Canyons of the Southwest

2022 Sep 28, 29, 30, 1st of October

Breathtaking scenery.
Moab, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Desert Survival

In this course, you will fly normal category airplanes in remote environments and, in some cases, into unimproved fields.

You will learn to safely fly canyons, operate in high density altitudes, establish safe contingency planning, and basic survival skills.

You have to experience the freedom of flying in the desert and canyonlands of the Southwest to fully appreciate it.

Location

We will be hosting you at the oasis Goulding's Lodge|Monument Valley. (This is not a camping trip) Come to the island and join us forlectures, food, fun and an aviation experienceyou'll remember forever. This trip is open to experts and beginners alike.

Itinerary

Fly normal category airplanes in remote environments and into unimproved fields.

You will learn to safely fly canyons, operate in high density altitudes, establish safe contingency planning, and basic survival skills.

Journey around the desert and canyonlands of the Southwest.

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.

Day 2

Learn

Survival lectures with Howard Donner, Peter Lert, Eric Cope, and Jason Miller. After a pre-flight 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.

Day 3

Explore

On Saturday we fly north toward the Green river for some low altitude canyon flying. Low passes at Mineral Canyon and flights to find some of the archeological sites described by Jody the night before.

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 of 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:

High density altitude operations
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 help pair you with an instructor to tailor the weekend to your needs.

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.

$4950 Course fee

$2000 Instructor fee

Non flying guests $1250

Rental

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

Let us take care of everything.

$4950 Course fee + aircraft rental