Our Feb. 22 print issue will feature a special focus on Backcountry Flying and while we have a lot of great stories lined up (with a lot of help from the Recreational Aviation Foundation), we wanted to tap into the experiences and knowledge of our readers. We’re looking for your stories — Why do you enjoy backcountry flying? What are some of your favorite places to fly? What do you bring on every backcountry trip? How do you make flights more enjoyable and, of course, safer? Can you share any tips you’ve picked up along the way for new pilots who are ready to venture off the beaten path?
We’d also love to showcase photos from your many backcountry adventures. You can send photos and comments to [email protected] or, if you prefer, add your comments below.
I came across your publication only recently, and enjoy it every time it reaches my inbox. I got my license in the early seventies, and restarted my flying about two years ago, with a scant 75 hours in my logbook. Last year I bought a Piper PA-22 108 Colt, spent a fortune on it to get it to what I now affectionately call my 2012 Model PA-22 Colt.
My advise to all first time aircraft buyers would be to make sure that all the ADs were done, before you sign the cheque. This oversight on my part about doubled my initial investment cost, the rest was just “wants” as oppose to real needs. My Colt is in the air now, and I am loving being in the air once again. I fly around only locally for now, checking out some of the area airports, making sure that all is well with my, virtually rebuilt, winged friend. I installed a vortex generator kit on it, and I was quite surprised with the positive results. I am looking forward to flying in and out of the kind of strips you are talking about soon.
I have a blog going chronicling the ups and downs of a first time aircraft owner, and the enjoyment of getting back to the air. For anyone interested seeing the upgrades I made, or simply have a look at some of the pictures I took during my outings around British Columbia, you are welcome to have a peek. http://www.zerotimeaircraft.com
Fly safely and enjoy,
Ed
Don’t know what your articles will focus or cover, but there are several state aviation organizations dedicated to the back country experience…Idaho Aviation Association, Montana Pilots, Utah Backcountry Pilots Assn., Alaska Airmen.
Will be looking for this special backcountry issue at the Northwest Aviation Tradeshow & Conference later this month. This event will have a special two-day backcountry flying seminar.
Might be nice to see a summary of the books and clinics that are available for those wishing to learn more about backcountry aviation.
As early as possible, a pilot should assemble a safety kit for themselves. Few persons flying around the country in populated areas do so. We become complacent and we spend our money unwisely equiping the airplanes before we equip ourselves. Portable equipment (light sticks, aviation band portable radio, flashlights, whistles, flares, basic first air kit, portable compressed air horn, etc.) can often make a difference between survival and death even in a relatively populated area yet flight instructors ignore this as well as flight schools.
The Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho has to be one of the most beautiful and diverse places to fly back country. There are some 3,000ft strips for beginners or “mile hi” is a 750ft strip with an uphill dogleg left for the experts (and even then, conditions have to be perfect to attempt it).
Always fly with a Spot or some other sort of GPS locator (besides a 406 ELT) and plenty of survival gear.