Adventure Flying

Editorial note: Adventure Flying. What is it? I doubt anyone could define it exactly, because it may be something different for each of us. For some it may just be simply overcoming a fear... of getting your pilot's license, or even flying solo on a short cross country flight. For others, it may mean "reaching out" toward a new horizon. Aviators the world over, have used light aircraft to extend their vision of the world. Most aviators that have acquired some expertise in flying light aircraft, want to continue their journey, not just back and forth between "A" and "B", but want to someday... go beyond. Bush pilots in many parts of the US, and particularly in Canada and Alaska have had "their share" of "adventure flying"... sometimes nearly every flight they have made, might have been an "adventure"... whether they wanted it to be... or not.

It may be in an aviator's genes, but something in there... tugs at us... to use the airplane as an extension of our inquisitive spirit, to fulfill a dream we have, or to someday, press beyond "A" and "B"... just to see what's out there. Out there means... well beyond control towers, and ATC, and beyond a "system" designed to "protect us"... telling us where to go, and what to do. Many of us feel strongly that we are already "over protected" and "over regulated." Adventure flying means first a dream, and the next step is to follow your own "adventure flying" chart. Make some changes if you need to, but do something to make it happen. Some of your dreams may be slightly beyond your grasp...but do not give up. Seek the means, and seek the inspiration to continue toward a goal...and it will happen. Our hope is that we can help you "get inspired" by cruising through this section of our website... Adventure Flying, and in many of the other sections as well. We will continue to expand this and other sections in our website frequently... so come back often for another shot of "inspiration."

Adventure Flying is not for everyone... but the dream of Adventure Flying... is.

Tom Claytor Bush Pilot
TOM CLAYTOR could be the perfect definition of an "Adventure pilot". In December, 1990, at age 28, bush pilot Tom Claytor set off from Philadelphia, PA. USA on a journey. He is attempting to fly around the world (in his Cessna 180) via all seven continents to visit wilderness. The pilot Charles Lindbergh believed that man could learn most from "the wisdom of wilderness." His journey continues, and with a visit to his well documented and well written web site, you will just begin to share some of his adventure, excitement, and discoveries from all over the world. Brilliant photographs, coupled with excellent documentation and descriptions of his adventures thus far should not be missed. He has done a National Geographic Special, entitled "Flight over Africa" (now a video that you can purchase) and is a fellow of the famous EXPLORERS CLUB. Following a dream I believe, is what makes the world a better place. This bush pilot is sharing his ongoing adventure with us all... DO NOT MISS IT.

Virtual Horizons on eBushPilot.Com
VIRTUAL HORIZONS at ebushpilots.com edited by John Goulet is one of the premier sites for adventure flying. This site is filled with excellent information, outstanding photography, and first hand accounts of "adventures" flying bush and float aircraft all over the world. If you have an appreciation for beauty, adventure, float planes and bush pilots... you will certainly want to visit Virtual Horizons.

Virtual North
VIRTUAL NORTH is a significant collection of member organizations (373 at last count) that offer some of the finest fishing, hunting, marine, and nature adventures in all of Canada. An excellent choice for anyone flying your own aircraft, or having someone else fly you to your dream adventure.

Earthrounders.com
EARTHROUNDERS is exactly what the name implies. This site is a register of pilots who have flown around the world in light aircraft. It records the pilots and their aircraft in chronological order, and aims to inspire others who have similar flying dreams. This is another must visit site, where you can make contact with some of the Earthrounders, as well as read about their around the world flying adventures. Some of the Earthrounders have active web sites of their own, which can give you very detailed information on their accomplishments. They are members of a pretty exclusive club... The Earthrounders. Adventure flying at it finest.

Adventure Seaplanes
Want to take another step to learn more about Adventure Flying? This is a good place to start. ADVENTURE SEAPLANES specializes in custom Midwest and Canadian Seaplane, Skiplane, Tailwheel training adventures from the state of 10,000 lakes that offer you the experience of exploring the scenic world of floatplane flying. They offer seaplane ratings, tailwheel endorsements and skiplane checkouts in a Champ, Piper PA12, Cessna 172, Cessna 180 and a Cessna 185. Adventure Seaplanes is one of the few places in the country that offers instruction, rental and sales of this type of aircraft. They also can provide you and your friends the opportunity to create your own customized flying training adventure. Their "can do" attitude is a real breath of fresh air as well... so check out this site... it may well expand your horizons well beyond where it is today.

Aero Explorer International
AERO EXPLORER INTERNATIONAL offers high-end flight planning for long range flights. Customers are private pilots with their own or rented single or twin aircraft. They wish to fulfill their dream of a long-range flight beyond their normal horizons, but may not wish to be burdened by the substantial investment of time and experience to plan such a journey. The flight preparation and support by AERO EXPLORER will save weeks if not months of precious personal quality time. If a long range flight is on YOUR wish list... then this is an ideal and very well qualified place to start executing your dream. Remembering... Nothing happens, unless first a dream.

F. E. Potts' Web Outpost
The website of F.E. Potts. This is where you will find some of the best advice ever written on flying in remote areas of North America. Excerpts from his award winning book "Guide to Bush Flying" "Concepts and Techniques for the Pro" can be read on his web site, giving you a glimpse about the subject material in his book. His book should be read, pages earmarked, and things underlined by every pilot who is flying or wants to fly in remote areas of the world. His book, a winner of an Award of Excellence by the Aviation/Space Writers Association, has been acclaimed by many as one of the best ever written on the subject of Bush Flying.

F.E. Potts has flown in Alaska the better part of his life. In the book's Forward by Dan B. McCarthy, he writes... "Consider his statistics: 22 years of flying in many of Alaska's most demanding regions. Some 17,000 hours at the controls of float, ski and wheel-equipped single-engine airplanes. No accidents. F.E. Potts flies like a craftsman, respecting his airplanes, his territory, and above all, common-sense safety measures."

Barry Schiff, a well known Aviation Author and Airline Captain, writes..."An impressive authoritative text on Alaskan bush flying by a pilot who has been there and know what he is talking about. I loved this book...it should be on every serious pilot's bookshelf."

One of the best sources ever written about flying airplanes safely, near the edges of the envelope, and contending with terrain, weather, extreme temperatures, and other adversities. An absolute must read. (The editor)

Mountain Flying LLC
The home of the foremost expert on Mountain Flying, arguably in the world, Sparky Imeson. He is the author of Mountain Flying Bible and Flight Operations Handbook, and several other highly respected books about flying in mountainous terrain. His website is comprehensive, educational, and very easy to navigate.

From Sparky's Homepage..."Mountains have the ability to attract people whether it be by hiking, horseback, automobile or airplane. Those people who choose to encounter the mountains via airplane may be exposed to new and different flight situations.

Flight safety in the mountains is not an elusive or difficult concept, but it does require an awareness and understanding of the hazards associated with mountain flight to reduce the risk and bring about an enjoyable experience. Some of the information promoting safety is presented here.

In the www.mountainflying.com website you will find interesting flying articles, very unique information on remote airstrips called "airstrip junkies", taildragger information, and mountain flying news. If using your airplane to discover remote and isolated places is in your plans...then use this website and Sparky Imeson's books to help you safely get there...and back.

A comprehensive review of the "Mountain Flying Bible" can be found at the following link: http://www.fepco.com/mfb.html