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Training & Safety Air Safety Institute Backcountry Resource Center

Backcountry Resource Center

Air Safety Institute Backcountry Safety Center: Aviat Aircraft Husky Flying over a mountain

Heading into the backcountry? Start here.

The beauty of landing on a grass strip

It’s no secret: Backcountry and mountain flying have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Pilots who participate in this sector of aviation have myriad reasons for doing so—a new challenge, a great way to sharpen their flying skills, breathtaking views, and a chance to get off the grid for the ultimate feel of freedom. Whatever the reason, the allure of backcountry flying is undeniable.

But flying in the backcountry comes with a unique set of challenges, and therefore, risks. The past few years have seen some troubling mishaps, so our focus is set on improving safety while making flying in the backcountry more accessible and enjoyable.

Be Ready. Be Prepared.

The Aircraft

The Aircraft. Three Husky aircraft tied down in backcountry strip.

Not every airplane is a perfect fit for the backcountry and the lighter, big tire airplanes are favored for a reason. Before flying off-pavement or into the mountains, consider your airplane’s strengths and limitations, like prop clearance, engine performance, takeoff and landing performance, range and useful load, and overall aircraft health.

The Pilot

The Pilot. Pilot standing in front of a Husky airplane.

Before heading into the backcountry, make sure you’re proficient and (ideally) have received training from a qualified instructor on backcountry-specific techniques like short and soft field landings, canyon flying and turns, and backcountry navigation. The most paramount area of required proficiency is decision making—in the backcountry, there is little to no room for errors in judgment.

The Environment

The backcountry environment

Higher risk, higher rewards: Backcountry flying provides stunning views and access to amazing locations inaccessible to most pilots. But backcountry and wilderness airfields are often remote, subject to unique mountainous weather patterns, and lack a typical airport’s resources like maintenance, fuel, and cell service. Extra planning (including contingency planning) is required before a backcountry flight.

Stewardship

Stewardship of Backcountry Flying is critical for ability to use in the future

We enjoy the privilege and freedom of backcountry flying, and with it comes our responsibility to care for the environment, property, and community that make it possible. But we must also make every effort to create positive perceptions of general aviation backcountry flying by being safe and considerate—avoiding maneuvers that could result in unnecessary regulations, restrictions, or worse, prohibitions. Let’s all do our part to keep the backcountry safe and accessible.

Learn more about stewardship with backcountry flight operations use at established airstrips in and around wilderness areas:
Download Idaho BC Stewardship PDF

Additional Backcountry Stewardship Resources:

Air Safety Institute Flying the Backcountry Risks and Rewards Webinar Series

Flying the Backcountry: Risks and Rewards Webinar Series

It’s no secret: Backcountry and mountain flying have gained tremendous popularity in recent years. Pilots who participate have myriad reasons for doing so—a new challenge, a great way to sharpen their flying skills, breathtaking views, and a chance to get off the grid for the ultimate feel of freedom. Whatever the reason, the allure of flying the backcountry is undeniable, but flying in the backcountry comes with a unique set of challenges, and therefore, risks. Be sure to join us to hear from backcountry experts about what it takes to be a safe and successful backcountry aviator.

  1. Backcountry Episode #1: Watch the Webinar Recording
    Being Prepared for a Backcountry Experience
    Join ASI’s Richard McSpadden, Mark Patey, and Todd Christensen for an engaging and informative look at safely flying the backcountry in episode 1 of this exciting series.
    • What do you need to do to get ready for a safe backcountry flying experience?
    • What skills should you sharpen now while waiting to escape for that perfect backcountry day?
  2. Backcountry Episode #2: Group Flying Dynamics Watch the Webinar Recording
    Group Flying Dynamics
    Flying alone in the backcountry is not a recommended practice for numerous reasons, but flying with a group shouldn’t be an exercise in military formation flying either. Stay safe while enjoying the spectacular scenery and amazing airstrips by learning how to plan and prepare for a group backcountry flight. Richard McSpadden, Sr. VP ASI and a panel of seasoned backcountry pilots will distill best practices, tips and tricks from prior group flights to make your next group backcountry adventure the best one yet.
  3. Backcountry Episode #3: Watch the Webinar Recording
    Backcountry Flying East of the Mississippi

    When you say “backcountry flying” most pilots think about those challenging airstrips out west in the mountains or high desert, but there are a lot of backcountry airstrips east of the Mississippi. Join ASI Senior Vice President Richard McSpadden and AOPA Pilot Magazine Contributing Editor Ian Twombly along with special guests from the RAF – Alan White RAF Liaison for MD/VA/WV and Doug Turnbull RAF Liaison for NY, as they talk about the unique backcountry flying opportunities in their states. If you’ve always wanted to go fly in the backcountry but haven’t been able to get out west, there may be an opportunity near you!

Mountain and Backcountry Flying Videos

Density Altitude Poster

Spread the Word on the Dangers of Density Altitude

Help the AOPA Air Safety Institute get the word out about the dangers of density altitude to every backcountry strip, private grass strip, and any airport you visit this summer. Request up to 10 printed copies of our density altitude poster, or download a printable PDF of the poster, and ask that they be posted at all the locations you travel to this year. They can be customized to standard density altitude for any location.

With your help and continued education on the effects of density altitude on aircraft performance we can save lives! Learn more about density altitude.

Backcountry Location Guide

Backcountry Locations to Fly:

Backcountry Watercolor

Additional Resources:

Backcountry Coalition Members: