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.
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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)
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Included in this package:
10 hours of flight time
10 hours of instruction
Fuel Reimbursement
We Provide:
First Aid Kit
Survival Pack
Garmin inReach
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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