Mountains – The Finer Points Adventure Flying Trips

The Mountains of California
2026 Trip: June 25, 26, 27, 28

Fly Mountain Passes, Get Survival Training, Learn From Expert Lectures
JOIN US
JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE!

As seen in AOPA PILOT Magazine!

What This Course Is All About ...
Experience the Ultimate "Mountain Checkout"
Ready to take your flying skills to new heights? Our Mountain Checkout program is designed for pilots who want to master the art of mountain flying, conquer high-density altitude operations, and develop robust contingency plans. Whether you're flying your normal-category airplane into mountain airports like Truckee, South Lake Tahoe, Aspen, or beyond, we’ll equip you with the confidence and expertise to fly safely—even with your family on board in the summer months.
This isn't just any flying experience—it's Airplane Camp For Adults! As one young aviator put it after observing our program, "I get it. It's airplane camp for adults." And that’s exactly what it is!
In addition to honing your flying skills, you'll participate in hands-on camp activities like signal mirror use, fire starting, contingency planning, and survival techniques. These essential skills will ensure you're prepared for any situation in the challenging mountain environment.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to master mountain flying with the best in the business. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t want to pass up!
Location
Basecamp for this trip is in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We believe it's important to experience some of the elements, but we do it in style! After long days of flying mountain passes, landing at challenging mountain airports, and learning contingency planning (including immediate post-crash survival), we serve you gourmet food and drinks while you enjoy music and hangar talk among the pines.
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
A Truly Unique Experience
Discover the Ultimate Mountain Flying Experience in the Sierra Nevada
Since 2009, we’ve been offering an unparalleled flying adventure in the Sierra Nevada Mountains—a unique experience that goes beyond the typical "fly-out" or "camping trip for pilots." Join us for a 3-day mountain flying course where you’ll be guided by expert pilots, gourmet chefs, and survival specialists.
This isn’t just another flying course. We believe in immersion—surrounding you with decades of experience and hands-on training in the rugged mountain environment. You’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to fly safely in challenging mountain terrain, learning both the art and science of mountain flying.
A key part of your training will focus on survival planning. We understand that navigating the mountains requires more than just piloting skills—it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. Each participant will receive a custom survival kit designed by Dr. Howard Donner, ensuring you're equipped for any emergency.
Why Choose Our Mountain Flying Course?
Learn from the Best: Train with top-tier instructors, survival experts, and chefs.
Invaluable Hands-On Experience: Practice flying at high altitudes, navigating mountain passes, and managing emergency situations.
Comprehensive Survival Education: Learn how to prepare for and respond to challenges in mountainous terrain.
Course Highlights:
High-Density Altitude Operations
High Altitude Physiology
Mountain Meteorology
Flying Mountain Passes
Unimproved Field Operations
ELTs, PLBs, and Other Tracking Devices
Survival Kit Essentials
Post-Crash Survival
Throughout the course, you'll operate at a variety of mountain airports, including KTRK, KTVL, KMMH, M45, KBIH, O24, and O79, giving you a diverse and rich flying experience.
Ready to take your flying skills to the next level? Enroll now for a life-changing adventure in the Sierra Nevada and gain the knowledge to fly confidently in the mountains. Don’t miss out—this is the ultimate aviation training experience.
This revised version adds excitement, emphasizes the unique value of your course, and keeps it clear and engaging for potential participants.
Suggested Packing List
Tent
Sleeping pad
1 Sleeping bag (unless the bag is rated for 20F and using a sleeping pad)
1-2 Canteen or water bottle
5 pairs of socks
5 T-shirts
2 pairs of shorts
2 pairs of long pants
Sweatshirt
1 Lightweight Jacket
1 comfortable outfit (sweat pants, long underwear, flannel, etc. for campground)
Towel
Sandals or slippers
Shoes good for flying and light hiking
Toiletries
“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
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 The Mountain Environment

1800 Appetizers and Drinks

1900 Dinner Provided by Sierra Nevada Camp Chef

Day 2
Learn The Challenges Of The Mountain Environment
0630 Breakfast

0800 Lectures and Discussions on the following topics:
High Density Altitude Operations
High Altitude Physiology
Flying Mountain Passes
Mountain Meteorology
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
Explore The Sierra Nevada
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
Dead Cow
Alpine Co
Sierraville
1700 Appetizer and Drinks

1900 Dinner
Day 4
Camp Activities And Bon Voyage
0800 Breakfast

0830 Howard Donner presents:

Starting Fires
Personal Locator Beacons
Signal Mirrors

1200 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.
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?
See It In Video
Videos from previous TFP Mountain Adventures courtesy of Flight Chops

Take Off at 8,000 ft Density Altitude
Flying Ridges and Mountain Passes
“The Mountain Flying course 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.
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 Sunday 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.)

$3950 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 cost of the airplane and fuel.

$3950 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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