Washington Day Trip
The Washington Backcountry Day course is designed for pilots seeking hands-on experience navigating mountainous terrain while managing the associated risks of mountain winds, downdrafts, and weather-related challenges. This immersive day trip provides exposure to some of the most demanding backcountry airstrips, where factors such as high tide, surrounding terrain, and high winds necessitate precise decision-making and advanced piloting skills.
The journey begins with landing practice at Copalis State Airport (S16), the only public beach runway in the United States. This expansive sand landing area provides an excellent environment to refine soft-field takeoffs and landings, while also allowing us to progressively reduce the available landing distance—helping you sharpen your precision landing techniques in a safe and controlled manner.
Next, we transition to Mount Rainier for dedicated mountain flying training. This lesson covers essential skills such as safely navigating within canyons, selecting and maintaining escape routes, executing controlled mountain crossings, and handling emergency scenarios over high terrain. You will learn to recognize and manage the effects of terrain-induced winds, downdrafts, and turbulence, reinforcing your ability to make sound aeronautical decisions in challenging environments.
The course concludes at Tieton State Airport (4S6), a remote grass strip nestled between a mountain and a lake, offering a true backcountry experience. Here, we apply all previously learned skills in a dynamic setting, solidifying your confidence in off-airport operations, terrain awareness, and strategic approach planning.
By the end of this training, you will have gained invaluable experience in mountain navigation, backcountry approach techniques, and terrain-specific risk management. This course equips you with the skills and confidence needed to operate safely in Washington’s rugged backcountry, preparing you for future remote flying adventures.
Copalis State Airport (S16)
Copalis State Airport is a unique 4,500’ natural sand strip—the only official beach landing site in Washington. This environment will enhance your backcountry flying skills by requiring careful site analysis, including tide conditions, surface firmness, and potential obstacles. Landing on sand introduces additional considerations like maintaining control authority and managing rollout distance, making this an essential step in mastering off-airport operations.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier provides an ideal training environment for dedicated mountain flying operations. This lesson will focus on essential skills such as canyon navigation, escape route planning, controlled mountain crossings, and emergency procedures over high terrain. You will develop the ability to assess and manage terrain-induced winds, downdrafts, and turbulence, ensuring confident decision-making in challenging mountain environments.
Tieton State Airport (4S6)
Tieton State Airport is a 2,509’ turf and dirt airstrip nestled in the Cascades, providing an excellent training environment to refine your soft-field and short-field landing techniques. This location will serve as a key step in your progression, helping you develop the precision and proficiency needed for backcountry flying.
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10:00am - 11:15am
Departure from 7S3
11:15am - 1:00pm
Arrival at Copalis State (S16)
Introduction to determining suitable landing areas
Practice soft field and spot landings
Practice soft field and confined takeoffs
1:00pm - 1:45pm
Arrival at Bowermand Field (HQM)
Refuel at Bowermand Field
Bathroom
1:45pm - 3:30pm
Arrival at Mount Rainer
Practice Mountain Flying
3:30pm - 4:15pm
Arrival at Yakima (YKM)
Refuel at Yakima
Bathroom
4:15pm - 5:00pm
Arrival at Tieton State (4S6)
Practicing one-way approaches
High-density altitude landings
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Arrival at 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