Our “Backcountry Training Tours” are multi-day, tank-of-gas loops through the scenic mountains and canyons of the Idaho, Montana and Oregon backcountry.

 These loops are specifically choreographed to offer you a progression of training with an ever-increasing linkage of challenging un-paved airstrips.  Some public, some private.  Some on the map, some not.  Most sloped with one-way approaches and no go-around abort points.  Most shorter than 2000’ and always with an obstacle on at least one end.  With a choice of over 75 backcountry airstrips it’s just a few miles and minutes between strips.  Just enough time to reflect on the last airstrip, enjoy the scenery at low-level following the terrain then adding those new skills just learned to master the next airstrip.

Each night of your training tour will be spent at a different wilderness guest ranch, often only accessible by air or by foot.  We’ll land each afternoon just in time for a late lunch.  You’ll enjoy warm cabins, friendly hosts and arm-chair flying around the campfire under the stars each night.  These backcountry lodges easily compete with the rates of big city hotels yet offer a remarkable experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

Our objective for your mountain training is multi-faceted.  You’ll learn how to make the decisions required to fly into an unfamiliar mountain airstrip.  You’ll learn skills unique to backcountry flying and how to best apply them.  Additionally you’ll learn how to read the terrain to compare that to the operating envelope you’ve explored in the aircraft in order to determine how to safely fly a confined terrain blind traffic pattern in canyons, below mountain peaks; to a stabilized approach over obstacles; to a precision (spot) landing; to a short sloped narrow uneven airstrip; with limited go-around options.  Emphasis will always be on safety, judgment and control.  As a result, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to minimize risk while being introduced to a world not accessible to every pilot.  This unique experience will give you a taste of the backcountry charter (bush) pilot lifestyle.  Only flying out to civilization for gas, ice cream and maybe to check your cell phone.

Our “Backcountry Training Tours” are not only a fun and challenging way to become a better pilot but also offer you an experience many pilots only dream of.  Spend a day or spend a week and gain the skills to allow for a safe return to the backcountry in your own airplane.

DEPOSIT & CONTRACT:

We require a $2,000 deposit for every week of training you reserve on our schedule.  Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a confirmation of your reservation.

Your deposit is non-refundable if you cancel within 90 days of your reservation. We will hold the deposit on account for 6 months in the hopes you will reschedule. Once you start your training, the deposit will be used towards your training balance.

A signed contract is required along with your deposit.  Please include when mailing your deposit.