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.
Start your flight skills review with coordination maneuvers and slow flight. Move on to the full stall series to really master control of your aircraft. Practice flying when configured for sight-seeing: powered back, perhaps with partial flaps. Do steep turns in this configuration. Consider asking an instructor to go with you if you are uncomfortable doing this alone.
Even if the ground is dry and firm, most backcountry strips are shorter, grass-covered and rough compared to your usual paved surfaces, so dust off your soft-field and short-field landings and takeoffs. Practice your short- and soft-field techniques together. Remember: consistently achieving the correct airspeeds is critical to success.
Also remember that your airplane is subject to much more vibration in the backcountry airstrips. Do a particularly thorough pre-flight. Tighten anything loose on the outside and secure everything inside. Know how much fuel you have in your tanks and know your aircraft’s fuel consumption. For backcountry flight, keep your aircraft as light as possible without sacrificing fuel.
Jeanne MacPherson is chief pilot, Montana Aeronautics Division and mountain flight instructor with Mountain Air Dance LLC. MacPherson is also a member of SAFE (Society of Aviation and Flight Educators).
