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Backcountry Pilot • Backcountry Etiquette

Backcountry Etiquette

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133 postsPage 5 of 71, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Re: Backcountry Etiquette

So, if I've got my 95% figured out on a paved strip and want to get my feet wet on some grass mountain strip, a 4000 foot long one seems like a pretty good option to hone some skills before going into shorter ones. Seems like a safe option to me.
The OP did say he didn't care what time of the day it was, you should never do touch and goes. It's pretty hard to learn with just one landing... yes they should have gotten out and had a discussion in between, and very well would have learned more that way. If they had done that and still did 5 takeoffs throughout the day would I still be an issue? What if he came back every day for the next 2 weeks and did a touch and go every day? That would be 14 instead of 5. To much?
Did the OP get on his radio and ask them to be considerate before going to the FS guy? Probably would have been a better way to go about this.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Scolopax wrote:
Sierra Victor wrote:People are rude. It’s a societal thing. Back when u could punch someone in the nose for poor behavior without fear of going to prison, people seemed just a little more considerate of each other.
Nowadays there are zero consequences for being a jerk and everyone acts like they’re the most important person on earth.
I don’t want to live forever anymore....too much bs.


Condemnation of your peers while kissing up to figures of authority was also a sound basis for punching someone in the nose before we became a nation under an overbearing legal system. The "my shit doesn't stink" busy body attitude is every bit as pervasive in our culture and even more annoying than rudeness for some of us.


Was this aimed at me?
I don’t see where I was kissing up to anyone.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Sierra Victor wrote:
Scolopax wrote:
Sierra Victor wrote:People are rude. It’s a societal thing. Back when u could punch someone in the nose for poor behavior without fear of going to prison, people seemed just a little more considerate of each other.
Nowadays there are zero consequences for being a jerk and everyone acts like they’re the most important person on earth.
I don’t want to live forever anymore....too much bs.


Condemnation of your peers while kissing up to figures of authority was also a sound basis for punching someone in the nose before we became a nation under an overbearing legal system. The "my shit doesn't stink" busy body attitude is every bit as pervasive in our culture and even more annoying than rudeness for some of us.


Was this aimed at me?
I don’t see where I was kissing up to anyone.


Not at all. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I was just following on to your point about society, the times, rudeness and identifying another annoying attitude that is very apparent these days. The initial post reeks of said attitude.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Alright, I'm going to hang it up. Y'all feel free to continue to debate. It's obvious that people aren't actually reading my posts because they keep getting the details wrong, so I'm going so summarize things here for one last time - please actually read this one.

- When operating in the wilderness, in particular, but everywhere for that matter, it's critical to be aware of your impact on other users. Pretty much everyone wants to ban us from these locations and the more impact we have, the more ammunition we give them to shoot as us.

- Courteousness means limiting your noise impact, in particular. And that means repeated take-offs and landings, go-arounds, and general horsing around in the wilderness is not appropriate. And yeah, I'm sorry, but in certain places that means even a simple in-and-out is unacceptable. These are not my "rules". They're no one's "rules" (except that they run counter to the spirit of the wilderness as determined by the government). This is merely a code of ethics that will help protect these sensitive strips in the backcountry.

- To set some things straight: I repeat, this is not about early morning departures per se. Please hear that! It's about abuses of this resource. Also, just to defend my honor, I did not go running to the Forest Service - I had been standing there chatting with them about the condition of trails in the area and a number of groups in airplanes came and went. Everytime, they'd whip out a notebook, jot down the numbers and then it'd be back to talking. I finally had to ask what they were doing. It didn't occur to me at the time that I could get on the radio and talk with these parties, in the future I may do that.

Guys: there has been a fight raging in Idaho and neighboring states for years over how the backcountry is used. I'm sure it's true in other parts of the country as well, I just don't follow them. Here, mountain bikers just lost a huge battle over their access. Snowmobiles have been getting crushed for years. Wolves are perpetually winning. Airplanes are kind of winning right now, but the increased usage spells our doom, in my opinion. My intent with this post is to simply highlight the fact that we need to be good stewards of this resource or we will lose it. Period.

I would again strongly recommend this community accepts the fact that we need to think about sustainability and incorporate that into our culture. I will leave you with the RAF's code of conduct (thanks for posting that, whoever it was). That these ideas are new here is deeply saddening to me.

