Why is strategy in backcountry flying so important? There is an old aviation adage that goes something like: The superior pilot uses their superior judgement to avoid situations which would require use of their superior skills.

That adage holds true across all aspects of aviation, and especially in the challenging environment of secluded mountainous terrain, where elements of weather, thin air, terrain, and obscuration can all make for a delicate situation requiring some forethought or just plain prudence. Terrain in particular can make for the most interesting element of the equation, as a pilot may have fewer options for maneuvering as they descend lower into a canyon or valley. The strategy of the approach and subsequent departure should be planned from the air at a safe altitude, while options are still numerous. That requires knowing winds and the terrain's effect on air movement, slope gradient, surface elevation and performance profile of the aircraft, and surface condition or texture.

Obviously, there's more to a safe and successful flight into a backcountry mountain airstrip than just setting a waypoint on the GPS and pointing the aircraft. There's a recipe for success and it includes the following:

Research and information

Stub for section on pre-planning of destinations

Routes: Make a plan, or two, or three

Stub for routing using sectional chart and terrain considerations

Know your aircraft

Stub for aircraft performance profiles and density altitude

Weather and conditions

Hazards of Wildfire Smoke is an article on the dangers of flying in the low visibility of forest fire smoke, and how it differs from meteorological visibility.

Stub for dealing with weather and non-standard atmospheric conditions

Landing site evaluation

Guide to Off-airport Landings: Learn a basic methodology for evaluating potential landing zones and putting down safely.

Articles

Contributor Patrick Romano has written a few articles as part of a series on backcountry flying strategy, aptly titled STOL Tips. complete with videos a detailed explanation of methodology/philosophy.