Idaho – The Finer Points Adventure Flying Trips

The Backcountry of Idaho
2026 Trip: August 20,21,22, 23

Fly the Backcountry, Get Survival Training, Learn From Expert Lectures
*Prerequisite mountain checkout required.
*space limited
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A Truly Unique Experience
Adventure Awaits: Join Us for the Inaugural Airplane Camp in Idaho!
Ready to take your flying skills to the next level? This summer, we’re launching our first-ever Airplane Camp in the heart of Idaho’s stunning backcountry! Based at the picturesque Johnson Creek, one of the most sought-after backcountry airstrips in the U.S., this trip offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of backcountry aviation.
What You’ll Learn:
Contingency Planning: Understand the critical decisions that make or break a backcountry flight.
Backcountry Operations: Hone your skills in one of the most challenging and rewarding environments for pilots.
Grass Field Operations: Master landings and take-offs on narrow, rugged airstrips that will test your precision and confidence.
Survival Training: Gain invaluable knowledge in wilderness survival – because safety always comes first in the backcountry.
The Experience:
This isn’t just about flying – it’s about creating memories. You’ll be eating in luxury while bonding with an extraordinary group of aviators, sharing stories, and learning from seasoned pros in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether you're a seasoned pilot or just beginning to explore the world of backcountry flying, you’ll leave with new skills, newfound friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.
Space Is Limited – Don’t Miss Out!
This is the first run of what promises to be an unforgettable adventure, and spots are filling up fast. Only a few seats left – secure your place now for a trip that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a deeper passion for aviation.
Book Your Spot Today!
JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE REMOTE ADVENTURE!
Your Adventure Starts at Johnson Creek.
Why Choose Johnson Creek?
Nestled in the heart of the Idaho wilderness, Johnson Creek offers the perfect environment for hands-on training. The airstrip here is a renowned training ground, famous for its picturesque beauty and technical challenges. As you train, you’ll have the opportunity to fly in some of the most breathtaking terrain in the world, all while learning from experienced instructors who truly understand the backcountry lifestyle.
Itinerary
This course is designed to build confidence flying normal category
airplanes in and out of high altitude airports.
You will learn how to fly mountain passes, operate in high density altitudes,
contingency planning, and survival skills.

Join us this summer as we explore the passes.
We'll be departing and landing at various mountain airports,
flying over rugged and remote terrain, landing at dead cow dry lake bed,
and learning about high altitude operations.
Day 1
San Carlos to Truckee, CA

1000 Meet at San Carlos Flight Center to brief the 2 hour flight to the Lake Tahoe area
1200 Touring the lake, Desolation Wilderness area, Squaw Valley and landing KTRK
1230 Set up camp / Lunch
1300 Lectures and Discussions on the following topics:
The Mountain Environment
High Density Altitude Operations
High Altitude Physiology
Flying Mountain Passes
Spending the UNEXPECTED night out
1530 Evening pattern work at KTRK
1900 Dinner
2030 Wheels down for the night
Day 2
Truckee and Sierra Mtns

0630 Breakfast
0730 Preflight Briefing
0800 Wheels up for a morning of mountain passes and an afternoon of mountain strips. To include:
Carson Pass
Ebbets Pass
Sonora Pass
Buckeye Pass
Tioga Pass
1200 Lunch at KBIH
1400 Depart for Mono Lake, Alpine Co, Sierraville, and back to base camp KTRK
1830 Dinner
Day 3
Truckee to San Carlos, California

0800 Breakfast
0830 Soar Truckee presents:
Forced Landings for Powered Pilots
Mountain Meteorology
Flying Off the Ridge
0900 Glider flights
1200 Depart for KSQL
1400 Arrive at San Carlos Flight Center
1430 Issue completion certificates
“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
Don't Take Our Word For It ...
“The adventure trips are a great way to meet exceptional people who love flying and sharing what they have learned as pilots. This is where you can really get an appreciation for the 'finer points of flying' specific to the areas and various settings offered by the adventure trips.”
Samuel Beaulieu

Ready To Join The Adventure?
“The courses put on by Jason and the team at The Finer Points is something every pilot should check out if he/she is serious about raising the level of their flying ability. I left the course with a newfound confidence in handling high-altitude airstrips, mountain passes, weather phenomena, survival skills, and the real-life experience of taking off on a short strip under high-density altitude conditions. Most importantly though, the course is FUN. As aviators, we can’t ask for much more than flying in a challenging and fun environment. That’s exactly what this course is all about.”