RAF Code of Conduct:

1. Use "Pack it in / Pack it out" and
2. "Leave No Trace" practices.
3. Keep your aircraft/seaplane clean of weed traces and seed to prevent the spread of invasive vegetation.
4. Recognize and minize the environmental impact of aircraft operations
5. Go beyond applicable agreements, laws, and regulations in being considerate stewards of the environment and others who may be sharing it.

6. Act with courtesy to other recreators. Maintain reasonable distance and altitude and reduce your noise signature to a safe minimum.
7. Know wildlife refuge boundaries and seasonal areas of wildlife congregation to avoid low level overflights.
8. Minimize discharge of fuel and oil during refueling, preflight preparations, servicing and flight operations.
9. Avoid very early morning departures unless safety of flight requires a deviation.
10. Do no use sensitive backcountry airstrips for training. Stay long enough to enjoy their special recreational benefits.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Well, DavelD got quite a few breathing heavily with his post, but I think good operating procedures and etiquette need to be discussed and pondered annually. I started operating in and out of the Montana and Idaho backcountry in 1966, most these strips were "working man" strips, with very little recreational flying taking place. When these strips were grandfathered into wilderness areas, I don't think that anyone envisioned the popularity that would come from the recreational aviation use of these strips. Yes, the access by air is allowed as the laws were written, but over use can have consequences. The snow machine use in Yellowstone Park is a good example. That use started years ago and was very limited, but it became too popular over the years, so now you can only machine into the park with a guide, in limited size groups and the required equipment as per their rules. I don't care either way, this is just an example. We have wilderness airstrips where the number of annual operations are limited. I don't know if that number has ever been exceeded, but that limitation is there. Float trips on the Salmon and Selway rivers are allowed but are very regulated during the white water season. The point is, we are allowed to fly into the wilderness, but if that use is abused or becomes too heavy as seen by others(they are watching) we will still be able to use the strips as written into the law but the regulations could become ridiculous. Over the years there have been a few backcountry rangers that have tried to make life miserable for aviators because of what they considered abuse of "their" wilderness area, it was no fun.
It would be to our long term benefit to use good backcountry etiquette and operating procedures.
Well, DavelD submitted his new post above as I was slowly producing mine. He did better than me. I agree DavelD.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Here here DaveID and if I may add, your thoughts extend well beyond just the back country strips but to our lakes and rivers as well. =D>

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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

whee wrote:.... As I previously stated, I agree with Dave‘s point. There is an issue here and it needs be addressed. What I don’t agree with is him telling people their opinions are wrong because they don’t align with his opinion or interpretation. .....


Seems to me that's what damn near everybody responding in the nagative to the OP's posts is doing.
"Troll", "do you even fly", "running to the forest service to tattle" comments--
all unwarranted IMHO and based on possibly (maybe probably) mistaken assumptions.

My take-away from the OP is a suggestion to just think about what you're doing.
Follow the golden rule (and the RAF code of conduct)--
FWIW I don't see anyone ripping into RAF for basically saying the same thing.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

DaveID wrote:That these ideas are new here is deeply saddening to me.


As if this community has never discussed or promoted common sense courtesy, stewardship of resources and sensitivity in operations :roll:

The pity party approach and condemnation of peers is a big part of why your post has rubbed some of us the wrong way, completely derailing the conversation and preventing effective delivery of your intended message.

I fully agree with your message, but am annoyed with your condescending tact.
Last edited by Scolopax on Wed Jun 06, 2018 10:47 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Scolopax wrote:
DaveID wrote:That these ideas are new here is deeply saddening to me.


As if this community has never discussed or promoted common sense courtesy and sensitivity in operations :roll:

The pity party approach and condemnation of peers is a big part of why your post has rubbed some of us the wrong way, completely derailing the conversation and preventing effective delivery of your intended message.

I fully agree with your message, but am annoyed with your condescending tact.

HEAR HEAR!
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

pburns wrote:
Tongue-in-cheek, my good friend. We must be sensitive to it to ensure maximum fun


Thanks Zzz,

Until I saw your post my tongue almost slipped out of my cheek.


Yea, sorry about that, I totally missed your sarcasm until Z pointed it out to me..... Should have known better.... Pesky is a dead giveaway.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

I live right by these strips. Fly/pack/hunt/float them about 7-8 months of the year. Fly/Hiked out of Lower Loon last week. I know most of the the Part 135 pilots out of Cascade and Mccall so I tend to hear all the stories. I also have a good buddy that works with the forest officials to keep these strips open in Montana.

