Backcountry Culture

I appreciate David Jack Kennys take on the value of keeping up with performance and ground-reference maneuvers after the checkride (Maneuvers, September 2018). Ive found that they definitely help me to build confidence when Ive been out of the left seat for a while, and can quickly restore the feel of the airplane. The same is true when confronting an unfamiliar type or when assessing skills of a new pilot-acquaintance.

Editorial Staff

Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Adopt effective communication techniques from backcountry flying, such as active listening to ATC and engaging with fellow pilots through FBOs, online forums, and aviation events, even in busier airspace.
Maintain pilot proficiency by regularly practicing performance and ground-reference maneuvers post-checkride, using ACS documents for self-assessment, and scheduling flights with an instructor for validation.
Improve IFR flight planning by thoroughly anticipating destination approaches based on weather and available tools like ADS-B In, and communicating your desired approach to air traffic control early.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Thanks for Mike Hart’s article on all the goings-on in the backcountry flying environment (“Backcountry Safety Culture,” September 2018). I knew pilots engaged in flying those areas were a tight-knit group but I had no idea how organized their culture seems to be, and how important active communication is to reliable flight operations in rural, mountainous areas.

How can pilots flying over more-forgiving terrain and in busier airspace adopt some of these techniques?