Taking to the Big Sky

Jeanne Macpherson

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

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots planning mountain country flights should annually refresh their skills, review aircraft performance charts, and understand density altitude effects on critical airspeeds.
Practice specific flight maneuvers such as coordination, slow flight, full stalls, steep turns, and master short-field/soft-field landings and takeoffs, emphasizing correct airspeeds.
Prepare thoroughly for backcountry conditions by conducting meticulous pre-flights, securing items against increased vibration, knowing fuel consumption, and keeping the aircraft as light as possible without compromising fuel.

See a mistake? Contact us.

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.