Vertical Limit, LLC is locally owned and operated in Albuquerque, NM. Our specialty is to train skilled and knowledgeable pilots in High density altitude conditions using Robinson R-44 and R-22 helicopters. We train pilots to acquire specialized skill sets in conditions that other flight schools do not have access to such as mountainous flying, high density altitude flying, high winds and much more. Our personalized approach provides the attention deserved by each student. Training in Albuquerque, NM provides an advantage over other helicopter schools and gives students an edge in this competitive market.

The United States military believes that the New Mexico environment and flying conditions provide an excellent training model for their military aircraft and pilots to train in. While other military facilities may provide higher altitudes, Albuquerque offers pilots a higher density altitude which makes learning the helicopter limitations essential. When the density altitude increases, the air is thinner, and molecules spread out which all equate to tougher flying conditions and a well rounded pilot. We provide a safe and dynamic training environment which is very unique compared to other flight schools.

 When you have experienced flying in these conditions you have a varying degree and higher skill level then your counterparts. Vertical Limit molds our students into proficient and competent pilots and prepares you to succeed in the aviation industry. Come take a discovery flight and see why Vertical Limit Aviation is the premier flight school in the United States. Whether it’s for pleasure or for career, we offer everything you need to stop dreaming and start flying.

BECOME THE ABSOLUTE BEST PILOT YOU CAN BE

LEARN TO FLY AT HIGH ALTITUDE IN BEAUTIFUL NEW MEXICO! 

New Mexico’s unique terrain, altitude, and weather have allowed our instructors to develop a path to teach you to fly at the Helicopter’s limits; High Altitude, High Temperatures, High Winds, and High Density Altitude. When you train in these extreme flying conditions, you will develop Higher Skill Levels than your counterparts that have developed their skills in much more forgiving environments. Vertical Limit molds our students into proficient and competent pilots and prepares you to succeed in the aviation industry.  Although nobody can guarantee employment, we pride ourselves in our track record of employment within the ever growing aviation industry after completion of our Pilot program.  We look forward to continuing that tradition with you. Come take a discovery flight at either Vertical Limit Aviation location in Albuquerque or Santa Teresa, and see why we are not only the premier flight school in New Mexico but why we are the premier flight school in the United States. Whether it’s for pleasure or for career, we offer everything you need to stop dreaming and start flying!

High Altitude

Regions on the Earth's surface (or in its atmosphere) that are high above mean sea level are referred to as high altitude. High altitude is sometimes defined to begin at 2,400 meters (8,000 ft) above sea level.

At high altitude, atmospheric pressure is lower than that at sea level. This is due to two competing physical effects: gravity, which causes the air to be as close as possible to the ground; and the heat content of the air, which causes the molecules to bounce off each other and expand.

Because of the lower pressure, the air expands as it rises, which causes it to cool.  Thus, high altitude air is cold, which causes a characteristic alpine climate. This climate dramatically affects the ecology at high altitude.

High Density Altitude

Density altitude is the altitude relative to the standard atmosphere conditions (ISA) at which the air density would be equal to the indicated air density at the place of observation. In other words, density altitude is air density given as a height above mean sea level. "Density altitude" can also be considered to be the pressure altitude adjusted for non-standard temperature.

Both an increase in temperature, decrease in atmospheric pressure, and, to a much lesser degree, increase in humidity will cause an increase in density altitude. In hot and humid conditions, the density altitude at a particular location may be significantly higher than the true altitude.

In aviation the density altitude is used to assess the aircraft's aerodynamic performance under certain weather conditions. The lift generated by the aircraft's airfoils and the relation between indicated and true airspeed are also subject to air density changes. Furthermore, the power delivered by the aircraft's engine is affected by the air density and air composition.

• Why Does Density Altitude Matter?

  High Density Altitude = Decreased Performance

  The formal definition of density altitude is certainly correct, but the important thing to understand is that density altitude is an indicator of aircraft performance. The term comes from the fact that the density of the air decreases with altitude. A “high” density altitude means that air density is reduced, which has an adverse impact on aircraft performance. The published performance criteria in the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) are generally based on standard atmospheric conditions at sea level (that is, 59 oF or 15 oC. and 29.92 inches of mercury). Your aircraft will not perform according to “book numbers” unless the conditions are the same as those used to develop the published performance criteria. For example, if an airport whose elevation is 500 MSL has a reported density altitude of 5,000 feet, aircraft operating to and from that airport will perform as if the airport elevation were 5,000 feet not 500 feet.

