Visual conditions from forest fire smoke can be a deceptive form of IMC, luring the VFR pilot in with the promise of initial acceptable visibility, then degrading quickly and unpredictably.

Landing off-airport is one of the most exciting and challenging backcountry flying disciplines, and requires some additional knowledge and consideration to avoid leaving your airplane behind and/or walking out.

Operating aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an entirely unique skillset and environment.

In the second part of this series, we cover operations on skis, and the unique challenges of safely landing and taking off on frozen surfaces, and most important of all: How to avoid getting stuck.

A safe trip into the unknown starts with strategy and planning.

Very little can be taken for granted when landing off-airport, so use every opportunity to evaluate the spot before committing, because the consequences of a bent plane in true backcountry are serious.

Weather is one of the largest factors in flight planning for any locale, but to a greater degree with backcountry and mountain flying.

Mountains are often where the most beautiful airstrips are located, but they present a very unique and complex flying environment for light aircraft in terms of terrain, weather, turbulence, performance, and remoteness.