Our tailwheel flight training dives deep into the art of bush flying. Guided by Alaskan traditions and techniques, we focus on the essential knowledge and skills required to safely land on natural features such as gravel bars, beaches, glaciers, and tundra.
Emphasis is on a fly-by-feel, eyes-out-the-window approach that teaches pilots how to rely on their observations, instincts, and experience. We use instructional tools such as slow-motion video, spot landing practice, natural feature assessment, and short sessions for focused learning.
You’ll develop the skills to safely operate in demanding off-airport environments. The goal is to increase knowledge and improve consistency through individualized instruction, direct experience, and post-flight analysis.
Course sessions focus on incremental training and methods of practice that will help advance your off-airport skills and build confidence.
Schedules vary with location, season, weather, river levels, and other factors. Our primary training locations are northwest Washington and southcentral Alaska. Training progression is subject to student proficiency.
If the weather is not flyable for a scheduled session that includes airwork, we will proceed with ground instruction at a reduced rate.
This course provides an introduction and overview of important topics related to bush flying in Alaska with emphasis tailored to each student’s interest. It is meant for both pilots and passengers. Gain valuable insights and expand knowledge for conducting bush flight operations in Alaska. Prepare to fly your airplane to Alaska.
Introduce and practice critical skills including airspeed control, spot landings, and hazard awareness. Record takeoff and landing data. Establish a baseline of proficiency and aircraft performance at an airport environment, before flying in the mountains or maneuvering low-level on the river.
PREREQUISITE: BF01 or instructor approval and proficiency check.
Prepare for off-airport operations. Practice safe low-level maneuvering flight. Learn to assess bush strips and natural features. Apply non-standard pattern plans and approach strategies. Practice aerial airstrip measuring. Perform consistent spot landings. Minimize landing roll and takeoff distances. Practice wheel landings, tail-up braking, dynamic use of power, and bounce recovery.
PREREQUISITE: BF02 or instructor approval and proficiency check.
Continue developing skills and knowledge through ground instruction and flying in an off-airport environment in the student’s airplane. Learn low-level river flying, and gravel bar assessment skills through dual flight training.
PREREQUISITE: GB01 or instructor approval and proficiency check.
Continue developing skills and learn new techniques through real-world practice in the off-airport environment. Solo gravel bar landings, video recording of landings and takeoffs. Flight of two.
Contact us to schedule or learn more.