Beginning in the Backcountry

General aviation is populated by individuals with a shared passion. From the outside looking in, we’re seen as members of a small and special group. But even within our ranks, some of us find a subset of our shared vocation that makes flying all the more appealing.

For many pilots, that means throwing a tent in the plane and flying to a grass strip with a dramatic view. Could that be you? As a primer for those considering dipping their toes in the crystal clear waters of backcountry flying, here are a few basics to get started.

Aircraft
Almost every aircraft is capable of backcountry flying to some degree. While it might be a stretch to try landing on a gravel shoal in an SR-22, you don’t have to fly a Husky with tundra tires to enjoy an impressive number of amazing places. 

Just one example is Oceano Airport on the Central Californian coast. It has a 2,300-foot asphalt runway in fair condition that most ASELs can handle with proper short-field technique. The airport boasts a well-maintained campground (fly-in only) and a beautiful beach just minutes away on foot.

Training
While a typical general aviation pilot has the skills needed to fly from one paved runway to another, additional knowledge and skills are necessary to keep backcountry flying fun instead of fraught.

A fairly common first step is to operate on a grass strip. Many GA pilots have never done so, and no two are exactly alike. Learning how to judge the condition of a plant-based runway is a necessary addition to your skill set that will also inform a new element of aeronautical decision-making.

Broadly, there are two categories of knowledge and skills to consider.

1. Improving skills you already have, such as soft and short field operations, and refreshing your knowledge of basic navigation skills like pilotage.
2. New knowledge you’ll need to acquire, such as how to conduct a preflight briefing for an airstrip that doesn’t appear on any sectionals.  

These examples only scratch the surface. Fortunately, many wisened backcountry flyers are eager to assist you on your journey.

As with any learning endeavor in flying, two people will be critical to your success: an experienced CFI and you. Find a CFI with plenty of backcountry flying experience and a history of teaching others to do so. 

A supportive community full of passion and advice can be extremely helpful as well. 

Community
One of the best is the RAF. No, not the Royal Air Force, but rather the Recreational Aviation Foundation. The RAF is a thriving community of recreational and backcountry pilots that eagerly welcomes newcomers into its ranks and provides them with knowledge, community, flying events, and advocacy.

Redbird is working with the RAF and various experts to develop tools to help GA pilots add backcountry flying to their capabilities. The materials will provide in-depth information addressing areas such as building all the required skills and knowledge, finding places to go, and even reviews of airplane-friendly camping and survival equipment. Keep an eye out for these assets to start rolling out in the next few months. 

Know Before You Go