WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN FLYING WITH MOUNTAIN OUTREACH FLIGHTS
How your flight will be arranged –
After you have been approved for a flight and Mountain Outreach Flights (MOF) has received the completed paperwork, we will start looking to coordinate with our volunteer pilots for your mission. Generally, the pilot accepting the mission will contact you at least 24hrs in advance of your flight. If a flight cannot be completed due to unforeseeable factors (such as weather, maintenance..etc), MOF will contact you before the scheduled flight to inform you.
You need to have a back-up plan –
Pilots make the final decisions about the execution of their missions. A pilot may delay or cancel a
mission because of bad weather or other critical factors. MOF is also at the mercy and availability of our volunteers. In rare cases, a volunteer for your mission may not be available. For these reasons, we ask our passengers either to have a back-up plan, or to be able to re-schedule their appointments.
Smaller plane, longer travel time –
Your flight will be made in a small private aircraft that has six seats. These aircraft are not as fast or as large as a commercial airplane, so the flying time to your destination may be a bit longer than you anticipated. Missions longer than 300NM (345 miles) may need to be broken up into “legs” and flown as relay missions.
Weight limitations –
A small plane is far more limited in the amount of weight it can carry than a large commercial jet. Because of this, you need to limit your total luggage to a maximum of 40 lbs. Luggage must be softsided and no larger than what would be allowed on a commercial airplane as a carry-on. These limitations will be strictly enforced. Medical equipment, car seats, strollers, and other such items must be included in the 40 total pounds of weight. In addition, please be prepared to tell the pilot your weight, as well as the weights of anyone else who is flying with you. Please contact the mission coordinator for special circumstances.
Entering the airplane –
In order to board the aircraft, you may have to step up into the aircraft that is 16 to 20 inches above the ground, crouch slightly to fit through a small door, then lower yourself into a seat. If you or one of your traveling companions cannot perform these movements, that person will not be able to fly with us.
Noise during the flight –
If you’ve never flown on a small aircraft before, you’ll discover that it’s a much different experience than flying on a large commercial jet. The engine noise on small planes can be loud enough to prevent you from having a normal conversation. Our pilots will provide you with headphones to wear during the flight, which will enable you to communicate with the pilot and other passengers, as well as serving to block out most of the noise. If you wish, you can also bring your own ear plugs. On board the plane, you might hear different sounds from the engine as it changes speed. Be aware that, for safety reasons, some pilots request that you do not talk during take-off and landing, please respect the pilot in commands decisions.
Turbulence during the flight –
Small planes are more susceptible to air turbulence that large ones, so you might experience more “bumps” than you’re used to. These motions are perfectly normal and no cause for alarm.
Temperature during the flight –
It can be chilly inside the plane because of the altitude, even if it isn’t warm on the ground. And on a hot, sunny summer day, the temperature on board can also be quite warm. To ensure that you’re comfortable during the flight, please ask your pilot about the best type of clothing to wear.
No restrooms or food –
Restrooms and food service are not available on MOF flights. Please check with your pilot if you want to bring food aboard.
If you’re traveling with a child –
If you are traveling with a baby or small child, we suggest that you give them a bottle, pacifier or, for a slightly older child, gum to chew during take-off and landing. These items will help the child to equalize the changing air pressure, and avoid ear pain. If the child is under the age of 2, it will need to travel in a child safety seat that has the appropriate labels for use in aircraft.
No ground transportation –
Mountain Outreach Flights is unable to provide ground transportation, so you will need to make those arrangements or coordinate with MOF mission control.
Please feel free contact MOF for any questions regarding the information provided.