Oregon Day Trip

This backcountry proficiency package is designed for pilots seeking to master advanced landing techniques in remote and challenging environments. The course provides hands-on training at multiple backcountry airstrips, each offering unique terrain and operational considerations that will enhance your skills and decision-making abilities.

The training begins with approximately two hours at Toketee State Airport (3OR3), a 5,300-foot grass strip that serves as an ideal environment to develop and refine fundamental backcountry landing techniques. Here, you will practice essential skills such as short-field landings, soft-field operations, energy management, and precision touchdown techniques—laying the groundwork for more demanding airstrips later in the course.

Next, training progresses to McKenzie Bridge State Airport (00S), a 2,600-foot grass strip situated in a narrow canyon. This location introduces critical backcountry decision-making elements, particularly in assessing approach paths, escape routes, and go-around execution in confined terrain. Pilots will refine their ability to recognize and respond to situations where a go-around may not be feasible, reinforcing situational awareness and judgment in dynamic environments.

Finally, the course culminates with a flight to Santiam Junction State Airport (8S3), a remote gravel airstrip requiring precise terrain navigation and approach planning. Pilots will apply their newly honed skills in a realistic backcountry setting, navigating through mountainous terrain and adapting to variable landing surface conditions.

By the end of this training, you will have developed the confidence and expertise needed to safely and proficiently operate at backcountry airstrips throughout Oregon. With a strong emphasis on approach planning, energy management, and terrain assessment, this course ensures that you are well-equipped to handle the challenges of off-airport and remote operations with precision and confidence.

Toketee State Airport

Toketee State Airport is a 5,350’ well-maintained grass strip, providing an excellent environment for refining your skills in navigating through more expansive grass runways. This lesson will focus on precision landings, managing rollouts, and evaluating surface conditions in a forested, mountainous setting. You will also practice assessing wind patterns and adjusting your approach and departure techniques to ensure safe and effective operations in this expansive yet challenging terrain.

McKenzie Bridge

McKenzie Bridge Airport is a 2,600’ grass strip located in a narrow canyon surrounded by rugged terrain, offering a challenging environment for short-field landings. This lesson will emphasize precision approaches, as the limited landing area and lack of a go-around option require careful planning. You’ll focus on managing surface conditions, terrain clearance, and wind patterns, while practicing the skill to execute a safe landing and rollout in this confined, demanding environment with no room for error.

Santiam Junction State Airport

Santiam Junction State Airport is a 2,800’ gravel strip nestled between Mount Washington and the Three Sisters, surrounded by challenging terrain and limited emergency options. This lesson will focus on executing precise landings while managing the rugged surrounding terrain. With minimal go-around choices, you will need to carefully assess the approach, surface conditions, and potential obstacles. You’ll also practice making sound aeronautical decisions, ensuring a safe landing and rollout in this confined, high-stakes environment.

  • Day 1: Intro to Soft Feild Landing

    • 2 hours of soft field proficiency at Lenhardt Airpark(7S9)

    Day 2: Backcountry Flight Experience

    • 10am - 12pm

      • Departure from 7S3 

    • 12pm - 12:30pm 

      • Land to Refuel at KRBG

      • Lunch and Bathroom

    • 12:30pm - 1:30pm

      • Arrival at Toketee State (3S6)

    • 1:30pm - 2:15pm 

      • Introduction to determining suitable landing areas

      • Practice soft field and spot landings

      • Practice soft field and confined takeoffs

    • 2:15pm - 3:15pm 

      • Arrival at KRBG to refuel 

      • Bathroom 

    • 3:15pm - 5:00pm 

      • Arrival at Mc Kenzie Bridge (00S)

    • 5:00pm - 5:30pm 

      • Landing and takeoff practice 

    • 5:30pm - 6:00pm 

      • Arrival at Santaim Junction 

    • 6:00pm - 6:30pm 

      • Landing and takeoff practice at Santaim Junction (8S3)

      • Dinner

    • 6:30pm - 7:30pm

      • Arrival at Lebanon State

      • Refuel

    • 7:30pm - 8:15pm

      • Arrival at Twin Oaks (7S3)

  • Included in this package:

    • 10 hours of flight time

    • 10 hours of instruction

    • Fuel Reimbursement

    We Provide:

    • First Aid Kit

    • Survival Pack

    • Garmin inReach

  • You should bring:

    • Food for lunch and dinner

      • Bring snacks for in-between

    • Headset

    • Water Bottle

    • Camera (if you want to take any photos)

Contact us.

bluemtnaviation@gmail.com
(503) 789-5205 (971) 285-0453 (907) 230-9259