An old pilot once asked me "Do you why they call it a cockpit?" I didn't know, and his answer was that you had to be a little cocky to sit up there. What he was getting at was that good pilots have a strong self confidence paired with a generous helping of assertiveness.

To a fair extent I agree that those are two qualities that pilots need to have. I believe there are other important attributes to a good pilot as well.

So where do these qualities of assertiveness and self confidence come from? I think assertiveness comes after a person develops a strong self confidence, but It’s been my observation that some people have the confidence and don’t need any help, others have a short supply. As an instructor, you can help build your students self confidence in the way you conduct the all important critique.

When conducting critiques never tear the person down by telling them something was no good, or unacceptable, or a failure if it were a check ride. Instead start by highlighting their strong points, showing where they have made progress and then helping them to understand how to do the more difficult maneuvers better. Instead of tearing them apart, make a plan to help them get better.

Now there are some occasions where a student needs a wakeup call. Even in these situations it’s unacceptable to tear them down over the issue. Instead explain that it’s imperative that we work on perfecting a certain maneuver or scenario because the current performance places them in danger. This a better strategy than saying “you’re failing this maneuver and going to kill yourself if you don’t figure it out.” I mean really – who is going to respond well to that form of critique, that type of critique is why students quit.

So many pilots wonder why the general aviation business is so weak. Why are flight schools always going out of business? I believe one of the reasons is the manner in which instructors teach students. As instructors we need to remember that flying competes with boating for recreational dollars. People who come to the airport to learn to fly, want to do just that FLY. The didn’t agree to enlist in the Army and they don’t want a Drill Sergeant for a flight instructor. As a flight instructor it’s our job to ensure our students are well trained and safe. At the same time, if we want to keep our doors open we need to be better at the interpersonal relationships we have with our students.

The most important goal I have for this web site is to promote flight safety.  I believe that flight safety can be enhanced with learning, open communication, discussion and ideas from the most diverse and broad population of pilots that are out there.   I've told my students that's it's a bad idea to go through all the ratings with a single instructor, this because in the end they'll have that instructor's bad habits.  The same is true of the content on this web site, If I'm the only one writing what I think then it's a narrow view of aviation.  Now, I would be the first person to tell you that I don't know it all, and I'm not going to pretend to.  As some of you read my thoughts on these various topics you may have different and or better ideas or thoughts on a particular topic.  If that's the case then please e-mail me what you think.  My e-mail is mountaincfi@yahoo.com, and I'm very interested to hear what other pilots have to say about these issues.  I view that as an opportunity to learn more myself as well as an opportunity to share diverse opinions with my readers.  When I receive information from others I will promptly post it on the site attached to the related item(s) that it is in response to.  The exceptions to this are comments that are rude, profane, or endorse a clearly illegal or unsafe course of action.

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81526

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81525

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81542

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81539

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81532

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81527

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81523

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81522

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/83297

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81524

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81537

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81540

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81535

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81531

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81529

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81534

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81536

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81530

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81538

http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81533

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http://mountaincfi.com/public/item/81417

The other day I was at an FBO and I overheard a conversation between two pilots talking about flying to Denver in the summer.  The one pilot who had flew to Denver last summer was relaying his experience.  He was flying a 182 into Front Range Airport and said he had a heck of a time departing, because he couldn't get the plane off the ground.  Finally, after using over 6,000 feet of runway he lifted off was able to just barely get a climb going.

This pilot had stated that he couldn't understand how any aircraft could ever fly in or out of an airport like Leadville since he had so much trouble going to Denver.

I was intrigued by this conversation and decided to introduce myself as a pilot from Colorado and ask some questions.  It turns out the plane was loaded properly, well below gross, the pilot, his wife, and maybe 75-100 pounds of bags.  He had taken off into the wind of 7 kts.  The temp was 95, and that was a factor to the performance, but as I asked more questions the real problem became evident.  This pilot had used 20 degrees of flaps.  His thinking was that more was better, and a short field procedure of 10 degrees should be adapted to high altitude procedure of 20 degrees of flaps.  WRONG!

The reality of the situation is just the opposite.  Generally speaking, the first flap setting usually adds more lift than drag, the second, third or even forth flap settings on most aircraft add more drag than lift.  The better procedure would have been to use no flaps, or at the most use the 10 degree setting.

I explained that the 182 is a very capable machine, he just needed a different procedure.  I also explained that I had flown 150hp 172's to and from Leadville (not in 95 degree temps though).

So what is a good procedure for takeoff from a high altitude airport?  First we'll assume you have evaluated the wind, temp, aircraft performance, weight and balance and have concluded that the attempted takeoff is within the capabilities of the aircraft.

If that's the case then the procedure I like to use is to taxi into position using every available foot of runway, lock the brakes, engine to full power, and flaps in the up position (i'll get to using flaps in a second).  When you're ready for the takeoff run, release the brakes.  Once you get the aircraft in the air keep it close to the ground to use ground effect to accelerate (Ground effect is a reduction in drag caused by being close to the ground in flight).  Once airborne in the ground effect you may want to retract flaps if you had used them as well as landing gear.  As the plane accelerates past Vy then it will handle and climb better than if it were at or below Vy.

