The Coastal Overnight Package is designed to enhance your backcountry navigation skills while incorporating real-world practicality through an immersive overnight camping experience. This course combines hands-on flight training with the challenges and rewards of self-sufficiency in a remote setting, giving you the confidence to explore backcountry airstrips safely and efficiently.

The adventure begins with a flight to Powers, Oregon (6S6), where we will establish camp and introduce key backcountry concepts, including site evaluation, soft-field takeoffs and landings, and critical terrain considerations. This initial lesson focuses on refining approach techniques, decision-making in varying conditions, and understanding the factors that influence safe operations in remote areas.

Following the day’s training, we will park the aircraft and set up camp near the airstrip. You will have the option to hike approximately one mile into town for dinner at a local diner or bring provisions to prepare a meal over an open fire—offering a true backcountry experience.

The next morning, we embark on a scenic flight along the Oregon Coast, stopping at every public grass airstrip along the way. The first stop is Lakeside Municipal Airport (9S3), where we will focus on precision spot landings and other fundamental backcountry techniques. As we continue north, we will refine and test these skills at Wakonda Beach State Airport (R33), a remote and scenic coastal airstrip that presents unique approach and landing challenges.

Midday, we will land in the town of Florence, Oregon (6S2) for lunch and a detailed briefing on mountain flying techniques. This lesson will introduce critical backcountry navigation principles for crossing mountainous terrain, including route selection, updrafts and downdrafts, and emergency considerations.

The day concludes with a scenic return flight to Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3), where we incorporate those same mountain crossing techniques to arrive back at 7S3 in the late afternoon, applying the skills gained throughout the course to real-world scenarios. By the end of this experience, you will have honed your proficiency in backcountry navigation, soft-field operations, and terrain assessment, equipping you with the confidence to explore Oregon’s remote and rugged airstrips safely and effectively.