Backcountry Awareness

“Welcome to Landmark USFS”

Arrivals and Departures at Landmark USFS / Canyon Turns.  Four (4) flight simulation missions, exercises, that focus on arrival and departure procedures at a backcountry airport - Landmark USFS (0U0). All flown with stock Redbird C172. 

Exercise 1:  Approach and landing at Landmark USFS (0U0). 

Noting the differences between approaching a backcountry vs a frontcountry airport. The airplane is positioned approximately 4 miles south of 0U0 at 7700' (approximately 1,000' AGL) inbound for landing. The weather is clear and the wind is calm. Sim instructors should encourage shop the field looking for, 1. the slope of the field to determine the landing direction, ID an abort point for a safe go-around and get a picture of the best departure corridor and procedure. Land and use technique best etiquette for taxi to parking.

Exercises 2 & 3:  Departures from Landmark USFS (0U0) - Morning vs Afternoon 

Flight 1 - Early morning, temperature; 65º - no wind and CAVU.  Flight 2 - Mid afternoon, temperature 90º - no wind and CAVU. Opportunity for demonstration of reduced performance due to density altitude. Instructors could be encouraged to have trainee vary the distances and direction of departures; i.e., uphill, downhill, obstacles, emergency landing spots, etc.

Exercise 4: “Landmark Short Cut”

Afternoon conditions favor a southerly departure from Landmark USFS (0U0) and the destination is McCall (KMYL) where you plan to get fuel. You see a pass to the west and decide to take it. The temperature is 85º, some light wind from the south and although there are just a few clouds there is a smell of smoke in the area. You successfully depart the field and enter the pass but you see that the a thick layer of smoke has created a ceiling towards the end, creating a virtual box canyon. You need to turn back. Opportunity for demonstration of reduced performance with density altitude, procedures for entering and flying down a pass and making turns in a narrow space.