Out here, most of the time, the place is pretty empty. You'll get the floaters getting dropped into Indian Creek and the usual cadre of breakfasters into Sulphur Creek (love it) but generally, the vast majority of the daily flying is the Part 135 guys dropping mail/supplies to the ranches and the occasional and obvious training flights being conducted by the local mountain flying seminar folks. All cool.

This will be interrupted with the very occasional group of buddies in 5 airplanes strip bagging. They are usually all gone in a day or so no need to get too worried about that. While its not the intent of the strips, I don't think its too excessive at this time.

Then there is the Super Cub and 180/185 fly ins. Again, they are gone in a week so no big deal. Frankly, none of us fly much during this time as its just too damn busy in the canyons with folks that may or may not know what they are doing. Frankly, I like that its all concentrated in one week. Everybody gets their fun, the local businesses have a great week and the pilots get to go home with their log books filled.

The one thing that needs to be understood is that this is a wilderness area. Its just different than other flying venues. Frankly, no motorized vehicles or anything motorized is supposed to be there. It is a huge privilege that we are allowed to fly over it under the usual wilderness altitude restrictions let alone LAND THERE and use it. The poster from New York shared that none of their wilderness areas allowed landing. There isn't much wilderness that does. Idaho is a VERY special exception..... Because of the great and rich tradition of flying in the Frank Church Wilderness before it was the Frank Church Wilderness and because of some great lobbying, we get the privilege of using it with our airplanes. Pretty good deal. I'll bend over backwards to keep that happening.

But, it can change by fiat. Good stewardship and cooperation among all the users (including the govt) is absolutely required.

Finally, take care of your neighbors out there. I've met some of the finest folk out on the strips...... and I've hauled in more than a couple replacement tailwheels, inner tubes or put up the occasional stranded pilot when things have gone south. Its simply to your advantage to be nice as you might need that rafter's sat phone or that backpacker's extra freeze dried meal one day when the plane won't start.

Carry on.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Idahomike wrote:I live right by these strips. Fly/pack/hunt/float them about 7-8 months of the year. Fly/Hiked out of Lower Loon last week. I know most of the the Part 135 pilots out of Cascade and Mccall so I tend to hear all the stories. I also have a good buddy that works with the forest officials to keep these strips open in Montana.

Out here, most of the time, the place is pretty empty. You'll get the floaters getting dropped into Indian Creek and the usual cadre of breakfasters into Sulphur Creek (love it) but generally, the vast majority of the daily flying is the Part 135 guys dropping mail/supplies to the ranches and the occasional and obvious training flights being conducted by the local mountain flying seminar folks. All cool.

This will be interrupted with the very occasional group of buddies in 5 airplanes strip bagging. They are usually all gone in a day or so no need to get too worried about that. While its not the intent of the strips, I don't think its too excessive at this time.

Then there is the Super Cub and 180/185 fly ins. Again, they are gone in a week so no big deal. Frankly, none of us fly much during this time as its just too damn busy in the canyons with folks that may or may not know what they are doing. Frankly, I like that its all concentrated in one week. Everybody gets their fun, the local businesses have a great week and the pilots get to go home with their log books filled.

The one thing that needs to be understood is that this is a wilderness area. Its just different than other flying venues. Frankly, no motorized vehicles or anything motorized is supposed to be there. It is a huge privilege that we are allowed to fly over it under the usual wilderness altitude restrictions let alone LAND THERE and use it. The poster from New York shared that none of their wilderness areas allowed landing. There isn't much wilderness that does. Idaho is a VERY special exception..... Because of the great and rich tradition of flying in the Frank Church Wilderness before it was the Frank Church Wilderness and because of some great lobbying, we get the privilege of using it with our airplanes. Pretty good deal. I'll bend over backwards to keep that happening.

But, it can change by fiat. Good stewardship and cooperation among all the users (including the govt) is absolutely required.

Finally, take care of your neighbors out there. I've met some of the finest folk out on the strips...... and I've hauled in more than a couple replacement tailwheels, inner tubes or put up the occasional stranded pilot when things have gone south. Its simply to your advantage to be nice as you might need that rafter's sat phone or that backpacker's extra freeze dried meal one day when the plane won't start.

Carry on.


Best post IMO.

