Pacific NW Mountain Flying Seminar
As pilots, flying in the Pacific Northwest gives us access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, thanks to the dynamic physical geography of this incredible region. A short hop in a general aviation airplane can take you from the Pacific Ocean, across the Olympic coastal mountain range, over the Puget Sound, and deep into the Cascade mountain range. It's one of the greatest privileges of being a pilot in Washington.
But flying in and around mountainous terrain also comes with unique challenges and increased risks that every PNW pilot should be prepared for. That's why Safety In Motion Flight Center is proud to offer the Pacific Northwest Mountain Flying Seminar, led by Chief Flight Instructor Shawn Pratt.
This 2.5-hour ground school seminar focuses on flight planning and operational considerations for flying in and around the mountainous terrain of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a Private Pilot exploring the region for the first time or a seasoned flyer looking to sharpen your mountain flying skills, this seminar is a valuable and practical investment in your safety and confidence as a pilot.
This ground school clinic is a great introduction to mountain flying.
What You’ll Learn
The seminar covers the key topics every pilot needs to understand before venturing into PNW mountain flying:
Dynamics of PNW Mountainous Terrain
Mountain Weather & Meteorology
Route Planning
Performance Planning
Confined Area Maneuvering
Precautionary and Emergency Landing Considerations
Survival Techniques and Considerations
Handouts are provided for all attendees.
Seminar Details
Puyallup Location — Pierce County Airport/Thun Field (KPLU) 📅 Sunday, April 13th 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Upstairs Conference Area, Safety In Motion Flight Center
Olympia Location — Olympia Regional Airport (KOLM) 📅 Wednesday, April 23rd 🕕 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Upstairs Classroom, Safety In Motion Flight Center
Tuition: $50 per person (Payment is due at time of scheduling. Tuition is non-refundable.)
How to Register:
Call us at 253-840-5758 - Or click the button below.
About the Instructor:
Shawn Pratt grew up in Sitka, Alaska with his family routinely flying to explore SE Alaska in a rented seaplane, and it was there that he got his first taste of the freedom of general aviation. Shawn has flown in and around the Appalachian, Rocky, Cascade, Olympic, and Sierra mountains, as well as Alaska. Shawn has additionally flown several small aircraft across the country through challenging terrain and weather conditions developing his passion and excitement for mountain flight.
Shawn is the Director of Operations/Chief Pilot at Safety in Motion Flight Center located at Thun Field in Puyallup, WA. He holds ATP, CFI Gold Seal, and AGI certificates, manages two flight schools and FBOs, and additionally works as a charter and corporate pilot. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge and experience to his fellow aviators. Learn more about Shawn and all our Instructors.
Learn more about our Flight Courses!
If you plan to visit airports in or close to mountainous terrain, schedule mountain flight training with a reputable school/instructor to gain experience. Your investment of time and money into learning about mountain flight will pay off as you will be able to operate safely in and around the awesome terrain we are lucky to have in our “backyard!”
