Fellow Backcountry Pilots-

It has been a while since I have posted but the time has come again to discuss backcountry flying, safety and competency with specific reference to activities at Johnson Creek Airstrip.

We at the Idaho Aviation Association (IAA) have just recently become aware of a number of serious incidents and issues that occurred in June of this year at Johnson Creek. Ironically, none of these issues that occurred in June happened during any sanctioned or organized fly-in.

It is not my intent through this note to go over these incidents in detail, other to say they were serious and could have easily resulted in fatalities. Unfortunately accidents are not new to the Johnson Creek Airstrip as most of us are painfully aware.

I wanted to remind everyone that the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has published an SOP for those utilizing Johnson Creek and other high traffic backcountry airstrips, I have included a link in this note so that you can download the latest version of that SOP.https://itd.idaho.gov/aero/

I would encourage everyone to utilize the ITD site for the SOP's and other valuable and current information.

We also list a number of backcountry flight instructors on the IAA website that may be helpful. Additionally, a full backcountry flying course may also be a benefit for new pilots to the backcountry. There is no shame in getting instruction. Let me be clear - watching YouTube videos is great entertainment, but - remember entertainment does not replace competent flight instruction.

Enjoy the backcountry, but make certain that you and your equipment are up to the rigors of this beautiful, unique and unforgiving environment.

Safe Flights-
Dave Irvin
Director District 7
Idaho Aviation Association

Thank you Dave!

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Idaho but am planning on flying and camping through the week of the 7th. through the 14th of August. I will be dropping some friends off in Salmon and then on my own for a week and was hoping to get some time with an experienced instructor to brush up on my skills and local area knowledge. I was surprised that McCall Mountain flying classes are now $8500. … if you could recommend an instructor who bills by the hour (especially one with a lot of 206 time) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Mike

AZ Flyer wrote:Thank you Dave!

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Idaho but am planning on flying and camping through the week of the 7th. through the 14th of August. I will be dropping some friends off in Salmon and then on my own for a week and was hoping to get some time with an experienced instructor to brush up on my skills and local area knowledge. I was surprised that McCall Mountain flying classes are now $8500. … if you could recommend an instructor who bills by the hour (especially one with a lot of 206 time) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Mike

Mike, You should see if Dave can hook you up with Mike H in Salmon. If he can make time he would be a good guy to go out with.

whee wrote:

AZ Flyer wrote:Thank you Dave!

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Idaho but am planning on flying and camping through the week of the 7th. through the 14th of August. I will be dropping some friends off in Salmon and then on my own for a week and was hoping to get some time with an experienced instructor to brush up on my skills and local area knowledge. I was surprised that McCall Mountain flying classes are now $8500. … if you could recommend an instructor who bills by the hour (especially one with a lot of 206 time) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Mike

Mike, You should see if Dave can hook you up with Mike H in Salmon. If he can make time he would be a good guy to go out with.

Or Dick Williams, also in Salmon

MTV

Thank you for your well written post Dave! I encourage everyone to read the SOP documents on Johnson Creek and other locations (eg Big Creek comes to mind). https://itd.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BigCreek_SOP_Aero.pdf

As others pointed out, there are numerous local, experienced, instructors who can share key insights into safe backcountry operations.

I did a full day BC training with Dick Williams (Salmon) and can say he was fantastic

I did a full day BC training with Dick Williams (Salmon) and can say he was fantastic

Dick Williams or Mike H would be great choices- These guys rock!

Mike, You should see if Dave can hook you up with Mike H in Salmon. If he can make time he would be a good guy to go out with.

Dick Williams or Mike H would be great

Thank You Whee -

AZ Flyer wrote:Thank you Dave!

It’s been a while since I’ve been to Idaho but am planning on flying and camping through the week of the 7th. through the 14th of August. I will be dropping some friends off in Salmon and then on my own for a week and was hoping to get some time with an experienced instructor to brush up on my skills and local area knowledge. I was surprised that McCall Mountain flying classes are now $8500. … if you could recommend an instructor who bills by the hour (especially one with a lot of 206 time) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks!

Mike

What is the course? What’s included?

That is a four-day course, I just checked for the web address and see they’ve also posted some two or three day courses, here is the link https://mountaincanyonflying.com/seminars

Thanks everyone!

… Dave! would you happen to have contact info for these gentlemen?

Thanks everyone!

… Dave! would you happen to have contact info for these gentlemen?

Yes I do have contact info. Please PM me or email me.

Thanks - Dave
[email protected]

AZ Flyer wrote:That is a four-day course, I just checked for the web address and see they’ve also posted some two or three day courses, here is the link https://mountaincanyonflying.com/seminars

Those prices are atrocious.

asa wrote:

AZ Flyer wrote:That is a four-day course, I just checked for the web address and see they’ve also posted some two or three day courses, here is the link https://mountaincanyonflying.com/seminars

Those prices are atrocious.

I called for some Idaho instruction two years ago. They all were slammed a year plus in advance.supply and demand I suppose.

skyward II wrote:

asa wrote:

AZ Flyer wrote:That is a four-day course, I just checked for the web address and see they’ve also posted some two or three day courses, here is the link https://mountaincanyonflying.com/seminars

Those prices are atrocious.

I called for some Idaho instruction two years ago. They all were slammed a year plus in advance.supply and demand I suppose.

I get that these prices seem high, but it’s the market. They have clients who are agencies and companies who recognize the value of this training. The main point is to get competent training, regardless of the source. The McCall program is really solid, and especially good for experienced pilots who are newcomers to mountain/canyon flying. We often say here that it’s better to spend money on gas than on mods. It's even better to spend money on expert dual, figuring out what you and your airplane can do, and learning about how to fly safely in challenging places. Then go burn all the gas you can doing it. My $.02.

CAVU

Two more instances this week.One aircraft ripped off his nose wheel from a severe sink rate. The other a 172 who landed north did a 180 and took off south with a tailwind barely clearing the trees. Insurance rates are already high without preventable mishaps and accidents. Fly safe.

CAVU wrote:

skyward II wrote:

asa wrote:

AZ Flyer wrote:That is a four-day course, I just checked for the web address and see they’ve also posted some two or three day courses, here is the link https://mountaincanyonflying.com/seminars

Those prices are atrocious.

I called for some Idaho instruction two years ago. They all were slammed a year plus in advance.supply and demand I suppose.

I get that these prices seem high, but it’s the market. They have clients who are agencies and companies who recognize the value of this training. The main point is to get competent training, regardless of the source. The McCall program is really solid, and especially good for experienced pilots who are newcomers to mountain/canyon flying. We often say here that it’s better to spend money on gas than on mods. It's even better to spend money on expert dual, figuring out what you and your airplane can do, and learning about how to fly safely in challenging places. Then go burn all the gas you can doing it. My $.02.

CAVU

Still got the training, just did it in Nevada…..