Bucket List: Alpine Altiports

Nine high-elevation airports in the French Alps beckon pilots with a sense of adventure.

Julie Boatman

Thursday, May 05, 2022 at 02:25 PM ET

Verified

[Photo: Jessica Ambats]

Key Takeaways:

Courchevel Altiport (LFLJ) is a highly challenging, high-elevation airport in the French Alps, requiring extensive caution, dedicated training, and careful planning due to its unique mountain environment and runway characteristics.
Pilots operating at Courchevel and other French altiports must obtain an EASA-issued mountain rating, which includes site-specific training to address the unique features, weather, and hazards of each altiport.
The specialized mountain rating course is proficiency-based, teaching pilots to navigate dynamic mountain weather, fly close to terrain, and execute precise landing and takeoff procedures on steeply pitched runways, which is essential for safety.

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“The child who lives at the foot of the mountains considers with astonishment mixed with terror the gigantic world where there are entwined glittering glaciers and dark rocks, this world which is infinite, the all powerful.”
–MAURICE HERZOG, “LA MONTAGNE”

While summertime brings more daylight, the winter can offer better performance at altitude, and changing winds. [Photo: Timo Breidenstein]

Flying High

Courchevel (LFLJ) is well known as a challenging airport worldwide, with stunning views, and a staggering appearance to the neophyte and expert pilot alike. When we pinned back the curtains on this place, we confirmed that caution, dedicated training, and careful planning are key to enjoying this runway cradled in the Alps.