When and why pilots need special training for certain airports

Pilots undergo extensive training before they are allowed to fly an aircraft. However, some airports require additional qualifications even from the most experienced pilots. These airports present special challenges due to their geography, weather conditions or infrastructure and are therefore more demanding than standard operations.

A recent incident involving an Alaska SkyWest flight that had to be diverted because the pilot was not qualified to land at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) underscores the importance of this specialized training. We examine the factors that make specialized training and the rigorous preparation necessary to ensure safety in such demanding environments.

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Understanding the challenges of airports

Landing an aircraft is often described as both an art and a science, especially at airports in complex environments. The difficulties can be broadly divided into geographical challenges, weather conditions and runway configurations.

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Geographical challenges

Airports in mountainous regions or valleys, such as Paro Airport in Bhutan, require pilots to navigate narrow valleys at high altitudes and make sharp turns in a last-minute maneuver to reach the runway. Lukla Airport in Nepal, known as the gateway to Everest, is another extreme example. With a runway length of just 527 meters (1,729 feet) ending in a steep slope, it requires a whole different level of precision and accuracy.

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Weather conditions

Weather can be a formidable opponent for pilots, especially at airports such as Madeira in Portugal or Innsbruck in Austria. Perched on a cliff, Madeira Airport is notorious for its unpredictable and strong crosswinds. Innsbruck’s location in the Inn Valley, surrounded by the Alps, means pilots must be prepared for sudden turbulence and downdrafts (thanks to the 2,700-meter mountains that provide only one route to and from the airport). These conditions are why Innsbruck is one of Europe’s most demanding airports, requiring specialized pilot training, according to an article in the Derby Telegraph.

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Slope length and gradient

Some airports have short or sloped runways, making takeoffs and landings even more complex. London City Airport, for example, requires a steep glide slope approach of 5.5 degrees due to its short runway. Courchevel Altiport in France, which is mainly used for small aircraft, takes this to the extreme as its runway is on a steep hill. Landings can only be made in one direction and takeoffs in the opposite direction, regardless of wind conditions.

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Specific training requirements

Given this complexity, pilots require special training to work at such airports. This training ensures that pilots are not only familiar with the unique challenges but also able to handle them in all possible conditions.

Category C airports

Airports are divided into categories based on their operational complexity, with Category C airports being the most demanding. According to Falcon Private Jets, pilots flying to these airports must complete rigorous training, including simulator sessions that accurately replicate the conditions they will face. Examples include:

• London City Airport: Requires training for steep approaches and precise landing techniques.
• Sion Airport, Switzerland: Pilots train for this unique approach over mountainous terrain in rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Gibraltar: Environmental conditions include abnormal wind effects, turbulence and wind shear due to the terrain, and performance-limited landing and takeoff weights due to the short runway.
• Other Category C airports across Europe: Madeira, Portugal; Mykonos, Greece; Annecy, France; Bern, Switzerland; Chambéry, France; Lugano, Switzerland; Santorini, Greece; Salzburg, Austria; Innsbruck, Austria.

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The ten most demanding airports in the USA

Source: Honeywell

Simulator training

High-tech flight simulators are essential tools in this specialized training. These simulators replicate real-world conditions with incredible accuracy, allowing pilots to practice scenarios such as sudden wind shifts or equipment failures. According to Honeywell, training for challenging approaches like Jackson Hole includes simulating altitude effects and navigating mountainous terrain.

Certification and repetition

Once pilots are approved to operate at a Category C airport, they must maintain their knowledge through regular refresher training, which involves revisiting and practicing the challenging aspects of these airports to ensure that pilots remain alert and able to deal with their complexity. For example, pilots who are approved to land at Innsbruck must regularly complete simulator sessions simulating various emergency scenarios that can arise from changing wind directions.

Practical examples

Jackson Hole, WY, USA

Located in a valley surrounded by the Teton mountain range, Jackson Hole Airport presents special challenges because its high altitude affects aircraft performance and the mountainous terrain requires careful planning of arrivals and departures, as was recently highlighted by the Alaska SkyWest flight incident.

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Nepal

Often described as the world’s most dangerous airport, Lukla requires an extremely steep approach with no go-around option. Pilots must control approach speed and angle with extreme precision, as any error could have catastrophic consequences. Training for Lukla includes simulator work and a thorough understanding of the region’s weather patterns.

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Madeira’s short runway and cliff-side location make it one of the most challenging airports in the world. Pilots must cope with strong crosswinds and complex missed approach procedures. Training includes mastering wind conditions and understanding the local topography to ensure a safe landing.

Photo: Piotr Piatrouski | Shutterstock

Why this training is necessary

The need for specific training at these airports cannot be emphasized enough.

• Security: This training is primarily about safety. By preparing pilots for the special challenges, the likelihood of accidents is significantly reduced.
• Operating efficiency: Appropriate training can help avoid delays, diversions and the associated costs and ensure smooth flight operations even under difficult conditions.
• Compliance: International regulations and airline policies often require special training for demanding airports to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The future of airport-specific training

As aviation technology advances, pilot training programs are becoming more sophisticated. According to Honeywell, AI and modern simulators are transforming training by enabling the simulation of more complex scenarios and better preparation for real-world operations. This trend will also likely expand the list of pilots qualified to fly to and take off from Category C airports.

Packing

Specialized training for pilots operating at demanding airports is not only a legal requirement, but also essential to ensure safety and operational efficiency. As the aviation industry continues to grow, the complexity of airport operations is likely to increase. Pilots must be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet these challenges and ensure safe and efficient operations in any environment.