Summary Special training is required for pilots at challenging airports due to geographical, weather, and runway complexities. Pilots must undergo rigorous training, including simulator sessions, to handle unique challenges at Category C airports. This specific training is crucial for safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with international regulations.

Pilots undergo extensive training before they can command an aircraft, but certain airports require even the most experienced pilots to acquire additional qualifications. These airports present unique challenges due to their geography, weather, or infrastructure, making them more demanding than standard operations. A recent incident involving an Alaska SkyWest flight, which had to divert because the pilot was not qualified to land at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), underscores the importance of this specialized training.

We're exploring the factors that necessitate specific training and the rigorous preparation required to ensure safety in such challenging environments. The facility is closing in on 100 years of operations. Understanding airport challenges Landing an aircraft is often described as both an art and a science, especially at airports located in complex environments.

The difficulties can be broadly categorized into geographical challenges, weather conditions, and runway configurations. Geographical challenges Airports situated in mountainous regions or valleys, like Paro Airport in Bhutan, require pilots to na.