear the story.  It's the only way we learn.

[midlifeflyer]

A trip to KAXX is always my 'I almost died' story.

 

I tell it to every pilot I meet. When you land at Angel Fire, you'll notice ZERO single engine airplanes are there.

 

Interesting comment.

 

I wasn't the only single there when I flew in and stayed for a weekend. And it wasn't even the busy season.

[chrisk]

I just got finished flying with Marc Coan out of Santa Fe NM. I'd definitely recommend him for any mountain flying needs, or even any Mooney flying needs. I learned quite a bit.  I visited KSKX. KAXX, KLAM, and of course KSAF.   Definitely new respect for flying IFR in the mountains.
 

I also ended up meeting a Mooneyspace member at KSKX.  I wish I could remember his name.   Roger maybe?   He seemed really nice and had a 231 with new leather seats!