07: Courcheval, France
September 26, 2011 3 Comments
Courchevel Airport is a French airport that serves Courchevel, a ski area.
The airport has a very short runway of only 525 metres (1,722ft) with gradient of 18.5 %. There is no go-around procedure in this airport. De Havilland Twin Otters and Dash 7s have served the airport, but now more Cessnas and helicopters serve the airport.
The airport is considered dangerous, having a difficult approach, an upslope runway and a hill with ski runs. The airport’s elevation is at 6,588 feet (2,008 m).
Described by pilot, Malcolm Adam as: “A ski jump at one end and like a rollercoaster at Magic Mountain going along it,” this topsy turvy runway high up in the French Alps also has a short runway that would startle the most seasoned of pilots, but of course this little slab of pavement is only designed for charter prop planes.
But there’s an added challenge for pilots transporting ski-loving holiday makers here: a 18.5 degree uphill slope. Misjudge the plane’s speed and height and it could smash nose first into the runway. And don’t forget the cliff drop at the other end of the runway.
But there’s been no accidents here to date.. phew.
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Future posts on 10 most extreme airports:
06 – Kai Tak Airport (HKG), Hong Kong
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