  High, Hot, and Humid

  High density altitude corresponds to reduced air density and thus to reduced aircraft performance. There are three important factors that contribute to high density altitude:

  1. Altitude. The higher the altitude, the less dense the air. At airports in higher elevations, such as those in the western United States, high temperatures sometimes have such an effect on density altitude that safe operations are impossible. In such conditions, operations between midmorning and midafternoon can become extremely hazardous. Even at lower elevations, aircraft performance can become marginal and it may be necessary to reduce aircraft gross weight for safe operations.

            2. Density Altitude

1. Temperature. The warmer the air, the less dense it is. When the temperature rises above the standard temperature for a particular place, the density of the air in that location is reduced, and the density altitude increases. Therefore, it is advisable, when performance is in question, to schedule operations during the cool hours of the day (early morning or late afternoon) when forecast temperatures are not expected to rise above normal. Early morning and late evening are sometimes better for both departure and arrival.

2. Humidity. Humidity is not generally considered a major factor in density altitude computations because the effect of humidity is related to engine power rather than aerodynamic efficiency. At high ambient temperatures, the atmosphere can retain a high water vapor content. For example, at 96 oF, the water vapor content of the air can be eight (8) times as great as it is at 42 oF. High density altitude and high humidity do not always go hand in hand. If high humidity does exist, however, it is wise to add 10 percent to your computed takeoff distance and anticipate a reduced climb rate. 

Mountainous Training

There is no universally accepted definition of a mountain. Elevation, volume, relief, steepness, spacing and continuity have been used as criteria for defining a mountain.[1] In the Oxford English Dictionary a mountain is defined as "a natural elevation of the earth surface rising more or less abruptly from the surrounding level and attaining an altitude which, relatively to the adjacent elevation, is impressive or notable."[1]

For a while, the US defined a mountain as being 1,000 feet (304.8 m) or taller. Any similar landform lower than this height was considered a hill. However, today, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) concludes that these terms do not have technical definitions in the US.

The UN Environmental Programme's definition of "mountainous environment" includes any of the following:[11]

• Elevation of at least 2,500 m (8,200 ft);

• Elevation of at least 1,500 m (4,900 ft), with a slope greater than 2 degrees;

• Elevation of at least 1,000 m (3,300 ft), with a slope greater than 5 degrees;

• Elevation of at least 300 m (980 ft), with a 300 m (980 ft) elevation range within 7 km (4.3 mi).

With that being said, mountain flying can be very dangerous if done improperly.  Vertical Limit Aviation teaches techniques to minimize risk when flying in mountain conditions.  Both High Altitude and Mountainous flight training are logged in your pilot log book as such.  This approach to training that Vertical limit Aviation’s instructors have developed allows our student pilots to gain virtual and practical certification and experience that cannot be duplicated in lower altitude and/or lower air density Flight Schools. For those Pilots who fly in a High Altitude and High Density environments quickly realize how invaluable this training and experience can be. 

Mountainous Terrain piloting skills are in high demand.  Often, access to these terrains is very slow from the ground, and in fact may not even be accessible from the ground at all.  When accessibility is there, reaching these generally remote terrains are fraught with dangerous and difficult conditions that can put lives at risk. For these reasons, many industries and government entities are frequently turning to private helicopter services to fulfill transportation, search and rescue, community policing, and surveying in these difficult regions. Specialized operating environments such as this require special skills!  Vertical Limit is proud to offer training in the special techniques and methods for flying in the mountains as part of its commercial training and advanced training for commercial pilots.

This course is very important for students planning for future careers flying helicopters in high density altitude conditions. However, this is also a very beneficial program for any helicopter pilot since the training helps to development judgment, planning, and decision making skills. Furthermore, the subtle flying skills needed to operate close to the operating limitations of the aircraft’s performance can be just as useful when flying at lower altitudes with high loads on a hot day. The training received during this course is considered every day operations for commercial helicopter pilots all over the world!

Contact Vertical Limit Aviation today to setup your

FREE Consultation Appointment! 

Also ask about scheduling a Discovery Flight during your appointment!

CALL (505) 831-HELI (4354)

Vertical Limit’s pilots are familiar with the metro areas at both of our locations. There are so many amazing views in the State of New Mexico we can show you with a new perspective and views you can only get from a helicopter.

Listed below are a few of the tours that we offer. Tours are also offered in 15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and hour long tours that are fully customizable. You my take up to three or four people on each tour, however, weight limitations may apply. Additional accommodations (chocolates, flowers, wine, etc.) can be made and customized during the booking process. (Depending on which aircraft is used, weight limit may apply).

For Pricing and Scheduling of tours Please call 505-831-HELI (4354).

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