Mountain-flying training stresses the dangers of what can happen downwind from a pass or ridge, but the windward approach can be worse.

By James Lockridge

Mountain flying is one of the more challenging but rewarding types of aviation available to most pilots. The scenery is magnificent, landing on remote strips affords access to some of the least-trammeled locations on Earth and it’s rare to find much of a crowd. Whole books—and careers—have been based on the skills and knowledge needed to fly mountainous terrain safely.

Indeed, the hazards of mountain flying in personal aircraft go far beyond what is normally taught to "flatlander" pilots in ground school. Most mountain flying caveats dwell on the vagaries of leeward hazards such as downdrafts, waves, rotors and resulting turbulence. The effects of temperature and altitude on aircraft performance also…