Scott Newpower turned FLYING contributor Ben Younger (pictured) onto the world of backcountry flying through the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), an organization for which Newpower serves as the Montana liaison. [Courtesy: Ben Younger]
Key Takeaways:
The author, a cautious pilot, overcomes his trepidation about backcountry flying through a mentored experience with Scott Newpower, a Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) liaison, in Montana.
Newpower demonstrates crucial backcountry flying techniques, including precise speed control, effective braking, short-field takeoff procedures (like using flaps), and adapting departure strategies for safety.
The immersive experience and observation of Newpower's expertise significantly enhance the author's confidence and skills, transforming him into a more capable pilot in challenging environments.
The article emphasizes the invaluable, informal mentorship available within organizations like the RAF, providing practical knowledge and experience essential for expanding a pilot's capabilities beyond standard operations.
Turning final onto Runway 34 at Seeley Lake, Montana (23S), I was high and fast.
Normally, this would not be a good thing at a mountain strip with a grass runway almost a mile above sea level on a warm August morning. But then most grass strips aren’t 4,575 feet long and smoother than the majority of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
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Ben Younger is a TV and film writer/director, avid motorcyclist and surfer—but it’s being a pilot that he treats as a second profession. Find him on Instagram @thisisbenyounger.