Cuyler B

READY TO JOIN THE ADVENTURE?
Gourmet Camp Food
This ain't no hot dogs and potato chips kinda camping trip ... please let us know if you have any food allergies, preferences, or limitations and we will be proud to serve you.
DETAILED ITINERARY
4 DAYS OF LEARNING AND ADVENTURE!
Day 1
Arrive At Base Camp
We arrive in the afternoon to get base camp setup, get to know each other, and get prepared to hit the ground running on Friday morning.

1400 - 1600 Arrive at Base Camp and Settle In

1700 Welcome to Idaho

1800 Appetizers and Drinks

1900 Dinner

Day 2
Learn The Challenges Of Backcountry Flying
0630 Breakfast

0800 Lectures and Discussions on the following topics:
Backcountry Operations
High Altitude Operations
Flying Mountain Passes
Mountain Meteorology
Contigency Planning
Spending the UNEXPECTED Night Out
What's In a Survival Vest?
1200 - 1500 Pattern work and local flying operations.

1700 Appetizer and Drinks
1900 Dinner
Day 3
Exploring Idaho
0630 Breakfast

0730 Preflight Briefing

0800 Wheels up for a morning of mountain passes and backcountry strips.
1300 Lectures
Starting Fires
Personal Locator Beacons
Signal Mirrors
1700 Appetizer and Drinks

1900 Dinner
Day 4
Camp Activities And Bon Voyage
0800 Breakfast
1000 Certificates of Completion and Departure

We know that many people will have a long travel day home on Sunday so we will be sure to wrap up and issue certificates of completion by noon on Sunday.
Suggested Packing List
Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag (rated for temperatures as low as 20ºF)
1-2 Canteen or water bottle
6 pairs of socks
6 T-shirts
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long pants
Sweater or sweatshirt
Light Jacket
1 comfortable outfit (sweat pants, long underwear, flannel, etc. for campground)
Towel
Sandals or slippers
Shoes good for flying and light hiking
Toiletries
Pricing
Whether you join us on your own plane or rent one of ours, we will tailor the weekend to your needs! This trip requires an instructor, we will help pair you with an experienced instructor who is familiar with your airplane.

We provide a learning environment for you to get the most out of your weekend adventure in the mountains.
Camping arrangements
Custom TFP survival kit
Gourmet food by Sierra Nevada Camp Chefs
Friday and Saturday workshops
Lectures by Jason Miller, Dr. Howard Donner, Peter Lert, and Eric Cope
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 help connect you with an experienced dedicated instructor for your airplane to train you to fly the mountains in your own aircraft. (Kids 12 and under free with owners.)

$5950 Course fee
$3000 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. You will have a spot in one of our airplanes! Includes the weekend course, food, survival kit, and everything other than the airplane, and fuel.

$5950 Course fee + aircraft rental
$3000 Instructor fee

Non-flying guests $1250
Limited Space Don't Miss Out!
Gourmet Meals by BioBio
Add and rearrange any components you want.
Title Text
Nobody can make a seat next to a campfire feel like a fine restaurant like Bio Bio Expeditions. It really makes a difference to come back to camp after a long day and have a glass of wine and a fresh plate of their signature lasagna waiting. We are proud to present the food of Bio Bio on this course.
Booking Now for 2017
Place your deposit for one of our upcoming trips to reserve your place.
Deposit is non-refundable. Hobbs time overages incur additional charges. Adjustments may be made for adverse weather conditions.
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