Article published on behalf of Simon Wittinger, Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA), the author of this Handbook.
The SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook, a game changer!
The SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook is game-changing resource that could significantly elevate the safety and training of mountain helicopter operations.
You can check out and download the English version here:
SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook.
“Nowhere else demands as much of man and machine as the mountains. The interplay of technology and nature in almost perfect harmony makes the impossible possible.” - Simon Wittinger, SHA
Image: The Air Zermatt H125 HB-ZVS flies into the evening sun. The majestic Matterhorn (4478 m / 14 692 ft AMSL) can be seen in the background.
This Handbook is more than just a guide—it's a living, accessible resource that’s continuously updated to reflect the latest industry insights. It offers a comprehensive look into the challenges of mountain flying, from flight preparation and performance metrics to hazard management in high-altitude environments.
With insights drawn from decades of experience and practical case studies, it serves as an invaluable tool for instructors, pilots, and safety organizations alike. Whether you’re aiming to enhance training programs or provide a proven resource for safe operations in mountainous terrain, this handbook is an essential addition to your offerings.
Why Promote the SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook?
The SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook is a:
- Rich resource: This 148-page, richly illustrated document offers a comprehensive overview of topics and guidelines grounded in professional expertise.
- Living Resource: Constantly updated with industry feedback and technological advancements.
- Tailored for Pilots & Instructors: From novices to experienced pilots, it provides real-world guidance.
- A Global Perspective: The principles apply to mountain flying across various terrains, including the Alps, Rockies, Andes, and beyond.
Learn what you need to know as a helicopter pilot in the mountains
Up-to-date techniques and expertise acquired over decades are clearly explained and beautifully presented.
- Flight preparation
- Helicopter performance
- Flying in the mountains (takeoff and landing)
- Flight tactics (visibility, wind, weather, cables)
- Emergencies and accidents
- Mountain training in Switzerland
- Useful checklists and links
In aviation, it is important to focus on the essentials, to identify the important issues and to act correctly. In this book you will learn, among other things:
- how to fly safely in the mountains by helicopter.
- how to recognise limits and thus avoid dangerous situations.
- how to make informed decisions.
- how to deal with emergencies.
- how technology and nature interact in the most harmonious way.
You can directly access here the table of contents: https://manual.sha-swiss.ch/en/mountain-handbook-reading-sample/inhaltsverzeichnis.
Learn from expert pilots
This Handbook contains expertise that has been perfected over decades. Renowned pilots and Companies have contributed to the preparation of this textbook and critically reviewed its content.
These Companies are Helialpin.ch, HELI-LINTH, rega,HELIBERNINA.ch, AIR-GRACIERS and AIR ZERMATT.
Ambitious young pilots will find the basics of mountain training in this book, while experienced mountain pilots and flight instructors will benefit from the expertise of luminaries such as Reto Rüesch, Maurizio Folini, Tom Bärfuss, Gerold Biner and many more.
Fees
Post publication note: To clarify some recent questions from the community: the SHA's Mountain Flying Handbook is available exclusively as a digital publication—there is no printed version. Access to the full handbook is granted via a one-time fee of CHF 69.00 (approximately EUR 74 / USD 84 depending on exchange rates). This fee includes lifetime access, with no recurring charges, even when future updates are published.
For a transparent overview of the content and structure, a detailed reading sample is available here:https://manual.sha-swiss.ch/en/mountain-handbook-reading-sample/leseprobe
References
Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA)'s Mountain Flying Handbook
Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA) | Swiss Helicopter Association
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