Forget taking it with you . I tried putting it in the tripacer and it didn't fit if you can believe it. It went all the way back to the back of the hat rack and I couldn't get the front of it in the door. Even if I could it would have rested on top of the panel. I just flew up there with it on> YOu won't take that much longer getting there and it's one less thing keeping you on the ground when you get there. Iceman

There's no way it'd fit in my airplane. It's tight enough with just me in there, I don't need to add a prop to the mix too. I'd probably end up shipping it, assuming I find something that I like.

Matt,
I learned to fly in a 145hp 172 in Flagstaff, and took it into Johnson Creek no problem. I did, however, abort a landing on final @ Big Creek due to squirrely winds, and flew thru the canyon for a LONG time before the 172 made it back above the ridge tops. I basically got a late morning start for the Big Creek run, and paid the price with the winds & density altitude. Then I went back to Idaho for 9 days 2 years ago in my 205 (260hp) and yes, I could haul more gear, but the 172 was for sure an easier plane to maneuver on landing. Sounds to me like you've done your homework....go for it...this is not a rehearsal.

Here's an underpowered airplane: Lazair.

It's got two 9.5 horsepower engines. It has been into the backcountry of Idaho. I flew into Smiley Creek with it during the summer of 2004. We stopped there for me to refuel - both the airplane and myself. Then went to Chamberlain while overflying Johnson and Big Creek. Camped and hiked. The next day, headed back south with a quick stop at Twin Bridges to refuel (from my buddies Cessna).

I don't know, but I might be the only pilot that has ever flow the backcountry with such little horsepower. I know my ablities and I know my airplane. With such limited horsepower and airspeed, I did A LOT of planning and constant analisis during the flight to be successful. Used the available lift and most of the flight I was over 11,000 feet (freezing). All the while, my buddy just took off and flew to these destinations with little effort due to the excess performance of his 182.

My life will never be the same having flown in there. Incredible scenery, incredible airstrips. I encourage you to be prepared, be safe, and go try it.

Just thought I'd share what can be done with proper preparation and IDEAL conditions.

Lazflyn.

Low & Slow, that's a beautiful Luscombe! When I was a kid my dad rebuilt a "basket case" Luscombe. I was the skinniest kid in the family at that time so I had the dubious honor of bucking rivets in the tail cone. We spent a couple of years working on that plane and I'll never forget my first flight in it. I kept looking out at that wing, remembering all the rivets I'd helped put in, and wondering if they were good enough!

Sorry to jump off topic, but just had to comment on that Luscombe.

I have flow a 120 into and out of many of the Idaho strips, but good preflight planning is a must. Like everyone else has indicated, know your aircraft and the effects of DA. Anytime I flew the 120 to the backcountry we made sure we were in early and left early, or were prepared to wait till late evening. It can easily be done if the correct preparations are done. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

prop

sanjuander -
Thanks for the complement. I talked to a guy a couple years ago that bucked rivets in the tailcone of a Luscombe, not a fun job by the sound of it.

She's a sweety, I've enjoyed owning her. She's up for sale now, but we'll always have lots of good memories.

John

Propeller26

I take it that when you say "we" that you were not alone and had your wife or girlfriend with you. In that case, I should do great. I'm going solo when I go and plan on being done flying by 8:00 or 9:00 at the latest. My wife isn't the greatest passenger under ideal circumstances, and being close to terrain and trees would just scare the living you know what out of her. I can't hardly wait and will let you all know how it goes. Thanks,

Matt

I had my father along for both Chamberlain and Big Creek, however, after that I went solo. It did fine with the two of us on board, but I definetly noticed the difference being solo. Last summer we took a C-85 Champ into the backcountry and also did just fine, but went in solo this time. Have fun!

prop