• The Mountains of California

    2025 Trip: June 19,20,21,22

     

    Fly Mountain Passes, Get Survival Training, Learn From Expert Lectures

  • JOIN US FOR AN INCREDIBLE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE!

     

    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 beautiful South Lake Tahoe. 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.

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  • A Truly Unique Experience

    Discover the Ultimate Mountain Flying Experience in the Sierra Nevada

    Since 2011, 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
    • 2 Sleeping bags (unless the bag is rated for 20F and using a sleeping pad)
    • 1-2 Canteen or water bottle
    • 4 pairs of socks
    • 5 T-shirts
    • 2 pairs of shorts
    • 2 pairs of long pants
    • 1 comfortable outfit (sweat pants, long underwear, flannel, etc. for campground)
    • Towel
    • Sandals or slippers
    • Shoes good for flying and light hiking​
    • Toiletries

  • DETAILED ITINERARY

    4 DAYS OF LEARNING AND ADVENTURE!

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    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

     

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    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

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    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

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    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

  • 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

  • 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.

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  • 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

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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 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.)

    $4950 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.

    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.

    $4950 Course fee + aircraft rental

    $2000 Instructor fee

    Non-flying guests $1250

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