Been lurking here for years, didn’t figure I had much to add. I am a relatively low time pilot without much time in the backcountry. Just about every question I ever had was answered with a simple search. I’ve taken so much from here - guess it is time to contribute what I can.

Recently I spent a week with one of my sons flying our 182C to Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming - an adventure to be sure. I’ll save the travelogue, but as a relative newb would like to point out a couple of things that rather impressed me.

The places:
I lived most of my life in the Colorado high country, so am no stranger to mountain flying - but this was way different. The mountains, especially in Idaho are far more rugged and confused, a maze as far as you can see with frequent zero-good-option stretches. Regardless of experience if you are not from the area budget time for a check-out with a local. If nothing else you are highly likely to make a friend, and you’d have to be thick not to gain a fist-full of new tools.

The flying:
Okay to be new at it, okay to go around, okay to go back to McCall/Challis/Salmon and try again tomorrow. Not okay to come unprepared. So many resources, so many helping hands, there is no excuse for just showing up. After seeing a sweet 150 handle itself like nobody’s biz, I would say the homework is worth as much safety margin as the horsepower (and cheaper, too!).

The people:
To this point I thought I was in it for the flying - but let me tell you about the people… I didn’t meet a single stranger. People watched me do stupid first time things, then invited me to join them around the campfire while they related their own similar experiences. Certain individuals at certain strips invited us over for the evening as we waited out the weather. Certain Cub drivers that we never met before lead us over better routes. Certain Aviation Foundations (Recreational in nature as I recall) had just the week before completely reconditioned and revamped a camp area we visited, and when I dropped them a line they responded immediately. And on and on and on it went.

I am hard pressed to think of another community with this kind of consistent welcoming support. So, for all us newbs, get solid, get some help, and go do it. It’s a guaranteed life experience that will likely cement a life-long obsession. My boy will no doubt vividly remember this specific trip when he is 60 - is there sweeter success than that?

I’m out. I offer a sincere thank you to all those we crossed paths with, you single-handedly improved the quality of our existence.


https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM ... LDtNux0fpl
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipO ... l3EPsg5fQZ

Well, that was a great statement, and welcome to what has attracted so many of us to backcountry flying. Glad you had a great trip. I sure hope you write up a trip report to share with all. Thanks for giving back to the BCP community.

It's the most rewarding flying out there, for many reasons beyond the scenery. My first backcountry flights were at about 125hrs TT, and in our first landings back at the city airport, my wife immediately noticed the difference in how precise and focused I was flying - it really does get you sharper to spend time back there, which is best done after first spending time on here. Photos aren't loading, would be fun to see - thanks for sharing!