Can y'all recommend some Utah-area backcountry strips that would be appropriate for a relatively low-experience backcountry pilot flying a stock, no-STOL kit, stock tire, late-model (low clearance) 182? It is turbocharged, which helps. I'm thinking Angels Point, Nokai Dome, Mineral Canyon, Delores Point, maybe Hidden Splendour and Mexican Mountain. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

I've had limited experience, hope to expand greatly this summer but I have been to and highly recommend Mineral Canyon (was in great shape when I landed there in January) and Caveman Ranch.

Mike:

Don't have to have it, but you might want to base yourself out of Moab and fly the first morning with Lavar Burton from Redtail. He is really familiar with all those strips and will have current data. It is not uncommon to have a rainstorm or other weather come through and render some / all of the strips unusable for a period of time. So he will have current of info and can help you get your feet with your first time out. In 2 hours time, you could go to most of those strips.

If you go it alone, all those strips sound like good choices. If you don't already have Fly Utah by Hanselman, I would highly recommend it.

Have fun! it is a beautiful spot to spend a few days flying.

Regards, Larry

88H wrote:Mike:

Don't have to have it, but you might want to base yourself out of Moab and fly the first morning with Lavar Burton from Redtail. He is really familiar with all those strips and will have current data. It is not uncommon to have a rainstorm or other weather come through and render some / all of the strips unusable for a period of time. So he will have current of info and can help you get your feet with your first time out. In 2 hours time, you could go to most of those strips.

If you go it alone, all those strips sound like good choices. If you don't already have Fly Utah by Hanselman, I would highly recommend it.

Have fun! it is a beautiful spot to spend a few days flying.

Regards, Larry

I believe Lavar Burton was the black actor on Star Trek The Next Generation .

Lavar Wells is who you want to talk with.
It has been pretty dry this winter but we recently had some pretty good moisture.
Should dry fairly quickly though

I heard Lavar wasn't wth RedTail anymore???? But they should know how to get intouch with him. I think he lives up by Green River. Defineately the guy to fly with if you can. And a good guy.
gary

I heard he is in Hanksville. Lavar Burton might be a better choice because if you get stuck in the mud, they can just beam you out. I have a number for Lavar Wells from about a year ago. Not sure if it works. PM me if you want it.

You are right Jaerl. Mymistake. last i knew he was in/near Hanksville.

I flew with Lavar Wells 4 or 5 years ago. He is a great guy and very good pilot. His dad was the one that helped put in most of those strips. Good flying and conversation. You will do yourself a big favor if you can fly with him. Somthing I would like to do again.

Tim

Personally I would save Hidden Splendor until you feel comfortable at the others. Delores is a bit of a roller-coaster. Plenty long and wide but a tad bumpy for stock gear IMO. Come to the Caveman fly-in and I'm sure you can get a ton of local insight.

Sorry Mike. I stand corrected on the name. Don't know how I mixed Burton and Wells.

Maybe I had a little too many of Gary's Margs!!!

Larry

For a low time, inexperienced pilot in a stock airplane, I would say Angel Point, Cedar Mountain, Caveman Ranch (sign a waiver prior), Hite, Hubbard, and possibly Mineral Canyon. Do you have any mountain experience?

Most of these UT strips are a mental challenge when you are flying next to canyon walls via non-standard patterns. Mex Mtn, Hidden Splendor, and Delores Pt are fairly easy strips with some experience, but I would highly recommend an instructor if these are your mission. Things can go bad in a hurry and various obstacles and terrain can be a hazard for pilots not familiar with the area (think wind shear, canyon turbulence, muddy conditions, ruts and rocks, etc).

Have fun and take some pictures, just flying the canyon country is the most rewarding experience!

MM