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 - Sparrevohn, Alaska (PASV)

For this issue, Chris Frishmuth explores a relic from the Cold War era. Located in the remote wilderness of Alaska, Sparrevohn is a US Air Force station that continues to serve in the present day.

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Challenging Airports - Pasto, Colombia (SKPS)

Chris Frishmuth takes a look at Antonio Nariño Airport (a 5,951ft elevation airport) situated at the southern end of the Cordillera Central mountain range in Colombia.

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Challenging Airports - Nuuk, Greenland (BGGH)

With links to other towns in the country and international points beyond, the small airport at Nuuk is an essential gateway to the region.

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Challenging Airports - Saint-Tropez, La Mole (LFTZ)

In the south of France, the sun-drenched shores of Saint-Tropez is the point of entry for the rich and famous that will take helicopter transfers to their private yachts moored offshore.

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Challenging Airports - Lukla

When one scans the globe for challenging airports, you would be hard pressed to find one with as many challenges as those presented by Tenzing-Hillary Airport, otherwise known as Lukla.

Challenging Airports - Saint Barthelemy

"Aviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect."- Captain A. G. Lamplugh

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Extreme Airports

Five of the world’s most extreme airports

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Challenging Airports - Akureyri (BIAR)

On this instalment of the Challenging Airports series, having wound our way around the globe, two years later we find ourselves revisiting Iceland.

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Challenging Airports Annecy - France (LFLP)

Tucked away in the eastern corner of France, the city of Annecy is on the doorstep of the high Alps to the east, with the gorgeous namesake Lake Annecy to the southeast.

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Challenging Airports - Petersburg, Alaska (PAPG)

We visit the isolated island community in Petersburg, Alaska, located midway between Juneau and Ketchikan.

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