Challenging Airports

Much like the bird of prey in the foreground, the Boeing 757 approaches Toncontín with leading edge slats and flaps extended as it swoops down the hillside on short final. Feature Premium

Challenging Airports - Toncontín International Airport (MHTG)

A flight that combines all of the normal challenges with high elevation, mountains and a short runway is guaranteed to pique the interest of those of us who enjoy a challenge. Such a place exists in the mountainous interior of Honduras, Toncontín International Airport.

Challenging Airports: Toronto City Airport (CYTZ) Feature Premium

Challenging Airports - Toronto City Airport, Canada (CYTZ)

Some airports are conveniently located in city centres and provide measurable savings for those who value time as a commodity. In this issue, we take a look at a popular near-city airfield that serves the bustling Canadian metropolis of Toronto: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

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Challenging Airports - Cochabamba, Bolivia (SLCB)

In this instalment of the Challenging Airports series, we revisit the Cordillera Central mountain range in Bolivia and explore the high-altitude airport of Jorge Wilstermann, home to a fleet of relics from the golden age of aviation.

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Challenging Airports - Samedan, Switzerland

We return to the deep mountain valleys of Switzerland to visit the fly-in ski resort of Samedan. Known as a playground for sports enthusiasts, a privileged few access the region via private and chartered corporate jets. While most of us might not be able to afford a single night in one of the exclusive mountainside resorts, we can take a crack at the journey to get there.

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Challenging Airports - Chambéry, France (LFLB)

In this Challenging Airports episode, we dip into the southeast of France, this time to Chambéry and the subalpine mountain ranges that precede entry into the higher French Alps further to the east.

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Challenging Airports - Donegal, Ireland (EIDL)

The coastal airstrip in Donegal in Ireland features prominently in the Landing Challenges activities section in the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. Don a windproof rain jacket and join Chris Frishmuth in battling the often harsh conditions at Donegal Airport.

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Challenging Airports Courchevel, France (LFLJ)

This Challenging Airport episode takes us to Courchevel in France – a small airport carved out of the side of the French Alps!

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Challenging Airports - Reggio di Calabria, Italy (LICR)

This Challenging Airport episode takes us to the seaside airport of Reggio Calabria. Squeezed between the Strait of Messina and the mountains of the Aspromonte massif, the airport presents somewhat unorthodox approaches.

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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.