Flight Training - August 2022 - 13

ASI TIPS
BY MACHTELD SMITH
GET READY FOR A NEW ADVENTURE
DISCOVER THE BACKCOUNTRY
If you plan to fly in high terrain, identify
mountain passes on VFR aeronautical
charts by name and a symbol depicting
two parallel lines that narrow in the
center. These allow passage at a lower
altitude than nearby terrain. Find prominent
landmarks (for example, lakes or
reservoirs) so you can identify the passes
during your flight. Also, pay attention
to maximum elevation figures for areas
you'll traverse and consider if your aircraft
will be up to the challenge.
To help you enjoy a safe adventure,
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DO, THINK BACKCOUNTRY FLYING.
When you approach it with the right training, equipment, and mindset, you'll encounter
breathtaking views while exploring the pristine countryside. Here are some key
considerations to get you started.
Flying in the backcountry comes with a unique set of challenges and risks. Therefore,
enlist the help of an experienced backcountry flight instructor to learn mountain
flying techniques needed for a safe and enjoyable adventure. You'll want to be backcountry
flying proficient before venturing into remote airstrips, so book dual time with
your instructor and practice in the airplane you'll be using. Your instructor will also be
a great resource to help you choose the right equipment for landing on and departing
from unpaved or even rough terrain.
Talk to pilots who are local to the area as you can benefit from their experience,
knowledge, and advice. You can invite them along on your excursions-a great way to
establish lifetime friendships and enjoy the camaraderie of likeminded pilots.
Dress for the weather and carry emergency equipment and a first-aid kit. Backcountry
fields can be remote and often don't offer services, so plan ahead for fuel and
food. If you intend to fly in the mountains, study local weather patterns. Mountain
weather can change quickly from passable to treacherous.
At high elevations-depending on temperature and humidity-be prepared to understand
and deal with high density altitude. High density altitude can be hazardous as it
degrades your aircraft's performance, resulting in shallower climbs and longer landings.
NEW FROM ASI
'THERE I WAS...' VFR INTO IMC
Episode 46: As part of the AOPA Air Safety Institute's 2022 campaign to eliminate accidents
resulting from VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions, ASI talked with helicopter
pilot Andrew Edgerton who inadvertently found himself in instrument conditions flying an
R44 Raven II from Quebec City to Baie-Comeau in Canada.
www.airsafetyinstitute.org/thereiwas
SEMINARS ON THE GO
Planning a safety meeting? Enhance
your next event or hangar talk with
popular AOPA Air Safety Institute seminar
presentations. Each safety presentation
package comes complete with PowerPoint
slides and presenter notes that can be
downloaded from ASI's Safety To Go portal
straight to your computer. You can choose
from a variety of topics.
www.airsafetyinstitute.org/safetytogo
visit the AOPA Air Safety Institute
Backcountry Resource Center that
delves deeper into the various components
of backcountry flying, including
our responsibility for its stewardship.
Also, find links to nationwide and local
backcountry airfield and airstrip guides.
You'll be pleasantly surprised that there
are plenty of backcountry strips all across
the United States, from east to west and
north to south.
Get to know the backcountry and have
a safe and enjoyable flight.
machteld.smith@aopa.org
aopa.org/ft/backcountryflying
FLIGHT TRAINING AUGUST 2022
13

http://www.aopa.org/ft/backcountryflying http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/safetytogo http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org/thereiwas

Flight Training - August 2022

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