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Backcountry Flying Challenges

My personal advanced goals mostly center around backcountry flying. I have had numerous initial and advanced courses, and Ive been fortunate to be able to visit backcountry airstrips in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Utah. The better I get at backcountry flying, the more places Im able to visit safely and the more places I want to go.

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Key Takeaways:

  • The author aims to enhance backcountry flying skills to safely explore more remote and challenging locations.
  • The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) discourages "bagging airstrips" for practice, arguing that excessive use undermines the wilderness ethic, detracts from others' enjoyment, and risks future access restrictions.
  • A core dilemma for backcountry pilots is the need to gain experience versus the ethical imperative to preserve the pristine nature of wilderness areas.
  • The recommended solution is to build proficiency in backcountry flying techniques in accessible, non-wilderness locations before attempting landings in increasingly remote and challenging terrain.
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My personal advanced goals mostly center around backcountry flying. I have had numerous initial and advanced courses, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit backcountry airstrips in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Utah. The better I get at backcountry flying, the more places I’m able to visit safely and the more places I want to go.

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