Challenging Airports Around the Globe

Challenging Airports, by a real-world pilot Chris Frishmuth, takes a look at some of the most exciting and challenging airports from across the globe.

We have endeavoured to replicate some of the challenging and unique approaches that can set the heart beating that little bit faster. Rarely are airports considered to be ‘dangerous’, but the combination of difficult weather, terrain, aircraft performance challenges, or unusual procedural parameters can combine to ratchet up the risk factor. That’s why many of the airports that we have covered in this series require special aircrew certification and training or at the very least an elevated level of respect, study, and planning to operate to and from that location safely.

The airports in this series have been specially chosen because they provide particular challenges for the pilot. Instruction is then given on how best to fly safely into and out of each location while minimising the risk factors. Due to popular demand, we have selected a number of our ‘Challenging Airports’ articles and compiled them into this special volume. So, whether you’re new to flight simulation or a seasoned veteran, you will find many airports in this volume that will challenge your flying skills.

Challenging Airports

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Challenging Airports - Manizales, Colombia (SKMZ)

The Cordillera Central is the highest of the three branches of the Colombian Andes with mountains soaring to heights above 17,000ft....

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Challenging Airports - Gilgit, Pakistan (OPGT)

We travel to Gilgit, deep in the mountainous region of northern Pakistan. Serving the local population of nearly a quarter of a million people, the airport is an important gateway to the area via the capital city of Islamabad.

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Challenging Airports - Sucre, Bolivia (SLSU)

Challenging Airports - Sucre, Bolivia (SLSU)

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Challenging Airports - Bolzano, Italy (LIPB)

Challenging Airports - Bolzano, Italy (LIPB)

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Challenging Airports - Lord Howe Island (YLHI)

Challenging Airports - Lord Howe Island (YLHI), Australia

Challenging Airports - Aosta, Italy (LIMW) Feature Premium

Challenging Airports - Aosta, Italy (LIMW)

For the first time in his Challenging Airports series, Chris Frishmuth heads to Italy and the scenic Aosta Valley in the heart of the Alps.

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Challenging Airports - Valdez Alaska (PAVD)

Flying MilViz’s DHC-3 Otter, we take a look at Valdez, a small fishing town in southern Alaska that features a major oil export terminal, diverse wildlife, glaciers and world-class backcountry skiing.

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Challenging Airports - Ísafjörður Iceland (BIIS)

Challenging Airports - Ísafjörður Iceland (BIIS)

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Challenging Airports - Svolvaer, Norway (ENSH)

Challenging Airports - Svolvaer, Norway (ENSH)

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Challenging Airports: Milford Sound

Challenging Airports - Milford Sound (NZMF)

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