• Canyons of the Southwest

    2025 Trip: Sep 25, 26, 27, 28

     

    Breathtaking scenery.

    Moab, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Desert Survival

  • AIRPLANE CAMP FOR ADULTS!

    Unlock the Ultimate Adventure: Fly the Colorado Plateau

    In this immersive course, you'll take the controls of normal-category airplanes, soaring through remote and rugged environments. You’ll gain hands-on experience in canyon flying, mastering techniques to safely navigate these awe-inspiring landscapes. Learn how to handle high-density altitudes, plan for emergencies, and develop life-saving survival skills—all essential for any backcountry pilot.

    Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Colorado Plateau, you'll not only experience the beauty of this unique terrain, but also dive deep into its geomorphology, rich natural history, and fascinating human past.

    This course goes beyond flying. We’ll cover crucial survival tactics, including how to endure an unexpected night out in the wilderness. You’ll also get to grips with cutting-edge rescue communication technology and perfect your backcountry flight planning and emergency response strategies.

    As a highlight, the course includes an evening lecture by a seasoned local pilot-archeologist, who will share insights into visual waypoints and the “can't-miss” features of the area. With years of experience flying these canyons, he’ll provide you with invaluable knowledge that will help you navigate like a pro.

  • Location

    Experience the freedom of flying in the desert and canyons of the Southwest and enjoy

    breathtaking views of Moab, Lake Powell the La Sal Mountains, and more. Overfly

    Canyonlands and Arches National Park, and . . . you'll have the opportunity to learn how to

    fly the VFR corridors (SFRA) of the Grand Canyon for one of the most spectacular views on

    Earth!

    This course is based out of breathtaking Monument Valley where you will fly directly into

    the dramatic Monument Valley Airport (UT25) located on the Navajo Reservation.

    Stay in small, private chalets on the grounds of Gouldings Landing at the Monument Valley

    Airport and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the area.

    After a long day of flying the Canyons, return to the airport to enjoy a delicious home-cooked Western barbecue with new friends, music, and sprawling desert landscapes.

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  • Itinerary

    The real highlight of this adventure training flying course is the chance to experience the

    stunning Monument Valley and Colorado Plateau scenery up close and personal. Imagine

    soaring over the iconic rock formations, witnessing the beauty of the area from the air.

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    Day 1

    Fly Out and Meet Up

    Meet at Goulding's Lodge|Monument Valley for our late afternoon meet-up, check in to our villas, and enjoy dinner together. Plan to arrive by 4 pm. You will get checked in a driven to your villa in time to freshen up and join us back at the airport for a cookout under the stars. Let's get to know each other as we start this epic adventure!

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    Day 2

    Learn Contingency Planning and Fly The Grand Canyon SFRA

    Contingency planning is a critical part of the weekend's education. Our experienced instructors will serve and education that could save your life and the life of your passengers. The first half of the day is survival lectures with Howard Donner, Peter Lert, Eric Cope, and Jason Miller. Then, after a pre-flight breifing, we fly the Grand Canyon before returning for dinner. Following dinner we hear from resident aerial archeologist, Jody Patterson in preparation for our flight on Saturday.

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    Day 3

    Explore Far and Wide

    Saturday is where the rubber meets the road - the day you'll go home talking about. We fly north toward the Moab for some low-altitude canyon flying. We fly canyons up to the confluence of the Colorodo and Green rivers, execute low passes at backcountry strips, and fly to find some of the archeological ruins described by Jody the night before. This day ends with a beautiful cookout under the stars. This is epic canyon flying.

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    Day 4

    Wrap up, Certificates

    Breakfast and then a morning departure on Sunday.

  • “I came back a better pilot than I left, without question. I signed up for the trip to learn about flying in a new environment, to gain the skills and familiarity to safely operate in high terrain at high density altitude. I got what I expected, but quite a bit more. Flying all day for three straight days, working with excellent, experienced instructors; my attitude toward flying grew and matured. I came back more capable and more confident.”

     

    Thomas Byrne

  • A Truly Unique Experience

    The purpose of these clinics is to teach an understanding of desert meteorology, high altitude operations, desert, and survival preparedness.

    We believe that by immersing you in the environment and surrounding you with decades of experience, you will learn as much as absolutely possible about the art and science of flying in the mountains safely. We believe an emphasis on survival planning is an important factor in your education if you plan to fly in mountainous terrain.
    The course fee includes sessions by some of the world's top lecturers on the following topics:

    • The Grand Canyon SFRA
    • Desert physiology
    • Desert meteorology
    • Flying canyons
    • Unimproved field operations
    • ELTs, PLBs, and other tracking devices
    • What's important in a desert survival kit
    • Post-crash survival
    • Harvesting the airplane

  • Pricing

    Whether you join us in your own plane or rent one of ours, we will tailor the weekend to your needs. This trip does not require an instructor. If you believe you meet the experience requirements to fly without an instructor let us know.

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    Airplane Owners

    Fly with us in your aircraft. We help partner you with an experienced mountain flying instructor.

    If you own an airplane, we will connect you with an experienced dedicated instructor for your airplane to train you in canyon flying in your own aircraft.

    Kids 12 and under free with owners.

    $5950 Course fee

    $2000 Instructor fee

    Non flying guests $1250

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    Rental

    Fly with us in a rented aircraft. We help pair you with an experienced flight instructor.

    Non-flyingLet us take care of everything.

    $5950 Course fee + aircraft rental

    $2000 Instructor fee

    Non flying guests $1250

  • “I stretched my skills during the weekend, and met lots of great people - I am a safer pilot because of what I learned!”

    Alyce Gershenson

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