Bush flying how to questions

[Wild Man]

Hi guys!

Hey a few questions re bush flying.

1, The landing gear on float planes, are they tough enough to handle rough strips?

2, When flying in mountainous regions ( we dont do real mountains in oz our highest is just over 7,000 feet) do you guys fly high over them all or do you go screaming around them?

3, we here in the outback need to buzz the strip to clear the roo's do you guys nbeed to do the same for moose?

Thanks guys

Cheers
Z

[Russ]

My 3 cents ..

(1)
Generally speaking you wouldn't want to land an amphib on rough ground. Even gravel is a bad idea as thrown gravel could damage the coatins on the floats and start coorision (assuming non composite floats).

(2)
Around is best, Over is second best, between is only done by crazy bush pilots. I dunno about the real world. As it turns out; mountain flying is an area you can get special training in. Mainly you have to be acutely aware of your airplanes sustained climb angle, wind rotor vorticy turbulance, and being able to interpret mountain weather based on observable signs (like special clouds)

(3)
There have been a few accidents where deer or moose were involved hiding in tall grass along the runway. So it sounds like a good idea. Not to mention that its always a good idea to inspect the windsock/runway before landing at untended, and infrequently maintained airstrips.

Not that any of this means anything with MSFS! ;D

[clmax]

Good words Russ.

I would add that (from my reading), most bush flying is done at a very low altitude for these reasons:

1. Many of the customers are hunters. Flying at a low enough altitude to view moose, deer, caribou, etc adds to the bush pilots knowledge of the area which adds to his/her ability to attract customers. How low, well I'm not sure, but I'd say low enough to be able to tell the difference between a trophy bull and an average one.

2. Often times, as we know, the weather is a real factor in how low they fly. So, even in good weather a bush pilot will fly sufficiently low enough to discern suttle as well as distinct landmarks so that when they get caught flying low due to bad weather, they have a good feel for where they are even in poor visibility.

Also, for the same reasons, when flying through passes and between peaks, a good bush pilot will know the minimum altitude for any given pass so that when the ceiling is heavy overcast at 2100 (as an example), and he/she needs 1900 to get through the pass, he/she knows the pass can be made. They will also know how much room they need to reverse course so that when they have to abandon an attempt through a pass in poor weather they can do so safely.

Also, most bush pilots have a distinct area where they fly. It is in this area that they would follow these ideals. When flying outside of their known area, they would adjust their altitude accordingly. Why fly at 500 ft in an area you don't expect to frequent.

If you (or anyone) are interested in reading some bush pilot books, PM me and I'll send you some.

-Greg

[Wild Man]

Thanks guys.

I have been now mountain hoppin for a week.

Its a lot more fun than the high Alt stuff I was doin.

Tis a bit like golf eh ya miss the nice smooth bit and your in deep trouble.

Cheers
Zarik

[Russ]

Welcome to the dark side of the force! ;D

[Roadmaster]

Its a lot more fun than the high Alt stuff I was doin.

I agree, its alot more fun, thats why I fly helos and floartplanes............

[Wild Man]

Yea I really like the AN2 pitty your FAA dont like it eh!
I have been reading up on it.

Sounds like one heck of a aircraft!

Did you guys know they can only be used for airshows in the states?

I also like the Huey ( and I can land it now!) but I find it really tough on the arms on flights more than say 80nm.

I have just read Gregs book on Alaskan bush flying I now know how to drop supplies, ferry dogs and give the FAA the forks!

I like this Bush ( flying) stuff! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D