Are you flying on the right frequency in the mountains?

Do you often fly in the mountains and are unsure whether there is other air traffic in your vicinity? We would like to share some feedback from a helicopter pilot about everyday aviation:

«I take the chance to write you to share an insight I often have as helicopter pilot in the Alps. As we fly around the Matterhorn, Eiger, or other well known summits, there is always a lot of traffic: helicopters, airplanes and so on. While almost all helicopters monitor 130.355, most airplanes do not, and this sometimes leads to close calls between helicopters and airplanes because we cannot communicate. Would it be possible to pass on the message to airplane flight schools, flight instructors, clubs, and so on that in the mountains it is very important to monitor 130.355 and use blind calls systematically, especially in busy areas?”

Therefore: Regardless of whether you are flying in the Alps as a motor pilot or helicopter pilot, we recommend that you listen to the Swiss mountain frequency 130.355 MHz in addition to the info frequency in order to be informed about traffic around mountain landing sites or to provide assistance in the event of an emergency/accident at a mountain landing site.

It is best to make a note of the mountain frequency 130.355 MHz when preparing for your flight or reviewing the VFR Pilot Guide Switzerland.

Further information:

Correct use of the mountain frequency