Cheers...Rob
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Agreed^^^
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Double agreed. Adult and civil. Thanks.
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Idahomike wrote:I live right by these strips. Fly/pack/hunt/float them about 7-8 months of the year. Fly/Hiked out of Lower Loon last week. I know most of the the Part 135 pilots out of Cascade and Mccall so I tend to hear all the stories. I also have a good buddy that works with the forest officials to keep these strips open in Montana.

Out here, most of the time, the place is pretty empty. You'll get the floaters getting dropped into Indian Creek and the usual cadre of breakfasters into Sulphur Creek (love it) but generally, the vast majority of the daily flying is the Part 135 guys dropping mail/supplies to the ranches and the occasional and obvious training flights being conducted by the local mountain flying seminar folks. All cool.

This will be interrupted with the very occasional group of buddies in 5 airplanes strip bagging. They are usually all gone in a day or so no need to get too worried about that. While its not the intent of the strips, I don't think its too excessive at this time.

Then there is the Super Cub and 180/185 fly ins. Again, they are gone in a week so no big deal. Frankly, none of us fly much during this time as its just too damn busy in the canyons with folks that may or may not know what they are doing. Frankly, I like that its all concentrated in one week. Everybody gets their fun, the local businesses have a great week and the pilots get to go home with their log books filled.

The one thing that needs to be understood is that this is a wilderness area. Its just different than other flying venues. Frankly, no motorized vehicles or anything motorized is supposed to be there. It is a huge privilege that we are allowed to fly over it under the usual wilderness altitude restrictions let alone LAND THERE and use it. The poster from New York shared that none of their wilderness areas allowed landing. There isn't much wilderness that does. Idaho is a VERY special exception..... Because of the great and rich tradition of flying in the Frank Church Wilderness before it was the Frank Church Wilderness and because of some great lobbying, we get the privilege of using it with our airplanes. Pretty good deal. I'll bend over backwards to keep that happening.

But, it can change by fiat. Good stewardship and cooperation among all the users (including the govt) is absolutely required.

Finally, take care of your neighbors out there. I've met some of the finest folk out on the strips...... and I've hauled in more than a couple replacement tailwheels, inner tubes or put up the occasional stranded pilot when things have gone south. Its simply to your advantage to be nice as you might need that rafter's sat phone or that backpacker's extra freeze dried meal one day when the plane won't start.

Carry on.


Well said Mike. I'll see you up there next week!
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Perhaps a study in communication is warranted here. IdahoMike's post, as well-delivered and as well-received as it was, didn't really differ in message too much from OP, aside from a little insight about the reality of the tourist season. The big difference was the tone. No one enjoys being reprimanded or spoken to in a condescending manner, even if it's deserved.

More flies with honey. 8)
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Zzz wrote:Perhaps a study in communication is warranted here. IdahoMike's post, as well-delivered and as well-received as it was, didn't really differ in message too much from OP, aside from a little insight about the reality of the tourist season. The big difference was the tone. No one enjoys being reprimanded or spoken to in a condescending manner, even if it's deserved.

More flies with honey. 8)
Exactly!
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Hot topic this being courteous to others hey! Guess I missed all the fun. I can't remember the last time I came across another plane in the backcountry up here. Not usually room for touch and go's though, just touch and brake. All the taxing back and forth sure does piss off the bears, next time I'll tell em their lucky they don't live in Idaho!
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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

When i "back taxi" on water I drop a line in and try to snag some shore grub, gotta love float flying.

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Re: Backcountry Etiquette

Scolopax wrote:
Sierra Victor wrote:
Scolopax wrote:
Sierra Victor wrote:People are rude. It’s a societal thing. Back when u could punch someone in the nose for poor behavior without fear of going to prison, people seemed just a little more considerate of each other.
Nowadays there are zero consequences for being a jerk and everyone acts like they’re the most important person on earth.
I don’t want to live forever anymore....too much bs.


Condemnation of your peers while kissing up to figures of authority was also a sound basis for punching someone in the nose before we became a nation under an overbearing legal system. The "my shit doesn't stink" busy body attitude is every bit as pervasive in our culture and even more annoying than rudeness for some of us.


Was this aimed at me?
I don’t see where I was kissing up to anyone.


Not at all. Sorry for the misunderstanding. I was just following on to your point about society, the times, rudeness and identifying another annoying attitude that is very apparent these days. The initial post reeks of said attitude.

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