Taking to the Big Sky

Jeanne Macpherson

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Regularly practice mountain flying skills, including reviewing aircraft performance charts, density altitude effects, and critical airspeeds.
Sharpen core flight maneuvers such as coordination, slow flight, full stalls, and steep turns, especially when configured for sightseeing.
Master short-field and soft-field landing and takeoff techniques, essential for the shorter, rough, grass backcountry airstrips.
Conduct a thorough pre-flight, secure the aircraft against vibration, meticulously manage fuel, and keep the aircraft as light as safely possible for backcountry operations.

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I have been flying the backcountry airstrips of Montana and Idaho for 17 years, yet at the beginning of each season I practice my mountain flying skills. I recommend you do the same if you’re planning a visit to mountain country.

Start by reviewing your aircraft performance charts, including the effects of density altitude. Write down the critical airspeeds and know how they vary with changes in altitude and aircraft weight.