Treat High-Altitude Turbulence with Knowledge and Respect

Mountain wave turbulence can be a great teacher that cuts both ways.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 08:44 PM ET

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If mountain wave turbulence is severe, use both flaps and gear and slow to just above stall speed. [Illustration: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

A pilot recounts undergoing a comprehensive two-day mountain flying course in Colorado, covering essential high-altitude techniques and navigating challenging airports like Leadville and Aspen.
During a mountain wave demonstration, the pilot and instructor encountered unexpectedly severe and life-threatening turbulence near Loveland Pass, leading to uncontrolled 1,000+ foot drops and violent aircraft movements.
The harrowing experience taught critical survival lessons: mountain wave turbulence is unpredictable and treacherous, requiring pilots to slow the aircraft with flaps and landing gear in severe conditions, and maintain ample terrain clearance.
Despite the traumatic incident leading to PTSD, the pilot gained a profound respect for mountain flying conditions and the importance of preparedness, continuing to fly afterward.

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It was October 2006. I had just bought a terrific, well-equipped Cessna T210 about a year before. It had occurred to me that with such a great high-altitude aircraft that I should take some quality mountain flying instruction. A friend had told me of an outstanding mountain instructor based at Vance Brand Airport (KLMO) in Longmont, Colorado, and strongly urged me to take his two-day course.

The first day of the course was basic mountain flying. We covered mountain and high-altitude basics. Where and how to crash-land and survive. How to prepare an emergency pack. How aircraft performed. And so on. It was a thorough and excellent preparation.