What tools or references do you all use when you're headed to a new part of the world to decide what strips you'd like to vist?

Obviously BCP and shortfield are great resources, but you kind of have to know what you're looking for. Or just be willing to click open every icon on the map till something looks interesting. Maybe the best aren't documented, but spread only by word of mouth?

I'm hoping to head back to Idaho to revisit a few strips I discovered on my first trip there, so that's a starting point. I'd like to explore Montana a bit too.

thanks,
Chris

chrispo wrote:What tools or references do you all use when you're headed to a new part of the world to decide what strips you'd like to vist?

Obviously BCP and shortfield are great resources, but you kind of have to know what you're looking for. Or just be willing to click open every icon on the map till something looks interesting. Maybe the best aren't documented, but spread only by word of mouth?

I'm hoping to head back to Idaho to revisit a few strips I discovered on my first trip there, so that's a starting point. I'd like to explore Montana a bit too.

thanks,
Chris

I read everything I can find on line and then if something is available in print and looks like a good value, I'll by that to see what else I can learn. Word of mouth is great and I've learned a lot from others who are willing to share their knowledge.

For Montana, these are some links to begin with:
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/newsletters/aeronews.shtml
http://www.montanapilots.org/

Schafer Meadows and Spotted Bear are 2 great strips. I hear the Missouri Breaks strips are great places to camp as well.

Idaho has a lot more information available:
https://idahoaviation.com/idahoAirstripNetwork.php

Johnson Creek, Cavanaugh Bay, and Moose Creek being exceptional destinations with of course lots of other backcountry strips in between depending on what you seek.

For both states, Galen Hanselman publishes some great guides:
http://www.flyidaho.com/products/

The RAF also has information available:
http://recreationalaviationfoundation.org/airport-map

But as you already realize, posting and asking questions here is also a very good way of gaining information, especially if you describe what you are looking for.

The best places have been recommended by friends. So talk to people.
Cheers Rob

I use Google Earth and Bing Maps to identify possible landing sites. The satellite imagery on Bing is often more up to date, but GE has nice tools for measuring length, slope and altitude of any possible "runway".

Thanks much, guys!

I flew thousands of miles of pipeline every week and asked for different routes often. They just appeared.