As you were doing the takeoff run, if you got to the 1/2 way point of the runway and you're not airborne or close to airborne then you can extend the first setting of flaps.  The benefit of doing this during the takeoff run is that the aircraft will initially accelerate faster without flaps.

Every aircraft is different, this procedure may not be corect for some aircraft, but this will work well for many small single and multi-engine aircraft.

During a lesson today at Eagle Airport as we were taxing back to the ramp a completely unannounced aircraft suddenenly appeared on short final and proceeded to do touch-and-go's.  Consider that Eagle Airport is a tower controlled airport with as many as 1000 operations per day.  Eagle airport serves a variety of military, airline, corporate, and general aviation aircraft.

The unannouced aircraft was obviously confused about their position, as they probably thought they were in Rifle instead.  This incident illustrates the necessity for the pilot to continuously look for traffic in all situations and all types of airspace.  Even at controlled airports there is the possibility for controller and pilot mistakes that could put at risk your aircraft.

The pilot should continuously scan the sky in 10 degree increments.  In addition, there are obvious places to look for traffic that presents specific hazards.  When changing heading look in the direction of the turn and behind for aircraft that may collide from behind and the side.  Before taking the runway for takeoff look at the approach course to each end of that runway.  On final consider the possiblity of aircraft below or above your aircraft.

I'm sure many of you have had your plans for an early morning departure squashed due to a frost covered airplane.  I know I have!

So what do you do about it?  Simply ignoring the issue isn't an option.  The wing needs to be clean.  This can be accomplished by placing the plane in the sun, deicing, or removing the frost by some other means.

Some instructors indicate that if the frosty surface is polished to remove the coarse stuff than that's good enough.  I disagree, that violates the clean wing concept and opens the door to personal interpetation.

One instructor I talked to indicated that the frost could be polished until it is completely removed using a rag.  Another instructor said a good way to remove the frost is to use a rope, and stand behind the wing and run the rope over the wing and back under then take each end in one hand and run it back and forth to remove the frost.

The point is though, that the wing needs to be clean.  Not polished frost, if it's frost, you either continue polishing until it's all gone or if it's ice and doesn't need polishing then it's a different problem that is equally unacceptable. I think "clean wing" is the key word, it's either "clean" or it's not. There is no in-between, as something less than a "clean wing" being taught as acceptable invites a pilot to make their own interpretation as to whether the condition requires addressing before flight or not.

Simply from reading the headline some of you may respond "that's crazy."  In reality night flight through the mountains can be more dangerous, but there are things a pilot can do to minimize the risk.  If you pick the right night, night flight in the mountains can also be very rewarding.

I spent yesterday evening on a flight with a student traveling from Eagle Airport to Denver International and back.  The flight departed and returned to Eagle in the dark.  The flight itself was very enjoyable, and a pleasure to do.

In itself, night flight can be hazardous.  Add a crossing of the Colorado Rockies and the hazards only increase.  As I told my student, there are things a pilot can do to minimize these hazards and manage the risks; the following are my thoughts on night flight through the mountains...

Night flight in the mountains requires the pilot to be operating at their peak.  This is the case for flying skills, planning skills, and medical/psychological condition.  If you're not fully 100% up to the task then it's just better to stay home.

Planning...

Planning is essential.  Get a weather briefing, file a flight plan, understand the conditions, look at charts, and review forecasts.  Review your route, draw it on the map, have nav aid info ready.  If you have a GPS, preload the route.  Do everything possible to ensure your attention is on flight operations and not on trying to plan a flight as you fly it.

Weather...

In the mountains at night is no time to be second-guessing the weather.  If it's not ideal, it's not a good idea.  If you're new to night flying in the mountains you may want to make your first voyage on a clear night with a full moon. In the winter, with a full moon there is an amazing amount of visibility because of reflected light off the snow.

Flight Plan...

When you plan your route, plan it with possible outs by over flying many airports.  Since airports are generally in the valley and not on the mountain doing so will also keep you over lower terrain where the visual reference of lights is below.  Just before you launch open your flight plan.  Also, if possible use flight following, ATC can help guide you and keep you out of trouble if problems do arise - remember they're a resource for you.  If you paid your taxes then you paid their salary, you have a right to use that service.

Physical Condition...

Make sure you're rested, well fed, and up to the challenge.  If that's not the case pick another night.  At night I generally fly higher altitudes, crossing the Continental Divide at Corona Pass at night I might fly 15,500 east and 16,500 west.  This means have Oxygen!  Oh... and use it.  Oxygen will make your night vision sharper.... if you don't believe me; go to the USAF Altitude Chamber Training.  Another important consideration is to allow your night vision to adapt.  I sometimes just sit in the car for 30 minutes in the dark before the flight to accomplish this.

