Bush Flying

Editorial note: Needless to say, if you were to read, understand, and apply all of the wisdom and knowledge found in the Mountain Flying Bible by Sparky Imeson and the Guide to Bush Flying by F.E. Potts you would have a level of confidence unmatched by few, to fly into the remote and challenging areas of the world, and enjoy virtually every minute of your discovery. Even if you never fly into remote or challenging areas, you will be a better pilot just by knowing some of the information gleaned from reading these two excellent books. My absolute highest recommendation for inclusion in your aviation reference library.

Another book of significant interest titled Mountain Flying, by Doug Geeting and Steve Woerner, published by TAB BOOKS, Inc. Tab Practical flying Series, Copyright 1988. It truly is an excellent read. Jam packed with useful information about every aspect of flying small aircraft into mountainous areas, explaining associated potential hazards, and how to avoid them. Quoting from the Introduction..."Mountain Flying is the ultimate form of VFR flight. While challenging your skill and ability to perform precisely, mountain flying provides an opportunity to traverse spectacular and breathtaking terrain. There is an old saying, however, that necessarily applies here: 'Increased reward is often accompanied by increased risk.'"

"The risk of mountain flying can be minimized. Good judgment is a natural outcrop of being will prepared. Just as athletes must prepare for an event through training, so must pilots. Practicing maneuvers until they become second nature to you, thorough preflight planning, and maintaining an awareness of personal and mechanical limitations will give you the tools necessary to exercise good sound judgment in crucial situations. Safety must be first, second, and last."

Doug Geeting is recognized as on the most experienced mountain pilots in the United States, with more than 14,000 flight hours.





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

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