Mountain Flying Class Recommendation for NW / West Coast

[cjutzi]

This may not be the correct forum or it may have been addressed in a previous thread I can not find. Please let me know..

I'm looking to take a Mt. Flying class this spring/summer '18 and would like to bring my Tri-Pacer to the class. I'm also more interested in navigation and traversal though the mt. as opposed to doing gravel / grass landings & Takeoffs. I've seen there are classes in Truckee and a few in Montana..

Does anyone have any experience and recommendations.

Curt

[AKJurnee]

Try McCall Idaho. I can't remember the name of school.

[Stephen]

There are a couple of back country flying schools in McCall. Lori MacNichol runs one.

[Pacerfgoe]

While your waiting for 2018 to come around, I encourage you to spend some time in your POH and study your aircraft takeoff and climb performance above 6000'ASL. Then while your at it, throw some density altitude calculations in for extra fun!!
The performance of these aircraft really take a hit with high temperatures and altitudes. I had 4 adults in a 172 once, and took off at 30c (90ish F) off a 3000' strip with a 6' fence at the end, and the had to climb to 12000' to clear the continental divide, it took a while to get there, but did it quite easily.....not as easy in the shortwings.
If you are very aware of your aircraft limits at altitude, it makes mountain flying much easier. The mountain flying class is a great way to build your experience and confidence.

[Stephen]

Good points, I saw the remains of a short wing after it hit a tree trying to do a go around in the mountains. Heavily loaded, afternoon and raising terrain. Lucky they survived.

But, the big issue is Landing the plane where you plan. Don't land long!

Take off down hill almost regardless of the wind.

Avoid afternoon turbulence.

Keep your plane light.