Backcountry Training

From gravel bars to frozen lakes, and all those tiny “airports” that have been off-limits, until now.

Duration

4hrs. Ground Training
8hrs. Flight Training

Schedule

Offered Year Round

Starting Cost

$3,000

views of the mountains and glaciers in the Knik Valley of Alaska


Blue River Aviation is offering a one-of-a-kind experience to explore parts of Alaska not often open to student pilots, in aircraft upgraded just for the task. Heavily modified with bigger tires and more horsepower, you won’t believe the performance…or the access these planes will grant you. From gravel runways to gravel bars, and all those tiny “airports” that have been off-limits, until now.

Your Backcountry or Off Airport Package Includes:

  • 4 hours of ground school
  • 8 hours of backcountry flying instruction

**No solo flight, dual only

Backcountry training will cover topics such as:

  • Operations in mountainous terrain
  • Unpredictable weather patterns
  • How to assess a landing spot – the five passes for a safe approach in unknown terrain
  • Suitable terrain for your aircraft & changes with the seasons
  • Judging the wind via clouds, water, & nearby vegetation
  • Gravel operations – protecting your aircraft, propeller & engine
  • Short takeoff and landing (STOL) techniques

Two Planes To Choose From, One Incredible Experience

Knik River Valley, Alaska

Super Cub

The quintessential “Alaska Aircraft” – a Piper PA-18 Super Cub. N4221Z (skis) or N8225C (bushwheels), depending on the season.

  • 35″ Bushwheels or straight skis
  • 180 horsepower engine
  • PSTOL Flaps
  • Sensenich ground-adjustable propeller

$4500

Bold Airstrip - A13, Chugach State Park, Alaska

Cessna 172

The world’s most popular trainer aircraft, modified for Alaska’s backcountry: Cessna 172M, N13205.

  • Off-airport tires
  • Heavy-duty landing gear
  • 180 horsepower engine
  • Sensenich ground-adjustable propeller

$3000

Want to Hone your winter flying techniques?

When Snow Flies We Trade Bushwheels For Ski’s And Training Continues

Don’t let summer’s end put a stop to your off airport fun.
We offer our offer our backcountry training packages year round.

Frequently Asked Questions, Answered

Though it varies every year, February is most often the best month for ski flying, when enough snow has fallen to create a smooth base layer and the top layer of snow is cold and dry. Too early and you risk destroying your skis on rocks and gravel. Too late and the snow turns to slush. The good news is if you miss ski season, our super cubs trade out their landing gear for floats in May and operate on 35″ Bushwheels the rest of the year.

We’ve created a map of the landing spots specific to the 172 package. For the Super Cub package, additional landing sites may be chosen by your instructor, depending on the season and the landing gear. Frozen lakes, gravel bars, snow-covered runways…maybe even a back-country cabin!

We typically book the backcountry training as five two-hour lessons, starting with a ground lesson with your instructor at our hangar in Palmer, AK. If you’ve got the time to spare, we recommend 4-5 days, flying once a day and planning for at least one weather delay. If you are short on time, we are happy to work with you to accommodate your schedule; potentially flying once in the morning and once in the afternoon over a two-day period. Please remember, however, that weather in Alaska can be unpredictable and your best bet is tack on an extra day, just in case. And if you don’t end up needing it, you’ll have an extra day to explore the beautiful mountain valley we call home!

We do not provide lodging directly, but have provided a list of local lodging options below. **Within walking distance of PAAQ!

Mat-Su Resort on Wasilla Lake (call to ask about local pick-up!)

Stillwater Cottages on Lucille Lake (call to ask about local pick-up!)

The Pioneer Motel**

The Valley Hotel**

Mountain Field Farm

Absolutely! Pending aircraft and instructor availability, additional flight hours are billed at $250/hour + instruction time in the Cessna 172 and $400/hour + instruction in the Super Cubs.

Ready to take off?

Let’s get you flying!

Let’s check that you’re human*

Don’t just take our word for it

250+ Happy Flight Training Students

  • “Learning to fly with Blue River has been nothing short of outstanding! The staff are always so helpful and the instructors are on top of their game day in and day out.”
    – Sebastian B.
  • Truly a phenomenal organization. These folks helped me obtain my private pilot license. I flew with several different CFIs and they were all great.
    Thanks to their use of flight schedule pro, and the ability to schedule myself I was able to find times that worked for me and my busy schedule. Another great aspect is flying out of Palmer so much beautiful scenery all around. If you’re on the fence, just do a discovery flight.
    – Daniel W.
  • Absolutely thrilled with my experience at Blue River Aviation! The instructors are top-notch. Their fleet of aircraft is well-maintained and up-to-date. The friendly staff and other students also helped me find a community and build long-lasting friendships while working on my private pilot license. I would highly recommend pursuing your training with Blue River Aviation.
    – Tayler H.
04 / Our Fleet & Rentals

The best airplanes in the business.

Blue River Aviation is proud of our expansive fleet. We provide aircraft for a wide variety of training. These include: Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), Complex, Floats, Skis, Tailwheels, and Multi-Engine. Go check out the Blue River fleet!

Learn More