Flying destinations

Where to fly? That's a constant question for pilots and part of the fun of exploration by air. Learn about backcountry airports and off-airport operations, and how to get the latest information on flying destinations.

Add your knowledge! The Knowledge Base is a dynamic, active project and depends on information submitted by knowledgeable pilots, mechanics, and aircraft owners. If you have a specific addition, suggestion, or change for the article, you can comment below and even attach files. If you have an idea for a new article, please email [email protected].

Resources for airstrip information

Shortfield.com is the premiere guide to community-submitted information on airstrips, both FAA-recognized and not. It presents markers overlaid on a map view for convenient searching. Please sign up and submit PIREPs for strips when you visit them to help out your fellow pilots.

Regional guides

Everywhere is a little different in regard to backcountry flying: from the terrain and weather characterstics, to what goes in terms of land use laws and who dictates them. Here are a few guides we've compiled. If you'd like to help out and provide information about your locale, please contact [email protected].

The Northern Nevada / High Sierra Guide provides locations and information about many of the landing zones popularized by the High Sierra Fly-in, and the videos that go with it.

The guide to Crossing Colorado's Continental Divide provides a local's knowledge of the numerous ways to cross the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, which boast some of the highest peaks and most treacherous mountain flying in the Lower 48 states.

Trip guides

The voyage from the Lower 48 to Alaska is a bucket list item for almost every pilot. Get prepared with our Guide to Flying to Alaska.

Land use regulations

A common question in the forums is: Can I land on roads?

It's complex topic, but has been discussed in several threads. Here are a few to start with:

Discuss here.

Overall Rating (1)

5 out of 5 stars

People in this conversation

Comments (12)

Load Previous Comments

  • I understand in Montana it is legal to land on public roads. What is status on other western states?

    0 Short URL:

  • cbfraser

    That is a great question, and I don't know the answer. There was a huge forum topic on it many years ago, but I would post in the forum asking the same question. When we get the answer there, we can commit it here to the Knowledge Base.

    Thanks. -Z

    3 Short URL:

  • Zzz

    I'll see if I can get any official position statements from the various highway patrols and post replies there.

    0 Short URL:

  • cbfraser

    That would be an excellent thing to have in a data base. From what I recall, it varies from state to state, and can even vary from county to county. Utah just added their rules for landing on roads...it's a long, convoluted process to show a need...one no one would probably endure unfortunately, which is probably their intended result.

    0 Short URL:

  • Grassstrippilot

    yes I see that - basically possible for "essential service" - ie medivac etc
    http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r914/r914-002.htm


    Oregon has legislation that allows for rule making but as of now there are no rules - which is likely next best to having Montana's law.

    No response from other states - will post if I get anything - especially interested in NV & AZ.

    And if needed there is always that oil temperature problem that need to be checked :)
    “In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency.”

    Comment last edited on about 11 years ago by cbfraser
    6 Short URL:

  • I just signed up. This looks like a good site. I have a lot of back country time in Oregon and Idaho, flying a B model Cessna 182l (1959) and 180 HP Cessna 170 B. I have been out of flying for some years and am looking to get back in. I am looking for a good Model A through D Cessna 182. I am also considering Maul, M4, M5 M6 or M7. I love Cessna 180s but most good ones are just to costly. I am looking forward to getting to know some of you. I probably already do as I as a fixture in this world before.

    0 Short URL:

  • Fergus

    Few people will read this as you've entered it as a comment on a specific section in the knowledge base. I suggest introducing yourself in the the discussion forum. Welcome.

    0 Short URL:

  • What are the best back country bush air strips in and around Colorado? I'm very familiar with the Utah airstrips.

    3 Short URL:

  • Rated 5 out of 5 stars

    What is the best Alaskan back country airstrip guide book?

    0 Short URL:

  • HOW ARE THE MOOSE CREEK RUNWAYS?

    0 Short URL:

Knowledge Base

Similar articles by tag

No matching tags

Disclaimer

While this knowledge base is a compilation of information from various sources, some official in nature, it is not a recognized or acredited source of aviation training information, and thus should be considered entertainment. Please consult a FAA-certificated flight instructor or mechanic prior to putting any information found here into practice.