Pilots Must Verify Six Key Checks Before Mountain Flights, FAA Emphasizes

Mountain flying cuts safety margins, FAA’s Flysafe campaign stresses each range’s uniqueness. Good ground and air training with an experienced instructor is foundational, yet each flight hinges on pilots answering specific questions before committing to a route. Loss of control—an unintended departure that can quickly lead to a stall or spin—is the leading cause of fatal general aviation accidents, and mountainous terrain is a frequent setting for such events.