Aircraft Condition & Preflight

Assuming you’ve done everything to mitigate the above risks, the largest remaining risk will be that of an equipment failure like an engine failure.  For this reason it’s essential to do a very good job on the preflight inspection.  The preflight can be a challenge at night, sometimes it’s helpful to do the preflight before sunset and then wait for it to get dark.  Do the most through preflight you know how to do, and then do it again.  It’s also a good idea to organize the cockpit so you can find things in the dark.  Have lights available to see charts, etc.

The up side of night flight is that it’s easier to find airports, see traffic, and often the air is smoother.  A night flight under a full moon through the snow covered Rockies is truly a unique experience that few people get to enjoy.  It’s definitely worth the extra work.

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.  Our primary base of operations is the Eagle County Airport, located in the heart of Colorado's Ski Country.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain and desert checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The goal of Mountain CFI is to provide the very best instruction and information for safe mountain flying.  Mountain CFI was created to provide a source for general educational information, ground instruction and flight instruction pertaining to all aspects of operating general aviation aircraft in the mountains.

At Mountain CFI, our specialty is providing comprehensive mountain checkout and flight instruction to aircraft owner/pilots.  If you want to learn to fly your aircraft in the Rockies like a pro, consider some flight instruction from someone with extensive experience flying in and out of all of Colorado's high altitude airports.

I try to add something to this site ever other day, so check it frequently for new information.  You may also want to consider viewing our site using an RSS news reader. 

If you have questions you would like to pose on the site please e-mail them.  If I don't know the answer I'll do my best to find someone who does.  I have an open posting policy.  I also like to hear comments about the site, good or bad.  If you have a different opinion or take on something please e-mail me and I'll post it providing it's not offensive or rude.  If you have any questions or would like to schedule a flight lesson please e-mail or call me.

Loren French

ATP / CFII / MEI / Airplanes / Seaplanes / Gliders

FAA Designated Air Safety Counselor 

The last 7 years of watching and participating in the business of flight instruction has brought me to the conclusion that the instructor community is not teaching students good reasoning and decision making skills. The message in the most basic sense is that instructors are constantly making decisions to protect students rather than allowing students to gain valuable decision making experience. 

Instructors look at the weather, instructors cancel flights, and instructors tell students what to do during the entire course of training. Then, the student takes a check ride, the instructor is gone from the picture and the student has not learned how to effectively manage and evaluate the flight environment.  The result is often that the student hurts him or herself and often others. 

There are numerous real-world examples of the kind of critical thinking skills that are not being taught. For example, most pilots have the idea that airplanes must land on runways at airports. Some pilots may recognize that a taxi-way is also acceptable, but consider how many private pilots make VFR flights into IMC as a futile effort to make it to an airport. Students need to be taught to think outside the box and consider a variety of alternatives such as... when the weather started to get bad turn around.  If it's too bad to turn around where is the nearest airport.  Ok, weather is getting even worse... while we can still see something a good decision would be a landing on the road of choice rather than a flight into the mountain.

Here in the Rockies, each year at least one pilot flies the direct route into high terrain without evaluating the variables (density altitude, aircraft performance, terrain elevation).  The result is a perfectly good airplane and an otherwise capable pilot hitting a mountain in the remote wilderness.  More times than not the result is death.

My primary goal when working with pilots (ATP's or students) is to teach the pilot what the variables are, how to evaluate the variables and the decision making to resolve the problems rather than rote teaching of hard fast rules and hands on skills.  This isn't to say hands-on skills are not important, but as John and Martha King say....   Bad technical skills will result in a trip to the insurance agent, bad decision making skills will kill you.

It is my goal as an instructor to teach students to recognize when and how variables play into certain situations, and impart a true understanding of how airplanes, the environment, and the pilot have to function together to make flight safe and enjoyable.

Loren French

Loren French
E-Mail: mountaincfi@yahoo.com

Telephone:
(970) 401-4104

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1611 - Gypsum, CO 81637

Probably the most important thing to know about me is that I learned to fly in the Colorado Rockies, and I have spent the last 10 years flying and teaching extensively in the mountains.  My students fly a variety of aircraft ranging from Malibu's to 152's, and everything in between.  I also have a BS Degree is Aeronautical Science.

CERTIFICATES, RATINGS & ENDORSEMENTS

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

• Airplane Single-Engine Land

Commercial Pilot

• Airplane Multi-Engine Land
• Airplane Single Engine Sea
• Self-Launch Gliders

Flight Instructor

• Airplane Single Engine
• Airplane Multi Engine
• Instrument Airplane
• CFI Expires 12/2009

Endorsements

• Complex Airplane
• High-Performance Airplane
• CFI Spin Instructor

Gliders

• Commerical Pilot
  

Glider Endorsements

• Self-Launch Vehicle

Ground Instructor

• Advanced & Instrument

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• Airplane Owners and Pilots Association
• Experimental Aircraft Association
• National Association of Flight Instructors
• Soaring Society of America
• Seaplane Pilot’s Association

EDUCATION

Utah Valley State College

• Major: Flight Operations
• B.S. Aeronautical Science - summa cum laude