Backcountry OperationsRefresher Clinic

PLANNING FOR A BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE

Why The Backcountry?

So Many Great Places

Western Montana and Central and Northern Idaho have over 100 backcountry destinations.

These range from 1000’ bars to 6000’ paved runways with every imaginable terrain condition.

With all these strips, how does one make a decision?

http://idahoaviation.com/idahoAirstripNetwork.php

Airstrip Considerations

Strip length– Your aircraft might be capable of making the

landing, but what about the take-off roll?

Runway surface – Sod? Gravel? Sloped?– Factor in a safety margin

Geographic ConsiderationsIs the strip in a narrow canyon?

Is it tree constrained?

Is it a one-way strip?

Is there a go-around option?

Is the area known for turbulent surface winds?

Weather Considerations

Well before you go, research the historical weather.

Are the winds that time of the year typically favorable?

Do the temps that time of year suggest high density altitude?

http://www.wunderground.com/history/

Personal Considerations

Can you extract maximum performance from your aircraft?– Are you proficient with short-

field / soft-field techniques?

Can you land short consistently?– How well do you manage

your approach speed?

Safety Considerations

Johnson Creek Accident on June 28th, 2013. Two aircraft collide on short final.

There are some strips that are so popular that getting in and out safely requires extraordinary vigilance.

On the day of the accident there were reportedly over 100 aircraft at Johnson Creek.

Three adults were hospitalized and a 2 year old was killed.

Building The Short List

The answers to the previous questions will lead to a smaller list of possible destinations.

If you need to narrow the list down further, talk to pilots and instructors familiar with the area.

As you socialize your plan, the feedback you get will help to narrow the list further.

It will be good to have an “A” list and a “B” list that are in separate geographic areas in case weather precludes access.

RESEARCH AND REFINE

ResourcesContact several flight schools in the area you plan to visit and talk with their instructors.

– Discuss your interests, aircraft type, experience level, and tentative flight plan.

– The more people you speak with, the better informed you will become.

Search online to find discussion boards and other information resources.

Get some one-on-one practice with an instructor at a grass strip close to your home base.

Mountain Flying InstructionFinal Exam

Ground Training• Review the basics

– Weight & Balance– TO & LDG distances– Mountain Weather

• Review your flight plan– Are your destinations really

appropriate for you and your aircraft?

Flight Training• Focus on the important

aspects of terrain flying– Slow flight – Airspeed management– Steep turns– Interpreting sectionals

• Fly your intended route

Plan to spend at least a day with an instructor who is based in the area you intend to fly.

Consider meeting on the front range rather than venturing into the mountains uninitiated.

PACKING ESSENTIALS

Survival KitWater Purifier

Fisherman’s Vest

Survival Manual

Compass

Wool Cap

Plastic Leaf Bags

Whistle

Rescue Blanket

Toilet Tissue

Knife

Waterproof Matches

Fire Starter Kit (Vaseline Impregnated Cotton Balls)

Signal Mirror

Snare Wire (50’ 24-AWG)

Fish Hooks

Saw

Flashlight

Nylon cord or rope (50’)

+

http://www.mountaincanyonflying.com/survival.html

Personal Locator Beacon

Delorme inReach• SOS Function activates

Search & Rescue• Bread Crumbs

– Others can track your progress.

• Two-way text– Keep others advised of your

status– Receive WX information

WX

Many of the places you will be don’t have terrestrial communications networks.

In such places, the only option is some form of satellite based solution.

The Garmin 696 is a great option. If you don’t own one, perhaps you can borrow one for your trip.

Another option is to use you’re a two-way satellite text service to ask a friend to send you WX information.

Don’t forget 800-WX-BRIEF if you’re someplace with a landline.

Garmin 696 with XM

subscription

Flight Operations in The Backcountry

Make sure you know the current and forecast weather.

Slow down! You’ll see more, be able to execute a tight 180 if needed, and be less likely to upset people and animals below.

Fly on the upslope side of the canyon and maintain appropriate VFR altitudes. Cross ridges at 45 degrees.

Communicate! Announce your position when flying canyons and of course when approaching to land.

See and Be Seen! Use your lights.

Tie down your cargo! You don’t want it visiting you if you encounter rough air.

DENSITY ALTITUDE

Koch Chart

Airplane performance and critically, the takeoff performance, is affected by density altitude.

Density altitude is your pressure altitude (altitude that the altimeter reads when set to 29.92"), corrected for non-standard temperature.

The Koch chart is a nomogram that quickly estimates the increase in your takeoff distance and the decrease in rate of climb.

http://www.learntoflywithkris.com/koch_chart.html

In order to achieve seal-level performance at a density attitude of 7600’ max gross weight must be reduced 897 lbs. to 2404 lbs.

Density Altitude Effect on Max Gross WeightRule of thumb:A normally aspirated aircraft engine loses approximately 3.5% HP for every 1000 foot increase in altitude above sea level.

Example:Bonanza S35 with 285HP @ SL

2100 lbs. Basic Empty Weight

3300 lbs. Max Gross Weight

Power Loading: 3300lbs/285HP = 11.5 lbs/HP

Airport Density Altitude = 7600’

HP Reduction = 3.5% * 7.6 = 27%

Available HP = 285HP * 73% = 209HP

Equivalent Gross Weight: 209HP * 11.5 lbs/HP = 2404 lbs.

http://www.mountainairdancellc.com/

DA Reality Check

Unless you’re taking off from sea-level on a standard day, your plane is always operating at less than 100%.

The point of this exercise is to demonstrate the negative effect DA has upon aircraft takeoff performance.

DA Coping Strategies

• Take off (and land) in the morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

• Carry less cargo.• Carry less fuel.• Portage your gear and people over

multiple trips to/from an airport with a longer, paved runway.

TO/LDG DISTANCESPOH charts

Take Off Distance

Landing Distance

RESOURCES

Mountain Flying Online Resources

• AOPA Pilot Resources – Mountain Flying• AOPA Air Safety Institute Mountain Flying

Course• FAA AIM section 7-5-6 Mountain Flying• Mountain Airdance Flight Instruction• Montana Pilots Association• Idaho Aviation Association

THANK YOU