Is Aspen Airport the USA's Most Extreme Airport? #AirportsRevealed

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport may be the most extreme airport in the USA. It’s got a relatively short and narrow runway, surrounded by mountains, subject to unpredictable weather, and requires unusual operations to safely operate. In short, simply getting to Aspen is an adventure because it is the most extreme airport in the USA.

0:00 Introduction and Overview
2:15 Departing Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for the Extreme Aspen Airport
4:14 Onboard American Eagle CRJ700 for the Extreme Aspen Airport
6:08 Beginning the Extreme Aspen Airport Landing
6:50 Final Approach for the Extreme Aspen Airport Landing
7:57 Exploring Aspen Airport Terminal
8:46 Aspen Airport Boarding, Taxi, and De-Icing
10:23 Extreme Aspen Airport Take-off
11:20 Landing at Denver International Airport

In this video, I’ll highlight some of what makes Aspen Airport the most extreme airport in the USA. We flew into Aspen Airport with American Eagle on a CRJ-700 from Dallas and back out on a United Express CRJ-700 to Denver. Our flights to and from Aspen Airport were smooth and on-time, while also offering the opportunity to see the incredible Rocky Mountain landscape laid out below us. Flying in the Rocky Mountains presents some unbelievable views for passengers heading to Aspen. The views from the windows were some of my most memorable -- it's impossible not to be amazed byRocky Mountain Flying!

We explore the approach and departure from Aspen Airport along with a bit of the action inside the Aspen Airport terminal.

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Music:
Malleable – Peter Sandberg
Mountain Spring High – Gabriel Lewis
Into The Blue – Luwaks
Midnight Zenith – Luwaks
Parallax – Luwaks
Timeless Clouds – Luwaks
The Warmth of The Sun On Her Skin – Peter Sandberg
Below Horizon – Luwak

[thepod]

SkyWest pilot here! The interesting thing about our Aspen ops is that the pilots have what's known as a DMA schedule (Designated Mountainous Airports). The bulk of their flying each month is into these DMA airports which have these special departure/arrival procedures. Not to mention that they are re-tested on these (either in the simulator or on the line with a line check captain) every six months. In other words, these pilots go into Aspen and other DMA airports multiple times a week and truly know what they're doing!

[SAFFY]

Yes! We would like to see in-depth reviews of airports, exactly like the Cincinnati one.
Regards,
Everyone :)

[jakeelenbaas]

I work Aircraft Maintenance in Aspen for Skywest Airlines (Regional Carrier for both United and American in Aspen). I would like to thank you for flying with us. At 8:51 you can see me assisting the Ramp Crew in Marshaling the Aircraft next to yours out in the morning. I am off to the left of the aircraft you were boarding to Denver. I even fired up the aircraft you flew out on and warmed it up for everyone that morning.

[brandonaviation]

One interesting airport I would recommend: Santa Ana John Wayne Airport

[sbeve]

It's actually really heartening to hear you give thanks to the folks who were able to build this airport and acknowledge the work that went into it. It's great to hear someone not overlook that!

[Bobbydigital]

Love DFW! I have flown in and out of that airport 6 times! Please do a video about it!

[saxmanb]

Fun fact: the CRJ-700 is the only commercial jet that has the required single engine performance to go into ASE. (That and the Q-400, I believe.) The real kicker are the special "extraction" procedures the pilots have to do when one engine fails after takeoff or on approach. SkyWest is the only airline that currently operates in there too right now flying for AA, DL, and UA.

And yes, do one about DFW, my home airport. I may even have some contacts for you if you like.

[kendrickcantrell]

Great YouTube as always. I was a Dispatcher for Frontier Lynx Aviation, and we sent five flights a day from Denver. Every flight was closely monitored for safety of flight. I canceled many flights, delayed and diverted more then I can count. Fantastic Airport! I loved every headache that came with it from an airline operations side.

[parkerbock]

You should do DIA! It’s a crazy airport with a ton of hidden “apocalyptic” secrets

[joshjohnston]

I would love a detailed review of Dallas. Many of the flights from my local regional airports route thru DFW

[usaviation]

You should do Eagle-Vail Rgnl Airport, or KEGE. Great vid btw!

[holdensaunders]

Awesome stuff! From all your ASE crews, glad to have you - and glad you enjoyed it! It's quite the airport.

[kendrickcantrell]

TEX Telluride, Colorado is the highest commercial airport in the US another great airport to highlight.

[tstidm]

How about Orlando International airport? It’s one of the largest/busiest non-hub airports in the world.

[ryanpavliga]

This reminds me so much of your flight to St. Helena!

[ThePeaPodFamily]

I just flew into this airport just after Christmas with my wife and two kids. Eagle Vail is absolutely beautiful. The flight in is nothing too special. The crazy part is the take off out from Eagle Vail. One of the most extreme take offs I’ve experienced. Great video!

[puzzler]

Yes I would love to see more in-depth reviews of airports, I really enjoyed the Cincinnati one. Thanks for all the wonderful videos you present.

[moriver]

I worked at DFW for 10 years, and yes, taxing an airplane from one corner to another is about 5 miles. It's been improved but gridlock still happen. At Aspen, if it wasn't for the town itself, takeoffs could be allowed from runway 15, but you can only turn left after takeoff, and the town or, rich and famous residents would not allow it. Awesome video.

[MileHigh_Aviation]

I flew here before! one of my favorite airports

[sjwecks]

One of your best videos, Jeb! And “yes” to a in-depth review of DFW.